New Idea for Providing Emergency Contact Info

I found this article and thought it would be very helpful to so many of us with cell phones. I hope everyone will put it to good use.

There is a new movement out there to save lives. They call it ICE.
ICE is an acronym for In Case of Emergency and is a new wave geared to encouraging people to provide easily accessible contact information when they are in trouble. As most people in the world now carry a cell phone, it is a wonderfully easy way to access emergency contact information for almost anyone with a cell phone.

ICE is the brainchild of Bob Brotchie, a paramedic in Cambridge, England, who struggled to get contact information from his patients in times of crisis. Brotchie recounts having access to the cell phone of his patients, but still not knowing who to call. As he says, "just because someone has mom or dad in the cell phone log doesn't mean they would actually want you to call them."

The patient's first choice might be a friend, other family member or contact. Brotchie suggests that people add a listing in their cell phone, ICE, which stand for In Case of Emergency. Under this heading a person could list the names and phone numbers of people they want contacted in any emergency. They can list multiple contacts and designate them as ICE-1, ICE-2, etc. They could include numbers for their spouse or significant other as well as their health care provider for notification in a medical emergency, and their employer.

Source: http://respiratory-care.advanceweb.com/

Breathe Easy My Friends

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale,
Sandy

Germs, Germs, Germs!!

I know that I have spoke about this topic in another post, but I just have to remind everyone that when you are sick, please be so careful when you are out in public. It is very easy to spread these GERMS...... and it is so easy for us with Lung Disease to catch a cold, the flu, bronchitis or even worse pneumonia. Here are a few of the situations I have experienced in the past week.

I was in the cell phone store the other day and while waiting in line for my turn, the fellow in front of me... coughed, wiped his mouth with his hand and then leaned on the counter!! Can you imagine that?? I immediately took out my hanky and covered my mouth and nose, I got scared... I can't imagine anyone doing that. I did go to another line and waited my turn. The fear of catching a cold or whatever was floating in the air totally overwhelmed me...

I went to our local Walgreens drug store to pick up a few things. I got to the register and the gal waiting on the person in front of me let go of a big sneeze... and of course I jumped back, I could see it coming. I asked her if she had any sanitizer to use on her hands, get this, she said "don't worry, I'm not contagious". I replied..."I do have to worry, I have a lung disease and you just spread all kinds of germs around!" She just glared at me and slammed the change into my hands. YEPPER, I was pi..ed! I found the manager and told him what happened. I told him how frightened I get as I take a chance each and every day going out and dealing with the public and I don't have to be subjected to this kind of treatment. He said he would take care of the situation. I also asked him to have a sanitizer by the register. When I got home I wiped everything down. I always carry my own pen, in case I need to sign anything... at least I know it is germ free. And I always carry wipes with me.

Then yesterday, I was walking into the deli where I work and a customer walking in front of me "coughed" and never covered his mouth I was ready to whack him!

Now as I am posting, I have laryngitis and a sore throat. I have already called my Pulmonologist and will be on an antibiotic. A big concern... Pneumonia, hopefully I caught this in time and if not... then I take it one day at a time.
This is how vulnerable our bodies are in picking up infections, we are going out in public, and again the panic, fear and anxiety... I could tell I was getting sick and then... overnite.... WHAM!

While at work, a co-worker asked me if I have ever had bronchitis, I replied "YES I have and I don't ever want to have it again!" It scares me, the fear sets in...especially this time of year.

I hope you will share your experiences, helpful hints or comments here on "My Little Corner of the World". I would love to hear from you, and just think you may beable to help someone else breathe easier...

1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale,
Sandy

Air Fresheners

We use air fresheners every day, in every shape and form.
We use them in our cars, our kitchens and bathrooms... most likely in almost every room to help eliminate odors and keep our homes smelling fresh and clean. When you look in the supermarket, you'll find a combination of many scents available to purchase.
Personally I do not use them. The chemicals in them are quite harmful to those of us who's lungs are compromised.
Aerosol sprays are also entirely out of the picture for me. That would be like smoking a cigarette. Some candles are ok, but the flowery kind are not good. I usually burn relaxing scented candles. I also use a candle snuffer so it doesn't smoke once the flame has been extinguished and I use a candle topper. This fits on the round type jars and has holes in the top to eliminate the smoke. They can be found in most candle shops and they really work!!

