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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerJean Rommes Memorial - live stream her celebration of her incredible life โ™ฅ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghiIoOUsN6k

2 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Sometimes depression doesnโ€™t look like what we expect.

Itโ€™s not always tears.
Itโ€™s not always obvious.

Sometimes itโ€™s just feelingโ€ฆ off.
Like youโ€™re there, but not really there.
Like everything takes more effort than it should.
Like youโ€™re tired in a way that rest doesnโ€™t fix.

And when youโ€™re living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is โ€” that weight can quietly build over time.

The physical side is already a lot.
The mental side can be just as heavy.

It might look like:
โ€ข Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
โ€ข Pulling back from people or conversations
โ€ข Feeling overwhelmed by small things
โ€ข Changes in sleep or appetite
โ€ข Low energy, low motivation, or trouble focusing
โ€ข Being harder on yourself than youโ€™d ever be on anyone else

And sometimesโ€ฆ you canโ€™t quite explain it at all.

If this sounds familiar, please donโ€™t brush it off.

Donโ€™t ignore how youโ€™re feeling. It matters.

You donโ€™t have to โ€œpush throughโ€ everything on your own.
You donโ€™t have to wait until it gets worse to say something.

We are a community here โ€” and you matter here.

On the hard days, even something small can help:
a message, a check-in, a few minutes outside, a familiar song, a quiet moment to breathe.

And if all you can do today is get through the day โ€” that counts.

You are not a burden.
You are not alone.
And you donโ€™t have to carry this quietly.

If you feel up to it, whatโ€™s something that helps you when the days feel heavier? ๐Ÿ’™

3 days ago

ZaydeBob

ZaydeBob

I was diagnosed with COPD paraseptal emphysema in 2023. Outside of exacerbations, I was stable and showed no signs of progression until 10 months ago. My shortness of breath and energy levels have been slowly getting worse. Walking to the mailbox and back (about 110 yards roundtrip) now leaves me breathless and exhausted. Two months ago, I learned that I have diastolic dysfunction. Fortunately, it is Stage I.

I have also had very high Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) factor levels that have been increasing in the past year. The normal range for RA is 0 - 20. My RA factor is 850. My Pulmonologist sent me to see a Rheumatologist on Monday. She ran a bunch of blood tests. She told me that I now have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my lungs. This is classified as Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD). I go back to see her next week to discuss treatment options. I was shocked when I did a look up on RA-ILD and saw that the median survival from diagnosis is 3-5 years. I'm nervously awaiting my follow up visit with her.

Is there anyone else here that has both COPD and ILD?

13 minutes ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Is any else dealing with the pollen, are you wearing a mask?

!!I have plenty of allergy meds. For rag weed all winter. I normally have a good spring, guess I think about it because my dr told me to be careful in the pollen. Iโ€™m glad he is go. Er Ed about me and I see him Wednesday for another didnโ€™t shot and go …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

38 minutes ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerAsk me how Jasmine and Jagger always stay calm and never take off after a rabbitโ€ฆ and definitely never take me for a ride while Iโ€™m holding both leashesโ€ฆ yikes! ๐Ÿพ


Wishing you a lovely afternoon, with some Spring colors mixed in!

2 hours ago

norin

norin

Not brilliant 

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappiest of Sundays to everyone here on 360Social! May every moment bring you much deserved joy! ๐Ÿ˜Š

12 hours ago

ZaydeBob

ZaydeBobanswered the question Check-In: Commonly Asked Questions About Pulmonary Rehab

I just completed my second pulmonary rehab program last week. The exercises and camaraderie were very helpful. My first time was 2 years ago. I highly recommend it to anyone with COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis, or any other lung disease or disorder.
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

17 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

I can really identify not being able.to sleep since i was diagnosed with emphysema had really bad nightmares but thanks to the positive posts about living with it and controlling what i can control helps sometimes though i quit smoking 16 years ago thought i probably i would not get lung cancer or emphysema guess i was wrong but that can't be changed now live day by day be grateful for today and try to be happy live my best life good luck

20 hours ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Is any else dealing with the pollen, are you wearing a mask?

I feel like I have been in all winter, and now that spring is here the pollen is high. What kind of k are you wearing, I just want to go out and sit in this beautiful sunlight, and not see it from just the inside. Itโ€™s hard to breathe with a mask on, but …

21 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainFor those of us who knew her, Jean IA State Captainโ€‹'s Celebration of Life will be live streamed tomorrow (Sunday the 12th) at 2 PM Eastern.   Or even if you didn't know her - she was a COPD Foundation Board member, a wonderful friend  and a fierce advocate for both the Foundation and the American Lung Association.  

https://www.youtube.com/live/0Hd2xuDAbGY

Memorial for Jean Rommes

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

22 hours ago

Mr.CL

Mr.CLasked the question: Ohtuvayre residue in Neb cup.

I use two different Nebulizer cups for Ohtuvayre. One, the Aeroeclipse XL and the other, the Parí LC Sprint. I donโ€™t notice anything unusual with the Aero, but the Sprint ends up with a gelatinous residue on the inside and outside of the insert. Is this …

22 hours ago

Mr.CL

Mr.CLasked the question: Mesh Neb condensation

Is there a mesh Nebulizer that produces a good aerosol that doesnโ€™t condense half the volume in he mouthpiece (and not slow.)

22 hours ago

Judy07

Judy07

Hello,


 New to the sight. I wanted to ask a question about inhalers. I have Emphysema stag 2-3. Recently had a ER hospital visit in Nov oxygen 80 Percent. In Physical Rehab now. I am on Brestri inhaler has 3 meds in it. I have lost my voice and throat is swelled up and sore. I rinse and gargle  always. hot tea with honey lemon, lozenges, and Biotene rinse. Not much else you can do except change the inhaler. That is my question. What COPD inhaler will not cause this and last all day or done 2x a day. Thank you. I hope I'm asking the right questions on this group.  

