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...
as I think he is.
Last night when I got home from grocery shopping, I noticed the front door locks were all unlocked. That's the second time in two days. I said, "You keep forgetting to lock the front door. That's not like you. It makes me a little nervous." He was very quiet and had a strange look on his face. I said, "Are you doing it on purpose?" He told me that he has been leaving it unlocked when I am not home. He said, "If I need an ambulance or something, they wouldn't be able to get in if the doors were locked."
This is a good sign and a bad sign for me. The good sign is that it might mean he's starting to get concerned about his health. The bad sign is that his health is bad enough that he's worried about needing an ambulance.
What a stubborn old fart!
Last night when I got home from grocery shopping, I noticed the front door locks were all unlocked. That's the second time in two days. I said, "You keep forgetting to lock the front door. That's not like you. It makes me a little nervous." He was very quiet and had a strange look on his face. I said, "Are you doing it on purpose?" He told me that he has been leaving it unlocked when I am not home. He said, "If I need an ambulance or something, they wouldn't be able to get in if the doors were locked."
This is a good sign and a bad sign for me. The good sign is that it might mean he's starting to get concerned about his health. The bad sign is that his health is bad enough that he's worried about needing an ambulance.
What a stubborn old fart!
Now if only he can eventually realize that he doesn't have to live with such fear.
Now if he would just suggest he needs to see the pulmologist.....
BJ
COPD: EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT
www.nationaljewish.org
In most cases, COPD completely changes a person's life and it is hard
to adjust to a new way of being in the world. You may have been
active for all of your life and now you can't do the things you once
enjoyed. You most likely feel slowed down, have lost much of the
spontaneity you used to have. Dragging oxygen around, sleep problems
and fatigue make it difficult to just pick up and go. You may be
self-conscious about your oxygen or a chronic cough and become
reluctant to go out in public. Many people miss doing the things that
made their life fun like traveling, dancing, gardening, walking,
spending time with family and grandchildren. Consequently, they can
feel like a burden on their family.
These are important losses that must be grieved just like losing a
loved one. It is normal to feel angry, afraid, sad, depressed,
guilty, stressed and frustrated with all of the changes. It is
critical to allow yourself to feel all of these things even when it
is uncomfortable. Using the support of others will also help you feel
less alone in dealing with these changes. Adjusting to an illness is
a process and will not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and
learn more about coping with your emotions. See More:
http://www.nationaljewish.org/healthinfo/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/emotional-management/
I am glad things are turning around for her and her husband is realizing he needs help.That is a very good post for you justshootme!
BJ
Good link Ima......and some good advice in post #2:):):)