To My Family.........
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 means many things..having to avoid all kinds of strong odors, smoke, flowers, perfumes, cleaning supplies, paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, shaving lotion, bath powders, incense, 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, having my friends make short, pleasant, smoke-less visits
Emotionally:
Living with COPD 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". Sick lungs don't show!.
Being panicky and tense, being dependent and demanding because it's frightening
when you can't breathe.
COPD affects my family too! They are affected 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 and having to remain calm and reassuring at all times.
REMEMBER: I may not look sick.... but..SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW!!!!
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