FOR many years Carol Todd felt isolated at home because of her chronic breathing conditions but Birmingham Hospice’s Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) Programme has helped to give her a new lease of life.
Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, Carol, who has COPD and bronchitis, had suffered from anxiety and panic attacks in public which left her trapped in her home and only able to see her family from a distance.
After having a stroke several years ago, Carol had to re-learn how to walk and talk, and was left partially sighted, which made her feel more vulnerable and lonely.
She said: “I spent four years on my own. My daughter is a nurse so she couldn’t come into my home because of the risk of getting COVID.
“After four years of being on my own I lost all my confidence and then I had my stroke. One day I had everything and the next day nothing.”
FAB sessions help people experiencing breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety to take back control, improve their confidence and maintain independence. Those attending also forge a strong bond with other people who have had similar experiences.
The course, held at our Living Well Centres in Selly Park and Erdington, consists of six two-hour sessions and are led by the hospice’s Therapies Team, including Physiotherapist Andy Robertson and Occupational Therapist Angela Deffley.
Carol was referred to FAB by one of our Clinical Nursing Specialists (CNS), but she had to overcome her anxiety to attend the first session.
She added: “When I was asked to come along to FAB it took me a long time to build up to it. One minute I would be going and the next minute I wasn’t.
“When I got there, I could not stop shaking; the anxiety was overwhelming but the change in me is so different now. Coming to FAB has built my confidence a lot.”
Carol has used what she learned at FAB to take control of her panic attacks with breathing techniques, and boost her confidence. Guidance on planning daily routines and scheduling appointments has also reduced her stress.
“I can handle situations better,” observed Carol. “When I meet new people, I feel anxious because of my sight and breathing issues and I start coughing, but I have learned I can sit down and breathe properly, which fixes everything else.
“Before I started coming to the FAB sessions, I would sit with my hands shaking and I would be coughing so much I would be choking. I know that if I start coughing, I can sit down, relax and breathe. I learned that at FAB.”
Through FAB’s support, Carol has become more outgoing and has even been out for a meal with fellow residents from her supported accommodation. She’s now planning a short holiday with friends, her first in 35 years.
She will continue to be supported by Birmingham Hospice and will attend our Living Well Centre once the FAB sessions finish.
Carol said: “I would encourage anyone who is not sure to come along and try it to see how they feel. Going to FAB sessions has given me my life back and everything is different about me.”
To learn more about the programme and how to be referred onto it, please visit the FAB page on our website.
