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Amid a recent rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, a Malaysian has opened up on social media about his inspiring journey of overcoming TB — not once, but twice — while continuing to pursue his passion for triathlons
In an Instagram post on 22 February, Jerry Ong candidly shared the emotional and physical toll the disease took on him over the past three years.
"I have overcome tuberculosis twice. I must admit, it's not easy. I went into depression and really thought there was no point in living — until I thought of my family," he said.
In 2022, the fitness enthusiast revealed that he completed his first Ironman unaware that TB was already brewing inside him
"Halfway through the race, I just lost all my energy and power. I was at my fittest, yet everyone kept overtaking me. I didn't know what was happening to my body. I even missed Christmas and New Year with my family, lying in bed," he shared.
Concerned about his persistent cough, he sought medical attention and underwent a chest X-ray.
"The radiologist told me to hurry and see a doctor with a worried expression. After seeing my X-ray, the doctor said my entire left lung was infected and filled with water, causing a part of it to collapse. They said it could be cancer or TB — and asked me to pray it was TB," he recounted.
Despite the severity of his condition, Jerry said he did not experience major breathing difficulties — even while completing the Ironman.
"My doctor said I completed an Ironman with one lung," he wrote.
An Ironman is a full-distance triathlon covering a total of 226.3km, consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.2km marathon run.
A biopsy later confirmed TB, and he was placed on a strict nine-month course of antibiotics
"The rule is I couldn't miss a single day. If I did, the TB could become resistant. I set an alarm every day for nine months to take the medication," he said.
The treatment came with side effects, including lethargy, migraines, diarrhoea, and red discolouration of urine and stools — an unwelcome but harmless effect of the medication.
However, even while on treatment, Jerry said he continued his training, competing in more triathlons during this period. He completed a half-Ironman in 2023 and returned for a full Ironman in 2024.
Unfortunately, in 2025, after briefly fainting following a race, he was diagnosed with a TB relapse
"How could I have TB again after completing treatment? I never missed a single day of medication. The doctor said it's a relapse and sometimes it just happens," he shared.
He underwent another six months of antibiotics, enduring the same treatment and side effects once again.
"But I did not give up. I reduced my training time and focused on recovery. I adjusted my training plan to suit my condition. I cried after every single race that year," he said.
Inspiringly, after completing his treatment just one month before Ironman Langkawi 2025, Jerry signed up for the race — and achieved a personal best.
Speaking to SAYS, he said the most difficult part of his journey was the mental toll
"I worried about spreading it to my family. There was constant stress about forgetting my medication. And as an active person, losing my fitness and having to rebuild it from the ground up was hard," he shared.
He hopes his story will raise awareness about TB and the importance of strictly adhering to treatment.
"With proper support and treatment, TB can be cured. If you experience a persistent cough for three weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, fatigue, or weight loss, get checked early. Early detection could prevent serious lung damage," he advised.
His post has since garnered over 11,000 likes, with many netizens sending well wishes, while others facing similar struggles shared that his story encouraged them.
