Lawrence Thomas, and his wife Sandra, very kindly came to visit us on Friday. Lawrence spoke about his very positive experiences with EPP and how he has gone on to become a tutor. It was very interesting to hear how the program helps people to gain control of their chronic condition and learn how to live with it. People with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) have joined an EPP course depressed, scared to try walking or going out, and they finish the course changed people. It gives them confidence to manage symptoms, pace themselves. Often they make new friends, isolation can become a thing of the past.
What's not to like about it ? We are concerned about chronic lung conditions such as COPD, but all people with a chronic condition should enrol on one of these courses and change their lives, maybe become a tutor themselves. All you need to do is ask your GP or respiratory nurse about your nearest course and enrol. It's a seven week course and just three hours a week. You will cover breathing exercises, life management, relaxation, sleep, medication and understanding and dealing with depression and anxiety. You will be supported by qualified medical professionals and your patient tutor - after all, who knows better how you feel than someone who is living with the same condition ?
Thank you Lawrence and Sandra for taking the time to share your experiences with us.
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