Tilt-a-Whirl of Home, Hospital, and RehabThere is a revolving door that often starts slow until the frequent hospitalizations become dizzying. It may start with a fall, which leads to increased bed rest and muscle atrophy...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Here's How I Deal With Insurance Coverage ChallengesInsurance companies have evolved significantly over the years. But many of these changes, in my opinion, seem to focus more on cutting costs and increasing profits than on ensuring patients...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Winter Self-Care With COPDAs the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, focusing on winter self-care is essential. The cold weather can be harsh on our bodies and minds, making establishing routines that...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Planning for the HolidaysThis year, I’m looking forward to the holidays. What’s ahead? I don’t know, and I’ve learned not to plan too far ahead. It can be difficult to plan around me...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Race that is Set Before UsWhat started as an attempt to cultivate some self-care on a balmy Saturday in my new home state of Florida turned into a deep reflection of how we measure progress...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD and Runny NosesDo you have sinus problems or a runny nose along with COPD? The symptoms might seem unrelated. But over time, inflammation can damage the cilia in your nose and cause...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Exercise is Your FriendAfter enduring years of debilitating COPD, Jeff faced a life-changing moment: a double lung transplant. Determined to regain his strength, he adopted a focused exercise routine that has played a...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Managing Holiday Stress With COPDManaging holiday stress can be challenging for anyone, but when you have COPD, the extra demands can make the season feel overwhelming. The pressure to prepare, travel, cook, and entertain...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
8 Tips to Help People Understand Your COPDMany people in this community have shared how challenging it is to gain sympathy and understanding from those in their lives who don't have COPD. Some people simply don’t grasp...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Heart disease and COPD: TestingI had been having chest pain on and off for a few weeks. I was familiar with the shortness of breath and other challenges that come with COPD. However, this...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Lessons Learned From COPD PatientsLiving with a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is challenging and far from enjoyable. Many are diagnosed only after years of leading a normal life, making acceptance and...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Here for Each Other: Supporting Our COPD CommunityNovember marks COPD awareness month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and offering support to each other. This year, our theme is Here for Each Other: Supporting Our COPD Community...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
COPD Awareness Month 2024 Giveaway!This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for participating! November is COPD Awareness Month! This year, our theme is Here for Each Other: Supporting Our COPD Community, a reminder that...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
How Long Will I Live With COPD?"How long will I live?" It’s a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many people with COPD, especially those with severe cases. But how do you answer that...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
How Has Working With COPD Patients Affected Me?As my regular readers know, I am a respiratory therapist at a small-town hospital, where a significant portion of my patients are people living with COPD. In many ways, they...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD Caregiver POV: Female CatheterAs we age, our bladder loses the ability to hold urine for long periods. If we also have COPD, we are prone to limited mobility and a higher infection risk. Devices like this...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Seasonal Affective Disorder and COPDAs the seasons change and the days grow shorter, this time of year often marks the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for many people, particularly those with COPD. SAD...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips for Staying Well and Avoiding HospitalsRecently, I had the privilege of caring for someone with severe COPD. As we spent time together, I got to know her as both a patient and a person with...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Are Your Thoughts on Zephyr® Valves?When Zephyr® Valves emerged as a promising innovation, I was quick to document their potential in an article. Over time, I've heard numerous success stories. Most were through discussions with...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
COPD and Risk for Heart DiseaseDealing with COPD can come with a lot of challenges. For many people, heart disease is one of the biggest issues they face. How does COPD raise your risk for...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments