COPD in America 2015: CaregiversThe COPD Caregiver In America 2015 online survey was conducted to gather insights from 193 individuals who are currently, or in the past 5 years, served as the primary caregiver...reactionscomments
On Oxygen & On The Go - Part 1: The Burden of Portable OxygenJust because you're on supplemental oxygen doesn't give you any reason not to get out and about. To the contrary, supplemental oxygen might give you the freedom to get out...reactions31comments
Expectations on the Caregiver While the Patient Is In the HospitalAs a co-caregivers of a loved one with COPD, we decided pretty early on that we did not want my mother to be alone for an extended time in the hospital...reactionscomments
Basics For Caregivers: MedicationsOne of the most intimidating tasks is keeping track of the medications. In the early stages the new medications are manageable, but as things progress, it can get quite overwhelming...reactionscomments
To Push Or Not To PushFrom the time that I was a small child, I learned to push my mom. She had multiple surgeries when I was young. At least two of them were major...reactionscomments
Expert Answers: Pulmonary RehabilitationIn dealing with COPD, it might be recommended that you participate in pulmonary rehabilitation. Many people have questions about what pulmonary rehab is, and why a person should participate in it, so...reactions9comments
Independence LostIf you have been a caregiver longer than 24 hours, you have dealt with a grumpy patient. Those days when it doesn’t seem like anything that you do is right...reactionscomments
Is COPD Terminal – Am I Going to Die?As someone who has written a journal on my journey with COPD for a several years I often receive emails from frightened readers. Or notice a search engine query asking if...reactions11comments
The Importance of Taking Care of YOUI cared for my mother, who had end-stage COPD, for more than four years. It was tough, emotionally and physically, every day. Of course, it's much harder on the person who...reactions15comments
Well Meant WordsNow that you have become a caregiver, you will find that everyone has an opinion. Not only are you hearing these opinions, but your patient is hearing them as well...reactionscomments
Expert Answers: Saving Money with COPDAs many people in our community know, having COPD can get expensive! So, we asked our experts John, Leon, and Lyn for tips and advice on affording COPD medication. Check out...reactionscomments
Can I Be A Caregiver?There is something that I have learned from many years of having been a co-caregiver for my mother. You can do more than you think you can. Your desire to...reactions5comments
Learning to Breathe Right is the Hardest of AllThe one thing most if not all us with COPD have in common is – we don't breathe right. Even though we fought to breathe from birth many of us never...reactions71comments
Basics for Caregivers: Exercise and Respiratory TherapyYou will find other articles about the options for exercise and respiratory therapy, but what is your role as the caregiver for these things? You are the encourager, towel carrier...reactions2comments
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with COPDThe Social Security Administration is a branch of the United States federal government that provides disability benefits to individuals who cannot work due to long-term disability. Benefits are provided through...reactionscomments
Understanding the Respiratory SystemYou've probably heard the old saying, "Knowledge is power." This is never more true than when dealing with a new diagnosis of COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...reactionscomments
Give Your Mind A BreakElaborate houses, immense crops, herds and herds of livestock, and a truly eclectic collection of stuff. Can you guess what this might describe? If you said FarmVille, a game played...reactionscomments
Fatigue: The Silent SymptomWhile dyspnea (labored or shortness of breath) is often the most experienced, and most recognized, symptom of COPD, fatigue, or lack of energy, is frequently cited as an even more...reactions16comments
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...reactions3comments
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...reactions11comments