COPD360social welcomes new member Bkitti2 who joins 64,381 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โ„ A Gentle Weather Check-In for Our 360social Family โ„

As many of you are already seeing โ€” and others are about to feel โ€” an intense wave of cold weather is moving through, even in areas that have already been hit hard with snow. We wanted to take a moment to check in and encourage everyone to move gently and mindfully over the next few days.

Cold air, icy conditions, and sudden temperature drops can be extra challenging, especially for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or other lung conditions. If youโ€™re able, try to stay warm, limit time outdoors, and make sure you have what you need within easy reach โ€” medications, oxygen supplies, warm layers, and anything that helps you feel steady and comfortable.

Itโ€™s also okay to slow things down. Rest when you need to. Cancel plans if it feels like too much. Staying safe is not falling behind โ€” itโ€™s taking care of yourself.

If youโ€™re in an area being impacted, know that youโ€™re not alone. Weโ€™re thinking of you, sending warmth your way, and hoping everyone stays safe as this weather system moves through.

Please feel free to check in below and let us know how youโ€™re doing โ€” or share any tips that help you get through colder days. ๐Ÿ’™

Stay warm. Stay safe. Weโ€™re in this together.

46 minutes ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHowdy, Brandon, and 360 members and friends!
    Always be prepared. And, don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
    Curl up with a good book on a stormy day! That's what throw blankets were made for!!! ๐Ÿ˜€
    We got 9 inches of snow. We planned ahead and did just fine.
    I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Think through before you do! Believe me, it's always a good idea to have a plan. ๐Ÿ˜Š8 minutes ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHazel just digs the snow...literally! ๐Ÿ˜†7 minutes ago
Shadwanda Rainey COPDF Research

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF ResearchCommunity Survey: Corticosteroid Tablets


Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone) to help manage your COPD symptoms?


Take our quick survey to help researchers understand how corticosteroid tablets are being prescribed.


The survey takes only ten minutes to complete and is anonymous (not connected to your account).We appreciate your assistance in furthering COPD care research!


Take the survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xSdSApyTUSwDEa

6 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Does chronic stress affect copd?

I just wanted to add my message of support - you're dealing with an awful lot of major stressors right now and I hope that you'll take Dr. Mannino's suggestion of seeking out professional help. We're here to listen.
JeanO53David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question JeanO53and 3 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, happy day! Another awesome Sunday!
Wake up with a positive outlook! Put a smile on your face! Enjoy every minute of your Sunday, friends! ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€

9 hours ago

sami1263

sami1263answered the question Asymptomatic Emphysema

1) There are four stages of emphysema (mild, moderate, severe, very severe). 2) It would not be possible to reach the end stages of emphysema without being symptomatic as even at stage 2 there is enough destruction of alveoli to cause some shortness of …
Caroline West Virginia State Captainbradford1234Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

15 hours ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynn

Hi everybody, just a query today. I quit smoking 20 years ago from a five a day habit but a CT scan recently showed up emphysema and a spirometry confirmed it. Does that mean I have had it for 20 years as I wasn't aware until the scan which I had because of chest pain. If I had it for 20 years then it must be quite advanced even though my fev1 is 360 as expected for ages and height  and my oxygen is 98%. Thanks in advance.

19 hours ago

Fran Fox

Fran Foxanswered the question Can anyone recommend a portable oxygen concentrator with 2L continuous flow?

Hello ACJC and everyone. I am writing from Rochester, MN, where I have spent my career navigating the technical side of these machines. I want to give you a specific answer to your question because the technology has actually shifted recently, and there …
Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)JAH5001HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)and 3 others also answered the question

23 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Does chronic stress affect copd?

I had a flare back in October that I attribute to extreme stress of finding out wife was unfaithful, selling house, divorce,etc. Anyway after flare I had follow up pft recently that showed my copd is still pretty mild, holding and about the same (fev1 …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! There's always a reason to smile! I hope you find many reasons to smile on this wonderful day! โ˜ƒ๏ธ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Wvhickchicks

Wvhickchicksanswered the question I need help/advice with Medicare billing

I'm not sure where to respond to the answers and advice... Medicare isn't refusing they are saying since the nebulizer was paid for under part B that my part D won't cover it to get it paid for I would have to be in a nursing home...they cover my …
JeanO53David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question JeanO53and 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )For Fluffy Friday....  A spoonbill and white egret were hanging out together by the lake on the golf course this morning!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

This is really good, Karen! It's very easy to make! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! ๐Ÿฏ ...

