Daily Living With COPD

Compromise is often the key to coping with COPD Men and women with COPD know that any daily activity takes more effort and energy than it normally would. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to completely change your lifestyle, although you can benefit from learning simplified ways of doing household tasks and gardening, or even traveling. The sections in this chapter are filled with tips to help you conserve energy. PLAN AHEAD Consider the best time and best way to accomplish tasks. Try using the same methods each time you do a certain activity to improve your skill and conserve energy. Avoid unnecessary steps by gathering everything you need before you start. Don't do two tasks back-to-back which require a lot of energy. PRIORITIES FIRST Schedule your day so that the most important activities get done before you run low on energy. It might be wise to eliminate unnecessary tasks on some days. PURSE YOUR LIPS Pursed-lip breathing is probably the best way you can minimize shortness of breath. It slows down your breathing which allows more air to move in and out of your lungs. Use this breathing technique throughout an activity and also during rest periods. Be sure to exhale for at least twice as long as you inhale. PACE YOURSELF Maintaining a steady pace rather than rushing around conserves energy. Scheduling rest breaks throughout an activity and between tasks can help you complete your day with less strain. POSITIONING COUNTS Choosing the most comfortable position for each activity can be a real energy saver. Sit down whenever possible and avoid bending over as this interferes with breathing. Try to push and slide equipment rather than carrying or lifting it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Breath Savers For Conserving Energy Morning Take a bath rather than a shower when possible as standing for any length of time consumes more energy. If showering, use a plastic stool or chair to sit on. Hot water and steam may make you short of breath and could cause drowsiness, so use lukewarm water instead. Keep the door open slightly to help eliminate steam. Bathing is a strenuous activity and using prescribed oxygen while in the bath can help. You can save energy while shaving, brushing your teeth, washing your face,. combing your hair, or applying make-up by sitting on a stool that's high enough for you to see into the mirror. You may even try propping your elbows on the sink. Energy-saving shortcuts for dressing include gathering all the clothes and accessories you plan to wear before you begin. Sit down while dressing. It's smarter to clothe your lower body first because it takes more energy. Bring your feet up to you rather than bending down to put on shoes, socks, and pants. Use a footstool for support if necessary. Afternoon Organize your work areas, placing supplies near where they will be used. This includes storing objects at shoulder or waist level to avoid bending or reaching. To reduce fatigue, sit down while you work and, whenever possible, use electrical appliances and other energy-saving devices. When moving anything heavy or awkward in the garage or kitchen, use a utility cart or wagon to avoid making numerous trips. Learn to recognize your personal limits and schedule rest periods to prevent fatigue. In fact, anytime you change your body's position, it's a good idea to rest after each movement. This includes even simple chores like standing up and lying down. Be sure to pause at least a second or two between movements. Evening Individuals with COPD who have to cope with its symptoms and effects often experience an emotional loss of normal sex interest. If this is the case, sharing any concerns you have with your partner may help. Also, remember to choose the best time of day for sex when you are relaxed and rested. As with any activity, you should avoid sexual intercourse after a heavy meal or within three hours of alcohol ingestion. Use your bronchodilator either before intercourse or as soon as sudden shortness of breath is experienced. If oxygen has been prescribed for you, inhaling low-flow oxygen during intercourse will help. Certain positions tend to reduce the stress on the heart and lungs during sexual activity. They are: On your back with your partner kneeling so that you are not bearing your partner's full weight. Seated in an armless chair, feet supported, with your partner sitting on your lap, facing you. You and your partner positioned on your sides. Remember, rushing things also uses more energy, so take your time, relax, and enjoy each other.