Living with COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, "COPD," is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it. If you or someone you know has COPD, you are not alone. For more information about COPD please go to http://learnaboutcopd.org or check out some of the resources below.
COPD Resources
For more information about COPD
- National Heart Lung Blood Institute: http://learnaboutcopd.org - website with information and resources about COPD
- COPD Foundation Information Line: 1-866-316-2673 - a toll-free number
where you can speak with a COPD patient to learn more about COPD and resources available, including guidance and referral information
- HMSA's Care Connection : 1-800-499-5036 - toll-free service for HMSA patients with COPD and other covered conditions
- National Jewish LungLine: 1-800-222-LUNG (1-800-222-5864) - toll-free service to speak with a respiratory nurse) or e-mail LungLine@njc.org to request free information mailed on COPD and other topics.
- AlohaMeds: 1-888-477-2669 or website http://alohameds.org: information about medication assistance programs for eligible patients
- QuitLine Hawaii: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or website www.callitquitshawaii.com for help with tobacco cessation
Lessons Learned and Shared by COPD Thrivers
These are the lessons COPD patients have learned and wanted to share.
COPD is not a death sentence but a sentence to live life as it sharpens one’s attitude to do ALL things required for a long productive life. Wes
Exercise daily is after quitting smoking the biggest thing I can do to help myself. Jeanne/IN, Wes, Abby, Tippy
I’ve lived many years after my diagnosis with only minor adjustments to my lifestyle. John O.
Oxygen use is for our organs. (I was resistant to this before being put on oxygen & learning.) Jeanne/IN
Must partner with my doc & staff—I manage my conditions & they treat. Be proactive with medical issues. Starion, Jeanne/IN
Maintain a co-operative and productive partnership with my doctors. John O., Doris2, Tippy
Optimally treating all other health conditions including allergies and gastric reflux improves breathing. Starion
Exercise and taking your medications as prescribed improves lung function. Pat
Asking questions, taking notes in the doc’s office and doing some research on my own as well helps lessen my anxiety and improve my breathing. Cathy-WI
My relationship to others is sometimes a strained and rocky experience. Gary/TX
Slow down and pace myself; also have learned to put unessential stuff till tomorrow. Gary/TX
Set up routines to maximize my time & energy & learn how to take my daily meds on time. Gary/TX & Abby
Keeping as physically and mentally active as possible will extend my quality of life. John O.
Share with other patients—in person and on the internet to learn as much as possible about our health. Wes
What’s really important in life—relationship with God, and the love of my family and friends. Cathy-Wi
Know when symptoms indicate I need to head to the ER. Cathy-WI
Pay attention and treat all colds, infections and allergies promptly and aggressively; no “simple colds.” Starion, Pat, Sue
Treat all colds seriously but don’t spend your life being paranoid about catching one. Richard & Sunnyfla
Avoid all possibilities of infection. Wash hands frequently, when out, use hand sanitizers; avoid large crowds. Vic
Work on getting congestion loose right away. Allowing stagnation increases risk of infection in lungs. Vic
The responsibility for my health is mine alone. Only I can make whatever changes I need to make to optimize my own health and manage my illness. Jean & Sue
If I take responsibility for my own health, I can develop a partnership with my doc(s) because they see that I am doing my part and respect me for it. Jean
Advocate for myself with my docs, family, friends, relatives and the community to make life accessible to me. Jean
Live within your own handicaps; accept the fact that you can’t do all the things you did before but you can relearn to do some in different ways. Pat’s Girl
Keep family and friends informed of your health status and med regime so they can help as needed; stay independent as possible for as long as possible. Pat’s Girl
Keep a good attitude and don’t forget to have a life. If people a lot sicker than me & with other health concerns can do it, so can I. Sue
Stay as active as possible to keep your body in shape to allow you to make the most of your lung function and lead a rewarding life. Vic
Educate myself and my family as to what this disease entails and what to expect over time. Annie
Stay abreast of medications and treatments for COPD and be willing to openly discuss options with all my docs. Annie
Keep my life as normal as possible by not allowing limitations to lead to frustration and depression; pace! Annie
Manage your own health. Take the doctor’s advice seriously but use your own common sense and best judgment to get where you need to go. Richard & Sunnyfla
I can do most of the things I did before, only at a slower pace. Things I can’t do, I ask for help. Jackie-NY & ElaineNY
Others understand what I’m going through. Reach out to the internet or support groups for help. Jackie-NY, Wes
Slow down—the house will be here tomorrow. My health is much more important cause if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Grannygo
Learn all I can to help myself. Ann-ca, Doris2
Learn to work on my thinking so it stays positive & therapeutic. Ann-ca
Adjust to a different role & accept graciously when help is needed (not easy). Ann-ca
Never say NEVER about anything. Mary-AZ
Come to terms with my disease or I will always be at odds with myself (work in progress). Toronto Rick
Forgive myself as to what brought me here and accept that the past is unchangeable. Toronto Rick
Don’t live in fear……be calm…..be happy. Toronto Rick
Be tidy, well-dressed and groomed. It is a morale boost to be told, “You certainly don’t LOOK sick.” Tooki-e
Stay away from the TV. Rather, listen to music or Public Radio while you attempt to multi-task. Tooki-e
Stop multi-tasking! When it’s necessary to stop, instead of one unfinished task there are many. Tooki-e
Keep your sense of humor…..without it COPD life would be unbearable. Toronto Rick
Don't smoke; if you do, quit NOW. Sandy
Play the harmonica and keep blowing up balloon; makes you feel better and keeps people around you wondering "why is that woman blowing that balloon up over and over?" Sandy & Abby
Get an accurate diagnosis. Doris2
Don't compare yourself to others. Doris2
Don’t allow glowing reports of "medical miracles" to make you feel should be able to totally control your COPD. Doris2
We all even define words differently: “active” may mean moving from one seated position to another, reading a book, taking mile long hikes or something else. Doris2
Keep a smile on your face and in your heart. Sandy
By maintaining a positive attitude I breathe better. Tippy, Jackie-NY, Sandy
Enjoy life and do all you can and then a little more. Richard & Sunnyfla
Attitude is everything ~ Accept the Diagnosis, Don't Accept the Prognosis. Abby
Tomorrow is ALWAYS another day. Amber
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