Pat Gildea was looking after her daughter’s deaf dog in March 2024, when he zoomed into the room
A former RAF nurse claims her family’s dog inadvertently led to her diagnosis with a rare lung disease. Pat Gildea was dog-sitting her daughter’s seven-month-old black Labrador, Mylo, in March 2024, when the energetic pup accidentally collided with her stomach.
The 62-year-old sought medical attention after feeling unwell and sore. An x-ray at Lincoln County Hospital revealed not only two broken ribs but “unusual white speckles” on her lungs, which were unrelated to the accident.
Further tests confirmed that Pat had interstitial lung disease (ILD), a progressive condition that causes scarring and damage to lung tissue. Although Pat is grateful that Mylo’s mishap led to her diagnosis, she now relies on oxygen tanks and a mobility scooter to get around and is uncertain about her prognosis.
Thanks to a grant from Help For Heroes, Pat’s garden has been renovated to accommodate her needs, and she has received occupational therapy and additional equipment. Recalling the incident, Pat said: “I remember just sitting on the sofa in my daughter’s house, when the dog just suddenly came crashing down on top of my stomach.
“My tummy got hard a few hours later and it was sore – but it wasn’t until a couple of days later that I felt very unwell. That’s when I asked my neighbours to call an ambulance for me.
“It was the scariest time of my life,” she added. Pat, a former RAF nurse and NHS community nurse, bravely revealed her fight against a rare lung disease that has made everyday infections a deadly risk.
She shared her harrowing experience: “I was told the disease had compromised my immune system and couldn’t clear simple infections. If I caught the common cold, I would be more susceptible to pneumonia.
“If I got a wound, I’d be more vulnerable to sepsis, so no one really knew how long I’d have left – even the doctors. I was terrified to go to bed at night in case I didn’t wake up.”
Pat’s illustrious career began when she enlisted in the Princess Mary RAF Nursing Service at just 18, dedicating eight years to the healthcare of servicemen during pivotal moments such as the Falklands campaign. Her compassion extended beyond her military service as she continued her noble work in the NHS as a community nurse, before retiring due to health concerns.
The condition is relatively rare in the UK, with yearly diagnoses ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 cases. It is characterised by breathlessness, fatigue, and a persistent cough, often carrying a dire prognosis for the most severe forms.
Her journey came full circle at Lincoln County Hospital, where Pat was officially diagnosed with ILD, burdened with the knowledge that her life’s dedication to healing others is now overshadowed by her own battle for health as she faces the reality of her prognosis.
“All my life I’ve been the one helping people and making them get better,” lamented Pat, as she confronts the irony of her situation.
Her life has taken a drastic turn since the diagnosis, and now even simple tasks like making a cup of tea or using the loo leave her gasping for air. At night, she relies on oxygen concentrators to aid her breathing.
Her struggles extended to enjoying her garden, where unfinished work on a new patio and path made it difficult for her to spend time outside.
“I fell at least three times. I love sitting outside in the sun reading and having a drink and potting – and I just couldn’t get out.”
Fortunately, the veterans charity Help for Heroes stepped in with a grant to cover the costs of repairs, which were completed last month. “Through Help for Heroes I’ve also been able to access occupational therapy and get additional equipment,” Pat said.
“I don’t know how much longer I’ve got left, but the support from Help for Heroes will change my life.” Initially, Pat thought she was ineligible for support but she wants to make sure that other former servicemen and women – irrespective of when and where they served – know that the Charity is there for them.
Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.