Rolly's Story
Updated: Jun 21, 2021
My journey began before many of you were born. It was the summer of 1964 and I shared a stolen cigarette with my older sister.
Little did I know what a path I was starting out on.
By Spring of '66, I was working and buying my own, self-sufficient with a supply of the dreaded weed.
Like most around me, the rumours about the "cancer sticks" were just that, rumours.
My journey continued.
When, in the next budget, the chancellor put the price up to 2 shillings (10p), that was it. That lasted about a week.
On and on the journey went and by the Autumn of '75, I was smoking 60 a day.
Think about what you will cost the NHS, people said.
Think about how much I am paying in, I replied.
I cut down, but I did not stop. From 1985 I had to endure "health checks" every year. How intrusive I said.
The cough started, but I ignored it.
My journey continued.
In the Summer of 2005, I was "conned" by my wife into stopping, using patches.
Autumn brought on Pleurisy and Pneumonia. The cough continued, but I ignored it.
My journey continued.
In the Spring of 2010, the works nurse suggested I speak to my GP, as my lung function was greatly reduced.
Ho! How I hated the spirometry.
My journey continued.
I was of course diagnosed with COPD. The cough continued and I started to listen to it.
My journey continued.
After using more than 1 inhaler, I was referred for Pulmonary Rehab.
I came close to laughing at the nurse when she said I needed to go to a gym.
How wrong I was.
My journey continued.
From there to Rehab Plus, and some wise words and guidance from my good lady.
My journey continued.
From Rehab Plus to being a Falls Rehab Buddy.
My journey continued.
My cough has stopped. The Asthma nurse is happy.
I now start off each day with Trimbo and Ventolin and, of course, exercise.
My journey continues.
😊😊😊😊😊
