My name is Miranda Brown and I am 57 years old. I have suffered for 12 years or more with fibromyalgia, degenerative autoimmune/ connective tissue disease, arthritis, asthma and C.O.P.D.. I used to work as a nurse and carer, but am now registered disabled.
After worsening chest pain and breathlessness since before Christmas, I was rushed into Royal United Hospital on Feb. 19th and put on constant oxygen for over a week. After lung tests, CT scan, echocardiogram, angiogram and heart catheterisations, I returned home on the 4th March. I have been diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), referred to Dorothy House hospice
palliative care and given a year to live.
At home now with a special, new drug regime, I can exist reasonably well, apart from negotiating the stairs. My bathroom and toilet are upstairs, opposite my bedroom and the Housing Association have refused my requests for a downstairs toilet. My doctors and consultants have all emphasised my urgent need for a stairlift, but the Occupational Therapist at the hospital said there is a 2-year waiting list! Little use to me.
I have had a quote for the installation of a refurbished stairlift from First Choice Stairlifts who say they can fit one within 3/4 weeks at the cost of £4,390. I urgently need this to function adequately in my final year. Can you please help?