Newsroom

Queensland mum and Townsville nurse Melainie knew something wasn`t quite right with her health, but it was only when she fell pregnant with her first child that she learned she had a rare lung disease.

Melainie is currently being cared for by the TPCH Transplant team as she waits for a lung transplant whilst also balancing raising her eight-month-old baby, Fletcher.

"Last year, I started struggling to breathe and after invasive investigations was diagnosed with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, a very rare and progressive type of interstitial lung disease," she said.

"If that wasn’t enough of a shock, two days after receiving my diagnosis we found out I was eight weeks pregnant!

"Unfortunately, my lung function has continued to deteriorate, and I`m currently being worked up for a double lung transplant. As you can imagine, it’s a very surreal feeling when I have professionally cared for those in the Intensive Care Unit as they donated their organs."

While Melainie hasn`t been listed for a lung transplant yet, she knows it’s just around the corner and understands the importance of raising awareness around registering and talking to your loved ones about organ and tissue donation.

It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au or through Medicare. Be the reason that someone like Melainie can get a second chance at life. 🩷 ...

Over the last two decades, the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer (QCGC) based at the RBWH has helped thousands of women, ranking in the top 10 worldwide for gynaecological research centres.

Director of Research at QCGC Dr Andreas was recently appointed as President Elect for the International Gynaecologic Cancer Society 2028-2030 term and says that the affiliation with a global organisation will only strengthen the opportunities for research and collaboration at RBWH.

"We [QCGC] have contributed to very significant findings that led to significantly improved patient outcomes," he said.

"Patients benefit from research in terms of quality of life, better survival rates, pregnancy rates and fertility rates but we are also saving Queensland Health and taxpayers money through improving efficiency of care."

Clinical Lead at QCGC Dr Andrea mirrored similar sentiments in terms of research at RBWH.

"I think research is firstly crucial to the ongoing service and secondly very beneficial to the patients - but it has also put us on the map worldwide because we have lots of output, we have a big centre and big services," she said.

👏 A big #ShoutoutSaturday to Dr Andreas on his new title and the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer team for their ongoing hard work to improve patient outcomes. ...

That `butterflies in your stomach` feeling is completely normal before your dream job interview or that upcoming medical appointment, but what does it mean if that butterfly feeling sticks around? 🦋

STARS Advanced Psychologist Laura says that anxiety is a normal and healthy human emotion that everyone experiences especially before important events however this differs from an anxiety disorder.

"Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include excessive worry, muscle tension, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or shortness of breath. When anxiety is ongoing or interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)," Laura said.

"For everyday anxiety, it can help to get enough sleep, stay physically active, practice relaxation or mindfulness, limit exposure to distressing news or social media, remain connected with supportive people, and focus on aspects of the situation that are within your control.

"If anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, or starts affecting daily life, it`s worth speaking with a GP or mental health professional, such as a psychologist. Experiencing anxiety does not mean someone is weak or failing to cope, it is a common health issue, and support is available." ❤️‍🩹 ...