I found an article in our town newspaper about "Air Fresheners" that I would like to share with you:

Q: Some lamps on the market use fragrance oil. Apparently they use a catalytic burner. Do these create an air pollution health hazard in the home?

A: Yes. Air fresheners release volatile organic compounds into the air. These chemicals may cause health problems in some people, according to Dan Tranter with the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Unit.
A U.S. Institute of Medicine report found limited or suggestive evidence that fragrances exacerbate asthma.
Another study found that a chemical (L4 dichlorobenzene, or "L4 DCB") in many air fresheners may reduce lung function. Even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs. According to the study, the best way to protect yourself, and especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds.
If you are using the fragrance lamps to mask an odor, it's far better to find and eliminate the cause of the odor. Increasing ventilation by using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans also can help.
Information about household products, including air fresheners, can be found at http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.
Tranter recommends comparing air fresheners and choosing the one with the fewest and least severe warning statements as well as the lowest ratings for health concerns, flammability and reactivity, preferably a "0" for all three.

So my friends, when trying to freshen up your home, please think about this article and your health... take care of your lungs, they are your life... Breathe Easy.

1 2 3 Inhale... 1 2 3 4 Exhale,
Sandy

Socialization/Handicapped Parking

Have you ever noticed that when you park in a Handicapped Area and you get out of your car like everyone else does, folks look at you in disgust?... as if to say "Why are YOU parking in that spot?"... and wouldn't you just love to say... "Just because I don't have a physical disability that shows,I do have a hidden disability... I have COPD/Emphysema and SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW."

I experienced a lot of those looks and sneers from people, when I used the handicapped parking spots. Those were times when I needed to do so, due to inclement weather, ill health. When I was feeling good, I would use the regular parking spots.

Here is an interesting point in which I need to share with you and get your opinions and comments. When I lived in New Hampshire I applied for a Handicapped License Plate, I had a form completed by my Physician, then took it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. They accepted the form, I paid a small fee and was handed my Handicapped License Plates. New Hampshire required two plates, a mirror tag, which I could take with me if I were in someone elses vehicle. When I moved to Florida, I applied with a form from my Physician... and I was denied!!!... the reason...I am not "sick enough". How sick does one have to be? I have COPD, Emphysema, Fibromyalgia and OsteoArthritis. Guess I was sick enough in New Hampshire but not in Florida!

I am curious as to who actually has the right to deem a person to be "sick enough". Does he/she have a degree in the medical field? Does he/she know ME and my medical history?
Is there anyone that knows who we could contact with regards to these questions and what we need to do to have this situation reviewed and possibly changed?
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Let's all Breathe Together now
1 2 3 ... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Flu Finder

I found a site that I thought may be very helpful to everyone and I would like to share it with you.

http://www.flufinder.com

All you have to do is insert your zip code and it will alert you as to what the flu index is in your area, I check it often. As you will find out, I check into everything when it comes to my health especially my lungs. If I can stay on top of such thing, hopefully I can do something to prevent myself from getting the flu, such as; plenty of liquids, proper diet and plenty of rest and a "real biggie"... stay away from large crowds!!! I was in a store today and a woman coughed and I PANICKED... really I did. I took my hankie out of my pocket and covered my nose and mouth with it. It actually scared me, I could visualize alllll of those germs floating in the air as I approached.

Breathe Easy,
1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

To Laugh, Breathe, and to Live!

Pulmonary Rehabilitation... it is a WONDERFUL thing to get into. It teaches us so much as to why we really need it, it teaches us to laugh, breathe, and to live a life we thought was gone forever! When I initially began this BLOG I had said "Once we are diagnosed with the Big E we think it is the end, rather it is the beginning of the end, we cannot let... or allow the Big E to control our lives, but rather we control IT!" That is so embossed in my mind, I believe that is part of what keeps me going, because I am so stubborn and determined that I will win whatever obstacle is placed in my path, God has put me on this earth for a reason. I would like to say "Thanks" to Lori and Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life... I now know the reason.

