What Is Polycythemia? While it is not as common today as in the past, some people with COPD may develop polycythemia. So, what is polycythemia? Why do some people with COPD develop it?... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Sleeping: Recliner vs BedSleeping is never easy when you have COPD. In the early stages of COPD, I developed a nagging cough that intensified when I lay down to sleep. Laying down exacerbates... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments26 comments
Helping a Pet Owner With COPDCOPD is an acronym for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with four stages. Here is a list of helpful suggestions that you or someone else could do to be of help:... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Solution: Showering or BathingI am not happy that I panicked about taking a bath. I wrote part 1 of this story, which you can read here. My favorite thing is enjoying a hot... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Let’s Talk About AirwaysCOPD is a disease that impacts your airways and alveoli. In an earlier post I talked alveoli and the role they play in COPD. Today I’d like to begin the... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments
The Should Do’s in a COPD WorldYou likely know that COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, an umbrella term that covers emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and the genetic form of COPD, Alpha-1 (Antitrypsin Deficiency). So, what... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments
My Years by the DecadeMy life can easily be broken down by decades. Looking back, I find that each decade was spent with different people, doing different things as they interested me at the... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Things You Can Do to Help Those With COPDCOPD makes breathing difficult, and bending over can affect our breathing as it might not let our lungs expand to their total capacity. This can make daily tasks very difficult... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
I Didn’t Think My Heart Could Get Any BiggerToo often, we may barter for more time when coping with a chronic illness. We might not see it as bartering. Maybe we are just hoping and planning. I remember... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Where There’s SmokeLooking out the window, I noticed smoke billowing from a house half a block behind ours. My husband saw it just before I did. Strangely, I didn’t smell smoke. I... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments8 comments
My Family Picnic (Part 2)Part one of this story can be found here. In part one, I talked about our annual family picnic. There was a laundry list of stuff to planning a day... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
The Problem: Showering or BathingBefore my diagnosis, the thing I loved to do most was take a hot bath. After the kids were in bed and the house was quiet, I would light my... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments85 comments
Should I Stay or Should I Go?Should I stay home or should I go? How often do we ask ourselves this when invited to go somewhere? I’m sure it’s too many to count. My cousin Rhonda... By Jackie English3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments13 comments
My Family Picnic (Part 1)It has been a dark lonely three years. The pandemic happened so fast and lasted so long, it has been years since my extended family and I have been together... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Caregivers: Aren’t They the Best?How amazing are our caregivers? I think about this often. There are so many things that my husband does for me. I ask for some help, and most are the... By Jackie English2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments19 comments
How Do You Entertain Yourself In The Hospital?Sometimes you get admitted for COPD flare-ups. Once you’re feeling better, you may be stuck in a room feeling better. You will need something to entertain you. So, what is... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Death and Dying: Part 3You can read parts 1 and 2 of this story here and here. After volunteering with the ambulance service and helping with the bookkeeping, I was offered a full-time position... By Janet Plank5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Death and Dying: Part 2Editor's note: This article discusses sensitive topics like suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 or... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Let’s Talk About the GirlsOne of the best things to happen upon my diagnosis in 2016 was my doctor permitting me to eliminate my bra. I couldn’t have been happier. I had been wearing... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments16 comments
As My World TurnsSo, here’s the thing. People know as soon as they see me that something is up. My COPD forces me to wear supplemental oxygen 24/7. I take more time and... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments9 comments
