Former bricklayer shares his brave battle with COPD to raise vital awareness of disease
Dominic McCourt arrives at Lagan Valley Hospital for his routine respiratory appointment, carrying what looks like a discreet lunch pack. But inside is something far more vital, his portable oxygen supply, a lifeline he has relied on since being diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
A former heavy smoker, 63-year-old Dominic received his COPD diagnosis in August 2022 and continues to manage his routine and independence through the education and support of the South Eastern Trust’s Respiratory Team, despite the challenges of living with chronic lung disease.
Dominic, a former brick layer by trade, explained how he began to experience breathlessness working across building sites.
“I remember I would be bending down to lift a breeze block or a brick,” he explained “At the time, I was given an inhaler for my breathing. I was at a family wedding and I remember my sister saying that my breathing was bad.”
Dominic recalled how he took ill and was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital for breathing difficulties.
“The Doctors asked me how long I had COPD,” he continued. “This was the first I had ever heard of the condition, up until that that time I did not know what it was.
“The Doctor explained to me it was as if you are blowing up a balloon and then you release the air out. You can only blow it out so much and then the skin of the balloon wrinkles, that is the way my lungs are.
“Hearing the diagnosis stopped me working as a bricklayer. So I started as a Taxi Driver as I always had a taxi licence. The fumes from sitting in the traffic did not do me any good and I was catching my breath too much, so I had to retire.”
Since his diagnosis, Dominic has been attending Lagan Valley Hospital’s Respiratory Team to help manage his condition.
“The Team in Lagan Valley Hospital has been fantastic,” he continued. “I have been working closely with Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist, Ciara Finnegan who has taught me breathing exercises to stop me from panicking.
"I have enjoyed the Pulmonary Rehabilitation exercises classes which are in Lagan Valley Leisure Centre. Each exercise station is set out for you as to what you can manage and that you are not fighting for a breath.”
Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist, Ciara Finnegan stated: “If you start to experience the symptoms associated with COPD, it is so important to seek help as early as you can so that treatment can be started to stop it progressing quickly.
"Our Team will offer patients the advice and support they need including that of our Smoking Cessation Team.”
Ciara added how the Team can visit patients in their home.
“We try to empower the patient and encourage self-management as much as possible,” she added.
"Our Team will also manage a patient’s oxygen by either bringing them to clinic or visiting in their home.
"We organise the Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes to improve the patient’s exercise tolerance and their quality of life.”