#panobudika-Savanhu’s journey with Pulmonary Fibro...

#panobudika-Savanhu’s journey with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

“Panobudika” serves as his life mantra, encapsulating the belief that one can overcome any challenge

Ashely Pondai Savanhu was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in November 2021 at the age of 28.

The memory of the fateful day remains vivid in his mind, although he tried to forget it. During the filming of a production in Johannesburg, Savanhu collapsed twice. He endured to the end of the production and his friends took him to Edenvale Medical Centre in South Africa after work.

After many tests from a team of doctors and living on life support for a number of days, he was later advised that he had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

“I didn’t know much about the disease then, all I wanted was to get off life support and continue making films.

“I had just established my film production company and really wanted to make a name for myself,” he said.

After some online research, Savanhu learnt a lot about pulmonary fibrosis and had peers across the globe share their experiences with him.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious, lifelong lung disease. It causes lung scarring (tissues scar and thicken over time), making it harder to breathe. Symptoms may come on quickly or take years to develop.

No cure exists. Medications may slow down scarring and help preserve lung function. Oxygen therapy and staying active may relieve symptoms.

“I’m glad I have my friends and family who have been so supportive during this time. And I am also grateful for my followers on social media who have been giving me hope when I feel hopeless. They have been compassionated towards me.

“There are times when I feel hopeless, I pray to God to carry me through this journey. That is why I always say “panobudika”.

“People are fighting different battles, we are all facing some sort of problems. Panobudika serves as my beacon of hope, reminding me that each day is a testament to resilience."

Living with such a stark reminder of his mortality, Savanhu has opted not to be depressed and pessimistic, but instead is a beacon of hope for others.

“I know that there is no cure and I can die anytime, but I have told myself to stay positive and raise awareness helping others."

Despite the absence of a cure and the inadequacy of the country's resources to address such cases, Savanhu said individuals are often misdiagnosed with mere chest pains.

“It is a tough process because from the time that I got diagnosed with the disease, there a people who have approached me, telling me that that are fighting the same disease. We need more specialists in such areas to help save more lives.

“I wish that we could talk more about it and find solutions in order to save more lives. A lot of people are dying from such diseases and there is nothing to do about it.”

"As a filmmaker, I want to create more awareness on his disease whichever way I can. Most people are not educated about this disease and it can affect anyone especially people in certain industries like mining, tobacco farmers and there is the issue of smoking.

“It is not always easy to be reminded that there are certain things that I cannot do. Just to fight for my life, I had to give up on a lot of things.

September marks Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness month, a globally recognised awareness initiative aimed at raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms and need for support.

IPF affects approximately 3 million people worldwide. The disease primarily affects patients over the age of 50 and affects more men than women.

What causes pulmonary fibrosis?

In some people, a cause can be found. Some causes include:

•Certain medicines

•Having radiation treatment in the past

•Breathing in harmful dust or chemicals at a workplace or in the environment, like asbestos, silica, metal dusts, and coal dust