Living

As with many chronic conditions, the full impact an individual’s life can be difficult to assess. Most healthcare professionals focus on managing symptoms and treatment, while the substantial impact on...

If you have been recently diagnosed with COPD, you may be feeling like you can't do anything that you used to do. There is a mystery behind the new label...

Being told you have a lung disease like COPD can be a frightening experience. The idea it’s associated with being short of breath and that it forces you to make...

There are many different reasons that you may become short of breath, and if you are just beginning to learn about COPD, you may be wondering what could be your...

Deciding 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...

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...

After 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...

Though 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...

Most 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...

So 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...

I 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...

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...

When 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...

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...

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...

Having 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...

During 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...

This 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...

Depending 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...

Maybe 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...