Juggling COPD With the Responsibilities of a Family

By Liana Collet

2 min read

Suffering from a chronic illness doesn't stop me from being a parent and a partner to my family. Unfortunately, this unpredictable disease can sometimes hinder that.

Morning routine

I try and wake up early to help get my 14-year-old ready for school. After catching my breath and clearing my lungs, I'm ready to face the day. I find making sandwiches quite difficult, so Nathan helps me. If I'm feeling really strong, I'll make the tea.

Standing for long periods of time can be a challenge. I now sit at the dining room table and make them. Becky goes off to school and then it's breakfast time for me. Nathan usually eats later.

Things are going to change

Nathan is starting a new job soon so he'll be leaving really early in the morning. This means I'll have to take on more responsibilities. I'm a little nervous, but I'm up for the challenge. I'll have to make the sandwiches and sort Becky out, which is my job anyway.

Teaching myself to relax

I need to learn how to relax when I'm faced with extra pressure. I tend to be a worrier and I know I need to accept the changes. At the moment, we're still with the in-laws, who are lovely. I try and do as much as I can around the house to help the daily functioning. It's not easy living in someone else's home. I'm also having other tests done, but I won't go into that right now.

Afternoons with Becky

When Becky comes home from school we talk about her day and if she's ok. With this virus going around, we're also extremely aware of good hygiene, so she has a quick shower to wash the day away. This makes her safe to be around. She shares her life with me and I feel like a proper mum. My "normal" is so precious to me and she helps me achieve that.

Evenings and leaving the day behind

Dinner time is a pleasure in our house. We catch up with the day's events. My breathing can be quite a struggle at this time of day, but I participate and everyone understands my difficulty. After I've had my meds, I'm in a much better space and the rest of the evening is spent with the family.

Bedtime routine

Fortunately, I'm not on oxygen so getting into bed isn't too much of a problem. I'm blessed to be able to sleep quite well and always keep a bottle of water by the bed.

Looking forward to my future

We can't wait to have a home of our own where we can create our own routines. Living with other people, no matter how wonderful, can be stressful. I know that when we do find our forever place, my life will change and I will be able to deal with my COPD better. Until then I will continue to be the best mum and partner I can be. Patience is a blessing.

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Liana passed away in November of 2021. She is deeply missed but her encouragement and positivity live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Liana.

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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Carol Kirker Moderator
Hi Liana! I can only imagine the difficulty of leaving your own home in one country into someone else’s in another country. Difficult, yet exciting. I applaud you for handling it so well. It will be so exciting when you have your own home again and I can’t wait to hear about it! Carol (moderator)
Liana Collet Moderator
Thanks so much Carol. It's been an interesting time for us and yes, we can't wait to start our lives again in our own home. We've been patient for so long, we just have to wait a little longer. Getting a home in our village isn't as simple as it should be with covid playing havoc with everyone's lives. Until then, we will continue to find our feet and don't worry, I'll keep you posted. Bless you always my friend. Liana ( site moderator and author )
davdeb1 Member
If you are short of breath making sandwiches, you are in serious need of a adjustment to your meds and probably should be on oxygen. I'm 71 with severe copd, and I've probably experienced everything. I don't know what country you are in but with your condition a vaccination is important. You are living with a 14 year old. I don't care how hygienic she is, if she is in school, it very possible she is a assimptomatic carrier. No amount of hygiene will protect you with that. Take care and Take care of yourself.
1. Liana Collet Moderator
 Hi there Daveb1. Thank you so much for your message. We live in the UK and my daughter is tested for covid everyday she's at school. I am due to receive my jab in about a week. I don't need to be on oxygen at all. I have a daily routine of exercise that keeps me active and my pulmonologist has told me that oxygen isn't always the best way to deal with sob. I use the pursed lip breathing technique and my recovery time is excellent. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fortunately capable of doing quite alot without getting sob. I will however take your message onboard. Bless you always and thank you for your kindness. Have a lovely day Liana ( site moderator and author )
chiyna Member
Liana you got me at “catching my breath and clearing my lungs”. It sounds like you are pacing yourself and have a routine that you find workable and with this dis ease that is an accomplishment. I’m 72 now and wake each morning about 3:30 to use my nebulizer and rescue inhaler usually twice before I’m clear enough to move around without what I call panic breathing. I now have added a hot cup of tea I make with ground thyme, ground ginger and raw honey. It makes my breathing so much better. I should say I drive to my sons house each week day and babysit a very active 3 year old boy and it gets scary at times when I have an issue breathing while there but I find inspite of my condition I’m grateful to be able to have a reason to get up and get out each day. I just try to remember that I have reasons to still smile. Sounds like you do too. Be well .
1. Liana Collet Moderator
 You are inspirational dear Chiyna. Yes I also drink a cup of hot tea every morning. It helps to open up the bronchial tubes lol. I have a very workable routine which I find easy to deal with and having family support definitely helps too. I've also started adding extra walking time into my day to build up core muscles, because they are important for healthier breathing. Thank you so much for your lovely encouraging comments and I hope you have a wonderful day. Liana( site moderator and author )
Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="lindacollins" user-id="2415204"/> I am a worrier also so I understand where you are coming from. I'm glad that you have your in-laws but know that you will enjoy having your own home soon. There is no place like home, right? Thanks for sharing ! Best, Jackie (moderator)
1. Liana Collet Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Jackie English" user-id="2415342"/> thanks so much for your lovely message Jackie. We are indeed warriors. Since I wrote this article, we have moved into our own home and we absolutely love living in it. We have nearly finished furnishing it and only have bits and Bob's to buy. My daily routine is extremely set and I enjoy the benefits of having my own space. We get to see family regularly as we're all quite family oriented. I'm so looking forward to future endeavors and take every day as it comes with as much energy and positivity as possible. My life is good. I hope you have a wonderful day. Bless you always and take care. Warmest regards Liana. 
2. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Liana Collet" user-id="2446441"/> great news! Thanks for letting me know. Love family time! Best, Jackie (moderator)

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