Two people a day are being diagnosed with a lung disease in Scotland which can lead to respiratory failure.
Jim Simpson spoke about living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as part of a national awareness week.
The cause of IPF isn’t fully understood, but scarring in the lungs makes breathing difficult for sufferers and can lead to respiratory failure, and even death.
Mr Simpson has lived with the incurable disease for the last four years.
He said: “IPF is a terrible illness but I won’t let it stop me living a full or active life.
“I was first diagnosed with IPF while having treatment for prostate cancer.
“I consider myself lucky because my IPF was diagnosed early and so I was able to start the treatment straight away to hopefully slow down the spread of it.”
More than 3,300 people in Scotland have the disease, with over 800 new diagnosis each year.
Mr Simpson, 71, has witnessed the devastating affects of the disease, including side effects of IPF medication such as a loss of appetite.
During IPF awareness week Mr Simpson is encouraging anyone with potential symptoms to take action.
He said: “IPF is an awful condition that eventually leaves people dependant on oxygen to keep them alive.
“It definitely creeps up on you so I would urge anyone who is getting breathless for no apparent reason to go to their GP and get checked.
“Early diagnosis is key to prolonging your life.
“A lot of people would say that I’m unlucky to have IPF but I have managed to fulfil my dreams – travelling the world, dancing the night away and accomplishing things that I wasn’t sure I ever would.
“I haven’t finished yet either. I’m still planning more travels. No matter what, I will live and plan for the future.”
Mr Simpson is a member of the Grampian Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, which is supported by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
To find out more about the condition, visit www.chss.org.uk/chest-information-and-support/about-your-chest-condition/common-chest-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis or call the CHSS Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.
