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Gary R.

Gary R.asked the question: Bronchitis and hard to breathe for a extende period of time. Is this common among us COPD patients?

I have stage 3 COPD and usually end up with at least one good case of bronchitis a year. With the help of a Z-Pak I am slightly better after a few days. But the lingering effects of hard to catch my breath, even though on oxygen 20 - 24 a day, is enough …

33 minutes ago

MarylandMama20

MarylandMama20

Thankful for each and every single member of this community. That is all. Xoxoxoxox

6 hours ago

Otter

Otteranswered the question Does this progress that fast with some people?

I suggest that there can be a psychological component. Regardin my job, on work-from-home days when Iโ€™m in the house all day by myself my asthma symptoms typically escalate. I think itโ€™s because I have so much alone and quiet time to dwell on it (until …
1fatfannymuddleagedJeanO53and 3 others also answered the question 1fatfannyand 5 others also answered the question

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday!
Have a beautiful day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š

12 hours ago

Finley 14

Finley 14answered the question Has anyone had severe leg cramping with advair and atrovent?

yes I've had cramps in my feet and calfs and also on my hands.
Twinburl Caroline West Virginia State CaptainAnonymousand 1 other also answered the question Twinburl and 3 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

mcat43

mcat43asked the question: Does this progress that fast with some people?

Hi All, Need some help, if anyone has knowledge. 3 years ago quit smoking, had a PFT done and was good. Mild Obstruction- you can look at my past posts. Today- Iโ€™m noticing Iโ€™m gasping for air, in the last couple weeks. It just happens out of nowhere. …

23 hours ago

Denise63

Denise63answered the question What exactly is mild emphysematous changes ?

Where is the thread I need to post on I'm confused
BuggCynthiaziade8GBStock007and 2 others also answered the question Buggand 4 others also answered the question

23 hours ago

Denise63

Denise63

david mannino? I pray you see this I have severe health anxieties all my life I had a CT scan done on May 9th 2024 my cardiologist was ruling out what caused my stroke last year the scan was with contrast I have wheezed over 10 years noises from my throat but went to a lung Dr and they put me in a telephone booth type thing and said I didn't have COPD I do have allergies since tested in 1993 mold allergies grass allergies I'm scared out of my mind can't relaxed my anxiety is horrible but scan says mild centrilobular emphysema I've quit smoking when I found out please help me going out of my mind my Dr says it can stay mild and not get worse if I stop smokeing she says she reassuring me 

1 day ago

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  • Denise63I'm just scared out of my mind! The CT said emphysema my CT scan was to check my cortid arteries not for that my anxiety is terrible can CT scan be wrong? It says mild my Dr said it can reverse I guess she means not any worse then mild if I stopped smoking I'm needing constant reassurance as I have generalized anxiety disorder I can't stop worrying! My Dr gonna order a breathing test I know for 10 years I've been wheezing but I was doing that when I went to pulmonary Dr 10 years ago they did breathing test found nothing can it stay mild?20 hours ago
  • JeanO53Hi Denise63โ€‹ - If I'm reading your post correctly, you've been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.  Have you been prescribed any medication to manage anxiety?  If not, you may want to talk with your doctor about needing some help with managing the anxiety.  There are also some techniques that can be very helpful with managing anxiety.  Talking with a good therapist can be very helpful.
    ... One thing I've found very helpful when I'm feeling anxious is to sit down and write.  It can be just free writing - just put the pen to paper and let it flow; or writing specifically about what you're experiencing.  Free writing especially can help you focus elsewhere rather than focusing being fearful.
    ... You also mention that you are still smoking.  I'm sure you have already heard this, but I'm going to repeat it - smoking is terrible for the lungs.  As a former smoker, I understand how smoking can seem to help with anxiety.  As mentioned above there are healthier techniques that can replace smoking.2 hours ago
  • Denise63 Yes I've been on meds for years I was diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety 2013 when I got my disability, but I've been like this for years my dad had health anxieties I'm almost positive and I'm sure he had PTSD from war as well I have PTSD may 9th I had a head and neck CT because my cardiologist wanted to rule out what caused my stroke last year it was a blood clot he's ruling out where it might have come from I had a TEE which is where they put a camera down my throat to look at back of my heart they found no clots nothing but I do have mild carotid artery blockage which is less than 50% so during the CT head and neck scan with contrast they found that mild centrilobular emphysema. I've always feared stuff like this I was smoking pretty heavy I started smokeing at 35 after my divorce dumb me ๐Ÿ˜“ my doctor said it can reverse I think she means it can stay mild after I quit smoking I pray that's what she means I'm scared out of my mind right now all I do is cry and pray my depression and anxiety is way worse last year after my stroke while I was in hospital they did a CT scan on head and neck but w/o contrast and it didn't show any emphysema again so worried I can't even eat good or sleep I've been short of breath but I think it's my anxiety and allergies are bad right now and I'm allergic to almost everything please help I need prayers and reassurance 1 hour ago
COPD360Coach Brandon

