Living

When you have a chronic illness, it's easy to feel all alone, as though you're the only you know who is dealing with the challenges. But, if the chronic illness...

A mere 3 days after a month long stay in the hospital, the specialist’s office called. They had a request from the hospital for an immediate opening. They would accommodate...

Since the symptoms of COPD can be varied and debilitating, including shortness of breath during daily activities, it can often be a challenge for those with the condition to complete...

Read Part 1 to find out more about Kevin's initial thoughts on this COPD application. I spoke recently with Kristen Willard, the COPD Foundation’s Vice President of Population Health &...

Let’s face it! People with lung diseases spend WAY too much time in doctor’s offices. Sometimes we don’t have to wait very long. But, most often that’s not the case...

Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of COPD. Many people who have COPD feel like their chest is so tight that they just can’t breathe. They...

Often times we Respiratory Therapists have to take on the role of teacher. We do our part to fix you. Then we teach you. That's what we do. For me...

I was recovering from my first major exacerbation and had been bedridden for more than 3 weeks. After being in a coma, I had experienced a fair amount of muscle...

In this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing physical illness and its side effects. Phrases in bold are the words of our community members across various conditions...

Now that you have found the perfect bag, let’s talk about filling it. Have a look around you. What things are you unable to live without?  What if you are...

Having COPD is a struggle in itself. Managing our disease when it comes to symptoms, triggers, medications, flare ups etc is not always easy. We constantly need to be on...

Pain can be classified as an “invisible” symptom. Unlike a broken arm in a cast or a bleeding wound, pain cannot be immediately seen. Because of this, it’s possible for...

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast United States with a vengeance. I wrote about this previously in part 1. Speeds as high as 89 mph were recorded when Sandy...

COPD is an umbrella term. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common diseases to fall under this umbrella. But, sometimes asthma qualifies. So, when does asthma qualify as COPD?...

It's not surprising that people who have COPD often have to cope with guilt feelings. Sometimes the guilt is self-inflicted, while other times, it may be coming from an external...

As the new year begins, it’s an opportunity for all of us to look back on what’s happened to us - health wise - in the past year and what...

My oldest daughter and I were talking about life. We talked about some guilt from the past and how we have no control over the future, only over ourselves. She...

I’m not a big tech guy, especially when it comes to my iPhone. I have it to make phone calls, to use a GPS app when I need it and...

I tend to forget that not everyone understands what it's like to live with a chronic illness. I also tend to forget that not everyone is educated about chronic illnesses...