Living

When 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...

My 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...

There 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...

Chronic 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...

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...

We 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?...

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...

My 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...

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...

A 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...

We 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...

It'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...

Perhaps 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...

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...

I 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...

I 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”...

Time 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...

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...

Sometimes, 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...

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...