COPD360Coach BrandonJag and Jasmine wish everyone a fantastic Fluffy Friday and a wonderful weekend!

1 day ago

Zekey2912

Zekey2912

Tomorrow will be a week since I was at the ER with exacerbation from pleurisy inflammation.  I had IV steroids (methylprednisolone) while in ER.  Monday I started oral steroid called dexamethasone which I had to stop because it was giving me cluster headaches.  Yesterday, I started Prednisone Taper Down steroids.  I'm peeing like a race horse (lol) but I know the steroids are working at reducing the inflammation because the rib pain has subsided this past week by 85%.  Still on the Prednisone and praying the inflammation is gone completely by my last dose.  Still somewhat muggy here so rather than going outside right now, I'm happy in the house with A/C helping me breathe! Have a nice weekend to everyone who reads this! 

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article COPD Foundation Honors Impact of Gerard Turino, M.D.

Integral leader in pulmonary medicine and research celebrated 100th birthday on May 16, 2024

MIAMI (May 16, 2024) - The COPD Foundation is proud to honor Gerard Turino, M.D., an innovative leader in pulmonary medicine and research, as he celebrates his 100th birthday today, May 16, 2024.

Dr. Turino's career has spanned 72 years and counting, as he still has an appointment as an attending physician at Mount Sinai West Hospital and Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in New York. He also has an appointment as the John H. Keating Senior Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York.

His list of achievements includes the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the COPD Conference, an awardee of the Edward Livingston Trudeau Medal for Research, Teaching and Clinical Care and the 2013 Breathing for Life Award, both from the American Thoracic Society, and the Distinguished Service Award in the Clinical Sciences from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒฑGREEN GODDESS DRESSING๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒฟ1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and flesh removed1/2 cup fresh basil leaves2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. cider vinegar 1 tbsp. lemon juice1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. freshly ground...

1 day ago

William Blake

William Blake

Good. Just diagnosed with Stage 1 copd. Emphysema. I am a nonsmoker. 
I drink wine though. Does alcohol inflame and exacerbate emphysema?

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday, friends! Today we have some littermates who were left in a carrier next to my sister's front porch, in the pouring rain. They will need to be bottle fed. Thank goodness for people like my sister who have a kind heart. People who love and help animals are the best kind of people in my book!!! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก๐Ÿงก

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

You certainly do have some great ideas, Pat! Thank you so much for sharing them with us! I love the fact that you used the ingredients to create another meal! Awesome! ...

1 day ago

PatO State Captain Arizona

PatO State Captain Arizonacommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

Hello Everyone, I made an egg omelet, I diced a carrot and 2cups raw spinach, 1/2 diced tomato, sautรฉed them with 2teasp. minced garlic, 2teasp. minced ginger. Added shredded cheese. So yummy, I also used it without the egg as a side dish with...

1 day ago

PatO State Captain Arizona

PatO State Captain Arizonacommented onCOPD Foundation Advocates on Personal Mission to Help Stop COPD

You all are doing a great job in getting the word out and raising money for this awesome foundation. I want to say thank you all so much. I have severe COPD and I hand out my COPD business cards from the COPD FOUNDATION. I leave them everywhere. They...

1 day ago

PatO State Captain Arizona

PatO State Captain Arizonacommented onShort of Breath After Eating

Thank you for this article and all the wonderful despondences. You all have answered my questions as I have the same problems. I will be more aware of how and what I eat. I eat on a saucer so that way I'm not tempted to over eat. Have a blessed day....

