Comfort and Life With COPD

By Carol Kirker

3 min read

It has taken me a very long time to find my comfort level living with COPD. I am still working on some issues that give me a great deal of anxiety, so it seems it is always an ongoing process. Just as life is full of changes, so is COPD. What worked a year ago may not now. I have learned not to be rigid in my thinking and be willing to change my routines when necessary.

Embracing changes

Balance

Acceptance of an old life gone and finding my way into a new life that works for me has been part of a journey of challenges, tears, and then eventually joy. Acceptance is necessary, at least for me. Without it, I would not find any contentment or peace. That is very important to me and I feel it gives me a better quality of life. Life is about balance. Sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad. Each has a purpose.

Acceptance

My first year with severe COPD was a year of deep depression for me. Working through that year, and each one since, has brought a deeper connection to myself, life, my faith, my family. I am not saying COPD has made my life better. Acceptance of it has made it better. Discovering my comfort and boundaries has also made it better. My disease is mine alone, and I had to learn that. Once I did, I figured out it was okay to take the knowledge I learned through the years and truly adapt it to my life.

Adding comfort to my life

All the things I should

I know some people will not wear oxygen out of their homes. They will not use a walker or mobility scooter. I do all the things I should - I exercise, eat healthy meals (mostly!), take my medications, journal, and get plenty of rest. I have accepted I am Stage 4 with twenty-four percent lung function. More of my life is behind me than ahead of me. I am going to do whatever I can to make my life comfortable to enjoy it.

Mobility scooter

When I go into large stores, I use a mobility scooter. I have my own or I will use the store’s scooter if they have them. I’ve had people tell me I should walk and not use an aid. If I tried to do that, and I have tried, I will not enjoy leaving my home. I will always be trying to catch my breath. With a scooter, I can shop. I can continue to go to art and craft festivals, farmer’s markets, parks, and so many more places. It is a comfort tool. It allows me to enjoy activities that I have always taken part in.

Having fun

My rollator walker provides the same. I will use that for small stores or shorter walks. It has the seat to rest if I am short of breath, a compartment for my oxygen tank, and I added a tote bag that clips on the front. I want to add streamers like I had on my bike as a child and a horn! We need to have fun in life!

The healing power of comfort

Learning to navigate life with breathing limitations has in many ways been healing. I find joy in simple things. My husband making me a morning cup of coffee is simple comfort. Learning new technology like Zoom and not being bashful to be on the camera allows me to connect with family and friends all over the world. I can also connect with others that have COPD. That too is a comfort.

Compassion

I have become more compassionate. I have found compassion in unexpected places and people. The bad breathing days allow me to appreciate the good ones. There are so many things and so many moments that bring comfort to our lives. It is even more important to enjoy those comforts when living life with COPD.

What do you have in your life that brings you comfort? Do you feel they help you manage your life better with COPD? Tell us in the form of a story by clicking the button below!

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Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Carol passed away in February of 2022. Carol's storytelling and advocacy will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on through her articles and in all the people she inspired.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Liana Collet Moderator
You are a true warrior Carol and an inspiration to so many people. I loved this article as I feel really passionate about wanting to make the most of my life and reading how you cope, made me realise that it's very possible. Love you always my friend. Liana ( site moderator )
1. Carol Kirker Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Liana Collet" user-id="2446441"/> I’m glad it helped Liana! I think we can always find a way to make life better! I hope you’re doing well! Hugs! Carol (author/moderator)
2. Carol Kirker Moderator
 @Janet Plank Thank you so much Janet! I like to think we all inspire each other to carry on and move ahead with this disease. I hope you’re having a comfortable and easy breathing day! Carol (author/moderator)
barb-stmary Member
I was least enjoy the articles. Carol you've a gift with words. I'm dealing with serious COPD too. I try not to concentrate on my breathing. Though we have dreaded COPD I never became depressed. I've no time for depression I was in a life changing accident and I've found myself to be going thru the stages of grief. I try explains my short choppy sentences and given up. My family and friends and medical staff are aware but the non medical care givers do not listen. I've yer to meet one that hasn't thought I was rude. Everyone's different. I take my meds go to appointments and even took pulmonary rehab on line before my pulmonologist offered or to be. I'm glad you're here keeping all informed. Thanks for your insight
1. Carol Kirker Moderator
 <inline-mention username="barb-stmary" user-id="2473632"/> Thank you for your kind words about my articles. I’m so happy you enjoy them and find them helpful. I’m sorry to hear of all your struggles. I feel we do go through a grieving process, but there is light at the end of that tunnel. We are all here for you. Reach out anytime! Carol (author/moderator)
Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Carol Kirker" user-id="2412242"/> , great article! Love your attitude towards life with living with COPD. You're a great inspiration to others who have a hard time looking at the good side of things. I believe that your article will help many people. Best, Jackie (moderator) 
1. Carol Kirker Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Jackie English" user-id="2415342"/> Thank you Jackie! I have my fair share of bad breathing days, but I have to believe it’s temporary, I’ll get through it and there is always something good around the corner. I hope you’re having a wonderful day! Carol (author/moderator)