"Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease"

I was diagnosed with COAD December 2019. The consultant advised me I would be changing my inhaler and he would contact my gp regarding this matter.

Three years passed, I forgot about new inhalers.

I had volunteered myself for a research project on Asthma Exacerbations and this team of doctors and nurses raised the issue of appropriate inhalers. I had been told in 2019 my Salbutamol inhaler was having no effect as a rescue.

I joined the charity Breathe Easy which I found on the internet. I hoped to learn something about COAD which I knew little.

One day whilst walking to the bus stop with another member of Breathe Easy I explained Iwas concerned as I didn’t have much information on COAD, she mentioned Pulmonary Rehabilitation and my GP could refer me.

I contacted my surgery and said I had already been treated three times with Prednisone in less than a year and wanted to be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation. I was accepted on the course September 2025 it runs for 6 weeks twice a week.

It is a fully comprehensive course educating you about your condition removing fear of the unknown allowing you to ask questions assisting you with daily living by directing you to things that make life easier.

I felt very privileged to have a place on the course, my age is 83.

The other half of the course is getting you fit done gradually over the two days you attend from 9.15 to 11.15am. I have overcome my fear of my condition. Feel fit enough to discard my walking aid on level surfaces and am recently in possession of a Blue Badge for parking. All I have to do now the course is finished is to keep up with the exercises and my body will reap the benefits.

I cannot praise this course enough and would urge anyone who feels it might help their situation to apply for a place.