Cornelius’ Story on Severe COPD/Emphysema

Life Before Zephyr^® Valves:

I’d describe myself as outgoing and chatty, with a competitive streak. I’ve always loved horses — they’re my lifelong passion. When you have horses, they become a part of your family.

I used to ride for a living. I was a show jumper, and I absolutely loved competing. It gave me such a thrill! I competed professionally until 1998 when I sustained an injury.

Then, I became a farmer and started teaching others to horse ride, which brought me so much joy. That is, until I became too unwell with emphysema to teach.

I was diagnosed with COPD in around 1990, after struggling with shortness of breath. It wasn’t too bad at first, but my condition kept getting worse over time.

It got to the point where I was breathless every day. This had a huge impact on my life. The worst thing was the tiredness. Being breathless is exhausting.

My tiredness started to affect other things too, like my memory. I’d be going to the shop, and I’d have to stop so many times to catch my breath that, by the time I got to the shop, I couldn’t remember what I’d gone out to buy!

Not being able to breathe properly makes everything tough. Even really basic things that you used to take from granted, like bending over to do up your shoe. You feel like you’re choking for air, and you just can’t do it.

The medication just wasn’t doing the job, so my doctor referred me to see Professor Karen Redmond. She started doing tests and said I was eligible for Zephyr Valve treatment. I said let’s go for it! I trusted her advice completely and I was so fed up with my situation.