The Learning Curve of COPD

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.

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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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