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Sarah gets up and prepares dinner. She stops stirring a pot of soup on the stove, pauses to catch her breath, then pulls up a stool to sit where she continues stirring.
Emily (daughter): Mom, how long have you been cooking?
Sarah: Oh, I just feel more tired lately. It feels good to get up.
Sarah and her daughter Emily come to Sarah’s dentist appointment. Emily points to the stairs, but Sarah presses the button on the elevator.
Emily: We can take the stairs if you want and go inside.
Sarah: That’s okay. The elevator is easier.
Back at Sarah’s, Emily hears Sarah coughing as she folds laundry.
Emily: You still have that cough?
Sarah: I notice it more when I’m on my feet for a while.
Emily enters the room and helps Sarah fold laundry.
Emily: I noticed you sat down to cook and took the elevator instead of the stairs. And you’ve had this cough for some time.
Sarah: Yes. I guess I did.
Emily pulls out her phone and starts calling Dr. to call up Brown’s phone number.
Emily calls the doctor’s office.
Emily: When did you see Dr. Last time you saw Brown?
Sarah: It’s been a while.
Emily: Let’s make an appointment and tell him what’s going on.
Sarah and Emily are with Dr. Brown in the exam room.
Dr. Brown: Sarah, Emily told me that you’re experiencing more shortness of breath and coughing more often.
Sarah: Yes. I especially notice it when I’m active or on my feet for a long time.
Dr. Brown glances at Sarah’s file and then looks up at her.
Dr. Brown: It sounds like your COPD symptoms are not being controlled well enough. Many people in your situation, like you, find that they adjust their routines without noticing that their symptoms are changing.
Sarah: I think I did. I never sat while cooking.
Dr. Brown puts Sarah’s file on the desk, leans forward and speaks reassuringly to Sarah and Emily.
Dr. Brown: Let’s think again about how we manage your COPD. I will schedule a spirometry test to check your overall lung function. We can then consider the best treatment options to get your condition better under control. We will also begin pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen your muscles so you can breathe better and stay active for as long as possible.
Sarah: That sounds good.
Dr. Brown smiles as he hands Sarah his notes from their appointment. Emily smiles next to her mother and looks relieved.
Dr. Brown: I’m glad you came in. You don’t have to just enforce it. Keep me updated if your breathing gets worse or your daily activities become more difficult. Together we will find a treatment that will keep your COPD under control.
For more information, visit HealthyWomen.org/COPD
This resource was created with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.
