Life Tethered to a Concentrator - a Column by Caroline Gainer

A story of COPD, vertigo, and a Jamaican ‘coal miner’

Those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have to juggle several other conditions. For me, that includes vertigo, which is usually caused by a sinus infection. Last week, I was having chills and a slight fever, but the fever wasn’t too bad, and I didn’t feel awful,…

My worsening COPD symptoms have prompted a change of habits

Though I attempted to follow my treatment plan and watched for signs of an impending exacerbation, one crept up on me this summer and caused a worsening of my dyspnea, or the shortness of breath that happens to those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s changed my…

My annual wellness visit has raised new health questions

I usually come away from my yearly wellness appointment feeling secure in my future, even though I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). That’s not the case this year; in fact, some of the results worried me. First, I learned that my B12 levels are too high and my…

Learning how to ask for help was key to living better with COPD

This year I’ve realized that those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may need help accomplishing essential tasks around the home, such as yard work and housework. Maintaining our blood oxygen saturation above 88% is necessary to keep our body functioning; anything below that is considered…

3 medical devices that help me with COPD management

Many of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have received medical devices to help with our breathing. At first, it seemed to me that some of these devices worked better than others. But after gaining experience with them, I think that impression was based on the fact that…

When a COPD symptom changes our routines, we must adapt

I’m dealing with a new symptom of my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): excess mucus. It has to be expelled, since I have trouble coughing it up on my own. That’s why my doctor wanted me to take the expectorant Mucinex (guaifenesin) twice a day. Mucinex, like…

Addressing the comorbidities of COPD is crucial, but it can be tricky

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by several comorbidities, including heart disease, osteoporosis, anxiety, and depression. Two of my prominent comorbidities are gastroesophageal reflux disease and osteoarthritis. When one or more of these conditions become pervasive, it can really take the joy out of…

Being spontaneous is no longer an option with COPD

Someone asked me recently what I miss about my life before I had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Without hesitation, I answered that I missed being spontaneous. I can’t just decide, for example, that I want to go to the mailbox. I have to prepare for it, which requires…

How advances in technology have improved life with COPD

Carrying a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or tank in a backpack is undeniably inconvenient. However, it’s important to remember that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are in a much better position today than we were in the past, thanks to numerous advances in oxygen delivery technology. The…