"Covid 19 and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis"

In June 2022 we were travelling to holiday in Monte Gordo, the Algarve, Portugal. The day before we flew we stayed at an airport hotel close to Glasgow International Airport. We found the hotel bedroom to be unclean and limited precautions against Covid 19 were evident throughout the hotel.

Two days after we arrived at our hotel in Monte Gordo, my wife and I were both struck down with Covid 19, we tested and the results were positive. We both suffered dreadfully for about five days. We were then helped to isolate for the rest of our two-week holiday by the wonderful precautions and opportunities put in place by our hotel. Although my wife improved, my health deteriorated and I could only walk for about ten yards before having to sit and rest because my breathing was impaired so badly. 

On return to Scotland, my breathing became much worse, and after a week, I phoned our surgery for an appointment, which was granted for a little later that day. I went to our bathroom to shower before I visited the surgery. Unhappily, I collapsed and was unconscious. My wife discovered me and immediately phoned the surgery. The Doctor who was due to see me said she would come to our house urgently. 

On her arrival, she undertook various tests and identified that I needed immediate hospital treatment, which she organised for me. Shortly after, an ambulance arrived and after more tests connected me to oxygen and rushed me to Intensive Care Unit in Crosshouse Hospital. The Doctor who admitted me identified that my blood oxygen level was down at 40% and I could have died!  After two days in Intensive Care, I was transferred to an Isolation Ward for Covid 19.

I spent a month in that room, initially on full-blast oxygen help, but over time that was reduced eventually to zero reliance. After that, I was discharged and allowed to come home. I must say that my treatment, throughout this life drama,  from each support service by the NHS was wonderful! I am so appreciative! 

On discharge, the hospital consultant told me that I had been riddled with Covid 19 virus and it had ravaged my lungs and unfortunately doubled the size of the scarring of my lungs which would never improve and eventually would end my life.

After my recovery at home, I was prescribed oxygen within my home for the times when I exerted myself or generally needed it. As of now, I use oxygen infrequently but realise that my reliance will increase as my fibrosis develops.  To slow the progression, I feel very privileged that I have also been prescribed a drug that is very expensive for the NHS. It is not automatically given to everyone with my condition. Currently, I try to walk at least a mile a day, I visit a fitness class for two sessions a week (oxygen definitely required), and I try to stay active through DIY and Gardening. 

Thank you so much The NHS, you saved my life!!

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