Meeting fellow sufferers at the strangest of times.

[Hollyhockhattie]

I like to walk my dog in the early hours of the morning as its always cooler and quiet. As we were getting closer to the green I noticed a person on crutches who was stood very still . He said to me ' hello, i'm just doing my breathing exercises as I've got emphysema. I replied that I understood as I have bronchiectasis. When I left I thought about him as it was very dark and he was on crutches, at least I had my dog with me. Maybe I should try and bump into him a bit more often for a quick chat and to see if he has far to go from the green on his own or perhaps he has family that are aware where he is or maybe I should mind my own business?

[hufferpuffer]

I think its nice to be friendly! a kind word can go a long way.....

[longlungs]

hello Hollyhockhattie iagree with hufferpuffer it costs nothing to be civil friendly and kind.Please always be careful being out in the early hours though eh. Janexx

ooops not sure what happened to be right down here its the shakes still haha trembled on the wrong button

sorry peeps.

[Hidden]

Hello, My advise would be that sometimes it is meant to be - today you were meant to bump into him and meet another sufferer. Try to see him but not too hard, what will be will be. Take good care. TAD xx

[Hollyhockhattie]

Hello Stitch.. I was just concerned about how late it was and his safety being on crutches.We live 5 minutes from Heathrow Peninsular and there is much unsavoury going ons in the small hours( does that make sense)?

[rick1]

You do meet interesting people when your out walking the dog and I am sure it does you good to talk to people you meet along the way.

[Hidden]

Maybe I'm just street wise but I wouldn't make contact with someone I didn't know unless it was the broad light of day.

I wouldn't be out in the dark on a damp morning with breathing difficulties with or without crutches, that alone would make me suspicious.

Take care Holly

PS, it just occurred to me Holly, I hope you don't take the dog same time same route every morning / evening etc, just read where you said there are unsavoury goings on in your area. Please be careful.

[Hollyhockhattie]

Thanks BlakeyC.. I do tend to take the same route and sometimes between 2 and 3 in the morning. Where I live there are a lot of drug gangs and they tend to approach you more between 10 and 11 in the evening. Usually if you have a dog with you they don't bother you and the police patrol regularly ( in theory ).

I guess I shouldn't feel so safe as you never know do you. I always take my phone with me though. I don't want to give the impression that i'm scared as if I start to rush then I become breathless.

I'd never seen this man before and I crossed over to him when he spoke to me but he definitely wasn't lying about his breathing but you are quite right I didn't know this until I crossed over to him. I didn't give him any personal information about myself.

Thanks for your concern

Holly.

[Hidden in reply to Hollyhockhattie]

It is difficult Holly for sure. You sound aware so that is a very good thing. We know that COPD for instance doesn't discriminate between, rich and poor, criminals and honest citizens. Criminals don't always work alone. Its good you have your mobile phone with you and the police do patrol the area regularly.

Wishing you safe at all times.

Best wishes BC

[appyalison]

Please keep safe Holly but it is sad that we have to be suspicious of others even those who are all unwell. I expect you made his day. A brief encounter and you found out so much. Alison

[KingoftheCocktails]

Enjoy your doggie walkies, Hollyhockhattie

KOTC

Your daily tonic

[Hollyhockhattie in reply to KingoftheCocktails]

Thank you KOTC. Holly

[Hollyhockhattie in reply to KingoftheCocktails]

Thank you KOTC. Holly