Sick lungs don’t show!
I may not look sick, but….
I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.)
What is C.O.P.D.? It includes such illnesses as emphysema, chronic
bronchitis, and sometimes asthma
It is primarily characterized by extreme shortness of breath
Living with C.O.P.D. means many things…
Living with C.O.P.D. can mean having to avoid:
* all kinds of strong odors, smoke, flowers, perfumes, cleaning supplies,
paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, shaving lotion, bath powders, incense,
* excess humidity
* temperature extremes or wind, crowds, molds, and dusty places
because they make me short of breath
Physically……
Living with C.O.P.D. 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
* inability to talk for any length of time
Socially…..
Living with C.O.P.D. 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
* having my friends make short, pleasant, smoke-less visits
Emotionally….
Living with C.O.P.D. can mean:
* crying easily, angering easily, become 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”
* being panicky and tense
* being dependent and demanding because it’s frightening when you
can’t breathe
C.O.P.D. effects my family too!
They are effected by:
* adapting to my various physical, emotional, social and environmental
needs and limitations
* leaving many functions earlier than they wish because of me or never
even getting there
* having to check out all of the details in advance and getting places
early
* having to remain calm and reassuring at all times
REMEMBER………….
I may not look sick……….. but….. SICK LUNGS DON’T SHOW!!!!!!!!!!
