COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Discussion and conclusion
In the past 50 years behavioural research on COPD patients has evolved considerably. Over time, a trend for the patient to become the central actor in the management of the illness is discernable. Evidence-based reviews indicate that self-management offers COPD patients effective options for managing their illness, leading to positive outcomes such as reduced frequency of hospitalization, greater exercise tolerance, and enhanced quality of life. Future research should focus on how self-management skills can be incorporated formally into medical care. In addition to offering suggestions on how clinicians may be instrumental in improving self-management behaviour in COPD patients, and thereby improve care outcomes, we highlight the importance of gaining insight into the perceptions of patients of their own situation, and incorporating a respect for patient perspectives into the philosophy of care.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WWS-4TPWVWD-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=1ebbce5d7858dd829e1c2cde7237ecbd
In the past 50 years behavioural research on COPD patients has evolved considerably. Over time, a trend for the patient to become the central actor in the management of the illness is discernable. Evidence-based reviews indicate that self-management offers COPD patients effective options for managing their illness, leading to positive outcomes such as reduced frequency of hospitalization, greater exercise tolerance, and enhanced quality of life. Future research should focus on how self-management skills can be incorporated formally into medical care. In addition to offering suggestions on how clinicians may be instrumental in improving self-management behaviour in COPD patients, and thereby improve care outcomes, we highlight the importance of gaining insight into the perceptions of patients of their own situation, and incorporating a respect for patient perspectives into the philosophy of care.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WWS-4TPWVWD-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=1ebbce5d7858dd829e1c2cde7237ecbd
Shirley
I know the doctors and nurses are amazed at how much lung function I have regained. My consultant says "whatever you are doing, just keep doing it cos its working"!
Keep on keeping on cos it sure is worth it and so are you :O) xoxo
Thanks for sharing this Holly and the link too.
patients to be treated with respect as to
their own knowledge about their own condition.
Educating ourselves about COPD, and managing
our own bodies and lives can make our doctors
change some of their old fashioned ideas; I
hope?
So....I know I have it, I know I may die from it, but on the other hand I might die from slipping on an icy sidewalk, but the one thing I know for certain is my attitude is as important as anything. I can wallow in self pity or sing in the sunshine.
So, I huff and puff at times, sometimes, like someone said here, there are days that are diamonds and others that are stones, but most of the time, I put the whole thing aside as (which does not mean not taking care of me or my meds), and get on with life, as well as I can. I also avoid soothsaying doctors and listen to my own little body...it tells me lots of things when I do. Hopefully, the medical profession will listen more to us, too.
Life is just as beautiful as we let it be...and actually, I think those with COPD have even more appreciation for it.
And that's just my little 2 cents! :o)