Janet Plank

It feels like not long ago, the bitter cold of winter was the major discussion. Think about it: we all have some type of weather in common. It's something people...

It wasn't long ago when the bitter cold of winter was the major discussion again and again. Think about it: weather is something we all have in common. It's something...

Ah, mornings. I can imagine the many faces of me waking up. The "I didn't get enough sleep grump" face. The "I was up all-night coughing" face. Okay, yes, there...

I started the day overwhelmed, coughing, down, tired, and broke. From there I sat down to take my meds and to relax a bit in front of the TV. I...

Looking back in time, I can still remember my words, "I don't take medication, not even an aspirin." And I didn't. If the pain or whatever else didn't stop and...

To me, a COPD world is a world where there is a COPD health focus. Frequently, we are reminded that we have COPD because of: It’s important to realize that...

We are three days short of 2 months since my husband's triple bypass. He has come so far and has accomplished so much. He actually started working part-time a few...

It’s been hard seeing my husband trying to do things around the house, and errands. Having COPD myself makes this especially tough. I told him that I was going to...

The day was a tough one. I was so tired. Something triggered my asthma. COPD could be a culprit too. My osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia both had me in pain. I...

Over the years, COPDers have asked if it's possible to have a relationship while having COPD. Actually, that's a question asked by people who suffer from all types of chronic...

Just a few weeks ago that I was talking to a friend and telling her I was actually looking forward to winter. She said she felt the same way, even...

Gee, I don’t know what to think of that title. Yet that title seemed to jump out at me and felt perfect. Sometimes, that’s how things work in my articles...

On August 22, 2003, I married my best friend. I worked in the ambulance service while he was in the police force. We shared so many of the same interests:...

Where did this year go? When I was young, I always asked my parents, “Is Christmas coming pretty soon?" I always got so excited. "Can we go buy presents?” "When...

Life with COPD and other chronic health issues sometimes puts living on hold. Too often, when we struggle with breathing, for example, we stay home and away from people. Why?...

You’ve probably heard me say that the leg bones are connected to the knee bone. That’s my body, for sure. To me, it only makes sense that one chronic illness...

You are my inspiration. Yes, you! You may wonder where I’m coming from. Maybe we haven’t chatted or even said hello to each other, yet how could I know you?...

Let's talk long Covid. Twenty days after our previous Covid test, my husband and I tested positive for Covid-19. This was the third time. When we tested positive, my husband...

Please give me strength in this COPD world. This title really resonates with me. How often have I said those three words: “Give me strength.” If you stop and think...