A Coalsnaughton man helped by Strathcarron Hospice teams in the community has spoken of the importance of their support as part of World COPD Awareness Month.
Robert Crow was diagnosed with emphysema and plural plaques (asbestos in the lungs) in 2012 aged 55.
COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
Robert said: “It can be scary sometimes when I can’t get my breath and difficult to breathe.
“The support we have received from the Hospice has been amazing. The Strathcarron staff are all gems, I can’t sing their praises high enough. There is a real calmness to the Strathcarron staff – they really are fantastic.
“The Hospice Live Your Life Team have been brilliant and it is good to be able to talk to a real person over the phone when you have questions.”
Robert is also a member of Strathcarron’s men’s online community group ‘The Happy Mondays’ where they meet via Zoom and have a cuppa and chat.
He adds: “I have been part of the group for a year now and really look forward to it. We have built up nice friendships even though we are all spread out across various locations.
“I get a lot of enjoyment from our catch ups hearing everyone’s news. There is a level of understanding there which is supportive as we can share our experiences about our illnesses and the challenges we are having.”
Approximately 80 per cent of the work of the hospice takes place within our local communities.
If you suffer from breathlessness as part of your condition, their Allied Health Professionals team recommend the following tips to help alleviate symptoms:
Use a hand held fan: Cooling the area around the cheeks, nose and mouth is thought to send signals to the brain which reduces the feeling of breathlessness. Positioning: Find a position comfortable for you. Try propping up with pillows in sitting, resting your arms to allow your shoulders and neck muscles to relax;
Tummy Breathing: Concentrate on breathing ‘down toward your tummy’ and feel the natural movement at your lower ribs and stomach as you do this.
Focussing on the out breath: It is sometimes easier to focus on the breath out, rather than trying to take a deep breath in. Breathe out slowly, as if you are blowing through a straw. Blow out slowly and controlled, for as long as comfortable for you, then let the breath in come naturally.
Managing your thoughts: Unhelpful thoughts about breathlessness can lead to a cycle of anxiety and avoidance. Using regular relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness, can also help in managing the more difficult moments.
Planning and Pacing Activities: Exercise and activity are good for maintaining strength and function – however when struggling with breathlessness, this can be anxiety provoking and sometimes feel easier to avoid. Manage activity levels ‘little and often’. Have regular breaks to manage your breathing. Exercise such as sit to stand from a chair, marching on the spot and short walks can be effective and manageable. Have regular rest stops, keep the load/distance manageable, increase very gradually and listen to how your body responds. Remember you will have ‘good and bad days’. Focus on what you can do, rather than what you once could. Some adaptations can be made to your environment, which can make daily activities, such as washing, dressing and domestic activities, easier to manage.