Why I Became a Respiratory Therapist“Hi. My name is John. I’m a respiratory therapist. What is your last name?” That’s the typical way I introduce myself to all my patients now. I started out introducing...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Why COPD Awareness MattersNovember is COPD Awareness Month. It is a time that many of us will collectively bring more awareness about this disease to the people who really have no idea about...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Halloween Costumes with COPDI hope you will take this in the fun that it is intended. I was just thinking about my mom and her sense of humor, and I wondered, if she...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I Came Out of the COPD ClosetMy daughter got married a couple of weeks ago. It was a blustery outdoor wedding, but so pretty! Then there was an indoor reception. How did I come out of...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Seasons of LifeOver the last few weeks, we have been focusing on getting prepared to homeschool our son for Kindergarten. We have been homeschooling him for preschool all along, but it is...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Other Tests with COPD Part I: Sleep ApneaThere are several diagnostic tests to diagnose COPD. There are also a few tests to diagnose other medical problems concurrent with COPD, or to diagnose similar illnesses such as pulmonary...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
You Are Unique in Your Own DiseaseCOPD is such a complex and individualized disease. It can change by the day and vary significantly between people. Sometimes it's nice to compare, to know you're not alone in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD: Letter to My SonWhen I first started getting sick you were just nine. You were in Cub Scouts and I was one of the den leaders. We had so much fun that year...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Steroids, Bruising, and BonesThere is a saying, 'The older we get the more pill we take.' I am sure this applies even more for us with a chronic health problem. Many with COPD...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Documents Every COPDer Should Have - Part 2This is part 2 of "Documents Every COPDer Should Have. For part 1, click here. I have been asked several times what medical documents those of us with COPD should...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
It's a Shame - Part V: Ideals and Stereotypes“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive.” --Brene Brown So I am sharing our stories. Talking about shame and illness...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
It's All In The LightingMy "day job" is in the television industry. I have worked behind the scenes for twenty (plus) years in either the production (technical) side or as a producer. There are...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
It's a Shame - Part IV: Guilt and Judgment“I felt ashamed.""But of what? Psyche, they hadn't stripped you naked or anything?""No, no, Maia. Ashamed of looking like a mortal -- of being a mortal.""But how could you help...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What a Difference a Year MakesLooking back I realize That I could bake, cook and clean I could visit, shop and enjoy more than I can now I could walk the dogs and climb even...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
It's a Shame - Part 3: What It Means to Be Strong“Empathy’s the antidote to shame. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too.” —Brene Brown Before writing this article, I spoke with many people who have chronic illnesses...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Documents Every COPDer Should Have - Part 1Editor's note: this is part 1 of a two-part series. Be sure to check out part 2 as well! I have been asked several times what medical documents those of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
It's a Shame - Part 2: Feeling Defeated“The absence of self-love is shame. Guilt is feeling bad about one's actions, but shame is feeling bad about one's self – failure, embarrassment, weakness, overwhelming worthlessness, and feeling disgracefully...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
It's a Shame - Part 1: Where It BeginsThis article is going to be difficult to write. You might find it difficult to read. You see, people who have COPD, or any chronic illness, suffer from shame and...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Same Devil, Different Levels - Same Level, Different DevilsThe severity of COPD is normally determined by breathing tests. These tests are used to determine the stage of your COPD. There are 4 stages listed and accepted by medical...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
COPD in the SummertimeYour breathing is most important. You will have similar effects year round, however in many places summer is a big change from winter. Summer brings it’s own challenges. Here, where...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
