My Many Faces in the Morning

Ah, mornings. I can imagine the many faces of me waking up.

The many faces of living with COPD

The "I didn't get enough sleep grump" face. The "I was up all-night coughing" face. Okay, yes, there is a "Dread face, too, when bills or problems to deal with are foremost on my mind". Also, the "I am now panicked" face.

Then, there is the "Relaxed and peaceful morning" face. I even have a "Grateful and says all is well" face. That is my favorite way to wake up.

Sadly, there is also the "Painful, almost agonizing" face and the "Gets worn when something happens to a family member, a loved one, or a dear friend" face. When there is nothing I can do except to share a hug, often virtual, and to let them know I'm here for them.

Often there's a hidden tear that no one else should see. Sometimes my heart hurts and my breathing feels stiff. A nebulizer or inhaler are necessary at this point. It's important that we realize how our emotions can affect our COPD and breathing.

Embracing the calm

This morning, I was thinking about how our emotions affect our breathing. At this time in my life, it's nice to take my time waking up. There is no hurry to do anything. I listen to the sounds in the house, like those of my husband, 3 dogs, a television, and possibly sounds from outside.

Then it's time for meds, nebs, a bite to eat, and time to get dressed. Then on to exercise. Move it so we don't lose it!

Coming through my knee replacement has affected me from head to toe. Physically, because of surgery and healing. Physically, the pain affected my breathing. It also limited some of my motion.

Finally, checking messages and emails and responded to each person. I love to write, hopefully, to reach someone who needs to hear what they read.

Finding peace in your morning routine

Think about your morning. Is there anything that relaxes you? That helps you find peace? Something that lets you reach out to another? Is there something that you would like to receive?

I have found that these moments, these times, make a difference in my health and in my day. Emotionally and physically, I'm all one big package.

When I care for part of me, I care for all of me. Some of it depends on how I start off my day.

Oh yes, there are days when I need to neb before I open my eyes. When arthritis and/or fibromyalgia have me writhing in pain, even before I roll over.

I remind myself to breathe. That helps me to relax my muscles and my body.

Everything affects my breathing and my breathing affects the rest of me. Our lungs are so important.

Please, avoid smoke of any kind. Second hand smoke as well. Avoid other things that are triggers, that can affect your health. Don't allow these triggers in your house. Triggers for some people can be smoke, perfumes, highly scented clothes, and more.

I meet people at a restaurant or outside if I can. Keep in mind, once the person leaves, there scent remains for days.

Seeking support for your chronic illness

There are days when my eyes don't open all of the way on their own. Some days they are partially open. Allergy eyes is what I call them.

I struggle with my attitude when allergies have taken over. I always carry 2 EpiPens in case I need them. Usually, I need them when I go out or to the store, and I don't shower when I get home. A person would think I would learn.

Everything changes when I get sick and have an exacerbation or respiratory infection. My pulmonologist made sure that I had a steroid on hand. Sleep, or lack of it, dominates my days and nights. I'm guilty that I let this affect my mood and my body pains.

If I need an antibiotic, then off to the doctor I go. It's so important that we take care of ourselves and know our bodies, as well our needs. We likely see a general physician, a pulmonologist, or other, for our body and lung needs.

Those suffering from chronic illnesses and more, sometimes struggle with depression. You must discuss this with your doctor. They might write you a prescription for an antidepressant. If your depression is severe, a therapist might be recommended.

Regardless, it's important to have a support system. That can be face-to-face with a therapist, a family member or friend, or even a support group, such as ours here.

Know that we are here for you. Know that we care.