Dawn Lesley Fielding - The COPD Solution: A Proven 10-Week Program for Living and Breathing Better with Chronic Lung Disease

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Copyright 2015 by Dawn Lesley Fielding

Photos courtesy of the author

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First Da Capo Press edition 2015

ISBN: 978-0-7382-1826-7 (e-book)

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Note: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to know more about health issues. In no way is this book intended to replace, countermand, or conflict with the advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning care should be made between you and your doctor. We strongly recommend you follow his or her advice. Information in this book is general and is offered with no guarantees on the part of the authors or Da Capo Press. The authors and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

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For sweet Jude, Linda, Jan, Bob, Charlie, and so many more who continue to press on, smiling through breathlessness, anxiety, and so much more to discover strength and find beauty in every day, thank you. You continue to inspire me to sing the beautiful song of life. Breathe easy, my dear friends.

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

There is sometimes a moment when the universe alignsa moment that is explosive, large, loud, invisible, and silent all at the same timewhen time seems to stop, and a purpose is born. For everyone who experiences this, it may be different. For me, it started with a fire in my chest, a burning that spread throughout my body, all the way to my fingertips and toes. My head was on fire, too, and I think it might have actually physically enlarged from the impact. I knew what I wanted to do. I knew where I was needed. And I readied myself for the journey.

With the numbers of those afflicted rapidly climbing the charts, the problems of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are quickly becoming a worldwide concern. In order to relieve the pain and suffering its victims experience, and out of an incredible lack of resources and tools available for those who proudly wear its badge, The COPD Solution was born.

I am compelled to raise awareness of the impact of this diseaseand I want anyone who suffers from this illness to know that there is hope, there is a strategy, you can gain ability, and you can be given tools to do so much more than merely survive.

Treating COPD has become my mission. I am here to serve you. I hope you find in the pages of this book what my experience, determination, love, hope, and practice have shown so many others. I hope you begin to live and thrive rather than simply be alive. I am so happy to be your therapist!

Best wishes and happy breathing, DLF

When you own your own breath, nobody can steal your peace.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Id like to introduce you to Linda. Linda is 64 years old, 54 tall, and weighs 155 pounds. She has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term commonly used for the combination of any two of the following chronic lung diseases: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or asthma. Linda was diagnosed four years ago. A recent test of her breathing function placed her in the Stage III category for COPDthat is, severe. This is the story of the first time I met her. Her story may remind you of yourself or someone you love.

I had already started my assessment of her before we were even close enough to speak. Linda has short, brown hair. It has been cut, I am assuming, for easy upkeep (most patients with her condition struggle to perform tasks above the waist). She has dark, deep-set eyes, and wears no makeup. Although she is Caucasian, her skin has a slight natural tan. She has a few more wrinkles than do most people her age. Her movements are very slow and deliberate, and she kind of shuffles when she walks, as if it is an effort to lift her feet.

Linda is quiet and concentrated. She looks focused as she approaches me. Her breathing is labored, and I can hear her wheezing and see the retractions in her neck as the gap between us shrinks. Her mouth is drawn slightly open, her lips curling inward just a bit. It pronounces her cheekbones in a unique way. I have seen many patients in her condition hold their mouth this same way in an effort to catch more air. I make a mental note to review proper breathing techniques with her as soon as possible.

Looking out the window, I notice the silver car she exited is parked in the first handicapped spot by the doorthats only 60 feet or so from where she is, but it has taken a great amount of effort to get here. Its safe to assume she will need a rest soon, and that she has to rest countless times throughout her day.

Finally, she reaches the door to my office. Hi Linda, Im Dawn, I say, and motion toward a chair in my lobby. She quickly accepts the invitation to sit but cant quite thank menot yet. Shes too breathless to speak. After a few minutes of silence, except for the hissing of the portable oxygen tank she has brought along with her, she thanks me for my patience and indicates that she is now able to proceed. As I talk to her, and having reviewed her pulmonary function paperwork from her physician, I mentally catalog my list of her signs and symptoms. They include: