Dear Respiratory Friends we are publishing today Edna Fiore text about COPD, she is very good advocate for COPD!
Sick Lungs Don't Show I may not look sick, BUT…...I have Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) What is COPD? It includes such
illnesses as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and sometimes asthma. It is
primarily characterized by extreme shortness of breath.
LIVING WITH COPD
IS VERY RESTRICTIVE: It means having to avoid strong odors, smoke,
flowers, perfumes, cleaning agents, paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust,
shaving lotion, bath powders, and incense. I also have to avoid
temperature extremes or wind, crowds, molds, and dusty places because
they make me short of breath.
PHYSICALLY: Living with COPD can mean
having difficulty walking up stairs or inclines, not walking very far,
being unable to rush or "being rushed"
tiring easily--especially if things last too long, being unable to
tolerate tight clothing and the inability to talk for any length of
time.
SOCIALLY: Living with COPD can mean coughing in public which
attracts attention and embarrasses me, having to use or wear devices or
equipment, or take medication which invites public comment (oxygen, cold
weather masks, inhalers), being concerned (often excessively) about
contact with cold or flu germs, and having my friends make short,
pleasant, smokeless visits. EMOTIONALLY: Living with COPD can mean
crying easily, angering easily, becoming frustrated and impatient
because I can't do the things I used to do. Feeling resentful when
others tell me, "You don't look sick." It can cause me to be panicky and
tense, and becoming dependent and demanding because it's frightening
when I can't breathe.
COPD AFFECTS MY FAMILY. By having to adapt to my
physical, emotional, social and environmental needs and limitations,
often having to leave social functions earlier than they wish because of
me or sometimes never getting there and by having to check out all of
the details in advance, getting places early and all the while having to
remain calm and reassuring at all times on my account REMEMBER: I may
not look sick but-- SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW!!!
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