Julia's story: adapting to a new life

Five years ago, 75-year-old Julia experienced a life-changing Pulmonary Embolism (PE) when blood clots became lodged in every lobe of her lungs. 

PE can restrict blood flow to the lungs, which causes oxygen levels in the blood to decrease and therefore affect other organs throughout the body. The worst cases can be fatal and, although Julia survived, her ordeal was far from over.

“I was not expected to survive the PE – but I did. I was in hospital for 11 days, and on oxygen all the time, at first. I recovered slowly, but not fully. It left me feeling very weak.”

Julia’s husband cared for her when she left the hospital, but after he passed away in 2018, she had to learn to be much more independent.

“I have a walking trolley which I use all the time. It’s essential really as I must rest a lot between chores and the trolley means I can just manage. It helps me to walk around my bungalow, especially at the moment as I have hurt my back, and I ferry around bags, drinks, meals, clean washing, keys, groceries – absolutely anything that I need to move from one place to another.”

Getting used to a new reality

Before her Pulmonary Embolism, Julia lived a very full and active life with her husband and could often be found taking part in various activities around her local area.

“Life was good. I sang in a choir, I read from the Bible in Church, I arranged flowers in Church, I booked people in at the local Fine Arts Society for the Fire Regulations, and then enjoyed the lectures, I attended the village Lunch Club each week, with my husband, I did Church Recording (mine were the textiles!), I was a Room Steward for National Trust, I went to an Embroidery Group, and ran the library there, and last but not least, I went on holidays with my husband.”

Nowadays, Julia takes a more laid-back approach to life and has learnt to adapt her lifestyle so that it’s more in line with her PE recovery.

“After five long years, I am now off the oxygen and have adapted to a more sedentary life including writing my Life Story, a little embroidery, knitting for our local hospital, and for Church coffee mornings (to sell the blankets, hats etc that I make). I do not feel well for most of the time, but I try to keep a positive approach to each day and try to do the best I can.”

We asked Julia if she had any tips to share with others who may be in a similar situation.

“Do buy all the aids that you feel you need, from Complete Care Shop – they will be so much help for your daily living, and then you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.”

We sincerely thank Julia for sharing her story with us and wish her all the best for the future!