I’ve gone from being a nurse working in A+E to using home oxygen at 40 years old

When I was 6, I was sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital as my consultants thought that I had cystic fibrosis. I was later diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans and severe cystic bronchiectasis.

School was difficult, as I spent most of my time in hospital. I could never catch up and making friends was hard. I was told by medics that it was likely I wouldn’t make my 13th birthday.

My conditions improved and I was able to go to uni

But when I was around 19, my condition stabilised and I was able to manage my conditions at home. I was able to do an access course to become a pharmacy dispenser. Healthcare is all I’ve ever known and I knew I wanted to give back and support patients through my lived experience. I got into university and did a degree in a nursing which led me to being an A+E nurse for eight years.

But three respiratory infections badly affected my lungs

In December 2022, I caught flu and was hospitalised for three months. I didn’t think I would leave hospital but my condition improved and I was discharged. In June 2023, I had a chest infection and then caught COVID three months later. It massively affected my lungs and my consultant decide to put me on home oxygen.

Using oxygen can be really isolating

The cylinders are so visible and everyone can see it. If I’m going out for dinner or to meet friends, I have to check if they have able to take people on who are using oxygen. It helps to keep me alive but can be so restrictive and isolating. I’m so lucky to have support from my family and friends. My partner is wonderful and so supportive. When I first went onto oxygen I didn’t want to go anywhere but he helped to give me the confidence to not let it stop me.

It's hard but I'm hopeful about the future

My life has completely changed and I’ve become someone I wasn’t before. I’ve gone from being a nurse working in A+E, travelling and going out clubbing, to using home oxygen at 40 years old. I’m currently waiting for a double lung transplant which is hard mentally but I’m hopeful for the future.

If you want to connect with other people living with a lung condition, look at our range of support groups. Try an in-person event in your local community, or join online from the comfort of your own home. You can learn new skills, have fun and connect with other people living with a lung condition.