Life Tethered to a Concentrator — Caroline Gainer

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 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When the leaf is still on the tree, it represents our healthy…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) played a role in my confusion. I felt like…

I feel like crap, but I’m not badly sick. I decide I might as well get busy so I can feel accomplished at the end of the day. I make this decision often, but it’s a little more challenging with my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sometimes my decision…