“They send me a taxi to get to the hospital and they’re waiting for me whenever I go in. Honestly, it’s like going home. They’re a pleasure to go in and see.”
Her story in 8 moments
COPD affects my daily life with everything. I was a very fast walker, but now I walk very slowly. I can’t walk the dog for long, so I had to get a dog walker, but fortunately I can still do the housework. It totally changes your life.
I found out about the trial through Facebook, when I saw an advertisement. I’d actually expressed interest in quite a few, but this one I fortunately got on. I received a phone call from your nurse, Denise and then I went for some tests and they accepted me. The nurses were fabulous, easy to talk to and explained every small detail.
I go once a month, sometimes a very short visit, where they take my blood pressure and see how I am. Other months it’s a longer process where they take bloods, blood pressure, ECG and other tests. You get your 2 injections, once a month at every appointment.
I still take my current medication. I haven’t noticed much difference yet as I’m just coming off a chest infection. I could be on the placebo, but it’s ok. I did the trial knowing I might have the placebo and that it might not make any difference. I’ve still got a few months left anyway, so who knows, it could pick up.
They send me a taxi to get to the hospital and they’re waiting for me whenever I go in. Honestly, it’s like going home. They’re a pleasure to go in and see.
It’s been a great experience, the staff at the hospital are wonderful and friendly. I think of them as friends now. I’d definitely be open to other trials in the future. It’s one of the best things that I’ve ever done.
I was a little bit worried about side effects, but that was explained to me before I ever had an injection or anything else. The communication was the most important.
I wanted to take part because I thought hopefully it will help me, and if not me, then hopefully other people. If you’re interested in research, definitely go for it. It can only be a positive.
Helen’s story
Helen, 76, was diagnosed with COPD around five years ago, having given up smoking many years earlier. She never expected the effects to follow her into later life, but today COPD has a significant impact on her day to day activities. Hoping to help both herself and others living with the condition, Helen decided to take part in a clinical trial through the British Research Panel. Seven months into the trial, she shares her experience of taking part and why she would encourage others to consider clinical research.
