Heartbeat: Meeting for sufferers of lung condition is welcomed by patients
September 25, 2018
The first meeting of a support group for sufferers of a serious lung condition, organised by the respiratory team has been hailed a success.
More than 20 patients and relatives came along to the pulmonary fibrosis support group session, held at West Bromwich Library on earlier this month.
Sarah Evans, Clinical Nurse Specialist has helped to set up the group, which will meet every second Thursday of the month.
It is open to sufferers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which affects around 6,000 people each year. The condition was recently highlighted after it was revealed legendary TV presenter Keith Chegwin died of the condition and Katie Price’s mum Amy is currently battling it.
Tracy Hacket attended the event with her sister Tina Woodhouse (both pictured above with Sarah Evans). They wanted to share their dad’s story, who was diagnosed with IPF. He has since passed away, but they were keen to help others who wanted advice on how to help and support a loved one.
Tracy said: “Having a support group in the Sandwell area is a fantastic idea. There was nothing like this for our dad at the time of his diagnosis. He had to travel further away, which was sometimes an issue because he couldn’t get there due to his illness.
“We feel like we are able to now talk about our experience with our dad, so that we can help others.”
Sarah added: “The first meeting has been very successful. There have been around 20 patients and carers here sharing their stories and many have said what a wonderful idea this is.
“IPF is a debilitating illness which can have quite an emotional effect on sufferers. It limits their quality of life in a big way and they have to overcome this and learn to manage their symptoms which include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss and rounded and swollen fingertips.
She added: “Within the last year, we have started to deliver a nursing service for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. We were approached by the charity action for pulmonary fibrosis about setting up a support group for sufferers of pulmonary fibrosis – we agreed as we also felt that this was something that was needed in the area.
“The meeting is open to people living in the area who are affected by the condition and would like peer support, hearing how fellow sufferers deal with their symptoms and day-to-day challenges.”
The next meeting will be held on 11 October at West Bromwich Library, High Street, between 1-3pm.