Surviving the Summer

It wasn't long ago when the bitter cold of winter was the major discussion again and again. Think about it: weather is something we all have in common. It's something we can all talk about, especially how it affects each of us and our health. What works and what doesn't?

For years I talked about wintering in Florida. My parents had wintered there for years. I always said, "When I retire, I was going to sell seashells on the seashore." Then I realized that the winter humidity was difficult.

Summer nostalgia

I have always loved summer. More visits with the family, fishing with my husband and dad, horse shows, rodeos, camping and long walks. I remember open windows in the cool evening nights, mowing, barbecues and more.

After all these years, I remember picking lilacs. Oh, that wonderful fragrant smell.

These allergies are relentless. Darn COPD and asthma. I'm a rebel, and I don't like being indoors. I know that it's necessary to protect myself and my lungs. I'm not sure about you; we are all different, and things affect us differently.

Sadly, the humidity while fishing makes breathing so difficult. I might as well put a bag over my head and fill it with warm water. It is suffocating. The dust from about everything can take my breath away.

Navigating COPD summer triggers

The very worst trigger for me is smoke. It can wipe me out. Cigarettes, cigars, or anything that emits smoke bothers me.

Secondhand smoke enters the lungs as if you are smoking yourself. Have you heard of thirdhand smoke? That's when you sit on furniture that wreaks of smoke or even clothes in a closet when smoky clothes are placed inside.

Sure, it's summertime and thankfully, it's not cold outside. It's so hot outside that even smokers can't tolerate the heat, so they often prefer to go inside to smoke. Some people are dedicated and keep the smoke outside regardless.

One thing that triggers me are bonfires. I remember bonfires from ages ago. We usually had them after football games in high school. I spent about twenty minutes at my granddaughter's graduation reception and they had a fire pit burning to take the chill out of the air. Living in river country, bonfires seem to burn in quite a few places.

A few years ago, I was so excited that we bought a used camper with two slides. The first place I used it was in our own driveway. We were doing some remodeling inside and out of our house, so this would be a perfect way to try it out. I packed a bag for a few days: food, my pups, and my COPD bag with nebulizer. Grinning ear to ear, my excitement was obvious. I couldn't help myself.

Later, I smelled cigarette smoke. It was as if someone was right next to me smoking. Opening the camper door, I saw one of the workers smoking. I asked him to please put his cigarette out. I explained to him that there couldn't be smoking near me or where I was staying. I talked to his boss, too, who also smoked. He always smoked away from me.

When my husband checked on me, I was doing a neb treatment. Coughing had taken over. I nebbed, then gathered my belongings, and we went upstairs. Thankfully that heavy oxygen concentrator hadn't been carried out yet.

Battling allergies

Pollen can really affect a person. Pollen, mold, grasses, trees, and dust are some of my own triggers. Then there are scents from candles, perfumes, chemicals, cleaning products and more.

Let the coughing begin. Thank goodness for inhalers. Even in the summertime, masks and/or scarves can be so important. I often use them when dusting in the house as well. Kleenex can be so important to cough into and to spit out whatever comes out. This probably sounds gross, but phlegm can fly when you least expect it to!

Don't forget allergies. Allergens can trigger coughing and sneezing, too, which is another need for Kleenex. Some say it's okay to sneeze into your sleeve. In an emergency, only for me.

Allergies are nasty. Most of mine developed in adulthood. Some as a child. They seem to go hand in hand or should I say nose and mouth to the lungs.

Essentials for your COPD to-go bag

Do you carry a to-go bag when you leave home? This is a bag that I carry everything needed for my health, that I wouldn't have access to while away from home.

Talk to your doctor. Find out what he or she recommends you carry in your to-go bag, especially for emergency medications. Remember, we are all different. What is good for me, might not be good for you. Keep in mind.

Here is what I take in my go bag:

• Information list: Health and illnesses, medications, allergies, previous surgeries, doctor, dentist and hospital information, DNR and more
• Inhaler
• EpiPens
• Nasal rinse (premixed is easiest)
• Nebulizer
• Nasal cannula
• Kleenex and toilet paper
• Feminine products
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture items
• Water and other things to drink
• Snacks
• Washcloth in a sealed baggie
• Coins or dollar bills for those "just in case" needs
• Notebook and pen
• Driver's license and insurance cards
• Phone charger and phone
• Small portable hand-held fan

You may be wondering what really helps on those sweltering summer nights. For me it's winter and Christmas Hallmark movies. Add to those a bottle of water and the a/c to help to put that summer heat and humidity on hold.

Stay cool and breathe easy!