"Very Good Service from the Ashfield Community Nursing Service"

I was diagnosed with COPD in 2005. The treatment was medication and Ventolin. I suffered with chest infections which was treated with antibiotics, at times I experienced severe shortness of breath which caused panic attacks.

This called for the attendance of paramedics which usually ended with an overnight spell in hospital, always my vital signs came back normal and I would be discharged.

In 2014 the GP suggested a referral to the Community Matron for regular monitoring, this was a Godsend as she organised a course with the Breathing Clinic at Kirkby Community Hospital, they taught me how to breathe properly and how to manage the panic attacks. I have not needed the paramedics since.

Also, they explained my condition fairly comfortably. The Community Matron visits me in my home at regular intervals and checks me over.

Any medication required can be prescribed by the Matron and she has also arranged a visit by a Physio who specialises in chest complaints. He taught me how to use the breathing techniques to loosen the phlegm on my chest, this is of great benefit as my condition produces large quantities of phlegm which has to be got rid of in order to be able to breathe properly.