“When I was referred to the hospice, I thought it was the end. But it’s not, it’s been a whole new beginning.”
Hospice care is about so much more than the end of life; it’s also about making the most of the time that remains.
Elaine, from Erdington, began her journey with Birmingham Hospice as a participant in our FAB Programme, a 12-week course that supports patients with a wide range of diagnoses to help manage their symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first; I was very apprehensive,” Elaine said when talking about her first session.
“I was worried it would be very formal, but it was great. I couldn’t wait to come back.”
Elaine was diagnosed with emphysema around 30 years ago, which affects the lungs and causes shortness of breath. The FAB Programme helped her to understand her illness and improve her quality of life.
Elaine said: “It was a fantastic 12 weeks. We learned how to control our breathing, not panic, how to improve our posture, to sit and lie down more comfortably. It really made a big difference to my life.”
When Elaine finished the FAB course she continued to attend the hospice’s Living Well Centre and has been coming every week for over eight months. “The team are so kind and thoughtful. If you have a problem there is always someone there to help,” Elaine added.
“The company is another big thing – as I live on my own, it’s good to meet like-minded people who are going through the same thing as you and understand it. “I’ve made some great friends here and we keep in touch outside of the hospice too.”
Initially, when Elaine was told that her illness was terminal, she was frightened about what lay ahead.
She said: “I heard the word ‘terminal’ and thought that was it. When I was told that I was being referred to the hospice, I thought it was the end. But it’s not, it’s been a whole new beginning. I’ve started a new chapter.
“The hospice has made a huge difference to my life, I’m excited to come every week. If I was fitter, I’d be volunteering!”
Before she started coming to the Living Well Centre, Elaine became a regular giver to Birmingham Hospice after her friend’s mum was cared for in our Inpatient Unit. Elaine added: “When I saw how well she was looked after by everyone here I wanted to give something back to say thank you, so I set up a monthly donation years ago and continued it ever since.
“I couldn’t say anything negative about the hospice, it’s just fantastic.”
Thank you so much Elaine for sharing your story.