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I have all the ingredients - definitely will make this soon!! Thanks for the idea!!...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฏHONEY-CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE๐ŸฏA delightful spread for bagels, crackers, or fruit slices!8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp. honey1/2 tsp. cinnamon1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Place all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from Amethyst Gumdrop! Here he is after being woken up on Christmas morning! 
We wish you a wonderful day, friends! ๐Ÿ’œ

2 days ago

Wvhickchicks

Wvhickchicksasked the question: I need help/advice with Medicare billing

I have a problem I don't know how to solve it...my doctor ordered me a nebulizer and medication to use with it....and she billed Medicare which paid for the nebulizer under part B so part D won't cover my medication solution unless Im in a nursing home . …

2 days ago

das23

das23

Merry Christmas to All๐Ÿ™๐ŸŽ„

3 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May your day sparkle and shine, and be bright with love and hope! โค๐Ÿ’š

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

3 days ago

TamsLungs

TamsLungs

I am new to this group. I am stage 4, with 32% lung capacity. Full time O2 at 4 litres right now. Breztri, low dose Prednisone, nebulizer, and antibiotic. Have a hard time just moving around.I feel a lot worse when/while I take my strong antibiotic, and step down steroids(40,20,10) Very depressed, and a continued smoker. I just feel like I'm dying already so why fight an addiction? I also have heart issues so it's a list cause for me I feel. I never used to get sick though(no bronchitis or pneumonia), so I'm very confused as allot of people with this disease seem to. Any input

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainI understand that you feel defeated and depressed.  But here is the reality, if you continue to smoke, then you will make the feeling that you are dying come true.


    If you quit smoking, exercise, eat well, take your medication, then there is a very good chance that you can stabalize your condition and live many more happy years.3 days ago
  • das23Welcome.....I'm with Caroline. If you can quit smoking you will see an improvement and probably not get sick so often. There are folks with your lung function--using oxygen and living well. Hopefully you can to--up to you. Good luck--Hope you feel better. Read all the info in the LEARN MORE tab at the top of the pageโœŒ3 days ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainAnd...we are here to support you! You CAN live a full and wonderful life with COPD!!! So many of us here are doing just that, myself included! 
    Let's see that great big smile! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ3 days ago
Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68answered the question Copd progression

Don't get me wrong, it's harder than it used to be, but I'm also getting closer to 60 than 50 lol
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainNiall Fand 3 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 5 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Whoops oh dear post follow up No 3 happier

Wonderful! I am very happy for you.
WildebeestDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )brydy also answered the question Wildebeestand 2 others also answered the question

4 days ago

JAH5001

JAH5001answered the question Albuterol side effects

I also tried the Atrovent inhaler and had the muscle spasms with it. My body doesn't react to these chemicals in a good way. I do use Anoro without problems. What seems odd to me is that when I didn't use any of these inhalers, I didn't have a mucus …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )MJ53Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 3 others also answered the question

4 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒ๐ŸŽ„ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday -- Holiday Edition! โœจ

Itโ€™s a festive VMCOTWW, and the holiday cheer is officially invited! ๐ŸŽ‰
Todayโ€™s the perfect day to share anything that makes you smile -- twinkly lights, cozy winter scenes, favorite decorations, fun traditions, throwback memories, or even a moment that simply made your day brighter.

Holiday-themed photos get bonus sparkle points โœจ (totally unofficial, of course!), but anything that brings you joy is always welcome here. If it makes you smile and you want to share it, we want to see it! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ’™

Letโ€™s fill 360social with laughter, warmth, memories, and a little holiday magic. Wishing everyone a joyful, cozy, and wonderfully festive Wednesday! โ„๐ŸŽ

4 days ago

Wildebeest

WildebeestWishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday

4 days ago

Amelia (Millie ) โค๏ธ

Amelia (Millie ) โค๏ธ

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

EASY CARAMEL SAUCE1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup milk1 tsp. vanilla extractCombine the brown sugar, butter, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Cook until thickened, 1 to 2...

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainTwas the night before Christmas, and all through the house 
Not a creature was stirring, not even a snore from my spouse
Visions of stockings, filled with medications danced in my head
I sat up very quickly and jumped out of bed
Had Santa come down the chimney tonight
Had he stopped in the kitchen to have a bite
I tippy toed into the room with the tree 
So unsure of what I might see
My stocking was full of guys that I know
Mr. Al Buterol and Bud E. Sonide- my face was aglow
Be on your best behavior, dear friends
This is how my Christmas poem ends
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night
HO HO HO! ๐ŸŽ…

4 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI think the following MedScape article is well written and understandable, even for those of us who are not clinicians. What are your feelings about it, David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )โ€‹?

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-gold-standard-copd-diagnosis-and-management-2025a1000yzg?ecd=wnl_edit_tpal_etid7981416&uac=153334SK&impID=7981416

New GOLD Standard for COPD Diagnosis and Management

COPD is the โ€˜Rodney Dangerfieldโ€™ of chronic disease, but with new GOLD guidance, itโ€™s never been more treatable. Dr Neil Skolnik delivers the latest diagnostic and management updates.

4 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.