The Absurdity of My COPD Life

Dealing with one chronic illness, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is enough. Yeah, well, that didn’t go as planned.

I can sit here and shake my head chuckling because I’m feeling a bit goofy at the absurdity of life. I wish I were a funny person or an artist that could make comics about life in general or moments with some focus on COPD and health.

How my teeth have been affected by COPD

Where am I going with all of this? I look in the mirror and there’s a little old lady looking back at me. I freak out! Who is that person? Me? Oh yes, that’s the area of recent pain. All of my teeth are gone. Gone! My mouth is too swollen to wear dentures yet. You see, I have severe dry mouth, dry eyes and more. This can be caused by COPD medications, other medications or even a chronic illness. It wears me out trying to think of what is causing this or has caused what. Does it matter? Not really.

I did all that I could do for my teeth

I always carry a water bottle and have other rinses to use. My dentist has been amazing, he kept trying to keep my teeth in my mouth, until a few weeks ago when we both decided it was time for the oral surgeon. With all of my dental work, my teeth were ugly and patchy. What could I have done differently for dry mouth? See a dentist? Brush teeth and use extra fluoride? Drink lots of water and oh, I did all of that. Ten days ago, the teeth are gone. Soon, the swelling should be gone, as well as this new lisp. I think it’s causing my headaches and extreme side effects as well. I know that sinus infections can affect the head and eyes as well. Thankfully I’ve been on antibiotics through today. I’m so hoping that the dentures will fit. I can’t wait to smile again and feel good about that.

Dry mouth and COPD

Teeth aren’t the only thing affected by my dry mouth. Dry mouth can also be affecting my COPD. It can cause my lips to stick to my teeth, it can affect my speech and it can affect my air. It feels like I run into a barrier and my air intake just stops. Then something is squeezing my heart. I can’t get air. It can happen when I’m talking, walking, or climbing steps. Sometimes. It’s difficult to get that air moving. Knowing there is a struggle with dry mouth, COPD and exercise-induced asthma, my ProAir Inhaler and a bottle of water are a must before doing physical things or even going upstairs. Breathing through my nose also helps to alleviate dryness.

I hope to bring awareness to these different issues

This story isn’t to bring fear by any means. I’m hoping to bring awareness in case someone else may be experiencing something similar. Education is so important. Yes, dentists are so expensive, but they can be vital to not only our dental health but also our overall health. Do add them to your list of doctors. Get your teeth cleaned regularly, get your oral checkups and get treatment as necessary. It’s important for your COPD.