"Helped me physically and to feel more confident"

My story is about the experience I had during a weekly course for pulmonary rehabilitation. The course was in The Paisley Lagoon Centre.  I had been assessed for the course  on two or three occasions to make sure I was suitable to take part. 

I attended for 8 weeks. The course was run by Peter and Lyndsey….. two respiratory nurses.

I’ve had copd for many years now and have had good care from Stobhill and the General Practice I’m in as regards medication and equipment which aid my breathing. 

Lately my problem has been a growing anxiety and lack of confidence. which have hugely affected my ease in being on my own when I’m outside. It started after a yoga class when I struggled to speak when the class was over. I left because the people in the class really looked uncomfortable when I was struggling. I’ve sung in choirs for most of my life. I left my choir because my singing voice and ability to breathe had taken a huge decline which left me nervous about singing out in a group. A visit to Braehead shopping centre became a scary experience because of my fear regarding my ability to cope on my own. 

Peter and Lyndsey welcomed us into their class and explained that we would all improve our breathing as much as it was possible for us to do so, if we tried to do the exercises with them and repeated the regime at  home at least twice a week. We finished our class each week with an input from one or the other of them helping us all to understand our condition better. 

My recent assessment showed me that my ability to walk further with better oxygen sats has improved considerably. I have also now contacted The Onyx Sports Centre regarding joining a vitality class within the next few weeks. 

Both Peter and Lyndsey have, without doubt, helped me physically, but I genuinely feel more confident now about being on my own and joining a class with people who have issues to deal with rather than being in a class where I’m more aware of my limitations. I also received very good advice from Peter as to changes in my medication. These changes have helped me considerably.

Mu husband and family see a difference in me and are glad that I feel able to cope better on my own and within a group.