Living

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...

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...

You 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...

As a respiratory therapist (RT), I teach a lot. We RTs do a lot of teaching.  Although, the only place where we RTs are available for teaching is in the...

Editor'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...

One 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...

So, 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...

Therapy: I’m wondering if it should be one of the first things prescribed to us by our COPD diagnosis. I have thought of therapy a few times over the years...

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...