World COPD Day and Awareness

On November 15th, we celebrated World COPD Day. It is this day of the year when we bring awareness of our COPD. This year's theme is ‘Breathing is Life-Act Earlier.’ We are ramping up attention for early diagnosis, general lung health, and proper interventions.

I have read that it is estimated that 1.5 million people in Canada have COPD and don't even know what it is. I remember when I was among the 1.5 million. Thinking back at how it all ended up and how long I went without intervention makes me wonder what would have happened had I been exposed to spirometry earlier.¹

The start of my diagnosis

My doctor knew that I was a pack-a-day smoker and that I had two bouts of pneumonia along with one bout of pleurisy within three years. He never mentioned that there was a test.

I then began complaining about constant fatigue and how I had to have an afternoon nap most days in order to function—still nothing.

I told him that I had to stop three times to rest and catch my breath In order to get to his office. Then he ordered the test, but he was so sure that there was nothing wrong with me he didn't bother reading the results.

When I finally put him on the spot and requested my results, it showed I had severe COPD. I was on the cusp of my 60th birthday and had a job I loved.

It didn't take long before I didn't have a choice. I could no longer work and keep up with my busy schedule. This loss of income cost me my independence.

We have to speak up

It is our obligation as a person suffering from COPD to raise awareness. The truth is that smoking is a cause of COPD, but it is not by far the only cause.

In fact, not everyone who smokes will get COPD. Other causes are pollution, working around open fires, undermanaged asthma, poor working conditions, being born a preemie, having blood clots in the lungs, and genetics.

The longer we keep the trauma of COPD a secret, the less people will know about how we suffer and what it feels like, and they will not be able to support us.  There is no sugarcoating the symptoms, constant shortness of breath, or the lack of energy and limitations of COPD.

Advocate for your own healthcare

• Creating a support system is very important because only those with the disease understand the disease. Some people don’t want to know, but some do, and only you can inform them.
• Awareness begins by writing a letter campaign to the government that has the power to fund support for COPD.
• Talk about COPD, both in person and online.
• Awareness of COPD can help ensure early detection and treatment. The earlier we are diagnosed, the easier it is to control the disease.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.