A Transplant StoryDeciding that you are willing to try for a lung transplant is only the beginning. Finding yourself in the middle of the process brings about loads of stress. Then receiving... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Healthcare Team (Part 2)As mentioned in Part 1, when talking with people about their journey with COPD, it’s important to remind each person that they are unique in their own disease. COPD is... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Waiting For A Lung TransplantAfter you have been approved for a lung transplant you will begin the process of getting your finances, logistics and plans nailed down. It is important that you have a... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
How To Appeal a Social Security Disability DenialThough the statistics vary somewhat from state to state, nationwide about 65% of all disability claims are denied on the first application. Luckily, receiving a denial does not mean that... By Mariah Z. Leach5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Your "Unusual" Symptoms with COPDMost people living with COPD are well aware of, and have much experience with, the common symptoms that come along with it. Shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, and fatigue... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
The Cycle of Infections, Exacerbations, and StressSo often I read in the groups of people being depressed and stressed due to the amount of exacerbation and infections their COPD has caused. Well, perhaps it's time you... By Mary Ultes5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
Why Quitting Smoking Can Prolong Your LifeI frequently hear questions like, “Why should I quit smoking, the damage is already done?” or “I quit smoking, but I don’t feel any different?” At times like this I... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
What Happens If I Am Denied A Lung Transplant?This is a question that I can answer from personal experience. In 2009, mom was given the opportunity to go through a thorough evaluation at the Duke Transplant Center at... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Community Tips: Staying Active with COPDWhen living with COPD, every day can be unique. Some days, independence and activity may come easily, while other days, it may be an uphill battle just to get out... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments10 comments
What Tests Should I Expect During a Lung Transplant Evaluation?Once you have been accepted into the evaluation process, you will be scheduled for tests ranging from physical therapy assessment to heart catheterization. Each test is important and must be... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Alpha-1 Deficiency: Were You Tested?Whether you are newly diagnosed with COPD or a 30-year veteran, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency might be a new concept for you. While Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a considered a... By Editorial Team 1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments48 comments
Live for TodayHaving a chronic illness such as COPD can cause one to blame themselves for their disease. They feel guilty over things they did in the past such as smoking and... By Mary Ultes3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
The Lung Transplant Evaluation TeamDuring your lung transplant evaluation, you will meet with a large team of physicians, social workers, physical therapists, psychologists and dietitians. It is easy for that one idea to become... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Testing for COPD - Part II: Breathing TestsThis is Part II of my experience with diagnostic testing for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (Click here to read Part I.) When I was being diagnosed with COPD, I took... By michelle.vincent3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Community Feedback: Managing Changing SeasonsDepending on where you live, the months of April and May mean spring weather – the transition between harsh winter and humid summer. And October means fall. In many ways... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
The Transplant Evaluation RequestMaybe you have heard of someone going through a transplant or maybe you have contributed financially to help someone else. However, I imagine that you never thought you would be... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
What Is A Lung Transplant Evaluation?Once you have been accepted into the lung transplant evaluation process, you will go through extensive testing. In the initial meetings with the team, you will learn what is expected... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Workplace Discrimination – Know Your Workplace Rights When you live with a chronic illness or disability, it can sometimes be difficult to function in the workplace. However, many workers who are struggling may be reluctant to speak... By Mariah Z. Leach5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Does the Word Hospice Scare You?When most people think of Hospice the first thing that enters their mind is death and dying with peace and dignity. I have been at death's door and seen the... By Mary Ultes7 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Testing for COPD - Part I: Imaging TestsThis is Part I of my experience with diagnostic testing for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (Click here to read Part II.) There are several kinds of tests that can help... By michelle.vincent3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments