Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community ManagerThis is an important survey that will help both patients and professionals as to how to address how severe COPD symptoms are. Please take a moment and take this very short survey. It is important that we have representation from the US COPD community!!!!


The European Lung Foundation and COPD Foundation have launched a survey to understand how people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) feel about the words used to describe their condition by doctors and nurses. People who have been diagnosed with COPD and caregivers of people with COPD are invited to take part. You can take the survey here:


https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Lancet_COPD

Rethinking COPD Exacerbations - Patient Survey

Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

2 days ago

Bill Clark - Community Manager

Bill Clark - Community Manager

We're Back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wasn't easy, a few sleepless nights (mostly for Vinny and Pete) and before you ask, yes, we paid the bill but we are back on and open for business! This was a global problem that affected many websites not just ours. It has now been resolved and want you to know we missed each and everyone of you. 


How about a check-in and let us know how all of you are doing?

2 days ago

Michael92

Michael92answered the question Has Pulmonary Rehab being helpful to you?

ohhh, I have no Idea about. Thanks, Michael

29 minutes ago

Michael92

Michael92answered the question In COVID19 Situation, where can i buy my medicine over the internet, anyone suggest me?

Hey Roger, Yes, there are many more online pharmacies you can order your prescriptions medications online. I have been using this pharmacy emedsmart.com since last one year. They guys are doing well, replying my each email in time. Although I ordered …

30 minutes ago

crocodile

crocodile

Over a month ago I bought the AirPhysio device and said I would come back with an informal evaluation of the device once I'd determined its value. Obviously, that value applies to me only, but it may be of some use to others who have excessive, sticky mucus in the airways.  So, I tried various ways of using the device as far as number of sessions per day, number of breaths per session, combining it with light steaming, and so forth. (I no longer use steaming at all.) In the end I found the most effective method was very similar to what the manufacturer recommended. I do two or three sessions every day with 10-12 breaths per sessions and at least 30 seconds between breaths. What happens then is often nothing...but 5 to 10 minutes later I start getting mucus up and out with minimal coughing. I may have up to 10 such episodes (over several hours even.)  

1 hour ago

muddleaged

muddleagedanswered the question In COVID19 Situation, where can i buy my medicine over the internet, anyone suggest me?

I usually use alldaychemist, but I have not been able to get their website to work for the last few weeks, so I thank you for this pharmacy site. Do you know if they require a prescription? Thanks.

2 hours ago

Richie lee

Richie lee

Hi all, I'm a new addition as of today 

2 hours ago

Jane Martin

Jane Martinanswered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

Thank you to all of you who have so far shared your "thankful" lists! Many of your lists are a reflection of your lives up to this day - such a full and wonderful way to think about it. You have made my day richer and more joyful.

2 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question How can you tell when it's the copd or the anxiety?

Hi Cacia1978 - My experience with this is that it can be a chicken & egg kind of thing... which came first? Is the SOB causing anxiety or anxiety causing SOB? In the moment, whichever one it is, my response is to slow down, center myself and …

3 hours ago

Cacia1978

Cacia1978answered the question Has Pulmonary Rehab being helpful to you?

I just got done doing my pulmonary rehab online through zoom calls and it helped a great deal physically and psychologically. When I started just doing the laundry or dishes did me in. I think a lot of it was fear that I couldn't do it. But once I saw …

4 hours ago

edpe77

edpe77answered the question How can you tell when it's the copd or the anxiety?

Consider a situation where you're waiting for something ... anything ... and you're just relaxing, but having difficulty breathing. Anxiety has slipped in the back door and causing SOB, or the feeling of SOB {i.e. O2 stats > 90%}. I had to get a CT …

4 hours ago

Norso

NorsoMoggy I met this week whilst doing my walking

5 hours ago

Norso

Norso

hello, hello, it's good to be back!


Not very pc, the singer not the song,
Or the sentiment!