1 day ago

Liza M

Liza Manswered the question Age 33 Diagnosed with COPD

Oh my gosh, I am not having luck today with writing these posts. Anyway, after the initial shock of the diagnosis,
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 5 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 7 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone a pleasant Saturday! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Emma60

Emma60

Iโ€™m a new member here. My dad recently passed away in November due to copd. I was his caregiver too. 

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerMidsummer Nut Party with Cutest Red Squirrels and Adorable Little Birds - live stream
Something fun for a Fluffy Friday!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJVVcv9-ndg

Live view:

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Happy Siblings Day! ๐Ÿ’›

You knowโ€ฆ the ones who can push your buttons like no one elseโ€ฆ mostly because they helped install them. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Whether theyโ€™ve been your partner in crime, your lifelong rival, or your biggest cheerleader, siblings have a way of staying woven into our stories through every stage of life.

And sometimes, life brings someone into our world who becomes that sibling connectionโ€ฆ even if we didnโ€™t grow up together.
A bond that feels like family, and a friendship that just fitsโ€”like a sibling and best friend all in one.

For those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or other lung conditions, these connections can take on even deeper meaning. A sibling might be the one checking in, sitting beside you on the tougher days, or sharing a laugh right when you need it most.

And sometimes, itโ€™s those shared memories, inside jokes, and moments of laughter that help carry us through.

๐Ÿ’ฌ If youโ€™re up for sharing:
Who is someone in your life who feels like a sibling to you?
Or whatโ€™s a memory that always makes you smile?

Letโ€™s celebrate those connections todayโ€”near, far, or held close in our hearts. ๐Ÿ’™

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI had 2 siblings - my brother Pete, who passed away last summer, and my sister Claire, with whom I"ve become very close over the past few years.  I'm 4 years older than she, and we weren't very close growing up ๐Ÿ˜ข.  Unfortunately we live on opposite sides of the country, so don't see each other in person enough, but we do email. text and zoom regularly.  And then there's my best friend Mary, who is like another sister.   I can count  on both of them to be there for me, no matter what.1 day ago
  • JeanO53I had 3 siblings, 2 older brothers and a much younger sister.  Us three older kids were very close in age and spent a lot of time together, usually me as the younger sister trailing behind them, still I always felt like my brothers had my back.   We drifted apart as we grew older and our world views are very very different. 
    ... My oldest brother passed away in 2016, much too soon.  He definitely knew how to push my buttons.  My other brother lives on the east coast in South Carolina and my sister on the west coast in Portland, OR.   We don't see each other very often, but my sister and I are closer these days, texting each other throughout the week - just ordinary, day to day stuff.
    ... The photo is from 1975 on the occasion of my oldest brother's wedding.1 day ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerLovely memories โ€” thank you for sharing! My sister and I can still get my mom laughing to this day. We play off each other so well and always seem to know just what to say - whether itโ€™s to embarrass one another, make one want to run away, or come chasing after me (usually me!). That same humor definitely comes with us when weโ€™re out and about, and it turns even a simple shopping trip into an adventure! It's fun to share, thanks for joining in!1 day ago
Fester

Fester

I have stage four COPD and I still donโ€™t seem to be able to put the smokes down. My family is about convinced that I either am suicidal or I just donโ€™t care

2 days ago

Fester

Fester

Itโ€™s another day in paradise, I have never participated in something like this before so I am not sure just where to start or what to do 

2 days ago

ACC1

ACC1asked the question: Age 33 Diagnosed with COPD

Hello, I have been having breathing difficulties on and off for the past four years, the doctor I went to initially in 2023/24 brushed it off as asthma, I seem to remember the nurse saying something about my blood oxygen levels being good at the time, so …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„WALNUT BERRY PARFAIT๐Ÿฅ„4 tbsp. plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup combination of blueberries and raspberries 2 tsp. chia seedsDash cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped walnutsDrizzle of honeyIn a glass, place half of the yogurt. Then, add half of the berries,...

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question How do you stay healthy and active while living with COPD?

Sorry I am slow in responding about the masks I wear. I missed the question. They are sold by family-masks.com and the ones I get are Savewo. They are breathable enough that I can wear them all the time when traveling indoors, from the time I get into …
6ft PixieAlaskan boonyratCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 5 others also answered the question 6ft Pixieand 7 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from Miyagi, in all her glory! We wish everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Wow!Yes, I have made meals similar to yours. Yours is a nice, one-pan meal! I can smell the aroma, wafting through your kitchen! ๐Ÿ˜‹Thank you for adding your recipe to the Eating Well Blog! I really appreciate it! ๐Ÿคฉ...

3 days ago

6ft Pixie

6ft Pixiecommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

One-Pan dinners are great, and our favorite one is cabbage, potatoes, and sausage.Pull out your largest frying pan with 1.5-2.5-inch sides, or use a Dutch oven. The measurements are lazy so use however much you have.1/2 -1 head of cabbage, cut into...

3 days ago

6ft Pixie

6ft Pixieanswered the question Check-in: Whoโ€™s on your health care team?

It takes a village, or in this case, a team of doctors, to care for the whole body. Because what happens in one area of the body affects the whole person. I have a PCP whom I love. Then there is my Psychiatrist, my Therapist (My lifesavers), my …
Shar101das23Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 4 others also answered the question Shar101and 6 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captaincommented onTom the Truck Driver Drives COPD Awareness

Tom, Great meeting you in Washington, D.C. and letting me get a pic with your cool truck. Best to you and your wife and her new lungs....

3 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.