Site Map

Home

About COPD

 

What Is It?/Who Develops It?

 

Should I See A Dr? (A Checklist)

 

Women & COPD

 

COPD - Latest  Web Info & Research (links)

Talking To Your Dr

 

Before You Go

 

Initial Visit Q's

 

Follow Up Visit Q's

 

COPD Action Plan Link

Ask the RRT

 

 

Ask The Respiratory Therapist YOUR Question

 

Recent RRT Q&A's

 

Archived Q&A's (2008/09)

Medicines

 

 

The Different "Types"

 

Know Your Meds - A Reference Guide for Canadaians

 

(pdf version)

 

Drug Names/Equivalents in Different Countries

 

Medical Acronyms

Are You Newly Diagnosed?

 

 

If Nothing Else, Read This

 

Just Between Us - From Your Fellow COPDer's

Breathing

 

Breathing Distress

 

Anxiety & Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB)

 

Diagphagmatic Breathing

 

Exhale & Relax

Breathing Tests

 

(Understanding)

 

PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)

 

Spirometry Tests

Finger Pulse Oximeters

 

 

About Them & Why Own One

 

Where To Get One

Exercise

 

 

Why It's Important

 

FREE Exercise DVD

Nutrition

 

 

Why It's Important

 

Nutritional Needs & Foods To Avoid

For COPD Caregivers & Support People

 

 

Dear family

 

Sick Lungs Don't Show

Lung Transplant

 

 

Lung Transplant Ctrs in Canada

 

Meet Melody (pre transplant ) The Waiting

 

Post Transplant Q's &A's of Melody

 

Follow a Couple of "Current" Tx Patients on Their Journey

HOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sick Lungs Don't Show

It's absolutely amazing the number of times you'll hear "You Don't Look Sick"; even from Doctors. 

The following has been adapted from the 1998 EFFORTS Brochure by Edna Fiore.  It has circled the net many times through forums and e mails between COPDer's.  Many have printed it off and given to family or friends.

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, incense.  I also have to avoid 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 visits.

EMOTIONALLY

Living with COPD can mean crying easily, angering easily, becoming frustrated and impatient because I can't do the things I use 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 because it's frightening when I can't breathe.

COPD AFFECTS MY FAMILY TOO

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 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!!!

                                       ALSO

Dear Family - an open letter written by a former COPD patient to her family..

 

 

 

 

Site Map

Home

About Us

 

Who We Are

 

COPD Canada's Reps, Board of Dir. & Contact

Membership

 

 

Why You Should Become a Member

 

Sign Up Form (on line)

 

Form (pdf) for Printing off & Mailing

 

Update Your Membership Info

$avings

 

 

 

Current Discounts for Members

Across Canada(COPD)

Pulmonary Rehab Facilities

Your Provincial Report Card

Provincial Health Ministers

Form Letters You Can Use

March 2009 Letter Campaign Results

Socialized Medicine

 

It's Tax

Deductible

Message Board/Forum

COPD in Canada

Newsletters

 

2010

Spring  Summer

 

2009

Spring,   Summer, Fall   Winter

 

2008

Spring,   Summer, Fall   Winter

Pamphlets for Printing or Requesting (Free)

 

It Could Be COPD

 

What Can I Do?

Useful Links

 

COPD in Canada Message Board Forum

( open to the Public)

 

Useful Resource Links

General Info

 

 

Disclaimer

 

References

/Bibliography

 

Thanks & Acknowledgements

 

Report Broken Links

 

General Inquiries

HOME

We comply with the

HONcode standard for

trustworthy This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.health information