A woman living with COPD could go through several changes in her appearance; gaining or losing weight, changing
Discreet and stylish! Kellie's "Canister Bag"
skin texture, or the use of portable oxygen and nasal cannula can all be part of the changes you see in your physical appearance. (Check out this good resource on COPD and sexuality from the COPD Big Fat Reference Guide®.) Even the basic things you used to do, such as carrying stylish bags or wearing heels seem out of the question when you feel tired and out of breath carrying your oxygen concentrator. It’s these things that as women, we define as being “feminine,” and anything apart from this means we’ve lost our femininity, and possibly, our sexual attractiveness.
These are large hurdles for women with COPD to overcome but as the experts say, it’s definitely possible. So what do you do when you just don’t like the way you look? Kellie seems to have found a way to reinvent her fashion sense.
“I was not thrilled when they showed me the . . . backpack options for my O2 canisters . . . I am a handbag gal. Love them! I passed this love onto my daughter . . . Between us we have a ridiculous amount of beautiful and expensive bags [but] many of my bags were not long enough. My O2 canister is about 12 inches long and some of them were not leather (which means they would tear or get punctured). But I found two that I can use. And, now I am looking at stores for new options.”
Kellie's Handbag
So, what do you do? Be creative. Think outside the box, redesign your routine and doing things a little differently than usual can get you to doing some of the things you used to do. Like a handbag for your canister, you can switch out those heels for a cute pair of leather-stitched flats. COPD doesn’t define you. It’s what you have in your heart that does.
The most important thing to do is realize that you are still YOU. COPD affects your lungs but it doesn’t have to affect your mind, self-esteem or femininity. You’re still a woman, and although you may not feel the same as before, you have to realize that these challenges are going to bring out of you a strength that is admirable. My buddy Karen said it best when a few of us were discussing this on Facebook last week. She says to Kellie, “It is only with courage like yours that we will all get through this. That is pretty glamorous and better than any jewels out there.”
There will always be a way to go around the obstacles. I didn’t find much information online about body image in relation to a COPD diagnosis. (If you know of some sites, please post a link to them.) No matter what disease state—or lack thereof—body image is an issue that women of all ages struggle with.
I’d like this blog to be the beginning of a discussion. Post your comments, thoughts, and exchange ideas here.
It’s nice to see someone so positive, because I don’t want to live like this anymore. I have only 20% of my lungs and have gained 50lbs due to prednisone, everytime I cut down the miligrams I land in the hospital.
Hi Lisa,
There is help out there for you. To get you started, you should call our C.O.P.D. Information Line–866-731-2673. They are extremely helpful and can talk to you about your situation and give you advice, etc.
I think more people should consider the trans-tracheal oxygen replacement. TTO, I’m an Alpha1 and when the time comes for full time O2 I am going to have this done,it’s right below your adam’s apple,so there is no nose-hose to contend with and statistics show better O2 absorption.You can wear a pretty scarf or necklace and no ones the wiser.I seriously can’t figure out why more people don’t do this.
Hi My husband and I were heavy smokers forever. My husband went on ssi over 5 years ago he is down to just a bone and naturally very slow. He is still able to drive around with his companion dog our heaven sent lab Bosco. little did I know 6 years ago that the little black puppy my husband was totaly against getting ended up being his best friend. At my age I didn’t think the angels were still keeping an eye on me. right now I am looking to get some really needed support from some one that has big shoulders to cry on. I have copd also. I still hold down a very active full time sales job, got to have that extra insurance and of course take care of hubby and home. Mind over matter has saved me, but it’s starting to wear thin. My hurdles seem higher and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting dimmer. I don’t talk much to co workers or my kids about how I feel for fear of either boring them or scareing them all away. So I found this place I think I can feel safe hear and just pour my heart out no matter if good or bad I just need to know someone is out there listening thank you and take care, Lexie
I think the idea of carrying a oxygen tank in a sharp looking purse is great. I wonder for us sowers if a heavy upholstery fabric or quilted fabric could’nt be used to make an attractive carrier. Also too, how about those oxygen cannulas that are hidden in the earpieces of glasses. You really cannot see them except up closer than you probably should be looking st someone. Spouses and significant others excepted. For
Hi Lexie, I’m so glad you found us! We’re a community here and everyone knows exactly what you’re going through. Feel free to communicate with the folks you see commenting on our blog or event our Facebook fan page. In the meantime, I want you to know we have an Information Line that’s staffed by volunteer patients and caregivers. If you call, you can talk to someone over the phone about your concerns. Give it a try. 1-866-731-2673.
hi im doin a reserch paper
Changes are inevitable, unfortunately. I’ve had to adjust with these changes since being diagnosed with COPD over a year ago. At first I was in denial. I didn’t want to think about it. But then I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore, especially when my body started to turn against me. I decided that this is what’s been handed to me and I had to accept it. But there’s this little place in the back of my brain that’s telling me…this isn’t real, I’m fine. Sorry for rambling! Just glad knowing there are others out there like me.
THANKS I HAVING BEEN FEELING THE CHANGES EVEN WITHOUT THE OXYGEN YET YOU STILL CHANGE ALOT OF THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF TO ADJ…
ITS JUST NICE TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE FEELING THE CHANGES COME AND I COULD USE ALL THE HELP I CAN GET ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM ON A DAILY BASIS..
THANKS AGAIN