When I post on 360social I try to be upbeat and positive, but I also try to share some of the not-so-good times as well.  I try to do the same with my blog posts.  My aim is to inform and inspire people with COPD.  To help them live the best life possible.

I was interviewed today about the positive and negative effects of being on oxygen.  When the question was first proposed it was only the negatives of being on oxygen.  At first, I said let me think because it is difficult to find negatives about something that allows me to live. 

There are many negatives including constantly dealing with the tubing so that you do not fall over it.  It has become second nature for me to start winding up or unwinding the tubing as I move from one place to another.  It is second nature to check my oxygen saturation when I become extremely short of breath to see if I need to slow down or plow ahead.  I now have an ulcer in my nose from trying a new type of cannula which had great reviews.  Sometimes I swear at the tubing when it is tangled somewhere, and I must go get it straightened out.  So yes, some days I struggle with cannulas and oxygen tubing.

Some days I struggle with being positive when I do not feel like doing all the things that are on my list to do for the day.  I have found that making the list causes me to concentrate on getting the tasks done instead of concentrating on the task itself and how much I do not like to do that thing that remains on my list.

Some days I struggle with comparing what I have done today with one of my best friends who is also a list maker.  I tend to feel inadequate when we compare our lists, but she usually exclaims well I think that is pretty good considering how you must deal with the oxygen stuff.

Some days I struggle to get started with my morning exercise routine.  There are just so many things that need to be done, how will I have the time to exercise as well?  Then I remember that the exercise is why I can do the things that need to be done and why I can still be independent.

Some days I struggle, but the struggle is worth it.