Lee Cuthbertson, 52, was told he had pulmonary arterial hypertension in March 2023 and is awaiting a lung transplant. He lives in Staffordshire with his wife Lisa and 16-year-old daughter Emily.
I joined shortly after diagnosis after my wife recommended I do so, and because of the information you were sharing.
The realisation that I’m not alone in my journey, and that other people are having the same experiences that I am having.
The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. All of the staff there are extremely friendly…with a special shoutout to Dr Charlie Elliot. He was very thorough with his explanation of my diagnosis and very supportive.
Find out as much as you can about the condition and possible treatment plans…and don’t be scared to ask for a second opinion if you feel it necessary.
You have to try to find happiness in everything. My daughter is my world and we are constantly laughing at the daftest things. She understands the seriousness of the position that I am in, but somehow, we manage to find the humour in the situation. I have a very good support network of a few really close friends which is vital in helping to maintain my mental health. I do my best to be as positive as I can.
Being a phighter means never giving up. Taking each day as it comes and just keeping going.
I’d like to give a special shoutout to my amazing wife Lisa. I’m not sure how I would have coped without her constant support. I am not known for expressing how I feel particularly well and can keep things bottled up sometimes…but she has always been there, especially though the darker times.
It’s free to become a member of the PHA UK. Find out more here.
