Living

I have COPD, which is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Under the COPD heading are emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and alpha-one deficiency. This subject may be peaceful, scary, or even taboo for some...

"I had to inject epic into the patient." Yes, that was a failed autocorrect. The word I wanted to use was “epi.” I like autocorrect for the most part. I...

It is hard to say which part of a whole body exercise is paramount. My main focus is always on the upper body, lower body, and cardio and breathing. Below...

As I stepped out the back door and onto the deck, the heat and humidity seemed to wrap around me. I couldn’t breathe. After tossing my garbage into the can...

When it comes to viral respiratory infections, there’s no shortage of germs out there – from the common cold, to the flu, to RSV, to COVID-19. Over the years, our...

Many of us in this community have nebulizers and inhalers. These devices allow us to inhale respiratory medications. So, what do the different respiratory medications taste like? Let’s discuss. This...

I am often asked if there is any difference in the treatment of patients who have COPD vs COPD caused by Alpha 1. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, known as Alpha-1, is...

You can read part one of this story here. The change in medications is making a positive difference! It's important to talk to your doctor and tell him or her...

Can you walk the length of a football field? That’s getting to be a regular question from my pulmonologist. I’m sure he’s heard that when I get to my appointment...

When mom was frustrated with feeling cooped up, she used hobbies to keep happy with her COPD. Some were expensive and involved time and planning. Others were started on a...

When we talk about rehab, exercising, and getting into shape, the focus is often on the movement of arms and legs and on how we can build muscle, repetition by...

There is much to learn about COPD. I wonder if, in one lifetime, we can know all there is to know about it? Imagine what it would be like if...

In the olden days, pre-2020, the only thing stopping us from leaving our homes to socialize was the restrictions on our lungs. My goal was to leave my house three...

What do you call a doctor who barely passed his medical exam? You call him doctor. I am sure that some of the best doctors barely passed their medical exams...

Have you noticed that anytime you get short of breath, it leads to an urgent need to use the washroom? First comes the inability to breathe, and if you don’t...

A girlfriend sent me a text the other day. She said that her husband didn’t understand when she got short of breath. He was very good to her most of...

I inhale for 2 seconds through my nose, with my mouth closed, and try my hardest to get the breath deep into my abdomen. No shallow lung breathing is allowed;...

When my husband is going out to mow or haul something, I tell him, "I'll be right out to help." His response was, "yeah, right." That comment is in teasing...

Over these past eleven years, I have had many first times with my oxygen. Here are some I'd like to share. In October 2011 is when I wore oxygen for...

I can say with certainty that I would love a cigarette right now. It’s not a feeling like I would kill someone for a smoke, but given the opportunity,  I...