“It can be hard to socialise with breathlessness, it makes conversation challenging, so it is good to be able to socialise with others who are living the dream!”, these are the heartfelt thoughts of Downpatrick patient Jan Daly who attends a Pulmonary Rehabilitation class in her local leisure centre, by the South Eastern Trust.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes have been offered to patients with an underlying lung condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchiectasis or Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) since 2002 and are aimed at improving exercise tolerance, knowledge around lung disease and encourage the ability of patients to self-manage their symptoms together with the support of their local Respiratory team, GP and Practice Nurse.
Classes are held by Respiratory Physiotherapists, Nurses and Respiratory Assistants, who monitor the patient’s oxygen levels and heart rates at the beginning and end of each session. They are also able to assist patients if there are any concerns during the class.
The exercises are specifically designed for people with lung disease who experience symptoms of breathlessness. The programme runs for a period of six weeks and patients attend twice weekly for a gradually progressive exercise programme. One session each week also incorporates a short educational awareness session, based on a particular aspect of the condition.
Jan shared how she has been attending the class for the past year and is so well supported by the Respiratory Physiotherapists who over see the class.
“It is difficult to self-motivate, especially with oxygen, so the supervision from the Respiratory Physiotherapists gives me confidence to be able to get on with life and do things at home. By coming to the class I am able to chat to people with similar conditions and exchange experiences. We chat about devices which can make life easier when living with our conditions.”
Jan continued, “This class is so important to the likes of me who find it difficult to self-motivate. It’s nice to meet people and I’ve enjoyed seeing the progress and I’ve lost my bingo wings!” laughed Jan.
Respiratory Physiotherapist Team Lead Kate Goodman said, “The classes are set up to improve the patients exercise tolerance and to help with their breathlessness and increase their muscular strength and endurance. There are psychological benefits as well such as meeting with others, that sense of inclusion as some of our patients can be house bound. By coming to the class it’s a way to improve the patients’ self-confidence and create a sense of community.”
“As a Physiotherapist, it is our aim to get people moving more and to help with their condition. Having that supervision with the Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes is giving those who attend that bit more confidence and that is great.”
Further information on Pulmonary Rehabilitation is available by emailing pulmonary.rehabilitation@setrust.hscni.net