The Learning Curve of COPD

By Barbara Moore

2 min read

On a daily basis I work my way through the learning curve of coming to terms with the changes caused by my COPD. I began last new year by paring down on activities and obligations.

Changes caused by COPD

My life now has little remembrance to what it once was. So many of the things I did in my past had to be eliminated.

Cooking and cleaning

Some mattered more than others but the one that I really hate is not being able to take care of my home anymore. Now that the kids are gone and the grands are not toddlers, I would love to cook and clean and really own my home but most of those chores have just become too much for me.

Everything takes so much longer, requiring so much forethought that each task is like climbing a mountain and some days, it almost seems unachievable. Because of my fatigue and lack of energy, I have had to accept what I can't do by raising my tolerance level.

Finding my focus

Having a hobby works well for me. The only problem is that I tend to become focused on things and can’t put them down until they are either done, or I am exhausted trying to finish them.

Knitting, sewing, writing, or when all else fails I always try to learn something new. There are so many videos with free content, it seems a shame not to take advantage of it. I just need to learn the fine art of enjoying that process instead of racing to the end.

Helping others helps me

My main focus for the most part is contributing to support groups. This helps to take the focus off of my breathing as I help others practice solutions for their breathing.

My motto is to learn what I teach. Regardless, staying busy is the key and when I can do that by helping others it really is a double win.

Having days to rest

Lately, I need rest days built into my schedule, and for the most part I can do it unapologetically. However, always worried that I won’t sleep at night, daytime naps are not in my purview and napping is not something that I enjoy.

Like it or not, I have come to the place in my life where if I don’t listen to my body, my body reacts in a negative way.

Spending more times with books and music

I want to turn the tv off and turn the music back on, especially the oldies. Our generation had some great music and I want to revisit that.

My goal is to reduce the time I spend phone surfing and instead I want to listen more to music. My phone is my constant mate and is always eager to spend my time.

Adventures came to me through reading and I loved the experience. My first book was Charlotte’s Web and I have never forgotten it.

This year I am hoping to find peace in spending time on my own. What gives you peace? Please share in the comments.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.

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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CommunityMember805 Member
Learning to accept limitations, and acquire patience have been my main stumbling blocks. Still working on them. Hardest thing is to find trustworthy people to help with chores and personal care tasks, so my overworked daughter doesn't feel she has to drive 45 miles each way to help us for 3 hours. With a full-time job and 2 kids still at home, she sacrifices time with family and her own chores (the guys do help with laundry if you don't mind your clean clothes wound in a knot stuffed in,A basket, but at least they try!) to help us, but she feels guilty she can't do more. Then I feel guilty when she comes. No old fashioned helpers left that took on everything, now you find they work cleaning, or laundry, but not both. Urrrgh!!
vittoria Member
Great article Barbara and fine comment by CommunityMember805. As I’ve mentioned before my husband is a marvelous caretaker. However, I worry about it all being too much for him. We have a housekeeper that comes in so that’s helpful. I Googled “Laundry Services” and found there are several that will wash and fold your laundry. They charge by the pound and pick up and deliver. I’m going to try them out. I’m trying to train myself to back off ordering more groceries than we need. I keep forgetting that cooking and COPD aren’t always compatible. I grocery shop online and the groceries are delivered. I miss cooking tremendously. I’m able to sit in my rollater at the counter and chop the veggies up though. When I feel down about the things that I can no longer do I tell myself I’ve earned this time to relax and read or whatever else works with COPD. We are from the “Doo-Wop” generation and we love listening to the Golden Oldies. Instead of dancing to the music I tap my foot in time and stroll down memory lane. Yes, COPD has drastically changed our lives but as long as I can adjust I’ll keep on keepin on!
melrscott Member
Just wanted to add my two cents worth to this posting. I feel much the same of others here. It is frustrating to be able to do so little. It al seems to fall on my wife. I love her for all she does for me without complaining. Sometimes she has a more difficult day and will make a comment that I know she doesn't mean and I understand it is just frustration. She sees me at my worst and she worries sometimes when I get really short of breath. But there is just not much I can do about it. I have never had many hobbies except fishing and that of course has had to go away with the worsening of my COPD. So I watch a lot of TV and read online. I also read books on my kendal. It is a very short list of activity. I try to help around the house but lose my breath quickly an then my wife gets frustrated with me. I do most of the cooking but sometimes by the time I am done with the cooking I am too out of breath or too tired to really enjoy the meal. Then I get up in the morning and do it all over again. Sigh....