5 hours ago

Barbara8645

Barbara8645

   Thank you all so much. I do have a pulmonologist and have the short acting and LABA meds.  I am on oxygen 24/7.  What frightened me was this exacerbation that made me so weak and weepy.  I went to a new primary care doc who is very thorough. 
I try to go as long as possible without what I have found is a pretty good short term help...40mg prednisone a day for 5 days.
What frightened me was the fact that my new doc said I had severe copd. My pulmonologist never put it this way.  So I now was facing my mortality.
     I thank you again, because I don't want to worry my son and his wife or talk about it to my friends. 
Today is the 2nd day of my 40 mg prednisone and I feel so much better.  I just have to be careful to use this treatment as a last resort very sporadically.  But it keeps me out of the hospital.
      I am usually the caregiver and empathizer for friends and family so this makes me feel so vulnerable. 

5 hours ago

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  • NorsoWhat many people have said on here is its not so much what stage you are, but how you feel and how you handle it... (My gp said similar to me recently too)... it's probably why your first consultant didn't phrase it.in such a term... So take any medication, stay asctive as possible etc etc and hopefully prosper. Very best wishes and best of luck 5 hours ago
  • JeanO53Hi Barbara8645โ€‹ - I too used to be someone who would wait as long as possible to ask for help, thinking it would pass or I could tough it out.  Since my COPD diagnosis, I've learned that is not a good way to do things.  Getting help earlier may be help avoid things from getting a severe stage.  My new mode of operating is... when something "feels off", I call my pulmonologist and talk through what's happening.  I don't wait for it to get bad to to ask for help.
       This is a huge change for those of us who are used to being the one giving help rather than asking for help.  Feeling vulnerable can be very difficult.   I still struggle with this, but more often not, I've learned that asking for help has meant feeling relief.
       The other thing that I've learned is that if it has anything to do with my lungs, I call my pulmonologist, not my primary care doctor.  My PCP is good, but she just doesn't have all of the knowledge and experience to help me manage my COPD.4 hours ago
Cacia1978

Cacia1978asked the question: How can you tell when it's the copd or the anxiety?

I get all worked up with anxiety and when I can't breathe from copd. But I never know which started first. Do you have any ways to help tell between the two?

5 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article COPD Foundation and American College of Chest Physiciansยฎ (CHEST) release report to better understand communication about COPD exacerbations

WASHINGTON, DC (November 16, 2020)โ€”To learn more about the experiences of individuals impacted by COPD and the health care professionals supporting them, the COPD Foundation collaborated with the American College of Chest Physiciansยฎ (CHEST) to gain valuable information on how those living with or managing COPD perceive exacerbations. Initial results from the survey suggest there are critical gaps in communication between patients with COPD and their health care...

6 hours ago

Alph

Alph

Ugh! Hyperinflation is kickin my pants. Im trying to balance my activities at the stage of "over doing" and "underdoing".  The spirit is strong, the mind is willing, the body is hoping you have some tips to releive hyperinflation. Happy Friday.

8 hours ago

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  • Jean IA State Captaing Explain a little more what you're dealing with, please.  I think you're saying that you are very sob but your O2 sats are still good and you are having difficulty figuring out how long you can keep going without overdoing things.  If this isn't what you're talking about, please be more specific.  If we know exactly what your problem is, we can be a lot more helpful.6 hours ago
  • AlphIts just that pressure around diaphram that builds shortly after rising in the morning. I had an excellent exercise that was seemingly just right. Keeping a close eye on o2 and heartrate so I dont over/under those.  The pressure kinda went scurrying a bit and I feel victorious. I recently had respiratory failure, and its been a heck of a recovery.  4 hours ago
Barbara8645

Barbara8645

I am very frightened that my COPD has gotten severe.  I also feel so guilty that this is putting so much stress on my husband. Although he says he's fine, I know he is very worried. 

9 hours ago

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Bill66 - Bill Wornstaff NJ State Captain

Hope all is well with everyone? Happy Thanksgiving weekend. I have a 4 day weekend all 4 are at CVS ๐Ÿคญ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ
Love you guys Bill66 

10 hours ago

Davidrog2

Davidrog2answered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

yes, there is thanksgiving weekend!

12 hours ago

Davidrog2

Davidrog2answered the question In COVID19 Situation, where can i buy my medicine over the internet, anyone suggest me?

Hi Roger, If you know the about the internet pharmacies like- accreditation, trust seal and ssl secure etc. So in this case you may try many pharmacies which is doing good business in the industry. If you don't know about the online pharmacies so you may …

12 hours ago

Roger2020

Roger2020asked the question: In COVID19 Situation, where can i buy my medicine over the internet, anyone suggest me?

In COVID19 Situation, where can i buy my medicine over the internet, I have also prefer a pharmacy i.e onlineprescriptionstore.com which is refer by my friend. Any one can suggest me anyother internet pharmacy or onlineprescriptionstore.

12 hours ago

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Hello! I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Ours was very different... much quieter and a LOT less travel, but we did what we thought was the safest thing and kept to ourselves today.
We have officially started our Christmas decorating and even let the Holiday music play as we put up the tree. 
Now Iโ€™m relaxing watching the recording of the Macyโ€™s Thanksgiving Day parade!
Take care, all!!

19 hours ago

edpe77

edpe77

I just picked up my take out thanksgiving diners for me and my son from his mother. While that is strange way to celebrate TG, in some respects it's better for me. Going out to parties adds stress, anxiety and thus breathing difficulties. So while others are lamenthing no family gatherings, I'm finding it a relief. Happy thanksgiving to all, stay safe end enjoy your day however it is "celebrated" today.  //ed

23 hours ago

Jane Martin

Jane Martin

Happy Thanksgiving , all... be safe and well. 

1 day ago

Caroline

Caroline

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

1 day ago

Caroline

Carolineanswered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

I am thankful for all of those who have taken time out of their day today to send me food. I will not be able to eat it all. I am thankful for all of those who have emailed, called, and texted me to wish me a happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful that I …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Happy Thanksgiving to Bill Clark, Vinny, Kristen, Stephanie, Karen, Val, Bill66, Dave, Jean, Lorrie, Lynn, Ed, LFAOMGA, loukat, and every single person in this wonderful community! I hope your day will be a terrific, enjoyable one! 
Love,
DebbieB. โ˜บ

1 day ago

Kristen Willard

Kristen Willardanswered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

Your comments have filled my heart today. I am thankful for a job I love and a community I care deeply about; I am thankful for a network of loving friends and that I am lucky enough to live close to my sister and mother; I am thankful of course for …

1 day ago

Kristen Willard

Kristen WillardHappy Thanksgiving friends! I am so thankful for all of you and the caring spirit of this community. Sending sunshine and some fall colors your way today. 

1 day ago

edpe77

edpe77answered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

Thankfulness is a curious thing. Some have it, and others don't. I think it goes with attitude. For one, I'm thankful that somewhere along the line I adapted a positive attitude - having COPD is very trying, having it w/negativity could prove to be …

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

It has been such a strange year, pandemic and all, and yet... it has also been a year that has allowed for quiet and the space to think about what is important and necessary. * I'm thankful to have family and friends to miss spending time with. - …

1 day ago

BonBon

BonBon

I want to wish everyone a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving.

1 day ago

Ken W

Ken Wanswered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

It seems a bit strange to say Happy Thanksgiving during this crazy year and in the middle of a pandemic. For a lot of people it will not be the happiest of holidays but I for one have much to be thankful for. I am of course thankful for all of my family …

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHappy Thanksgiving everyone!!  Yesterday I Zoomed with my great nieces (6 and 10) and we made paper bag turkeys while my niece was in the background making a pumpkin pie.  Here's my creation (theirs were SO much better, LOL)

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

The other day, read a great article about cleaning your mask if you don't want to run a whole load of laundry--steam it for 5 minutes and then put it in the dryer!
How Do I Clean And Maintain A Reusable COVID-19 Mask? : Goats and Soda : NPR

1 day ago

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota Blessings to all hope you have a great Thanksgiving but stay safe!! 

