The Complete Guide to Understanding and Living with COPD: From a COPDer's Perspective

by R.D. Martin

R. D. Martin, who has lived with COPD for over two decades, has authored The Complete Guide to Understanding and Living with From a COPDer's Perspective, a survival and self-help guide that goes far beyond clinical information and into the heart of living with this disease. Martin, who considers himself more than just a patient, reminds readers page after page that knowledge is more than power-it minimizes fear of the disease and the uncertainty regarding the future, while maximizing the ability to experience a full and joyful life. He provides practical explanations about the disease and tips on how to get the best treatment. He offers guidance on how to handle the effects the disease has on mobility, work, relationships, intimacy, entitlements, and one's emotional well-being. Martin writes as if he is talking to a friend, and provides valuable information for those who are recently diagnosed, those who have advanced COPD, and those who have a loved one with COPD.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2010

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes Helpful; Sometimes Not So Much

I have had a diagnosis of COPD for years now, and thought it might be helpful to read this book. I was an RN for about 30 years and a practicing attorney for nearly 30 more, so some parts of this book were not helpful to me at all. However, the author does build a sense of working together with his reader since he also has COPD. It was certainly not worthless but sometimes seemed more annoying than helpful. I did realize from my own experience so far that you can be very sick and believe the disease is progressing but actually may then improve (at last) and realize that you are in a kind of remission. You don't always just get sicker and sicker and then die. There are ups and downs for sure. Having been through some of each, parts of the book didn't ring true (for me) and so were more annoying than helpful. However, I have always believed that more education about a person's situation is always helpful. This is not the first book I have read about COPD and it won't be the last.

[Don Heiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2010 Every Breath Publishers released R.D. Martin’s book "Understanding and Living With COPD: From a COPDer’s Perspective.” This book discusses the health events associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that comes from emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. Martin, his mother, and three siblings suffered from the breathing and lung impairments of the disease. His book is a personal narrative of his disease symptoms, medical treatments, and psychological strategies to cope with the disease. The narratives also discuss COPD disease diagnostics, learning how to manage disease effects, and learning about medical procedures associated with surgeries, transplants, and COPD medical equipment. Following these discussions, Martin writes about the financial resources available to patients, the emotional impact of having COPD, and best practices for planning continuous care. He concludes the book with discussions about the pragmatics for managing COPDer’s mobility, family relations, daily activities, and life expectancies. His observations about breathing techniques, staying healthy, work employment, and enjoying life to its fullest are very insightful . The book is also very helpful for COPD care givers, family members, friends, and extended family loved ones. (p)

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) four years ago. For more than two years, I relied on prescribed medications, but my symptoms continued to worsen. My breathing became more difficult, fatigue set in quickly, and simple daily activities started to feel exhausting.Last year, out of both desperation and hope, I decided to try a herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. But within just a few months, I began to notice real changes my breathing became easier, my energy improved, and I could do more without feeling completely worn out.It has been a life-changing experience. I finally feel like myself again better than I have in years. If you or someone you love is struggling with IPF, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can contact them on their website www.naturepathherbalclinic.com

[MATINA ROBERT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their website at www.ultimatelifeclinic.com I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good info and this guy has a wicked sense of humor.

[Marcea Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful

Lots of very good information, this book helped me more then my doctor did in terms of information about what was coming in dealing with emphysema.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for those with COPD or caregivers. Written by a patient for patients. Very informative with many practical tips.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informational.