Once you have been diagnosed and you begin living with COPD, there will be many changes in your life. There will be differences in your energy level as well as your ability to juggle your responsibilities as you once did. You may even find that your plans for the future may change.

As you begin life with COPD, you will need to factor in a certain amount of flexibility into your day. With COPD, you will find that every day is not the same. Some days you will feel great and get much accomplished and some days you will feel washed out and unable to accomplish much at all.

It is important to not view the “down days” as failures. Living with COPD means that you need to be very conscious of your normal routine and realize that you will need to adapt to the limitations brought on by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Remember, be flexible, not discouraged!

Living with COPD – Make a Plan

With good COPD management, it is important to plan out your day, being sure to take into account the weather for that day.  Extremely hot days are not days on which to plan shopping trips. Hot weather causes COPD exacerbation, which means that the COPD symptoms are worsened and can be dangerous for those suffering with the disease.

Also, take into account where you live and where you might be going. Are there a lot of steps or steep terrain to navigate once you arrive at your destination?

Although, you used to plan many stops during a day for convenience sake, you may need to space out trips over several days and make fewer stops when going out.

Going to the beauty shop or getting a hair cut may be all you can handle for one day, and that is OK. The hardest part is realizing that you need to take it a little slower than you once did. Successfully living with COPD definitely involves having a plan for each day.

Living with COPD – Handling Everyday Tasks

Living with COPD means that even everyday tasks will take on a new dimension. Here are some tips for better management of COPD and how to cope with some common everyday tasks.

Bathing

Even some as basic as bathing can wear you out before the day even begins.  Never take a shower or bath if you feel weak or dizzy if you are by yourself.  Ask a family member or friend to drop by–he or she can read while you bathe, but be nearby in case you might need help.

Here are some bathing tips that you might find helpful:

• If your shower is in the bathtub, get a slip-proof  mat.
• You don’t need to get in the tub or shower to get clean–take a sponge bath.  Sit down to avoid getting fatigued.
• A slip-proof chair is great to get if you want to bathe in the tub but don’t feel it will be easy to get up once seated in the tub.
• Use the slip-proof chair when you shower as well to avoid unnecessary fatigue.
• Use warm water not hot water to lessen shortness of breath.
• A long handled brush is great for reaching your back or feet.
• Keep your door ajar or install a vent fan to lessen humidity in your bathroom.
• A terry robe is great to use instead of drying with a regular bath towel because it takes less effort.

Cleaning

You will still need to keep your house clean, but you will find that you will need to make some adaptations to how you clean your house.  Here are some house cleaning tips that may be helpful.

• Be flexible with your standards.  You may no longer be able to keep your floors clean enough to eat off of.
• There is no shame in hiring someone to help if you can afford it.
• Have a spouse or family member handle the tasks that you find difficult such as sweeping, moping or vacuuming.
• Cut down on the clutter and nick-nacks.  These things only collect dust and that is the last thing you need to worry about.
• If it is possible, remove carpeting and use wood or laminate flooring that collect less dust and require less up-keep.
• A rolling laundry cart is better than one you have to carry to the washing machine.
• Sit at a table to fold clothes.

Cooking

We all need to eat, and though you may not often feel like cooking, proper nutrition is a very important part of maintaining good health.   Here are some cooking tips to help as you learn to cope with COPD.

• Prepare a week’s menu at one sitting if possible.
• Preplan your meals when you are neither tired nor hungry.
• A microwave is a great tool to cut down on cooking times.
• A crock pot or slow-cooker is a wonderful way to cook a “set and forget” type meal.
• Use lightweight pots and pans.
• Get organized and lay everything out before you begin cooking so you will avoid unnecessary steps around the kitchen.
• Sit, if possible, to cut and peel vegetables and fruits.
• Make sure your kitchen has good ventilation.
• Let dishes and pans soak before washing to lessen the effort needed to clean them.
• Clean out the drawers and cupboards and give away utensils, pot and pans that you no longer use.  This will make it easier to get to the one you use on a regular basis.
• Avoid the “economy size” containers of food.  This will make it easier for you to handle the food containers as you cook.
• Use a grocery delivery service if one exists in your area.

Dressing

For someone with COPD, getting dressed in the morning can leave you exhausted before the day even begins.  Here are some tips to make getting dressed easier.

• Do not wear any clothing that restricts chest or abdominal expansion.  Be sure to avoid tight bras and belts.  Choose loose fitting clothing that is comfortable to wear.
• Avoid socks or stocking that may cause circulation problems in your legs.
• Slip-on or Velcro type shoes are better than having to bend and ties shoelaces.
• Men may want to use suspenders rather than a belt.
• Women may prefer slacks and socks.   Socks are easier to put on than panty hose.
• Avoid neck scarves and tight neckties.
• Cotton underclothing is cooler and more comfortable than synthetic.

Driving

As you begin living with COPD, you will of course want to maintain a similar level of mobility, so here are some driving tips that may be helpful.

• Coordinate your breathing with your activities–inhale and as you exhale, step into the car.
• If it is possible, drive a car with an automatic transmission.
• Try to schedule your trips before or after rush-hour traffic to make for a less stressful drive.
• Give consideration to getting a handicap parking tag or license plate so you can park closer and walk less when shopping.  Your physician can help you get a handicap tag or plate.

Living with COPD – Live Your Life!

Life with COPD can be just a fulfilling and rewarding as before, you just have to be flexible and adapt to a new lifestyle.  Living with COPD means planning activities with a little more care than before.

Remember, you will need to slow down your pace and if you are tired, stop and rest.  Do not push yourself and become overly fatigued.  Plan fewer stops when out shopping and make sure that you are not out when the weather is too hot.

Also, get help around the house if needed.  Utilize the help of friends and family when necessary.

We hope that you have found this information about coping with COPD helpful.  Don’t let COPD keep you from living your life!  For more about living with COPD, visit the American Lung Association website.

The information found on this website is not intended to be a substitute for guidance from a licensed physician.  Never self-diagnose, always seek proper medical attention.