COPD360social welcomes new member Fer who joins 64,863 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerGuess what day it isโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ‘€๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

Itโ€™s VMCotWW -- Visit My Corner of the World Wednesdays!

Time to take a little break and share a glimpse of your world - whether itโ€™s something peaceful, beautiful, or just something that made you smile today.

Iโ€™m sharing a sunset from Sedona, AZ, one of those views that just makes you pause for a second and take it all in. ๐ŸŒ„

Now itโ€™s your turnโ€ฆ what does your corner of the world look like today? Drop a photo below - weโ€™d love to see it! ๐Ÿ“ทโœจ

3 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Your Story Could Help Someone Else

One of the most powerful things about our community is the stories we share with each other. The experiences, challenges, little victories, and lessons along the way can mean so much to someone who may be going through the same thing.

As we work on refreshing the COPD Foundation podcast, weโ€™re adding a new segment where we highlight stories from people living with COPD or other lung conditions, as well as caregivers.

If youโ€™d like to share part of your journey, we would love to hear from you. Your story can be shared anonymously on the show if you prefer.

You can send your story to:
๐Ÿ“ง  share@copdfoundation.org

It could be about something that helped you, a challenge youโ€™ve faced, advice for others, or even a moment that gave you hope. Sometimes hearing that someone else has walked a similar path can make all the difference.

If youโ€™ve ever thought, โ€œMaybe my story could help someone,โ€ this is a wonderful way to do it.

3 days ago

  • Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŽ™๏ธ๐Ÿ“– World Storytelling Day is this Fridayโ€”and your story matters

    Sharing our experiences can make a real differenceโ€”whether youโ€™re living with a lung condition, caring for someone, or supporting a loved one. Sometimes hearing โ€œme tooโ€ or learning from someone elseโ€™s journey can bring comfort, strength, and new perspective.

    As we refresh the COPD Foundation podcast, weโ€™d love to include stories from our community.

    If youโ€™d like to share, you can send your story to:
    ๐Ÿ“ง share@copdfoundation.org

    Your story can be shared anonymouslyโ€”and it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. ๐Ÿ’™21 hours ago
Fer

Fer

Fare

7 minutes ago

KAK

KAKasked the question: Are there more options for plane travel and batteries?

Hi! My mom and I are taking a flight in a few weeks. We have rented additional batteries for her portable concentrator from her supplier- should be enough as long as we are not delayed, etc. This is where we are worried- the airports are reporting TSA …

2 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question CO2 retention

K. - You seem to be a bit in denial. The standard blood test with CO2 given in the ER and when I have a complaint with my primary doctor is called the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

3 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manageranswered the question Am I eating wrong, keep loosing weight?

GAnne, It sounds like a rough time trying to figure this out, here is our section that talks more about Nutrition for Someone with COPD,I hope this can help: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-P...

3 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question CPET

J - get a second cardiac opinion. You want the specialist for the heart's electrical parts, an electrophysiologist (EP). The have much more education about the heart. Think about going to a major medical center that is highly rated for the heart like …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )JHutton94 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

3 hours ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Am I eating wrong, keep loosing weight?

good morning I apologize if this is going to be long. I continue to lose weight. I am down to 118 pounds. I have lost 15 pounds since January but I used to weigh 155 pounds six months ago. Iโ€™m trying to eat like they say we should eat. Healthy I eat …

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ“FRUIT INFUSED WATER๐Ÿ“๐ŸŠ1 large orange, sliced 6 strawberries, sliced 10 mint leaves 4 cups cold waterFor this recipe, you'll need a mason jar that holds one quart or more.Place the orange and strawberry slices, and the mint leaves in the...

