Life Tethered to a Concentrator — Caroline Gainer

A friend asked me if there is still time to get this season’s flu shot. That got me thinking about the issues that come with the shift from winter to spring and summer for…

The moment I reached the top of the stairs with an oxygen saturation of 92%, I was filled with elation and relief. Although this saturation level would be considered below normal for most…

I remember how hard it was to keep cars, or any other outdoor metal object, clean and looking good when I lived in the steel town of Weirton, West Virginia. That ongoing struggle…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it hard to breathe, and many of us with the disease know that breathing exercises can help. Still, a study published in October in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary…

Many of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience chronic fatigue, but I still wondered why I’d been sleeping more than usual lately. As usual, I did some research and am letting…

While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, many of us also experience chronic pain. I was interested in learning more about…

For those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), routines become an essential tool for coping with the changes that our disease brings. The focus is often on morning routines, but my…

As I watch the snowflakes fly and see the trees sway in the 17 mph winds, I’m reminded that those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face some interesting challenges during…

Those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience many physical changes. Some of these changes are inconsequential while others are significant. One of the more curious and seemingly inconsequential changes is…

For those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it’s imperative to have a good working relationship with our healthcare team. That became crystal clear to me when I was dealing with…

I watch a leaf falling from the tree on a day when the wind is quiet, with just a tiny breeze now and then, and it reminds me of my journey with chronic…