My Dr. suggested that I go to pulmonary rehab. I had to wait about a week before there was an opening to get in. And I believe the whole session was for 4 weeks. The first day the p/t's do an evaluation, meaning a walk timed test that lasts about 6 minutes, they check your heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse. That gives them an idea on how to personalize your goals for rehabilitation. The first day was scary, I wasn't sure what to expect. While I was waiting to be evaluated an older lady came out of the exercise room and said to me, "have you ever been here before?", I replied "no, I have not, this is my first day", she said "you're gonna just love it, when I first came here I was on oxygen 24/7 and now I am off it, I can now get on a plane and visit my grandchildren!"
I have never forgotten those words and the joy in her eyes. From that day forward I had a goal and a wonderful memory to keep me going. I knew I was going to ace the course and I did. I couldn't walk or talk at the same time, nor could I walk any distance without being so short of breath, it was scarey and the anxiety that went with it. Due to the awesome people that worked with us daily and retrained us how to walk and talk, breathe properly, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise... I find myself a whole lot better. Anxiety sometimes comes around but now I know how to deal with it.
I continue to exercise, it is very important... I eat healthy and continue what I learned in Pulmonary Rehabilitation class.
Once the course is completed, you receive a diploma. It is nice to look at, and see where we were and how far we have advanced. You also have the option to continue in a maintainance course where you go every week for as long as you want to continue the program or you can do it yourself, which is what I chose to do. About 4 weeks later they schedule you to return to the Pulmonary Rehab. center for a check up, meaning another timed 6 minute walk. Once you are done and all is well... you are on your own!
Please feel free to write in and share your experiences with Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Those of us who have gone through it may be able to help others who are uncertain about joining a class. Also, if anyone has any questions, again... please feel free to write to me. I will try to help you in any way that I can.

Let's Breathe Easy Together
1 2 3 Inhale... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Your friend,
Sandy

Stress and COPD

I had this thought today and would like to share it with you. It is a situation that I had been dealing with in the begining of November 2006, but it is example of how stress plays a very big part in your life with COPD. I had to move out of my apartment, look for a new place to live and also a new job. Which of course would put a lot of stress on anyone. After several weeks I did find a place to live and luckily a job. But, in the meantime...this is my story.

I had been having trouble sleeping for some time. I did not realize it at first, but finally realized and attributed it to the stress of the move... and the new job that I would be starting. All of this leads to shortness of breath, fatigue, and in my case loss of appetite.
Now... my theory was this... Stress can create havoc within our system, everyone knows that. So, my thoughts were... what do I do about my job... I cannot be without a job, sooooo I needed to try a different approach with the job... and with the move. I decided to ask my friends and neighbors for their help with the move.... and believe it or not... I felt much better. I then reapplied at the Sweetbay Store which I had worked when I first moved to Ft. Myers, but had to take a leave of absence when I fractured my ankle.
On November 26, 2006 I finally moved everything into my new apartment and out of storage. I received a sparkling review from Human Resources and received the job at the Sweetbay Store deli.
I was finally able to "Breathe Easier". My one suggestion when living with COPD and dealing with a stressful situation is to try to put it into some type of perspective. Write down your problems and think of reasonable solutions on how you can take care of these problems. Coming up with a game plan is much easier than jumping in head first and jeopardizing your health.

Breathe with me now...
1 2 3 ... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 ... Exhale

Sandy

Germs and the Flu

I wanted to share a quick little tip with all my friends. Cleanliness is so important this time of year when there are germs from colds and the flu spreading around. I carry sanitary wipes with me where ever I go. I use them after I open any door or after i've used a shopping cart. I'm sure you can come up with a million other uses for them. Most supermarkets do provide those wipes, but just in case they don't... I always have my own supply! If you have other ideas for using sanitary wipes, please share them with us.

