Life Tethered to a Concentrator — Caroline Gainer

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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,…

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…

My inner voice went bananas last week. I couldn’t make a simple decision, such as when was the best day to go to the drugstore to get my prescriptions. I am sure that age…