Health Tracking JournalWhen I was diagnosed with chronic illness, I found doctors questions as confusing as they must have thought my answers were. The important stuff eluded me until after the doctor...reactions9comments
My Holiday GoalsMy biggest challenge during any holiday is goal setting. I want to do all the things exactly the way I did them in the past. Alas, that is no longer going...reactionscomments
10 Rules For Determining What Medicine Works Best For YouThere are many COPD medicines currently on the market. There will also be many new ones entering the market in the near and distant future. So, how do you decide...reactionscomments
The Stigma Around Pain and MedicationsChronic pain on its own can be difficult to manage. Unfortunately, chronic pain and its treatment may also have accompanying stigma that makes this issue even more frustrating to navigate...reactionscomments
The Christmas Epidemic: Is Christmas A COPD Trigger?Last year I made a list of “10 Christmas COPD Triggers.” Apparently I missed a key trigger: Christmas itself. Seriously, folks! Researchers really think Christmas is a COPD trigger. Or...reactions5comments
Feline Self-CareWe were raised in a culture that said if we took care of ourselves we were being selfish, but have you ever watched a cat go through their daily lives?...reactions5comments
COPD Anxieties: Loss & ProgressionIn 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...reactions11comments
The Holidays and COPDMy family and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hope you and yours did too. On my side of our family (which is Irish) I am one of 21 first cousins...reactions1comment
What Am I Trying To Say?Whether we like it or not, we have moved to the fast track, which offers immediate convenience and response. We can email a letter and get a response in a...reactions6comments
Myths and Facts About Living WillsA living will is known by several other names, including advanced directive, healthcare declaration, medical directive, and many more. There is often confusion about what these words mean and why...reactionscomments
How to Help Friends and Family Understand COPDWe all have our individual lives. In this country and this society, they are usually very busy and oftentimes hectic. Which is not to say that they’re not fun because...reactions8comments
Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays With COPDIt's that time of year again... the holiday season. Certainly, it can be a happy time for many of us, with parties, gift-giving and extra time to spend with family...reactions6comments
Glossary of Terms for Advanced Care PlanningPerhaps you are thinking about situations where you may not be able to make decisions about your own health care. This may be because you have a chronic illness that...reactionscomments
Travel Bag, Getting Ready (Part 1)It’s not just a hospital bag, but it is about being prepared for any catastrophe that could unexpectedly come your way and force you to leave your home fast. Last...reactionscomments
Slow ProgressI recently switched primary care doctors. This one is equipped to deal with pulmonary issues as well as day to day primary care stuff. I was not necessarily unhappy with...reactions6comments
Winter is ComingI spent my entire life in Southern California until the spring of 2017 when my family and I decided to move to the Midwest. While it was a relatively “mild”...reactions23comments
Time For The Holidays, Time To Be PreparedTime has been flying by, and once again, we’re getting ready for the holidays. As my husband and family get to know my needs, they suggest that I write about...reactions3comments
What is a Living Will?The word “will” can seem loaded when mentioned in casual conversation, and it might seem morbid to talk about or even unnecessary for the average person to think about. However...reactionscomments
What I Wish Others Understood About COPDSometimes, folks think I’m lazy. And, admittedly, I am. I think I’ve said this before – in fact, I know I’ve said this before - but I’d sleep until noon...reactions15comments
Breathing Strategies: Which Have You Tried?Here at COPD.net, we are interested in hearing about which of the following breathing strategies and techniques you have tried with your COPD. If you have not yet, and would...reactionscomments