Bit By the Procrastination Bug

By Jeff Collings

1 min read

Even with stage 4 COPD like me, we all need the motivation to keep moving.

What tips do you use when you are stuck that would benefit our COPD community?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

kloker Member
Great video, sir! Thank you for making it! My biggest obstacle (outside my own head, that is!) is that I am being forced to wait for my new machines to show up. This is due to a supply crunch in the oxygen equipment industry due to the Covid. Or so I'm told. At any rate, I was approved over two months ago for my new POC (portable oxygen concentrator), and more recently my new NIV machine. The POC will allow me out of my house. I've not been outside past my back porch since last May when I came home from the hospital. So, I have had to try and focus on all I have to do in this house, which is no small task itself, so I definitely have plenty to do. Having lived here for 26 years and being sort of a hoarder/collector (depending on who you ask!), I have a lot of stuff, and I am going to have to move soon, so I have to get rid of most of it. So, there is plenty to do. But outside the house, I also have a woodshop and a shed that have to be emptied as well, less a few things I will be keeping. But it is altogether quite a mountain, so I am not lacking in things to do. But attacking it has been a slow and sometimes still process, as I have good days and bad ones. The POC will help me get around more to limit me less in getting it all done, and hopefully the NIV machine will improve my sleep, which will improve my energy, which will let me get more done in less time. But time is passing, and I need to be busy making progress, as I have "miles to go before I sleep." So, I do have a few things I do to keep things progressing. First, I make lists, and keep them updated. Long term and short term. The long-term lists are of the overall process. The short ones are daily or weekly. My daily list is always more than I can do in one day, so there is always an overlap to tomorrow, when I do a restart. I don't know how much I'll be able to get done today - it depends on how I feel as the day wears on how productive it will be. Other factors include the difficulty of a task and the season. Right now, it's the dead of winter, so I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to deal with, which means that the weather has a powerful effect on me. My COPD has its effects too, which means I have good and bad days. But I still make my lists and keep up with them so that at least I have a goal. My brain is kind of like a car, in that, if I don't pay attention and focus, it goes all over the place and might even crash, so I have to maintain some level of control. The best way I can do that is to keep up with good habits like those lists and doing them on time each morning as I drink my coffee. Somewhat vague, I know, but I have my sticky note pad right here beside my keyboard right now, so I can see what I got done yesterday, and make a new updated one for today. My OCD, which is a problem unto itself, is also an advantage, sometimes. It can not only make a short story long (!!!), it can also add detail. Fun!
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/> thank you for chiming in on my video. I hope you get your oxygen equipment soon as it helps make us more comfortable. Be sure to check with your Doctor or Medical team for how much you should be using. Your list system sounds great to keep you focused and keeps you motivated. Please give us updates how your getting along as your system would benefit others I'm sure. Breathe free, my friend. Jeff (copd.net)
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Jeffrey - so good to see and hear from you (again) in front of the camera! I think you have found your own little niche here in our community! This is a terrific motivational and inspirational message - the message is so very clear and, from my own perspective, can apply to all of us!! You said it all - once the doors to the hospital were reopened, you continued to approach the clinic the long way - were able to get some movement and exercise in that way!! Keep up the excellent work - and thanks so much for this timely and 'spot on' message video. Warm regards, Jeff! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> thank you my friend for the kind words. It's difficult when we all can't get out with the winter weather and this Pandemic to exercise. Finding anything we can to sneak some exercise into our day where we can is important. Jeff (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a>)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="Jeffrey J Collings" user-id="2436114"/> Hi agree, Jeff!! This cold, winter weather is extremely challenging. I am unable to get out and walk my daily 2-mile goal since the winds and bitter cold temperatures are prohibitive. I try to get around it all by walking the dog at least 4-times a day and letting her run in the backyard, me chasing her! Staying active and mobile helps me a great deal. Keep at it, Jeff - the Spring is coming!!! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
clairevogel2711 Member
