Five Tips after a COPD DiagnosisA COPD Diagnosis: Now What? Cough. Cough. “I don't know why I'm so tired and I can't breathe. Maybe it'll blow over” might be the way it started. “Go to... By michelle.vincent3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Impact of COPD on Quality of Life: By the NumbersAs 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... By 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Be Proactive In CareCaregivers: Maybe you’ve heard of being proactive. In simple terms, being proactive is thinking ahead. An example of being proactive would be ordering medications a week or two before they... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Expert Answers: Relief for Swollen AnklesIt can be common for people with COPD to experience ankle swelling. In fact, we've had several community member ask the following question, so we decided to ask our experts... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Attitude AdjustmentsWhen I was a teenager, I remember many times that my mom would tell me that I needed an "attitude adjustment." At the time, it was hard to understand why... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Questions for Your PulmonologistIf 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... By Tonya Hidalgo3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
10 Tips to Help You Cope with COPDBeing 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... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments50 comments
Five Common Triggers for Shortness of BreathThere 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... By Tonya Hidalgo2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Expert Answers: What is Spirometry and PFT?There are many types of tests one may go through when facing COPD. Lots of questions can accompany those tests, and one of our community members asked the following: "What... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
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