Refer
DonateJames's Story
James was referred to Compton’s Breathlessness Management Service after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia and breathing difficulties from COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
He said “When I was taken into hospital I couldn’t breathe and I was gasping for breath, my chest felt tight and it really caused me to panic as I started to think they might be my last breaths.”
Breathlessness is often a debilitating symptom frequently encountered by people with chronic conditions. Breathlessness often has an enormous impact on independence, confidence, self-esteem, psychological wellbeing, and a person’s quality of life.
James said “Whilst I was in hospital a Respiratory Nurse told me about Compton’s Breathlessness Service and I was referred for their three-week ‘Let’s Breathe’ Education Programme.”
Compton’s Breathlessness Service aims to empower people with advanced conditions who experience breathlessness to live well and to achieve the best possible quality of life. The Let’s Breathe programme gives patients the practical and emotional tools that they may need to continue to live actively and independently with their condition.
James said “I found the programme really helpful as the therapist taught me valuable techniques to help with my breathing. Before I understood my diagnosis I would find myself gasping for breath, which would cause me to panic and make it worse. The Compton therapist talked us through what was happening, gave us breathing techniques to help and gave us prints outs so we could implement the techniques at home.”
The Let’s Breathe programme aims to help people to understand why they are feeling the way they do and find ways to help relieve symptoms. Family, friends, and carers can be involved if they wish to learn how they can support their loved one in managing their breathlessness.
James said “I found it helpful to be around others in the group who are in a similar situation. When I was in hospital they treated my symptoms, but Compton has given me really valuable techniques to help me manage my condition. I use them every day now, if ever I get breathless I have the tools and techniques to help.”