Last year, Serge, a St Helens resident, was working hard to maintain his health while heart issues, high cholesterol, chronic pain and overwhelming fatigue worked against him.
He had gone from comfortably walking 25 kilometres a week to struggling to manage just a kilometre a day.
"I was tired in the morning and by the time it was nighttime I was wanting to go to bed earlier because I had fatigue. It was taking over my life and I was getting unhealthier."
Then Serge's doctor referred him to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania's Physical Health Program.
"The doctor's time is limited. They can only give you 15 minutes at a time and he said the best thing I can do is refer you to Kate at RFDS and she should be able to sort you out."
That referral proved life-changing.
A Personalised Approach
From his very first appointment, Serge felt heard.
"My first visit was actually great. We were straight into it."
Kate worked through a detailed health history, assessed Serge's physical condition and developed a tailored plan focused on rebuilding strength, improving mobility and addressing the factors contributing to his fatigue.
"I always felt listened to, right from the very first minute I met Kate."
What stood out most was the level of genuine care.
"The thing that stuck out the most was how Kate really reviewed everything and it wasn't just a clinical visit, she was actually interested and she was interested in improving and monitoring."
Real Results
The improvements came quickly and continued to build.
Within three months, Serge's blood pressure dropped dramatically.
"My blood pressure that was always around 160 over 100 within three months dropped to 130 over 70 and has stayed there ever since I came to RFDS."
His mobility improved too. What had once become a daily struggle is now part of his routine again.
"I was able to start walking 20, 25 kilometres a week again, quite easily."
Following Kate's recommendation to add cycling to his program, Serge noticed another significant change.
"Since I've been doing my pushbike, I actually get no pain in my ankles, feet, and really in my knee."
And perhaps most importantly:
"The best thing is I no longer have fatigue."
Looking to the Future
Today, Serge says he feels like a different person.
"I feel 10 years younger now than when I did in November when I first turned up."
The improvements have been reflected in his medical results too. He is now off blood pressure medication and has seen improvements in his cholesterol levels.
"And the result is, now I no longer have pain, I'm no longer tired, and I can walk as far as I want. And I'm off blood pressure tablets. On my last blood test, my cholesterol had improved just enough. So it is a real result."
For Serge, the impact goes far beyond improved physical health.
"RFDS, I think more than my doctor, has contributed in giving me better quality of life for the next 20 or 25 years."
Serge, St Helens
Why RFDS Matters
Serge believes RFDS Tasmania's Physical Health Program is making a vital difference for people across the state's regional and rural communities.
"For small communities around Tasmania RFDS is the lifeline because medical services are reduced, options to go and get help, to get professional help for exercise, for many other things just don't exist."
He hopes more Tasmanians will take that first step.
"I think the community should know that the RFDS are there for them. They have professionals, professionals who have the time to give them real solutions and to actually monitor their improvements and have positive results, because mine are fantastic."
Serge tells his story...
Help Us Change More Lives
Every day, RFDS Tasmania provides access to primary healthcare, support and programs that individuals need to live healthier lives.
Follow RFDS Tasmania to hear more stories of impact and help us continue delivering essential healthcare services across Tasmania. To support our work, donate today.
