COPD360social welcomes new member Connie0505 who joins 64,816 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ Remembering Jean Rommes ๐Ÿ’™

We wanted to share Jean Rommesโ€™ obituary with our community so those who knew and cared about her can learn more about the life she lived and the many people she touched.

Jean meant a lot to many here, and she will truly be missed. Our thoughts continue to be with her family and loved ones.

You can read her obituary here:

https://www.kalefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jean-Rommes?obId=47468640

Obituary information for Jean McMartin Rommes

View Jean McMartin Rommes's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

16 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’ฌ Community Question: How do you know when your COPD is getting worse?

One of the most helpful things about our community is learning from each otherโ€™s real-life experiences. When members share what they notice and how they handle it, it can help someone else recognize the signs earlier and know when it may be time to reach out to their doctor.

Weโ€™d love to hear from you:

๐Ÿ‘‰ How do you know your COPD may be getting worse?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What symptoms worry you the most when this happens? (More shortness of breath, extra mucus, coughing, chest tightness, fatigue, etc.)
๐Ÿ‘‰ How do you explain it to your doctor when you feel your COPD is getting worse?

Your insight could really help another patient or caregiver who may be experiencing these changes but isnโ€™t sure what they mean yet.

โฌ‡ Please click the link at the bottom of this post and share your answer directly in the Q&A discussion so others can easily find and learn from your experience.

As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with - but your voice may make a real difference for someone else.


https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/How-do-you-know-your-COPD-is-getting-worse.aspx

How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

What symptoms worry you the most when this happens (for example, trouble breathing, more mucus, coughing, chest feeling tight, etc.)? How do you tell …

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

Quick question. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea as well as COPD. I just got and have only been using my CPAP machine for 8 nights (we will be friends someday, ha!). The last two nights I keep waking to these sudden, powerful bursts of air that come in about 5-10 quick bursts. What is that? It is startling. 

1 hour ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnanswered the question Has anyone had a upper GI endoscopy while having COPD?

I have. No complications at all.
das23Richard DJ also answered the question das23and 1 other also answered the question

1 hour ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Booโ€”CVS Caremark didnโ€™t process my biologic with the specialty discount card from the manufacturer so my copay went from $0 to nearly $800!  I called to talk with them and they promised to re-process it with the discount card and call me back.  Thatโ€™s a huge difference, and only the patient portion!  I told them that if they donโ€™t adjust it properly, I will have to speak with my doctor about switching to a different biologic but prefer not to, since this one is working well.  Copays are pretty steep if one doesnโ€™t use whatever discounts are available. 

4 hours ago

Sunny789

Sunny789answered the question Has anyone used a smartvest?

I had used the smartvest it wasn't very effective. Though I have heard it is good for some people

5 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390 asked the question: Has anyone used a smartvest?

Has anyone used a smartvest? Thinking about buying o e if effective thanks

5 hours ago

Richard DJ

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

I am an old guy (88.5 last week --- at my age we think in terms of half years) I went to my pulmonologist two weeks ago and they ran a breathing test on their machine. He said I was a little worse than 2 years ago, but I am a lot better than most for rmy …
WildebeestCaroline West Virginia State Captaindas23and 2 others also answered the question Wildebeestand 4 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerItโ€™s almost time for VMCotWW! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

This is one of our favorite ways to take a little break together and see the beauty that surrounds our communityโ€”Visit My Corner of the World Wednesdays. If youโ€™re new here, itโ€™s a fun and easy way to jump in. Share a photo of your world, something that makes you smile, or anything that brings you a little joy. It could be a favorite view, a pet, a hobby, or just a moment that brightened your day.

This week Iโ€™m sharing a few photos from Death Valley that my father captured over the past year. He shot them in infrared, which gives the landscape a really cool twist on the usual scenery. He recently surprised me by passing the camera along to me, so now Iโ€™m hoping to get out there and capture a few beauties of my own like he did.

Now itโ€™s your turn! What does your corner of the world look like today? Weโ€™d love to see it. ๐Ÿ“ทโœจ

6 hours ago

Richard DJ

Richard DJasked the question: Will Novusetin or Longvida Curcumin help your phlegm and your brain

https://gemini.google.com/share/be7c01632e28 I hope you can bring up the above webpage. I asked the AI website Gemini several questions starting with NF kapa B and it gave me some very interesting answers that may or may not help you. Do I believe …

7 hours ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communicationsanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

Hi Kmcnamara68! So glad to hear you're considering pulmonary rehab. One option you may consider is trying to identify a site you might go to for rehab, and calling them to see if they have pulmonologists they might recommend. We have a partnership …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

8 hours ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Has anyone had a upper GI endoscopy while having COPD?

They may move my endoscopic up in a couple weeks she said today, has anyone had one while having COPD. Any complications?

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœณ๏ธGOING GREEN SMOOTHIEโœณ๏ธ1 medium banana, broken into chunks 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped3 medium kiwi fruit, peeled and cubed1 cup unsweetened plain coconut milk yogurt 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 2 cups fresh spinach leaves...

