Life Tethered to a Concentrator - a Column by Caroline Gainer

Let’s talk about COPD and incontinence

Incontinence ranks right up there with religion and politics as topics we don’t usually mention in polite company, partly because it’s embarrassing. But let’s discuss it anyway, because it affects many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I’m fortunate to have never had an incident with incontinence in…

A waiting game reminds me of being diagnosed with COPD

For two weeks, I’ve gone to at least two doctor appointments a week to learn what’s causing me stomach problems atop my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but I still don’t have a definitive answer. I’ve been having pain in the area of my hiatal hernia (in the…

If I’d have hated smoking 6 decades ago, I might not have COPD today

If, 58 years ago, I had hated cigarettes as much as I hate them now, I probably wouldn’t have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, that isn’t guaranteed, as two other risk factors likely increased my chances of developing the condition. The first is that I was born weighing…

Helpful strategies for living our best lives with COPD

To live our best lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we know that certain actions are necessary — taking our medications as directed, eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, doing our exercises, getting our vaccinations, and maintaining a positive attitude. These are items on…

Proper technique is important when using an inhaler

I’ve been suffering from a bad case of thrush, which has brought to the front of my mind the importance of correct procedures when taking my inhaled medications — as I must because of my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thrush can be caused by not rinsing well…

The spring sunshine of May lightens my mood and helps with exercise

May brings sunshine and Mother Nature’s renewal with the blooming of flowers and the greening of leaves. This month has also brought the parting of the clouds of my oppressive thoughts, and the sunshine has lightened my dark mood. I am no longer struggling to stay positive, but wake with…

Spreading sunshine to others is how I stay positive with COPD

When living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can be hard to keep a sunny disposition. When you have trouble breathing, it’s hard to feel positive. One of the best ways I compensate is to spread some sunshine to others. Beyond my COPD issues, the past two months…

Some useful features of the updated COPD Pocket Consultant Guide

Tools that make life easier for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prized possessions. One of them is the recently updated version of the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide from the COPD Foundation. I was fortunate to be asked to help beta test the updated guide,…

Missed doses reminded me my inhaler is important for my COPD

For years, I got up in the morning and coughed and gagged, feeling like my throat was closing. Then I’d get a prickly feeling in my arms and back, like when your circulation gets cut off and a body part goes to sleep. The medical term for this tingly feeling…

With corticosteroids, a treatment for COPD, it’s love-hate for me

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with corticosteroids. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. At some point, most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have had to take a corticosteroid, a type…