"COPD flareup and support at the course"

One day I was helping my husband carry a garden chair upstairs for the winter period. As I neared the top of the stairs I suddenly started gasping for breath.

Over the next few days the symptoms did not seem to get any better.

I made an appointment to see the doctor who referred me onto the hospital where I had an overnight stay before being discharged to the respiratory virtual ward.

I had several home visits and was then referred onto the respiratory nurse by the name of Tracy who really looked after me. She suggested that I should enrol for the local pulmonary course.

At first I was a little sceptical about attending the course but after a thorough assessment I was offered a place attending for two hours twice a week for six weeks. I was really pleased that I did attend the course. I have found that I can manage my daily tasks more easily and I achieved my three goals by the end of it.

I cannot thank the staff enough who made me feel very welcome and were so friendly. It was a pleasure to attend the course and I was really a little sorry in a way that the course had come to an end. I would also like to thank everyone who took part in helping me get over this flair up.

I would like to offer my advice to anyone who is struggling with their breathing if they get the chance and are lucky enough to be offered a place as I was I would definitely recommend they take up the offer and attend the course.