17 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday! 
Yep! You get back what you give. I've always felt this way. So, why not give us a smile?! Here's one right back at you! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

22 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week highlights benefits for people with COPD

Comprehensive programs help people breathe better, improve quality of life

Miami (March 9, 2026) - The COPD Foundation is joining other lung health champions in raising awareness of the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and the dedication of the health care professionals who deliver these specialized programs during Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, observed March 8-14, 2026.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective non-pharmacologic therapies available for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and other chronic respiratory conditions, yet programs remain significantly underused.

Pulmonary rehabilitation combines supervised exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques to help people with chronic lung disease improve their strength, stamina, and overall quality of life.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜ด Happy National Napping Day, 360social!

Did anyone else feel that time change this weekend? Losing an hour of sleep can be roughโ€ฆ which makes today the perfect excuse to celebrate National Napping Day!

For those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or other lung conditions, fatigue can be a real challenge. A short nap can sometimes help recharge your energy, especially on days when breathing takes a little more effort.

A few friendly nap tips:
โ€ข Keep naps short (about 20โ€“30 minutes) so you donโ€™t feel groggy
โ€ข Try to nap earlier in the afternoon
โ€ข Find a comfortable spot where you can relax and breathe easily
โ€ข If you use oxygen, make sure everything is set up safely and comfortably

And letโ€™s be honestโ€ฆ sometimes the best naps happen with a pet curled up next to you. ๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿ’ฌ Weโ€™d love to hear from you:
Are you a nap champion, or someone who canโ€™t nap even if you try?
Bonus points if you have a nap buddy (furry or otherwise)!

Take care of yourselves todayโ€”and if you sneak in a nap, we promise not to tell anyone. ๐Ÿ˜‰

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

What symptoms worry you the most when this happens (for example, trouble breathing, more mucus, coughing, chest feeling tight, etc.)? How do you tell your doctor that your COPD is getting worse or that you feel worse?

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅฌ"BACK TO BASICS" SIMPLE SALAD๐Ÿฅฌ2 tbsp. olive oil 3 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 cups Spring Mix salad greensPour the salad greens into a large bowl. Pour the olive oil...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! It's Monday! A great day to start fresh! "Let's get things done" "Let's wear a big smile" "Let's keep moving forward " 
Have a wonderful day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

I want to send my condolences to the veterans of this site for the loses of your dear friends Jean and Kandy. Through your posts I have seen how loved and admired they were. I wish I could have known them. 

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHappy International Women's Day.  https://jlcards.com/bH9eN1

An ecard from Karen Deitemeyer

Please click the image to view your ecard!

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnI can't wait for spring planting here on the farm, but in the meantime puzzles, baking, and cooking are keeping me sane-ish. Don't forget to set your clocks this morning. Yay for later daylight hours! 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappiest of Sundays to all of you! May today greet you with a smile, and may that smile carry you through the day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Technical question about the COPD foundation website

And, if you want to view anyone's profile in entirety, simply turn your phone sideways, and view in landscape mode. Easy! 😀
Liza M also answered the question Liza M also answered the question

3 days ago

Liza M

Liza Masked the question: Technical question about the COPD foundation website

Hello, I have some technical questions about this site. When I view profiles, I see thereโ€™s a section that says description. However, most descriptions are cut off and I cannot read them in their entirety. Is there a way to read the whole description? …

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒธ March is Womenโ€™s History Month ๐ŸŒธ

This month we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world--through science, caregiving, advocacy, and everyday resilience. Their strength has opened doors, advanced medicine, and inspired generations.

In the lung health community, women play a powerful role. Many are patients navigating COPD, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions with determination and courage. Many are caregivers supporting loved ones through difficult days. Others are researchers, respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments and quality of life.

Women have helped move lung health forward in meaningful ways--raising awareness, supporting research, and building communities where no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

๐Ÿ’™ This month, weโ€™d love to hear from you:

โ€ข Is there a woman who has inspired you on your health journey?
โ€ข Maybe a caregiver, doctor, friend, family member, or fellow community member?
โ€ข Or perhaps youโ€™re celebrating your own strength in living with lung disease.

Take a moment to recognize the women who make a difference every day. Their stories matter, and sharing them can inspire someone else who may need a little encouragement today.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Feel free to drop a comment and celebrate the amazing women in your life!

3 days ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Best nebulizer - and mouth piece??

After many nebulizers, and the first one i received from my oxygen supply company, just wondering if anyone else has good ideas. I use "Pari" nebulizer. it is labeled as used a high use daily. Mine has lasted for a couple years and i use up to 5 times a …

3 days ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Tracheitis - Any one else??

Just wondering if anyone else have run across a diagnosis of Tracheitis?? - Tammy

3 days ago

Tammy55

Tammy55answered the question Personal question for ladies. I canโ€™t stand anything that is binding. So ladies this would be a bra.

I have found that there are some bras that have no wires and fit over my head. They are from Temu. some folks dont like the place i got them on line - from China, But they work! And have "big" sizes - for women like me. So getting a larger size is a …
JeanO53DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question JeanO53and 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulmonary rehab

Just wondering about other's experiences with this. I am in the process of finding a new pulmonologist and hoping to find one who believes in the benefits of the program. You would think they all would be, but never been recommended to me by one of them. …

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.