It has been 40 years since she moved away from Ritchie County, but she keeps in touch with her childhood friends. “Even now, cell phone service and internet access are almost nonexistent in certain parts of the state. My friend needs to drive almost a mile just to make a call on her cell phone,” Caroline explained. Since moving to Beckley, a city in Southern West Virginia, she has more access to healthcare services and specialized care. This is important because, in 2013, Caroline was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
Because she had been a teacher, when Caroline was diagnosed with COPD her primary care provider gave her an “assignment.” He challenged her to learn about COPD from sources like the American Lung Association and the COPD Foundation, while staying away from “Dr. Google.” Through her research, Caroline found much more than information about COPD, “I found the hope I needed- that you can live with COPD, and it is not a death sentence,” she said.
Caroline’s Tips for Self-Advocacy
As Caroline navigated her COPD journey, she learned the importance of self-advocacy. Along with taking medication and using supplemental oxygen as prescribed, Caroline believes in taking an active role in her health, which involves asking questions and learning as much as she can about her condition. Below are Caroline’s tips to help others living with COPD advocate for their lung health:
- Exercise is medicine. Physical activity has many benefits. It can help you manage stress, strengthen your muscles and improve your breathing.
- Get enough rest. The right amount of sleep is important, and you need to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing signs of a sleep disorder.
- Eat healthy. Nutrition plays a vital role in your lung health.
- Keep a positive mental outlook. Taking care of your emotional health is as important as taking care of your physical health.
- Stay up to date with your vaccinations. When you are living with COPD, you may be at a higher risk of serious illness from infectious respiratory diseases like the flu.
- Partner with your healthcare providers. Be an active part of your treatment plan. If you feel you are not getting the right care or your concerns are being dismissed, find another healthcare provider who will take the time to listen to you.
- Quit smoking and control your indoor air quality. Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, vapors and chemicals can worsen your COPD. Free support is available to help you quit smoking. Call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872 and press 2) to get started.
Talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you live in a rural area, about having prescriptions on hand for medication refills and medications, like prednisone and steroids. Caroline has medication on hand, if she has a COPD flare up. When she is having signs of a flare up, like more mucus or worsening cough, she calls her provider’s office and explains her symptoms. Her provider guides her through the treatment plan which may be to start the as needed medication or come in for an office visit.
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