BREATHE EASY

To people already living with a respiratory disease, contracting COVID-19 can be a terrifying experience. Tamara Lawrence gives an insight into the lives of a specialist team caring for some of the most vulnerable within our communities.

COVID-19 has had a horrendous impact on our patients’ mental health. You could often hear the trauma in their voices,” recalls Jacqui Martin, advanced nurse practitioner with the community respiratory team in Sefton, Merseyside. I had one gentleman in hospital tell me that he woke up every morning wondering if it was his day to die.”

During the pandemic, keeping these patients out of hospital, or getting them home again as soon as possible, has been a huge challenge. But as chest consultant Paul Walker puts it: “Keeping people out of hospital and taking care of them at home is what we do.”

Quick thinking was crucial to carry on with the ‘day job’ while keeping patients, carers and the team safe.

Staff who had to shield switched their workloads to phone and video call assessments. Clinics continued virtually, although some patients took a while to understand that pulmonary rehab and eating lunch at the same time wasn’t a good mix!

Keeping people out of hospital and taking care of them at home is what we do.

Now there is a new threat to people with a respiratory condition and new challenges for the team – ‘long COVID’ is rearing its ugly head.

“People are being hit hard in new ways. Mobility problems, loss of general functioning, deconditioning of muscles and fatigue are all on the rise,” explains team physiotherapist Sophie Bussey.

Even more surprising is the age of those affected.

“We’re seeing people in their 40s and some in their 20s. They’re showing signs of anxiety and a lot of people who were hospitalised at the beginning are now suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.”

New symptoms are coming to light all the time, and no one knows just how long ‘long COVID’ can last. The team is gearing up to treat sufferers for a new raft of physical and mental health issues.

Still, Paul Walker and his team are resolute and prepared for these unprecedented challenges. Paul has nothing but praise for his team.“We are a dynamic, reactive service. These are highly trained, highly skilled professionals who are all determined to push the boundaries for their patients – whatever the circumstances.”

Thomas with specialist nurse practitioner Jacqui Martin.

I'M IN GOOD HANDS

As COVID-19 victim Thomas Brooker lay in hospital, oxygen being pumped into his lungs, nurses from Sefton’s community respiratory team were working closely with hospital staff to get him home.

Although Thomas had been in hospital for four weeks and was still on oxygen 24 hours a day, the specialist support offered by the team meant he could be cared for at home.

Thomas was anxious. “At first I wondered if I’d ever get out,” says the 64 year old, who was already known to the team. “But the nurses came to visit me in hospital, and told me that as soon as my oxygen levels improved I’d be better off at home.

“I was so relieved. I was well looked after in hospital, but being able to go home to my family was something else.”

Thomas is still on the long road to recovery. He’s been forced to give up his job in catering at Aintree Racecourse and he’s still noticeably breathless. Being hospitalised was obviously a traumatic experience. But he’s optimistic and full of praise for everyone involved in his care.

Specialist respiratory nurse Jacqui Martin supports people in their own homes.

“I was told I’d be on the machine for at least six weeks, but came off it after five. I have regular home visits, as well as phone consultations. They even left the oxygen machine in case I felt poorly.”

“They’re all great,” he says. I’m in good hands and I know help is only ever a phone call away.”

TENOR OR SPORANO by Sophie Brown

Has the pandemic left you anxious? Try breathing like an opera singer

English National Opera is offering its breathing and wellbeing programme, developed specifically for people recovering from COVID-19 who are still suffering from breathlessness and associated anxiety.

Delivered by ENO in collaboration with Imperial College Healthcare teams entirely online, the programme focuses on breathing re-training through singing.

You don’t have to be the next Katherine Jenkins or Alfie Boe. Short lullabies expressly designed to calm and soothe are taught. Attendees become part of a support group, meeting people in similar situations.

Respiratory specialist physiotherapist Sophie Bussey says: “We encourage our patients to refer to this programme to give them some guidance. People can do it whenever it suits them.”

For more go to: eno.org

Breathing like Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe can make you feel less anxious.

BREATHING EXERCISE TO RELIEVE ANXIETY

Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If you can, loosen any clothes that restrict your breathing.

If you're sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you're in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.

• Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it

• Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth

• Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from one to five. You may not be able to reach five at first

• Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from one to five again if you find this helpful

• Keep doing this for three to five minutes.