We Tried For a TransplantIn the first few years after my mother’s COPD diagnosis, I spent countless hours researching the disease. The big thing that kept showing up was: “There is no cure.” Those...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Pursed-Lips Are Not Just for Kissing!Many individuals with COPD experience shortness of breath, which can make them feel anxious and frightened. While there is no cure for COPD, there are ways to manage and control...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments
COPD in America 2015The COPD In America 2015 online survey was conducted to gather insights from over 1,700 individuals currently diagnosed as having COPD, Emphysema or Chronic Bronchitis in hopes of painting an...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What NOT to Say to Chronically Ill People.Sometimes us with COPD find it hard getting others to recognize we have a disabling, chronic illness. A recent photo of myself taken by my wife Lynne has me looking very...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Texting Instead of TalkingMaybe you’re not well versed in the latest gadgets, and maybe you don’t want to be. That is okay for most things, but this is something that I urge you...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Check The Oxygen EquipmentAs the dependence for oxygen grows, it becomes more and more important that the equipment is working properly. This is not something that should be taken lightly. I can speak...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Some of Our First ThoughtsMy mother was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in 1997. We knew very little about the disease then, and honestly, medicine has come a long way since then as...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Staying Active is KeyOne of the subjects I mentioned is 'death by couch'. That can sound disturbing and alarming. But remember as I have had COPD since 1987 I am convinced the only...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Basics For Caregivers: TerminologyWhat exactly is a caregiver? A caregiver is defined by the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary as “a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill).”...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips for Improving Communication With Your PhysicianResults of the COPD In America 2015 Study reported that almost a third of respondents were unaware of the stage of their COPD when they were diagnosed, and a similar...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Basics for Caregivers: EquipmentThere will be an increasing number of pieces of equipment as your patient progresses. As each piece is added, it is important to think about your patient. Not only is...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Never Doubt The Resilience of a ChildWhen I found out that I was pregnant, mom had just come home from a three week hospital stay. At that time, her care was very hands-on. She was almost...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Let's Talk COPDMy diagnosis of COPD during 1987 was an unremarkable affair. The doctor informed me after tests for repeated bronchitis and shortness of breath that I had mild COPD. Prescribed an inhaler...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
So You Have COPD...I am not going to welcome you to club COPD. After all, none of us want to be here. But as we are here, simple rules have to be learned...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
