We communicate with a lot of lung disease patients and their caregivers on COPD360, EFFORTS, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other sites, as well as in the classes that we teach. Perhaps we are sensitive to the issue, but it seems that we are noticing more and more patients with heart problems and apparent cognitive issues.
These are two of the symptoms of long-term oxygen deprivation. Like most lung disease, these problems come on so very gradually that, in the short term, neither the patient nor the caregiver notices the difference. They adapt to the slow changes, slowly changing their lifestyles to accommodate the losses.
As we grow older, the heart and brain issues will show up more and more. Sadly, it is easy and simple to prevent them. Please wear your cannula, get over any embarrassment, and live your lives!