Claire Vogel - Re stuffy nose - My doctor suggested that I take a 10 mg. centrizine tablet when I am bothered. Check with your doctor to see if that might be okay. Within 10 mintes you will be fine for the whole day. I get mine at BJ's and they are generic 245 for $10.00 they last at least a year. Good Luck.!! I have been a COPD patient since 2009 and it came on after I had double pneumonia. For a very long time, I had various symptoms from every part of my body showing. coming through for a very long time and my life was getting so small and in 2018 I had to be admitted 6 times , each time getting pneumonia. My immune system was really low. Got really discouraged as the medications started increasing. The last time I got cellulitus in my arm and ir swelled to about 4 times the size and I was left with lymphedema because 38 years before I had breast cancer. When my legs started swelling I was set to Mass for their Lymphedema program and it was determined that my COPD as well as the cellulitus was the result of the modified radical mastectomy surgery, removing a lymph node in my armthat caused the lymph fluid to slowly solidify causing my arm slowly to swell and to solidifythe fluid in my lungs causing COPD. I had that surgery 38 years before. After this incident and my time at Mass General in their program, I have reduced my Spiriva to as needed - instead of every day, I barely have to use my short term inhaler and that has become as needed. I did add a nebulizer to the mix and I keep all medecines on hand at the ready when I feel a scratchy throat or cold coming on. I do stop everything to concentrate on neutralizing the inflamation. I have learned that stopping inflamation of the lung to be the biggest priority; My family doctor and I devised a plan because I do not get fevers I had trouble determining just how sick I was and when to call him. We then decided if I were not better within 3 days, I needed to call the doctor. I had him put in red on my chart that when I called they were to get in touch with my doctor asap and if they thought I might not be able to get to the hospital by myself to arrange to let me call an ambulance. It now has been 3 years since I haven't had to go to the hospital. My colds and exacerbations are gone within 3 days.with medications and nebulizer treatments at home. I take 2 pills a day. One for high blood pressure, and one omnpraezole. (prilosec)?? on a regular basis. I am back, fully back to being my whole self. I can't believe it. I had to have every test imaginable since 2008. I still have COPD but it is totally manageable and I thank everyone especially my doctor whose patience and determination helped me get through this. Not only that, but next year I will be 80 and I'm still able to laugh a lot. Please be patient, be partners with and listen to your doctors. Do not be afraid to browse the internet. Ask questions of your doctor before you try any suggestion first to make sure that it makes sense. Since Covid 19, my doctor and I have devised an immunity regimen'. Stay rested, well fed, and hydrated and I take a multi- vitamin tablet for ladies over 50 
1. chenaultdarla58 Member
 <inline-mention username="clairevogel2711" user-id="4492958"/> Hi I have been diagnosed since 2014, it feels like I live in a bubble my health has just continue to get worse. I have heard about the z to see if I would qaulify but the pulmonary here thought I was crazy, when I took them the information about it then I couldn't get a referral. Because the Dr said I am to obese. Thank you for sharing I am breathless from trying to get what I need to textnow I am being seen by oncologist for server aniema. Nothing happened no CT scan nothing , prayers for you all .
2. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="chenaultdarla58" user-id="4530074"/> thank you for sharing your story with us. It feels like this in the beginning, running in circles till you get your medical team set and making you comfortable. You would benefit from a COPD program if they have a therapy program in your area that is referred by your Doctor. They helped me with Exercise, healthy diet, and tips to live your best life with COPD. Hope this helps as a starting point and please keep us updated on your progress. Breathe free, my friend. Jeff (<a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a>)
carriej Member
Thank you Jeff! For the reminder of procrastinating that’s so hard to overcome. Your simple, straightforward words are helpful to me right now. Are you in my head?😃 I have an incumbent bike which I love and eventually stopped using for reasons all over the place; out of habit, harder to do, hardly stayed on as long as I could, yada yada yada. So it’s way too easy to give up and say: “I’ll try again tomorrow.” Which didn’t come. Thanks for reminding me of my procrastination habits! I’m trying again! Keep on truckin’…as we used to say! Seriously, thank you Jeff! 
1. carriej Member
 <inline-mention username="Jeff Collings" user-id="2436114"/> That’s exactly what I wanted to do but my apartment is too small but I have two bedrooms so it lives in one. I’m a TV news and politics junkie but I can live without it for a short time! 😃 I always feel better when I use my bike!
2. Jeff Collings Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="carriej" user-id="2414959"/> That's great news! I'm very lucky I have a spot that is tucked away. Maybe you could move a small radio to help distract you as you go. Hope you gave a great day! Breathe free my friend. Jeff (COPD.NET)