Breathless on the Beach

I would like to share this experience with all of you, it is very important to remember and practice this in case you are ever in this same type of situation. You must know how to react and how to take care of yourself.
The first evening Lori was at Ft Myers, we decide to head straight for the beach to take a walk. It was still warm, but the sun was beginning to set and the sky was a beautiful array of clouds and brilliant colors of orange, yellows and reds. We were walking along the shores feeling the warm sand and water on our feet, and searching for sea shells. Since it was the first time we had actually met in 2-3 years, we were just talking about anything and everything.
All of a sudden I had to stop, I told Lori that I was getting short of breath and anxiety was grabbing hold of me. We had walked so far without even realizing it.
I became scared knowing that we had to walk so far back. My shortness of breath scared me.... my anxiety scared me.... it became a viscious circle.
I explained to Lori what was happening, but told her to remain calm. I knew what I had to do to overcome this situation. I asked her to keep talking, that way I could concentrate on her conversation and overcome my anxiety by not focusing on it. By overcoming my anxiety, I could also overcome my "shortness of breath". Of course I did not have my "rescue inhaler"... which was a big no-no!!! If I would have had the inhaler with me, the situation would have been a whole lot less stressful. But... we all make these mistakes.
Lori and I took our time walking back, she talked to me and I focused on HER... NOT on my "Shortness of Breath". By the time we got back to our destination, I was feeling fine. I had made it through a very stressful and I may say "scarey" situation.
As Lori has been learning so much about COPD since her dad passed away..... this was a very good "hands on" experience for her to witness.
Please take this experience and try to learn from it. It may not be easy the first, second or third time..... but you can do. You can take control of your anxiety and your shortness of breath.

If anyone has had an experience of this type... please write in and tell us all about it. Let us know how YOU came through it.

Until next time
1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Breathing is our Lifeline,
Sandy

A Message from Lori Palermo

Good Morning from the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Northeast Pennsylvania. It is a gorgeous day here. I hope everyone is having a "blessed breathing day" so far!
Since I have not added a BLOG for Sandy, I would like to say a word or two before she adds her BLOG.
Sandy and I have been corresponding by e-mail for the past 2-3 years. We have spoke on the phone and become very good friends. Several months ago, Sandy invited me to fly to Florida and spend a week with her. Well... needless to say, I immediately booked my flight. I recently spent a week with Sandy on the absolutely beautifl white sandy beaches of Ft. Myers, Florida... a place where my dad loved and took my family many times.
Sandy is an awesome person. We bonded the moment she picked me up at the airport and had an absolute BALL the whole week I was there. I visited her home, where I met her friends Linda, Joan and Linda's son Nick. They are truly really cool people and were very generous to me.

Now, Sandy will add a BLOG about an experience that we had while walking the beach the first evening I was there.

God bless you all.
Lori

P.S. Sandy and I are working on some ideas we have to give you the COPD patients, families or caregivers more information. You'll will be seeing some changes here at
"Sandy's Little Corner Of The World."