4 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHave a simply wonderful Wednesday! The simple things are the best things, folks! ๐Ÿ˜Š

9 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: CO2 retention

So now in addition to my o2 level randomly dropping, I'm worried that I'm retaining co2. Sometimes even when pulse ox is good I feel sometimes dizzy, etc. Is this likely with normal dlco and no presence of emphysema? I am going for nuclear stress test of …

17 hours ago

eric63

eric63answered the question How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

I have COPD and have been prescribed Advair 250/50. Over time, my COPD breathlessness increased. Thatโ€™s when I started to use an Albuterol inhaler on a daily basis around three times a day. When I walk my dog in the morning and in the late afternoon, and …
Richard DJWildebeestCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Richard DJand 5 others also answered the question

18 hours ago

eric63

eric63answered the question Frequency of Albuterol (rescue inhaler)

Before COPD, I used to work out on a regular basis and also play tennis. After I was diagnosed with COPD, I was prescribed Advair 250/50. I can no longer run or even jog but I can still walk my dog twice a day, around 15 minutes in the morning and 30 …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainJean IA State Captaincampbell67and 1 other also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

19 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Diagnosis

Everyone is unique and sometimes clear cut answers are difficult to get. Virtually everyone with MAC has bronchiectasis. About 50-60% of people with bronchiectasis have MAC. Most people with bronchiectasis have lung function impairment- with 30-50% being …
JeanO53Jazzybeannetmouseand 2 others also answered the question JeanO53and 4 others also answered the question

20 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPlease join us tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 10-noon Hawaii Standard Time (4-6pm Eastern) for a Zoom Support Group Meeting! More information here--www.hawaiicopd.org/join-great-discussions-about-lung-health/. Please register here to get zoom link reminders sent to you. www.hawaiicopd.org/hawaii-copd-event-registration/. Hope you can join us, every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

22 hours ago

Tammy55

Tammy55answered the question Is wheezing a common symptom?

COPD, tracheitis, acute chronic bronchitis. Wheeze often - that means it can happen at all times - every day, 24-7.. That when i know it is time to get a nebulizer of Duo-Neb - (ipratropium - albuterol). ( Also take Budesonide twice a day) Time to set …
TonicDkCaroline West Virginia State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question TonicDkand 2 others also answered the question

23 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅญMANGO SLAW๐Ÿฅญ1/2 cup olive oil 2 tbsp. honey1/2 tsp. celery seedSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup chopped cilantro Juice of 2 limes2 large ripe, but firm mangos, thinly sliced2 scallions, very thinly sliced2 mini...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainIt's Terrific Tuesday! Today is a good day to set your mind to everything brilliant and bright! ๐Ÿคฉ Enjoy your day, and keep on smiling friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ—ป๏ธTUSCAN WHITE BEAN SKILLET MEALโ—ป๏ธ1 tbsp. olive oil1 cup diced onion1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced Two 14.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes and...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends! Let's ease into the new week together! The sunshine, 360Social, and your favorite morning beverage are what you need to start the day out right! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerโœˆ Safe travels to our lung health advocates heading to Washington, D.C.!

This week, some wonderful members of our community are making their way to Washington, D.C. for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 and Hill Day. Theyโ€™ll be meeting with elected officials and sharing something incredibly powerful - their real stories of living with COPD and other lung conditions.

That kind of advocacy matters more than people realize. When lawmakers hear directly from patients and caregivers, it puts a real face and voice to the challenges our community experiences every dayโ€”things like access to oxygen, pulmonary rehab, better treatments, and continued research that can change lives.

IMPACT Lung Health brings together advocates from across the country who are willing to step forward and speak up for all of us. It takes courage, heart, and a lot of dedication to do this work, and weโ€™re incredibly grateful.

To everyone making the trip this weekโ€”thank you for raising your voices for the lung health community. Wishing you smooth travels, great conversations on the Hill, and maybe even a few good laughs along the way with our terrific crew.

Weโ€™re cheering you on from back home. ๐Ÿ’™

And when you get backโ€ฆ we hope youโ€™ll share a few stories and photos with us!

