A heartfelt request...
Help us raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis this September
Over 5,000 people die from PF in the UK every year, and cases are on the rise. Diagnosis often comes too late, and we urgently need this to change.
This month is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness month. It is a national campaign focusing on the signs and symptoms of this devastating disease. The Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis charity is wanting people to become more aware of the symptoms of persistant cough and breathlessness and to attend their GP with the question "could this be Pulmonary Fibrosis?".
As you know, IPF, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and just to confuse is also termed ILD, Interstitial Lung Disease... was the condition that my husband suffered from. At present the condition is poorly understood, its cause is unknown and arrives in a person's life as a terminal diagnosis.
I couldn't have written this blog 10 months ago, but after Andy's death I became involved in the local Ayrshire PF Support Group. We meet every month, giving support to patients and carers by helping each other through some traumatic times but also sharing uplifting moments. These are when we come together for a common goal.
Recently our goal became wider than monthly meetings and finding speakers. Some of our members are part of a research group, others are cycling to fund raise and the group itself is now taking on the challenge of fund raising for an Ayrshire based ILD specialist nurse. A much needed resource for those already diagnosed and for others who may find that this month's national campaign strikes a chord with how they have been feeling.
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| Zoom yoga class taken during lockdown |
Early diagnosis can help to access the best treatment pathway. Although there is no cure, some medicines can slow the disease and attending a pulmonary rehab programme also helps. Andy played tennis and golfed as long as he could. That was his pulmonary rehab routine but he also attended a yoga class...
Yep, I was his teacher. Simple breathing exercises make a big difference. You can tell he is enthralled...
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| Check out the lockdown hairstyle |
Andy knew what the condition would do to his health but he maintained his fitness level in anyway he could, including yogic breathing. He was an inspiration in how he continued everyday to make the most of everyday. His example is something I have taken to heart.
My ask of you, is to share the information from the APF National Campaign and if you feel you can, donate either on the website or get in touch with me and donate to our local support group. Or you can visit the website www.actionpf.org for more information.
Every month I write about what is happening in my life and this September, the awareness campaign is the most important event I have been privileged to be part of in a long, long time.
