Worrying times for those with undelying health conditions
MICHAEL MCGLOIN HAS BEEN IN ISOLATION FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS AS HE BIDS TO AVOID GETTING COVID-19
“I’M very nervous about it,” Michael McGloin admits when asked how he feels about the current Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the country right now.
While the majority of the country are also nervous, the 69-year-old Cartron resident has more reason for concern as he suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD results in airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed meaning over time those with the condition find it increasingly hard to breathe.
Following many years of dealing with chronic lung problems, was diagnosed with COPD in 2000. He had never heard of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) before this and the only country he could obtain information from was America.
Now, for Michael and what is thought to be about 500,000 others in Ireland, the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) could be deadly and for that reason, he has been self isolating for nearly three weeks already.
“We’ve been advised to stay indoors and not allow visitors and to get help if I need medication,” Mr McGloin says from his home where he lives with his wife, Anne.
“Anne has to be very careful as well, she could bring it back. We’re that little bit more exposed.”
Michael admits he is very nervous about the current pandemic and the threat it poses to him and others who are compromised.
“It can be very severe on people who’s breathing is curtailed. If it hit me it would be really difficult.”
The grandfather of two sees himself as lucky to a certain extent though, given that he has access to a ventilator, an apparatus that is seen as key in preventing deaths from Covid-19.
Mr McGloin explains that there are four stages of COPD, mild, moderated, severe and end.
He is quick to add that the latter stage does not mean death and instead means those at this stage are at the end of a period where medication can help and therefore must be treated by the likes of a ventilator.
“When medication doesn’t work you’re put on a BIPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure). I would have an advantage if I did pick it [Covid-19] up.”
Turning 70 in June, Mr McGloin understands all too well the serious threat he is faced with by this pandemic.
Asked of his view in relation to the perception that younger people are not playing their part in order to prevent the spread by social distancing,
Mr McGloin says he does not think young people have ‘copped on’.
“Older people are afraid of their lives.” When asked what he would say to younger people, Mr McGloin says, “I would appeal to them to head the distancing directions.
“They’re congregating and I suspect not washing their hands. Hopefully all that’s happening will help them take note.”
Michael urged other COPD sufferers to stay active while self isolating.
“Above all, stay active at home, you really need to be doing ten minutes of exercise at a time.”
Self isolating now for nearly three weeks, the President of the COPD Support Group says what he misses most about normal life are seeing his two grandchildren, Kayden (6) and Alyssa (2).
“You miss them now, when you’re told you can’t see them you have a bigger longing for them.”
Mr McGloin says he also misses his weekly meetings with the support group and lunch with others living with COPD.The decision to cancel meetings was made three weeks ago.
“It’s strange, people with COPD are used to being confined to a certain extent but now we can’t go out at all. I used to meet up for lunch with some every Wednesday.”
He says a lot of those effected by COPD are worried, with many contacting him on Facebook and on the phone. “It is a big worry for them.”
Michael asks those living with the condition to follow HSE guidelines if they suspect they have symptoms of Covid-19.
“Don’t go to your hospital or GP. Ring the GP and explain how you are.”
Michael set up the Benbulben COPD support group in Sligo in 2006. Michael attributes smoking as the primary factor in his diagnosis. “I started smoking when I was 12. At one stage I was on 80 a day,’ he said.