Healthcare team delivers life-saving physical rehabilitation
As part of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Awareness Week (15 -19 June), we're sharing an amazing story about the fantastic recovery of a former patient of the Trust's Pulmonary Rehabilitation team. He has recently been back to thank the colleagues who supported him, after their help ensured he was well enough to go ahead with a life-saving lung transplant.
Thanks to the lung transplant he has had a great long-term outcome and has even gone on to win medals at the British Transplant Games.
In 2022 Nigel was diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), he said: "I had never heard of IPF before, so I was surprised when the consultant told me about it. The only thing that really stuck with me was when he said it's 'incurable'. I began to experience breathing problems, and these seemed to change for the worse quite quickly. I found myself unable to walk as far as before-even though I used to regularly walk 10 miles.
"The Respiratory Medical team at Nottingham University Hospitals made a referral to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge to consider a lung transplant. Whilst I was given a low level of oxygen, I was also referred to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team at Nottinghamshire Healthcare. I was glad for the referral as I wanted someone to help me, even though it was difficult.
"During my first appointment, I felt scared, apprehensive, and extremely nervous-it was tough just to get out of bed. I needed help getting dressed, When I arrived, all those feelings faded thanks to a warm welcome and a clear explanation of what rehab would involve. The staff assured me they'd encourage me, but always within my limits. On my first day, I expected that everyone else would be in a similar condition as I was; however, I quickly realized I was actually in much worse shape than the other attendees."
During the subsequent six weeks, worsening breathing difficulties and a limited walking ability made attendance at rehab sessions challenging, however Nigel was able to participate in most sessions.
The Transplant centre became concerned that a lung transplant may not be an option due to the progression and severity of his condition. His weight and walking distances had significantly decreased and Nigel reported that the concern was that he would not survive transplant surgery. This message Nigel says gave him the motivation he needed. At his next Pulmonary Rehabilitation session, Nigel and the team agreed on a plan. He was offered the opportunity to extend his attendance, and he subsequently demonstrated improved exercise capacity, not only from attending the rehabilitation sessions but also from continuing the exercise plan at home.
Nigel continued: "Thanks to strong support, I got fitter, gained weight, and had an appetite. I did daily home exercises for five more weeks. Rehab sessions were tough, but I stayed positive and motivated myself.
"After completing five further weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation, he attended a follow-up transplant assessment appointment where the consultant noted significant improvements in his physical fitness, Nigel reports much of the progress was attributed to the rehabilitation. Subsequently, he was placed on the National Transplant Register."
His final week at pulmonary rehabilitation ended, but he kept up with the exercises and fitness routines assigned to him.
Twenty-four days after being placed on the register, Nigel underwent a double lung transplant and has experienced continuous improvement since then.
Claire Ellis, Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist from Nottinghamshire Healthcare said:
We were so pleased to be able to support Nigel within our service to increase both his strength and aerobic exercise capacity so that he was fit and well enough to be medically accepted for a lung transplant. Working closely with our Trust home oxygen nurse ensured he also had the appropriate levels of home oxygen to support his activity. Alongside this we also provided emotional support to both Nigel and his wife in what was a very difficult time.
Our service helps patients with a variety of long-standing lung conditions. The team are delighted to see Nigel doing so well.
Several months post-transplant, Nigel visited the Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff to convey his gratitude.
Nigel continued: "I thanked them for their expertise, compassion, and encouragement; their efforts were instrumental in my recovery. I am sincerely appreciative of their dedication, which played a significant role in saving my life.
"Although the sessions required considerable effort, I found them rewarding and recommend rehabilitation to anyone diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The staff have become an integral part of my support system. Having a very positive attitude and always looking forward to it certainly helped.
"Following my operation I made great progress, life began again. I qualified for the British Transplant Games and took part in the 5k walk (finished 5th but with a massive PB), Discus - won bronze medal, Javelin - won bronze medal. I never thought I would ever compete in an athletics arena let alone a British competition. My intention now is to continue with my rehab exercises on a regular basis and to compete in this year's transplant games."
Nigel also attends the local Nottingham Pulmonary Fibrosis support group, stating it is great to give encouragement to other PF patients who are also tremendously supportive of me .
Amy Eagle, Care Group Director of Community Health and Specialist Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, said:
Our team works incredibly hard to provide exceptional care and support to patients, so it is wonderful to hear about the positive impact they have had on Nigel's journey, helping to ensure he was able to undergo his life-saving operation. Working alongside colleagues from other NHS trusts, they have played an important role in transforming his life. Nigel's achievements at the Transplant Games are truly inspiring and a testament to his determination and resilience. Thank you to everyone involved in his care.
You can find details of all support offered by the team on the Trust's website: Pulmonary Rehab Community Services | Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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