Do You Have a Special Caregiver in Your Life?I am very blessed and have quite a few reasons why. My main caregiver is my husband, Dave. He has told me from the beginning of my diagnosis that I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Redefining Being a KarenWhen my mom met Karen at the last job she had in early 2000, she found in Karen a funny, supportive, younger version of herself. She began to consider Karen...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Surviving the SummerIt wasn't long ago when the bitter cold of winter was the major discussion again and again. Think about it: weather is something we all have in common. It's something...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
5 Tips for Staying Hydrated With COPDStaying hydrated is important for anyone, but if you have a chronic disease like COPD, it’s even more important, and there are many reasons for this. Water helps you regulate...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Thoughts Only Those With Lung Disease Can Relate ToWe often refer to anyone with breathing issues as "lungers." This includes people with diseases like asthma (which I have) and COPD (which you may have). While lungers try to...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
My Many Faces in the MorningAh, mornings. I can imagine the many faces of me waking up. The "I didn't get enough sleep grump" face. The "I was up all-night coughing" face. Okay, yes, there...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Can You Avoid Thrush When Having COPD?It was not until my mother started using regular inhalers for her COPD symptoms, that I found out what oral thrush was. As the caregiver, I first noticed an abrupt change...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
6 Tips to Ensure Accuracy in Your Pulse Oximeter ReadingsPulse oximeters serve as essential tools for monitoring oxygen levels. Yet, like any device, they can encounter occasional issues, leading to inaccurate readings. This post aims to simplify the understanding...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Choosing the Right Style of Nasal Cannula for YouIt is common for COPD patients to transition at some point to oxygen use. We may associate surgery, ER visits, or hospital stays with nasal cannulas. We are usually focused on...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Managing Depression Brought On by Living With COPDLiving with COPD is not easy. Dealing with the day-to-day aggravations of being short of breath and the anxiety it causes is hard. But on top of that, a lot...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Where Does Happiness Come From?I started the day overwhelmed, coughing, down, tired, and broke. From there I sat down to take my meds and to relax a bit in front of the TV. I...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Three Major Drugmakers Cap Inhaler CostsThis year, three large drug companies have agreed to limit the cost of some of their inhalers. The inhalers are used by people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...Reactions0reactionsComments14 comments
Having a Runny or Stuffy Nose While on OxygenSome people might get a runny nose or a stuffy nose while on supplemental oxygen. In my case, I have both. You'd think it would be one or the other...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
Baseball vs. COPDWe are approaching the middle of the summer season. The smell of fresh-cut grass and the sounds of the ice cream man will soon waft through the air, and you...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Bloated Belly With COPDWhen mom had a bloated belly with COPD, her skin felt tight and stretched. I remember how she would make a joke about looking pregnant, and cover her protruding belly...Reactions0reactionsComments28 comments
How Do I Connect With Real People Living With COPD?Getting through life with COPD can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing, particularly when facing it without support. After receiving the diagnosis of COPD, it can be overwhelming to navigate through...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
5 Tips for Managing Depression With COPDMy mom was an open book. Whatever she was going through, those close to her knew about it. She spoke in plain terms about managing depression with COPD. She didn’t...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The COPD Declaration of IndependenceAs we turn the calendar page to July, we come upon the most American holiday of all: the Fourth of July (Independence Day). Our core memories of this holiday may...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Telehealth for COPDTelehealth use is defined as an appointment with a doctor, nurse, or other health professional by video or phone. In 2021, telemedicine was more commonly used by women and older...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
What BiPAP or CPAP Mask Do You Like Best?If your doctor suggests trying a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) device like CPAP, BiPAP, or Trilogy ventilators, you might hesitate because you're not fond of the mask feeling on your face...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments