Learning how to ask for help was key to living better with COPD
Previously, I was stuck doing chores and had no time for leisure activities
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 to be severe hypoxemia. When I had to start moving more slowly to keep my oxygen saturation up, I realized that I was spending most of my time doing the essentials and almost no time doing what I wanted.
A common misconception about COPD is that I could move more quickly if I’d just turn up my supplemental oxygen. The problem is that I have emphysema, a condition that damages the oxygen-absorbing parts of the lung, called the alveoli. That causes diffusion impairment, when oxygen can’t pass from the lungs to the blood vessels, so using more oxygen doesn’t help.
I can no longer go like the Energizer Bunny because my saturation levels drop too low. I began thinking about the old saying that all work and no play makes Caroline a dull girl. I realized that I was starting to live a very dull life.
My life circle had shrunk to just my house and yard. As my friend Karen said, we’d become hermits except for doctor appointments. We decided to make some changes.
Getting out and enjoying life
That change began on a recent Sunday when we visited a wonderful local attraction, the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia. Part of the museum includes an exhibition on a coal mining village. The buildings are authentic and were moved here from their original locations. But the tour requires a considerable amount of walking on an incline, as it’s built on the side of a mountain.
I had to stop several times to regain my oxygen saturation, but it wasn’t a problem because I could move throughout the village at my own pace. Choosing self-guided activities is a great idea because you can decide on the fly how much or how little you can do that day. My friend and I enjoyed the museum for six hours.
So how did I break away from my essential duties for the day? The outing was possible because I hired a house cleaner for three hours every other week. If I’d tried to manage the housework on my own, I would’ve spent Sunday finishing the things I didn’t get done on Saturday and wouldn’t have had any time to spend at the beautiful museum.
An added treat for the day was that an old friend and colleague was our tour guide for the Pioneer Village, and we were his only customers during that part of the tour. He introduced us to the blacksmith, who made a key chain for my friend and me.
At the beginning of my COPD journey, I decided I wouldn’t let this disease prevent me from living my life. I vowed to do everything possible for as long as I could, but that idea needed an update. It shouldn’t apply only to life’s essentials. Now my motto is do all you can do for as long as you can do it, and make sure you have time for friends and fun.
As we age, we may be less able to do all of the work required to maintain a household. When that time comes for you, I hope you won’t wait too long to ask for help. Seeking assistance with home maintenance has given me time back to actually enjoy my life.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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