If you'd like to learn more about IMPACT Lung Health and what our advocates are working toward, you can check it out here:
https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/IMPACT-Lung-Health.aspx

IMPACT Lung Health | COPD Foundation

The IMPACT COPD event, hosted by the COPD Foundation will help you improve your advocacy, storytelling and relationship-building skills while preparing you for a day of virtual meetings with members of Congress and their staff.

2 days ago

Lori Loretta Lynn

Lori Loretta Lynn

Today I feel well, I am having difficulty adjusting to Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure meds that I have recently began to take.  Does anyone experience a heavy chest feeling, dry cough, sore back and joints?  I use Inspiolto Respimat inhaler - 2 puffs 1x daily - for my current COPD / Empheseyma

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • JeanO53Hi Lori Loretta Lynnโ€‹!   I can only speak to the cholesterol medication.
    It may be the high cholesterol meds that are causing your sore back and joints.  One of the side effects of taking a statin can be the muscle aches and weakness.  I take a statin.  Along with a change in diet, my cholesterol is at a great level, but my doctor has me continue with it for heart health. Iโ€™ve been fortunate to avoid some of the side effects.
    I suggest talking with your doctor - maybe a change in dosage or a different statin will lessen the side effects. 2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi Lori Loretta Lynnโ€‹.  Welsome to 360!  I agree with Jean - my husband was on statins and the first 4 caused aches in his muscles and joints.  Please do speak with your care team - they may want to have you try a diferent statin.  As for the feeling in your chest and your cough, have you mentioned that to them?  It might indicate the beginning of an exacerbation (flare-up). Please let us know.2 days ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainWelcome!! The chest tightness and cough sound like you have something in your chest that needs to come out.  You may be experiencing an exacerbation of your COPD and need to see your pulmonologist or a critical care center.


    The sore joints may be from inflammation in which case you may need to add some supplements to your medicine regimen.  Jean has given you suggestions about this as well.  You need to see your doctor about these symptoms.2 days ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! So many little things to enjoy, each and every day! Yes, youโ€™ll look back at them all, and you'll smile! I hope everyone finds lots of little things today! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

Jingles

Jinglesasked the question: Diagnosis

Anyone have this problem? My problem is doctors have a hard time figuring out exactly what I have. I am currently going to the best in the Philly area. Temple in Philly. They have guessed emphysema, bronchitis, copd/asthma combo and perhaps …

3 days ago

Jingles

Jinglesanswered the question Has anyone used a smartvest?

Used it for months, did absolutely nothing. Might help you though. I really never have a lot of mucus. It's a little costly, but my insurance paid for it.
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Sunny789 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

JHutton94

JHutton94asked the question: CPET

Hello all, Not sure if you remember me but I got a CPET as suggested by members here. The report came back it showed: Peak VO2: 21.5 mL/kg/min โ€” 53% predictedO2 Pulse: 9 mL/beat โ€” 58% predicted โ€” flatVE/VCO2 rest: 54 โ€” AT: 46 โ€” Peak: 50PETCO2 rest: 4 …

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainZippity Doo Dah, Zippity Ay! My, oh, my, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine headed my way! Zippity Doo Dah, Zippity Ay! ๐ŸŒž
Happy Saturday, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

4 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAnother "Fluffy Friday", pic. This is May, our little silkie hen. We now call her "Mama May", because any baby chick who comes to the farm, she adopts. She is small, but mighty, and is definitely the "mom", of the flock. More babies coming this spring! COPD and winter coop cleaning... I had a hard time with the dust before, but now my husband (he is amazing!) has taken pity on me and does the coop cleaning. I can't wait for spring when everyone is back outside all day. 

4 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )โ€‹  I want to give a shout out to a person who gives selflessly of his time and undeniable expertise.  Thank you, Dr. Mannino.

4 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question COPD questions

Yes, COPD is a progressive disease. It's great that you have quit smoking. That helps to slow down the progression. Caroline gave you great advice there. Realize that beyond the progressive nature of the disease, there is the normal decline in function …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

5 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.