Tips You Can't Live Without!

It's a miracle that I am still alive!  When taking all sizes and pieces of different medications, it is easy to get a
pill hung in the folds of the throat.  This happened to me. I have found a place to buy empty capsules at a
reasonable price.  I take 6 medications, morning and night, some 1/2 and 1/4 tablets and they all fit into one
capsule, making it so nice and convenient to take them.  I order several bottles at a time from the Nutrition
Headquarters in Corbandale, Illinois.  The number is 1-800-851-3551. I order item #18201 regular 100 for
$2.60 or larger size item #18211 for $3.15.  I keep some in my purse and even if I go in the hospital, I use
them.  The nurses are always amazed!
Joyce Strickland
Monroe, LA

Here's a suggestion for those who use oxygen: My oxygen tanks often have a sticky substance on their
outer surface which makes it difficult to slide the cylinder in its case. I wrap a plastic bag around the
cannister, before putting it in the case. It goes in a lot easier for me!
Mrs. Hollis Russell
Syracuse, NY

When traveling, I carry my own pillow to sleep on whether in a hotel or a friend's home. To make it easy for
me to remember to take it with me, I bought a set of bright red pillowcases and use them. This way I am
sleeping on a pillow that will not aggrevate my allergies.
Leslie Mink
Alexandria, VA

After years of frustrated medical care for my asthma, I got an appointment at National Jewish Clinic in
Denver, Co. It was five days of testing, education and evaluation as an outpatient. The most valuable tool I
was given was the Flutter valve. I use it four times a day after my bronchodilator. It has enabled me to bring
up mucus from deep in my lungs that would become infected, especially if I had a cold. My CT scan showed
previous pneumonia scarring, which I was never aware of. It also showed emphysema, gastric reflux and an
enlarged right ventricle. I was taken off five medications and Prilosec added for the gastric reflux. I am
feeling so much better mentally and physically. The exercise program that I was given is one that I handle
comfortably.  If you suffer from excess mucus or have constant lung infections, ask your doctor about the flutter valve - it has been a godsend for me! [The Flutter hand held device provides positive expiratory pressure which holds the airways open; internal vibration to the airways to push mucus up for expectoration. Suggested retail is
$49.90. Your physician may call Scandipharm Pharmacy at 1-800- 950-8085 for information.]
Rose Ann Breitbach
Clinton, MO

Tips on How to COPe with COPD

"Bubbles!" - Believe it or not, blowing bubbles gently really helps practice pursed-lip, controlled breathing - sometimes just breathing! You can get the super size for about $8.00. Those with children and grandchildren can always maintain they stock them for the children - while people more along my line, will just blow their bubbles for a pleasant but therapeutic diversion. The key is gentle, slow "bubble blowing," it does help the airways by exhaling as much trapped air as possible. The prolonged exhale is like nature’s own sigh!

For those of you who drink Pulmocare, keep it refrigerated!. I put two scoops of chocolate ice cream in it and mix it like a milk shake. It’s really good and you won’t believe you are drinking Pulmocare!

Thelma Douglas

Back to top

Medication taken on time and at regular intervals keeps the airways open. A small travel alarm, kept with the inhalers, will alert the user or the caregiver. Unlike the wristwatch type, it has a beep strong enough for the hard of hearing and numerals large enough for the hard of seeing! Simple to use, it takes one AA battery, no winding, and is reasonable in cost. It can be purchased at WalMart in travel accessories for about $9.00!

I drink green tea with a little honey when I have trouble breathing. Green tea contains natural theophylline, so in a few minutes, I can feel the effects and am breathing much more calmly. Also, try putting your foot on your knee to slip on socks and tie tennis shoes, it’s easier than bending over!

Kate Sherman

Back to top

We have just finished celebrating Mothers Day and soon Fathers Day will be upon us. Might I suggest we proclaim another day - to honor our spouses, relations, children and friends who are always willing and able to help we who have lung problems. Today, let’s give them a big hug and say a special "I love you" to all those who help make our lives easier, to those who listen to our complaints, our aches and pains, to those who are our chauffers, errand runners and helpers. Doing this will make them feel better and us feel better.

Hospitals have expensive equipment to test our breathing. I use a Health Teck stop watch, which I bought at Walmart for $4.95. measure all my deep breathing, as well as inhalers through a spacer. That way I can tell day to day and week to week if there is anything change. Most MDs don’t think much of this idea, guess it doesn’t cost enough!

Do you get bedtime leg cramps and do you take theophylline? You may need extra B6, which theophylline compromises. Ask your doctor.If you can’t afford a cell phone for your car, consider a CB radio - it’s got an open emergency band for summoning help.I hang my extra set of keys on my oxygen tank - no chance of locking that in the car!"Worrying is the misuse of your imagination!"I got a battery powered "ScumBuster" for Christmas - forget shower walls, I use it for dishes!Consider Eureka’s Boss Lite cordless vacuum, under $40. We have enough cords!My oxygen company recycles my hoses and cannulas for me - does yours?You might experience loss of bladder or spinchter control with shortness of breath. Don’t be alarmed; it’s common and normal. Supplemental oxygen will help. Ask your doctor.Barbara Stuart (The proud recipient of a lung transplant on 8/15/97!)

Barbara Stuart (The proud recipient of a lung transplant on 8/15/97!)

                                                                                                                                                 Back to Top