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Select the share type or view all: All Blog Alert Top 10 List Poll Recipe Photo Tribute 7       Blog: Sick lungs don't show!   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 means many things... Living with COPD can mean having to avoid: * all kinds of strong odors, smoke, flowers, perfumes, cleaning supplies, paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, shaving lotion, bath powders, incense, * excess humidity * temperature 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 * 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 * having my friends make short, pleasant, smoke-less visits Emotionally....Living with COPD can mean: * crying easily, angering easily, become frustrated and impatient because I can't do the things I used to do * feeling resentful when others tell me, "you don't LOOK sick" * being panicky and tense * being dependent and demanding because it's frightening when you can't breathe COPD affects my family too! They are affected by: * adapting to my various physical, emotional, social and environmental needs and limitations * leaving many functions earlier than they wish because of me or never even getting there   * having to check out all of the details in advance and getting places early * having to remain calm and reassuring at all times   REMEMBER............. I may not look sick........... but..... SICK LUNGS DON'T SHOW!!!!!!!!!! Author Unknown   Posted: May 24, 2006 4:25pm | comment (8) | discuss (0) | permalink     fetching data... Tags: Blog: About Your Group Owner   A little about myself, your group owner.  My name is Michael Brewster, and I live in Waxahachie Texas.  I was born and raised in Lansing,Michigan where I lived all my life until 1994, then I moved to Texas to be near my family who all moved to Texas in the 1970's. I was married to a wonderful woman for just over 16 years when she passed away in 1993.  I am currently 49 years old and will turn 50 on May 23 of 2006. I am also disabled with, Epilepsy, MS, HIV/AIDS with AIDS diagnosis in 2002, Lipodystrophy, Gastritis, Diverticulitis, Peripheral neuropathy, Degenrative Disc Diease.  Once I was no longer able to work, I had to think of ways of keeping myself busy, yet do something that would be able to help out others.  So my online Mom, on AOL, who is also a member of this group, Janet R desided we would open a chat room called Disabled Support and help the disabled folks on AOL get support.  It went so well, that I decided I needed to be able to reach more people outside of AOL, and found Care2 would be a great place to do so.  So I opened this group to do what I do best, and that is to help others and give them the support that the disabled, their families, friends, and care providers need so much. I just hope that you all find the support you need with us and my God bless each and everyone of you.   Posted: Jan 10, 2006 8:34pm | comment (2) | discuss (0) | permalink     fetching data... Tags: survivor     Tribute: In Memory of Nanette Belasco   Name: Nanette Belasco Type: Memorial (for the deceased) To Honor: Individual(s) Location: , United States This is a Memorial for my friend and co-host, Nanette Belasco. Nanette was a wonderful person who cared about animals, the world, and the disabled people of our world.  She was always very kind to everyone she meet along her way through her life and here on Care2.  She will always be remembered in my heart as the most caring person who only wanted to see others have a better life then her own.  She is going to be missed greatly by family, friends and her pets.  God bless Nanette.     Posted: Oct 29, 2005 10:13pm | comment (10) | discuss (0) | permalink     fetching data... Tags:   |<     <     1     >     >|

This group: Disabled Support 629 Members Disabled Support Share Summary Updated: Blog 2 May 24, 2006 Tribute 1 Oct 29, 2005 FEATURED SPONSOR Our sponsors help keep this site free!