Breathe Easy,
1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Sandy

Water Drinking

I have a quick "Tip" that I would like to share with everyone. "Water Drinking"... It is one of the most important treatments for Lung Disease. The water helps to keep the mucus thin and thus makes it easier to cough up. It is suggested that we drink 8-16 cups of water or juice a day. It may take a few days to a week for you to notice the difference. This much fluid will make you urinate more, but in time your body will adjust. I drink at least 16 glasses of fluids a day... this is good for me because I perspire so much. I also drink Gatorade to maintain my electrolyte level. PLEASE ask your doctor if 8-16 cups of fluids is ok for you to drink. Some people cannot drink alot of fluids because of Kidney Disease, Prostrate trouble or Heart Disease. So...just as a precaution... check with your doctor first. Breathe Easy! ... 1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale, Sandy

"Fear & Panic" with COPD

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a Happy Holiday.

But now it is time to get back to work!!

As COPD patients we all know that the cold and flu season is not a good time for us. I would like to share a few experiences that I have had in the past week or so.
Last week a co-worker came back to work after she had been off for two days with the FLU! I "panicked"..."fear" set in... I can't catch it... I will get pneumonia and end up in the hospital. So I called my Pulmonologist who advised me to leave work early or ask that she leave. The results... she left.

Then this week, a customer came in with a young child who was "Whooping" up a storm, actually they both were. Let me tell you, as soon as she left I got the lysol spray out, sprayed the counter and anything else that she may have touched. It is very frightening. No one else really knows what we go through on a daily basis.

I feel this is an interesting fact of how this disease "can have control over us"... but as I have said many times... "We cannot let it control us, we have to control it."

Okay... let's try this again,

Breathe Easy... 1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Have a Safe and Healthy New Year!
Sandy

I Don't Like Myself Today

Good morning my friends,
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought... UGH.... "I dont like myself today." Well, when you have COPD/Emphysema that may happen quite often to you.
I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror and decided... "I don't like myself today." You may ask "WHY", what does COPD have to do with "not liking yourself?"
Before I was diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema, I weighed in at a comfortable 145 lbs., my height 5'9" (not too bad), now I have gone way beyond that. The worst part is the barell effect it has on our bodies and the steroids that we have to take.
My clothes do not fit the same way anymore. So you see... some days... "I just don't like myself" hopefully... "tomorrow I will like me again."
I have included an excerpt from an interesting article about COPD/Emphysema explaining about the barrell chest effect for those of you who do not know about it.

Clinical Manifestations
Typically patients with emphysema will have a very distinct "barrel chest." This is due to the problem with the lungs being in constant state of hyperexpansion. The normal negative pressure required for inspiration and the positive pressure required for expiration is lost as the lungs are in a constant state of inflation. Therefore, expiration becomes an active task, increasing the work of breathing. The "barrel chest" is directly related to the ribs as they become fixed in the inspiratory position combined with the loss of elastic recoil of the lungs. Dorsal kyphosis, prominent anterior chest and elevated ribs will contribute to this appearance.

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node=emphysema

May you have a healthy and joyous holiday season.

Breathe easy,
1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale

Sandy

An Interesting Question

Hello and what a beautiful day it is!!
Today at work I had a gentleman ask me a very interesting question. He asked me if "Emphysema" hurts! I replied "it does"... but not in the way that you think, because alot of folks do not understand it. Physically it does not hurt as far as pain, however, we need to get the information out about what this disease does to your body. He then told me that he is trying to quit smoking again, I told him I would be very happy to be his coach. I will see him tomorrow and promised to bring him information on COPD/Emphysema and Asthma for him to read. Isn't life grand when you can help someone! I just love it!
Feel free to write to me anytime, I love to receive mail!!

Breathe Easy,
1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

"Taking a Shower"...

Hello everyone!
I hope you have all been "breathing well" since the last time I posted. I have been extremely busy, as I have spent the last few weeks moving into a new place and have also started a new job.
I have a little "tip" that may make life a bit easier for you.

