The diagnosis changed everything
Like many people, I also went to the internet to search for information — and what I read there was not simple. I understood that this was a chronic disease, one that doesn't go away. At first this was very difficult to process.
But on the other hand there was also a sense of relief: finally I understood what was happening to me, and that we could start to deal with it. From that moment on I started treatment at the pulmonology clinic at Beilinson Hospital, with a wonderful medical team that has been supporting me to this day.
"But then I remind myself of the period when I lay in bed for years without the strength to do anything — and that gives me motivation to continue."
Daily treatment — a routine of persistence
Managing this disease requires daily persistence. This means inhalations, sometimes inhalations with antibiotics, breathing physiotherapy to clear mucus from the lungs, and sometimes additional treatments. In total it's about an hour to an hour and a quarter of treatment every day.
It's not always easy. There are days when I just don't feel like doing all these treatments. But then I remind myself of the period when I lay in bed for years without the strength to do anything — and that gives me motivation to continue.
Over time I learned that another very important thing in dealing with the disease is physical activity. At first I started slowly — just Pilates and breathing exercises. Then I started short walks — just one kilometer. And gradually I increased the distance and pace. I discovered that exercise actually helps a lot with breathing and the ability to manage the disease.
The emotional side — learning to listen to my body
One of the hardest things at the beginning of the journey was the emotional side. Before the diagnosis I felt very alone. Not everyone believed that I was really sick. Sometimes people said to me, "It's just asthma" or "Just take an inhaler and keep working."
But anyone who lives with the disease knows it's not that simple. There are symptoms like persistent cough, fatigue, recurring flare-ups — and this can cause a great feeling of loneliness.
There are also particularly hot and humid days that can make breathing very difficult. On those days I learned to do something important: listen to my body. If my body asks for rest — I rest. At first it was hard for me to accept that, but today I understand that it's part of living with this disease.
Community changed everything
Over time I discovered how much community and support can change everything. I learned about Linshom and about patient communities who openly talk about coping with lung diseases. Suddenly I realized I wasn't alone.
Today I even try to help others in the group, share my experience and encourage new patients. Another thing I learned along the way is how critical breathing physiotherapy is to treatment — once you learn the exercises and techniques for clearing mucus, it can greatly improve your quality of life.
Over time the treatments became part of my routine — like brushing my teeth in the morning. I even dedicated a small room in my home where I do my treatments, in quiet and comfort.
My message
Don't stay alone with the disease. It's important to get a diagnosis, receive appropriate treatment, and stick with breathing physiotherapy and physical activity.
And most importantly — find community and support. Because even with a chronic lung disease, you can learn to live a fuller and better life.
"Even with a chronic lung disease, you can learn to live a fuller and better life."
— Ronit Visoker