1 day ago

xStaceyx

xStaceyx

Wow, I havenโ€™t been here for a very long time. Since Iโ€™ve been gone I had weight loss surgery and lost approximately 50 kgs. Iโ€™ve also had a baby boy who is now 8 weeks old. I managed to keep my COPD under control for that time & have only needed a rescue inhaler occasionally. Recently though I have noticed wheezing and a little shortness of breathe mainly on hills. I am just finishing antibiotics now but the wheezing is still there but only once a day & goes when I take my inhaler. Having just had another child Iโ€™m really hoping to keep this at bay for as long as I can, but I am worried with a worsening of symptoms. I have recently had another set of lung function tests & will get the results next week. When diagnosed nearly 5 years ago now I was 66% lung function. I am hoping i havenโ€™t progressed too much. 

1 day ago

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  • Jean IA State CaptainStacey, you may find that your FEV1 has improved because of your weight loss.  If you're exercising (meaning at least 30 minutes of non-stop aerobic activity) and losing weight , that's a definite possibility.  Years ago, I went on a diet and exercise program that resulted in my losing over 100 pounds and my FEV1 went back to what it had been when I was first diagnosed and has been there ever since.  So if you're not exercising daily for at least 30 minutes, you might think about starting a formal exercise program because it can make a huge difference along with the weight loss.  If you can get stable, and it sounds like you may be at a stable place now, chances are fairly good that with a little luck and a lot of hard work, you can remain where you are for the rest of your life.  And that would NOT be a bad thing!1 day ago
  • Kristen WillardSo great to see you xStaceyxโ€‹! What good news you have to share with us โ€” congratulations on your new baby boy! Let us know how your test results look โ€” sending good thoughts always!1 day ago
edpe77

edpe77answered the question Anyone up for a "welcome back" challange?

Welcome to our puzzle corner KKarley a few of us gather here periodically for puzzles. We still need A1 & A3 //ed

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Anyone up for a "welcome back" challange?

Whoa.... just saw this!! Let's see... B2 - Golden Gloves ?? (once had a boss who was an amateur boxer in his youth)... A2 - Purchase Online (something I've done a lot of these days

1 day ago

Kollin

Kollinanswered the question How can get rid of the chest tightness

Your health can improve if you moisturize your air. The humidity in your home is very important, especially during the winter months. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is likely to remove moisture from the air. The more warm you have …

2 days ago

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Stephanie Williams, RRT

Friendsgiving is starting now! Just come and visit with us for a while. No agenda, no stress -just a friendly visit.Click here:https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1488552802?pwd=TmRqbXpyTGtEaFpmVk9wTkYxRXZndz09

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

I am thankful for having food and my medications, even though money is so scarce these days. I am thankful that the damage from the wind wasn't worse than it was! I am thankful for good friends who mean a whole lot! I am thankful for fond memories of …

2 days ago

Jane Martin

Jane Martinasked the question: Wednesday Check in - Are You a Thankful Thinker?

In our last Wednesday Check in we learned that Thanksgiving Day doesnโ€™t have to be on the calendar for us to focus on being thankful. We can remind ourselves that we can find something to be thankful for every day. If you have COPD, it might be hard …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

A big hi-hello to LFAOMGAโ€‹! ๐Ÿ‘‹

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Hi Caroline, Kandy, and Ed! 
We all missed you, Bill Clark! 
We can call this The Homecoming...๐ŸŽ‘๐Ÿ๐ŸŒพ

2 days ago

Ppat324

Ppat324

Welcome back. I have missed this site so bad. Thank you for fixing the problem and being here for us.

2 days ago

KKarley

KKarleyanswered the question Anyone up for a "welcome back" challange?

B1 = SIDEBURNS

2 days ago

COPD360social posts are monitored by Vice President of Patient Experience and COPD360social Community Manager, Bill Clark, as well as staff Respiratory Therapists.

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. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.