THE SECRET TO THRIVING WITH COPD: A UNIQUE PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AND A LATE-STAGE PATIENT

Great book

I hesitated at writing this review, as I believe in writing it, I must reveal personal medical information that I'd rather not reveal. I believe the review will benefit enough people to outweigh my selfish need to keep my physical condition private.l was diagnosed with COPD in 2013. Because at that time I wasn't experiencing any symptoms, I pretty well ignored it, thinking... well, I'm not quite sure what I was thinking. About three years ago I noticed that I was huffing and puffing from walking up a small hill. I attributed it to pushing 70 years old, and gave it little thought. After all, I could still walk 3 miles, so it couldn't be too serious a problem right?Well, now it's a problem. I can't walk 3 miles anymore. In fact, I get winded from toweling off after a shower. I suddenly realized that I was in trouble and began to look for help. This book has been more help than I can describe here. The insights by both women have been eye opening, to say the least.Rachel's contention that "She found herself, time and again, trying to climb over a wall of medical professionals who insisted that sick people should stay sick" is so sadly true that it makes me want to cry. It hit me like a bolt of lightening that I'd been to a Pulmonologist, a Cardiologist and my own medical doctor, and not one of them even mentioned pulmonary rehabilitation, or for that matter, anything that would be of help to someone with COPD. This was a devastating realization. If I was going to get any help, it was only going to come strictly through my own efforts. How sad.If you have COPD, don't deny yourself the information in this book, because it can and will change your life in ways that seemed out of reach before you read it. As a side note, I also began using a pipe shaped device that's also available on Amazon called The Breather. I've only been applying this information and The Breather for about 4 weeks now, and I already notice a difference. My lungs don't crackle anymore when I'm laying down, and my recovery time between sets of walking on a stepper has become shorter. I see improvement already.I guess the bottom line is, what do you have to lose? My love and thanks to Rachel for the deep understanding of the disease that she's shared, and to Dawn, for sharing such a personal accounting of her journey, as she deals with what seemed like an impossible health crisis.

Some useful info, too much repetition and story telling

I have early stage COPD and have recently had a severe exasperation lasting months. It was time to get educated. While the book is weighted towards someone with advanced stage COPD, possibly on oxygen, anyone with any stage will benefit and be inspired and get educated. There are many books by doctors describing what is COPD and the standard protocols. You need to also know that to understand your disease. But, this is the book you'll return to for hope, practical advice, rehabilitation suggestions and more. I can't recommend it enough. P.S. Yes. The book may be desparately in need of an editor and formatting, but don't let that put you off from the heart and soul put into it by the two authors.

If you or someone you know has COPD, this is the book for you. It is written by a doctor and a patient so you get the truth from first hand experience. It is full of much needed information, some of which, I didn’t even know about and I thought my research was pretty extensive. It’s worth the money, shipping is fast. I read the book in two days. I probably would have read it in one day but I kept taking notes, doing more research so I am prepared for my doctors appointment next week. I am so glad I got this book.

This is one of the best books I have read so far on COPD. Really touched at Home. Pray for Dawn Lawson.

This book was very informing and written well. Great examples and life stories. I would recommend.

Good read

I really enjoyed this book. Found it very informative and easy to understand.

When I first started reading this book I almost sent it straight back as the segments by 'Dawn' are littered with careless copy'n'paste repetitions. However, I'm glad I persisted as the book as a whole contains masses of useful & helpful information. Dawn, the person with COPD, is in the US but Rachel is a physiotherapist in the UK and together they complement each other wonderfully so that the reader benefits from both perspectives. It's an easy and positive read and within a day of receiving it I have read over half of the book's 230 pages and I anticipate reading it again as my COPD journey progresses.

This very informative and readable self help guide to COPD improvement is written from the intertwined experiences and collaboration of Dr Rachel Garrod, a highly qualified and renowned English expert in respiratory physiotherapy, and Dawn Lawson, a younger, later stage COPD sufferer and an articulate and upbeat Californian writer.COPD embraces a host of different lung and breathing diseases which are clearly explained. This book goes beyond the typical medical response of pumping out drugs. It informs the reader how the gentlest, simplest home exercises and routines can bring significant and lasting improvements to breathing and quality of life.I have controlled mild asthma and bronchitis. I learned much that will help me during my continued and, hopefully longer, journey through old age.Highly recommended for all COPD sufferers and their loved ones.