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The COPD Cop-Out

 I remember when I was diagnosed with asthma four years ago.  I was nervous but also glad to finally have words for why I suddenly couldn't catch my breath.  I even remember trying to be super cute about the whole thing.  My then-husband bought me a cute little pouch thingy to keep my inhaler in.  I put a sticker of a pickle on it to show how witty I was about it.


These days the vibe is a little different.  I find myself troubling over using the right words when I contact my doctor to discuss my COPD symptoms.


And I'm asking myself how this went from asthma to COPD in four years?

I'm asking myself if my symptoms were always there or suddenly appearing?

Is my cough sharper?

Is my chest crackle louder?

Are the side effects from my new inhaler real or imagined because I read them?

Are my hands shaking?

Is my heart racing?


Then I decided to try to have a sense of humor about it if I could. 

Like opting out of fun or work tasks with my new fun excuse:

"I'd love to come to your Goat's Gender Reveal, but I have COPD."

"I really wish I could schedule that catering for you, but I have COPD."


And I really do think with time, education and a little more understanding that I will be fine.  Like any long-term condition it's one that takes getting used to and a little bit of grace.  I know I'll get there.  I always have. So for all five of my readers out there,  y'all don't worry!  Just keeping you in the loop like I always have!  It's a New Year with new events on the books, new clothes arriving daily and the Year of the Dragon.  I am ready and here for every bit of it!

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