Family Matters
TAKING IT DAY BY DAY Bunty Cloy’s husband Bobby was diagnosed with PH in January 2016 and the last few months have been full of ups and downs for them both. Here, she shares how they support each other, with help from family and friends.
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obby and I live on a farm in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway surrounded by picturesque countryside. We have been married for 56 years and have one daughter and two sons who over the years, presented us with seven grandchildren, and at the last count we now have eight great grandchildren to add to the fun. . From the beginning of 2015, Bobby’s health began to deteriorate quite quickly – he was experiencing chest pains, shortness of breath, falling and feeling faint on exertion. After many visits to our GP he was eventually referred to the consultant cardiologist at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI) in July 2015, and they told us they thought Bobby had PH. This condition was something totally unknown to us and we had no idea what lay ahead. Our next appointment was with the respiratory consultant, again at DGRI. Three months later, while on a weekend away with family, Bobby was admitted to hospital in Edinburgh when he collapsed after walking just a few yards. The following week we went back to the DGRI who immediately started him on oxygen therapy during the night and when he was moving around in the daytime. At this time, he was referred to the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit (SPVU) at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow. We attended there in late November and it was decided to admit him in January 2016 for further tests. Unfortunately, late at night on 28th December 2015, Bobby was again admitted to DGRI after having a heart attack. A week later he was transferred to the Golden Jubilee where extensive tests on his heart and lungs were carried out and in January 2016, we finally had an Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension diagnosis. Because of all the stress of Bobby's health deteriorating rapidly the previous year, in a strange way it was a relief to have the
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diagnosis, but we also had a great fear of the unknown and worry about whether the doctors would be able to help him. Bobby's condition has brought huge changes to our day-to-day lives. He is now on oxygen therapy 24/7 and uses his nebuliser seven times a day. He was a very sociable man and a great supporter of our local community, being president of two bowling clubs and a founder member of a boxing club. Sadly these are pastimes he is no longer able to enjoy. Earlier this year Bobby was invited to Dumfries and Galloway Sporting Awards ceremony when he was presented with a trophy for his services to boxing over many years. As you can
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In a strange way it was a relief to have the diagnosis, but we also had a great fear of the unknown.
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imagine, it was a very happy and proud night for all the family. We do our best to support each other day by day. I try to encourage Bobby to do what he can for himself so he still feels he has a bit of independence. We now have a level access shower fitted and this has been a tremendous help and has given him more confidence with his washing and dressing. Towards the end of last year, due to his heightened anxiety levels, he frequently became unwell at night when preparing for bed and it was a very stressful time for us. Bobby gets frustrated at not being able to carry out general household tasks but does his best to help in any way he can. He makes a great cuppa and it's always much appreciated.
