Receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be an overwhelming experience. And, it can be difficult for newly-diagnosed patients to ask the hard, personal questions in clinic. These thought-provoking stories contain the answers to many of those difficult questions. This book is a window into the thoughts, feelings, and coping techniques of real people struggling with the effects of a life-altering disease. It is a must-read for newly-diagnosed COPD patients and their loved ones.
 
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:  A Collection of Personal Stories, you will learn what COPD is and what it is not. Written in the actual voices of real patients and family members, you will hear what worried them, what helped them, the good advice they have to share, and even some unexpected joys discovered in the course of their journey. There is also a long list of resources for those who are exploring COPD topics. This collection of personal stories and photos was written by COPD patients and family members for the benefit of newly-diagnosed patients and their families. The authors want you to know that you are not alone.
 
Proceeds from this book will be used to improve the patient experience at Michigan Medicine.

Receiving a diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary (IPF) can be an intimidating experience.  And it can be difficult for new patients to ask hard, personal questions in clinic.  But these powerful stories, written byIPF patients and fornewly-diagnosed IPF patients, are where those hard questions are answered.  That makes this book a must-read for newly diagnosed patients, their families and loved ones.  
 
In “Chronicling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:  A Collection of Personal Stories,” you’ll hear the voices of real patients and family members as they talk about what worries them, the coping techniques they have tried and the bright spots of beauty they have found in the course of their journey with this disease.  Readers will learn what IPF is and what it is not.  They will find new resources and even some questions to help guide their own thoughts when reflecting on what an IPF diagnosis means to them.

The author is grateful to the FRIENDS of the University of Michigan Hospitals Patient Education Library for their generous support of this book.  Proceeds from this book will be used to improve the patient experience at the University of Michigan Health System.