1 day ago

John Parisho

John Parisho

I am in the learning stages of this disease and have all kinds of questions, which I am going to ask my Dr also and compare notes. Are there different stages of COPD ? and if doing the normal treatments what would be an average life expectancy for a male vs female ? 

1 day ago

PatO State Captain Arizona

PatO State Captain Arizonacommented onTom the Truck Driver Drives COPD Awareness

Thank you Tom and Ranee, my prayers are with you both. I have severe COPD and was diagnosed with it in 1998. Please keep sharing the word for COPD. Your truck is awesome and so are both of you and the company you work for. It's people like you, that...

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question April Showers Bring More Than May Flowers: Self-Care Spring

I have been planting beans, tomatoes, squash, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers in a raised bed for several years. I have three beds. I have expanded to 6 beds and plan to grow all of the usual things and am adding rudabeggas, carrots, and beets.
Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Manager of Public and Professional Education)DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainTonicDk also answered the question Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Manager of Public and Professional Education)and 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

bm

bmcommented onToo Embarrassed to Ask?

I have experienced this. Before I was diagnosed with COPD I would sometimes at night think It is coming NOW (pee) . Thanks for the explanation about your brain shutting off non vital to survival functions. I am on Trelegy and albuterol as needed and...

1 day ago

klhenderson

klhenderson

Good afternoon,   
I went from my original FVC Prediction 66%/FEV1 57; to my most recent FVC Pred 54%/FEV1 41.  This is over a 5 year period.  I'm now on Trelegy as a result.  I just had another done and shows FVC 64; and FEV 1 - 59.  So something is working!! yeah!!!   Does this mean I'm back up to "moderate" and NOT severe?   

2 days ago

jennifer nulph

jennifer nulphcommented onTom the Truck Driver Drives COPD Awareness

Gosh, that is so great!! What a great husband, and what a great company and boss you work for! ...

2 days ago

klhenderson

klhenderson

Good afternoon all!  Hope you are having a great day!  I have COPD/Asthma, currently on Trelegy.  Had to have a CT scan for unrelated issue, but they found "Left lower lobe patchy groundglass opacities, likely infectious/inflammatory". 
I've never heard of this before,  and honestly don't really understand it.  I'm due back in 3 months for a new CT scan to track it, so I'm certain if there is an issue I'll find out.  
But I'd really like to know more if possible?

2 days ago

Mmm24

Mmm24Hi, 


I am new here and wondering if someone could help. 


I am a 24 year old female. 


About a year ago i had a cough which would not budge, GP sent me for an xray which was all clear. The cough went and slowly developed into shortness of breath. For me this is ALWAYS, I just always feel i cant breath enough air in. My cough isnt really a cough but i do clear my throat often. 


Following on i had a spiromotry which has come back with the results which i have attached. 



I have extreme anxiety anyway, so as you can imagine im a wreck. 


My GP has said it could be asthma so she perscribed me a preventer inhaler and the blue inhaler and they have been doing nothing so she has asked Respiritory for advice as apparently i am boarderline for mild copd. She is asking for advice on if i need the ALPHA1 gene test? 


When it comes to smoking history i started smoking socially at 15, started properly maybe around aged 17-21 then moved onto vaping. 2 years ago i started smoking weed (no tobacco)


I am terrified i am going to die at 40. Everything online says you have 10-20 years and that it absolutely always progresses. 


I guess my question is, does anyone have any idea how it impacts people of my age when it comes to life expectancy? Everything online is for older patients as it is usually seen in people over 50. 


Any feedback is much appreciated! 

2 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! For too many individuals who use supplemental oxygen, the shocking lack of access to appropriate and effective medical oxygen prevents them from leading active and productive lives. The Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act is a critical bill that would help restore access to medical oxygen. Please join us with our partners from our legislative oxygen coalition for a webinar on June 4 to learn more about the SOAR Act and how you can take action to call upon your legislators to pass this important bill. Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/504db63d-097a-4283-a70d-8a6e83ecb457@81c0c692-d438-4e69-90f3-c0f2c88a4ec7

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

2 days ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.