PULMONARY HYPERTENSION XPLAINED written by doctors, for patients.
What is PH Xplained?
Medical jargon can be confusing, however, we take away that confusion through storytelling. PH Xplained follows the real-life journey of Kim, a 40-year-old mother of two, and Paul, an ex-professional league player, who were both diagnosed with a form of pulmonary hypertension (PH), known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in their 30s. Through this illustrated flip-through story, learn about the early symptoms, complicated medical concepts, support groups and the emotional roller coaster that comes with being diagnosed with PH.
Like many people, Kim and Paul didn’t realise the early signs of PH and were shocked by the diagnosis. They have both now opened up about their condition to help others learn about PH.
REAL EXPERIENCES
Based on Paul and Kim’s real-life journey with Pulmonary Hypertension.
WRITTEN BY Professionals
Written by doctors for up-to-date and
correct information.
PEER REVIEWED BY EXPERTS
Reviewed by doctors,
specialists and nurses.
INPUT FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Shared with a focus group of patients with PH for first hand experience.
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PH Xplained
Today
MEET KIM & PAUL
PAUL
My name is Paul Dezolt. I am married and have two daughters aged 8 & 5. After graduating I was offered a contract to become a professional Rugby League player with the North Queensland Cowboys, and then New Zealand Warriors. Following my football career I had a goal to get into the Fire Brigade.
At the beginning of 2010 there was a chemical spill in the Fire Brigade and we were ordered to all have precautionary blood tests completed. Over the next 3 months I was noticing some unusual symptoms. My hands would go a purple colour in the cooler weather and I was struggling more to even push the lawn mower. I was just thinking that I was simply getting unfit as I was getting older and thought that the purple colouring was just from poor circulation. But, by November 2010 I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension.
Having grown up with gym and sport it was really difficult when it was taken away. However, medical treatment has helped with the symptoms and I now work as a teacher aide and in real estate.
I would like to thank my family and friends – especially my wife and daughters – for the love and support they show me each day as I try to manage living with this condition – it is sometimes extremely frustrating. We try to live life to the fullest, stay positive and enjoy every moment we can.
My motto “Gotta keep living, you don’t live the disease, you live with the disease.”
KIM
I am a married Mum of two – Kolby and Josie. I was diagnosed after feeling unfit, tired and breathless. Everything I tried, I couldn’t keep up anymore – I was struggling to keep up with being a housewife and a mum. I also had 2 episodes where I fainted in the paddock before I was taken to hospital and eventually diagnosed with PH.
PH has changed me & my family life in so many ways. It has changed the person that I once was. Although we are fighting everyday to get through & will keep living day by day.
Now my hobbies include camping and anything with the kids, watching their sporting activities. I still have a passion for horses & riding and am a member of our local Gymkhana Club and our local Pony Club, where I watch my daughter ride & compete on her horses.
My motto now since being part of this PHamily is: “Together we are Stronger”
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
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Living with PH, explained through storytelling.
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Our Community
A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY EFFORT
A wide community of people have contributed to the development of PH Xplained. The starting point being the stories of Kim and Paul, as well as those of people who participated in our focus group.
From this, medical experts, relevant medical bodies and medical institutions, including our sponsor GSK, were all involved to create reliable and accurate information you can depend on. Along the way, the story has been reviewed by these experts and shared with the focus group to help evolve and optimise the content.
Thank you to all of those who were involved!
PH Xplained for medical professionals
The PH Xplained story is a great tool to help people with PH, as well as friends, family members and carers. In an effort to help explain this complex condition, medical professionals or organisations can order webkeys and flyers to help let patients know about this valuable learning resource. If you are a medical professional order yours today!
OUR PARTNERS
Medicine X would like to thank their sponsor and partner GSK, for assistance in the development of PH Xplained. Medicine X would also like to thank Pulmonary Hypertension Association Australia for their collaboration and input on PH Xplained.
GSK is a global research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company with a mission to improve the quality of human life. In Australia we deliver the highest quality medicines, vaccines and over-the-counter healthcare products. We contribute to Australia’s economy through investing in local research and development.
To find out more about GSK visit www.au.gsk.com
Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Australia (PHAA) provide support, create awareness and provide the latest information and research on Pulmonary Hypertension. PHAA is registered non profit organisation, managed by an elected committee made up of PH patients, family members and friends.
For more info about PHAA visit www.phaaustralia.com or on facebook.
ABOUT MEDICINE X
MEDICINE X IS MEDICINE XPLAINED BY DOCTORS, FOR PATIENTS
Medicine X translates complicated ‘doctor speak’ into an entertaining and engaging story – so that every person regardless of age, gender, culture and condition, can have access to medical information they can understand and relate to. Working as a doctor, Medicine X’s founder realised that many patients were confused about their diagnoses, and didn’t have a proper understanding of their conditions or treatments. There was a disconnect between the language that doctors use, and what patients understand. Because of this, many people feel hopeless and anxious at a very difficult time in their lives.
This is why Medicine X was created. We believe there is a better way. We believe all patients should feel informed and empowered so they can become engaged in their personal and medical decisions.
Medicine X connects the stories of real people with artists and medical experts, to turn complex medical information into stories that people can understand and relate to.
For more info about Medicine X visit www.medicinex.com