Andy Spence from Glenavy has shared his challenging journey after being diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) and has praised the care and support he received from staff across the South Eastern Trust.
The 55-year-old faced months of intensive treatment after receiving his diagnosis in June 2025 after experiencing symptoms.
TB is an infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including lymph nodes, bones and the brain where it can cause Meningitis. The disease spreads through the air when a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, a high temperature or drenching night sweats, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and extreme tiredness.
Andy explained how he was referred to a Specialist Doctor in the Ulster Hospital, where an x-ray revealed a shadow on his lung. “I was then sent for further tests on my lymph nodes which showed cells linked to TB. At that stage, I did not realise what lay ahead, but it has been a long road to recovery.”
Reflecting on the severity of his illness, Andy added, “My mobility went to zero. My partner, Marian, had to help me out of bed and get me dressed.”
Andy was prescribed a course of strong antibiotics and followed medical advice closely throughout his treatment. “I cannot speak highly enough of the hospital teams, both in the Belfast Trust and South Eastern Trust, who looked after me. There is no point going through something like this and not showing your gratitude. I am feeling so much better now and I am very thankful.”
Andy said he wanted to share his experience to help raise awareness of TB and encourage others to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms. He also paid tribute to the South Eastern Trust Nursing Team. “They treated me, reassured me and looked after me. I could phone the Nurses whenever I needed to and that support meant a lot. I have come a long way from where I was.”
South Eastern Trust, TB Prevention Nurse, Amanda McCormack emphasised that TB is preventable and curable. “Timely and accurate detection and management of TB improves outcomes for patients and helps reduce onward transmission.
“TB can affect any part of the body. Signs of active TB include a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, drenching night sweats, weight loss and swollen lumps anywhere on the body.
“One in four people would have ‘Sleeping TB’, which is not infectious. TB is not a disease linked to hygiene or lifestyle, it can affect anyone. The condition is fully treatable when patients take their medication as prescribed and complete their course of treatment, as Andy has done. Prevention is key.”