Living with COPD

Managing COPD can seem overwhelming. When talking to your healthcare provider, do you sometimes feel the recommended treatment plan is confusing or challenging to follow? If you leave your appointment with unanswered questions, it’s time to take steps to advocate for your long health. Learning how to do this doesn’t happen overnight. To get started, learn as much as you can about COPD and write down your questions. Schedule a follow up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your COPD and prioritize getting your questions answered. It feels good to have a plan of what to do when your symptoms flare up.

Fill in a COPD action plan with your provider to help you remember the steps to take when you aren’t feeling well. Becoming a self-advocate is a powerful way to take control of your disease. You will feel confident in knowing what steps to take when your COPD gets worse and when to get help. When you are diagnosed with COPD, that is a big deal, and it becomes a chapter in the story of your life. But it doesn't need to be the title of the book. By advocating for yourself, you can make sure you get the care you need to feel your best. Learn more at Lung.org/COPD.