Because of our limited breathing, I have found that using a terry cloth bath robe to dry off after a shower will reduce the amount of air we use to dry, as opposed to using a regular towel.

Isn't it amazing how much more we can do with knowledge... I hope to continue to share my experiences and knowledge with all of you as we continue our journey together, till we meet again...

Breathe Easy,
1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

How do you describe a "Good Day" or a "Bad Day" with COPD?

I was thinking of some of the questions that I have been asked concerning "Living with COPD". The "Title" for today is one that people have asked me many many times.

When I wake in the morning, I feel refreshed the air quality is fresh and clean, I slept well and I feel well; that is how I perceive a "Good Breathing Day". Today is a very good example of a "Bad Breathing Day", I had trouble sleeping last night, we had the windows open thus breathing in "heavy humid air". The whole day was a strain for me. I usually end up loosing my voice from the strain of talking and trying to breathe. I also end up with a headache from lack of oxygen. After using my resuce inhaler; my breathing is not as strained because my lungs are taking in more oxygen. Pursed Lip breathing is also a great asset, but I will talk more about that another day.
There is also another trigger that affects my breathing. At work, there are folks that smoke. They go out for their "Butt Break" and then not realizing that when they come back in, there is the lingering smoke on their clothes; this second hand smoke immediately tightens my chest in-turn making it hard for me to breath.

Those who have been blessed to beable to keep their healthy lungs, do not understand how difficult the smallest tasks may be for us. There are times I cannot walk and talk at the same time. Or I cannot eat a large meal because I cannot breathe.

I have just given you a few examples of my triggers for Good Day and Bad Day Breathing. I am sure every COPD patient could name so many more. Let us hear from you. We can all learn so much from each other. Please do not be shy or embarressed... let's help one another. I feel newly diagnosed COPD patients, actually all patients need to know what to expect... and who can help them better than us, we cope with this disease day after day... it will give you a great sense of self worth.

Let's try this again...
"Breathe Easy"... 1 2 3 Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

Reaching out to other COPD patients brings joy and satisfaction

I would like to Welcome you all To My Little Corner Of The World. I have had this yearning for sometime now to reach out and help others with COPD cope with this disease.
I met a woman one day while surfing the web who also has COPD. She had no idea how to live her life with this disease. Through my e-mails, I gave her the understanding of how to control the disease rather than to let the disease control her. It gave me a sense of... Good Job - Well Done, I made someone happy. I also have a friend in New Hampshire that has been trying to quit smoking. I have sent her whatever information that I can find and trust that she reads it and thinks of ME and what I have gone through because of smoking. Hopefully my help to her will be a positive outcome. That is my lot in life, to help another human being... to make him or her smile and to have self worth from that smile. I feel that helping others brings so much satisfaction to our lives.
I am very excited to help Lori with her website Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life, http://www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com in her new venture into the world of BLOGGING. I so much want to make this happen and I will contribute as much as I can to help anyone in need.
Please do not be afraid to post, I would love to hear from you. If you have questions, comments or suggestions I will be here to support you.

Breathe Easy.... 1 2 3 Inhale... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

How I can relate by: Sandy Grace

November is COPD Awareness Month. It is a disease that so little is known about. Those of us with this disease are trying to inform the public of what it is and how we live our lives.
I did not write the following, but received it from a support site. I give Edna Fiore a overwhelming amount of credit for writing this piece below. It is a very good explanation of COPD. The one thing it does not say is that the main cause of COPD is SMOKING. It is the 4th leading killer in the world today. And although treatable, it is not curable. But, for those out there that may have COPD and think their life is over...it is not! By eating well, exercising and taking the medications that are prescribed, you can still live a good life. You just have to move slower and with help most of the time. I am praying that in reading this people will become aware and have a better understanding of COPD.

Sick Lungs Don't Show
adapted from 1998 EFFORTS Brochure
by Edna Fiore

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, 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 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, 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!!!!


Breathe Easy,
Sandy