People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
often wonder about topics left unasked or unanswered during an office visit with providers. These questions are often best discussed 1:1 in a quiet setting with a loved one or alone with an expert COPD educator rather than reading and interpreting medical standards from websites. You may have a partner, caregiver, or other support person attend with you.
Patient-centered education!
I will give you patience and time to learn at your pace and ask as many questions as needed. Our conversation will revolve around your needs. If more sessions are needed, I'm ready and able. Packages are available as well as single sessions with custom topics.
Common services
Review each therapy prescribed by your physician to ensure you understand the instructions and use the tools most effectively for your unique breath needs.
Inhaler techniques - to maximize medication effect.
Nebulizer or inhaler? Let's talk about types of medications.
Mucous moving using cough and deep breathing techniques and adjunct therapies.
Breathwork and Meditation as a way to control dyspnea and anxiety in chronic disease states.
Use of other therapies like oxygen, PEP therapy aka "flutter" valve, CPAP, BiPAP, AVAPS, vest therapy, and Incentive Spirometry. Ask me about your alphabet soup!
Prepare for sleep studies, pulmonary function tests, and others that you may have been asked to complete by your doctor.
Handouts!
Summary of our conversation, a written action plan to use at doctor's appointments, with caregivers, and with family members.
Content
is based on current evidence-based guidelines published by GOLD (www.goldcopd.org) and the COPD Foundation.
Tailored to your unique situation
individuals and/or caregivers of persons with COPD or other lung diseases often have support structures already in place.
Custom sessions and packages are available for weekly or more frequent check-ins with your loved ones.
If you are a COPD patient unable to afford my fees, a limited number of scholarships are available. Please reach out with your needs and I will connect you with available resources. Watch for my Summer 2023 group session in June - July - August!