COPD360social welcomes new member PhillyGrammy who joins 63,341 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerCelebrating John Linnell

Weโ€™d like to take a moment to remember someone who made this world--and our community--a whole lot brighter: our friend and longtime advocate, John Linnell.

John wasnโ€™t just a powerhouse in the world of COPD advocacy--he was the kind of person who could light up a room with a story, a quick joke, or that signature grin. Diagnosed with COPD in 2005, he took that challenge and turned it into a mission: to make sure no one living with this disease ever felt alone or unheard.

And he didnโ€™t just show up--he showed out.
John served on boards like the U.S. COPD Coalition, EFFORTS, and Right2Breathe, was a State Captain for the COPD Foundation, worked on research teams from Johns Hopkins to the University of Illinois Chicago, and even reviewed research proposals for the Department of Defense. Wherever there was a seat at the table, John pulled up a chair and brought the patient voice with him.

But beyond the titles and accomplishments, John was a storyteller, a people person, and someone who just made things better. He could make you laugh when you needed it most, and somehow always knew the exact right thing to say.

He loved cooking, traveling, and spending time with his sweet wife, Barb. The two of them shared a beautiful bond that was easy to see and even easier to admire. And if John had the chance to be on a cruise? He was all in. So while weโ€™re missing him deeply, we like to think heโ€™s sailing off into the sunset--coffee in hand, cracking jokes, and making new friends on the most beautiful cruise of all.

John, thank you for everything you gave--to the community, to advocacy, and to all of us lucky enough to know you. Weโ€™ll carry your light forward and keep your memory close.


Bon voyage, friend. You are deeply missed and forever remembered!

2 days ago

Badlung

Badlung

Just joined the group a few minutes ago so I wanted to thank everyone for being here and sharing and hopefully I'll feel better and more like sharing a little later on. Happy Saturday everyone

2 hours ago

Badlung

Badlung

More or less deppressed

2 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Stage four bull cancer emphysema

I have this type of emphysema. These bullae are prone to bursting and releasing air into the thoracic cavity.
GAnne also answered the question GAnne also answered the question

5 hours ago

JD85

JD85answered the question Emphysematous Changes On CT Incidental Find

It's weird having gone through this crazy process and like the consultant said there are no guarantees but it's unlikely to happen in the future. Thank you everyone for your support, I really hope that you are all good and continue to be amazing to …
mony072brydyKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question mony072and 4 others also answered the question

7 hours ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Stage four bull cancer emphysema

so I have read my doctors notes from Monday this morning remembering I have to go have blood work done on Monday for the sales and ELECTRIC cardiogram on Tuesday so it said in his nerves that I had stage four bullies emphysema. So what does this mean for …

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday! Keep on looking forward to pleasant days! Life IS good, and there is so much to enjoy! Have a beautiful, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

14 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

This is an exciting and hopeful developmentโ€”lung scaffolding!

https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/3d-printing-lungs/

18 hours ago

NealS

NealSanswered the question Retractable Oxygen Tubing: Do you use this?

I've tried most of the gimicks,nothing really works. I mostly just ignore the tubing and walk right through it. Some one just needs to produce a lay flat tubing, no one does, I've tried them all.
JlorMaddyIylaedpe77and 12 others also answered the question Jlorand 14 others also answered the question

22 hours ago

NealS

NealSanswered the question How Long Can your Oxygen Tubing Safely Be?

I typically use a 50 foot plus a 14 foot, giving me access to the majorority of my home. When I go out ot the garage, I add on another 100 feet so I can go out to my garden and play around a bit. Sometimes I even add another 30 or so feet to reach the …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainMarlomontecarloSplash4175and 13 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 15 others also answered the question

22 hours ago

TerryM

TerryM

Iโ€™m brand new here & look forward to being a part of the community!!! Wishing all a happy Friday!!!!๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF CommunicationsHappy Fluffy Friday ๐Ÿ’š
Here's Penelope using her cat nip pickle as a pillow.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿพ Fluffy Friday: The Usual Suspects Edition ๐Ÿพ

Caught in the actโ€ฆ of being way too adorable. ๐Ÿ˜‡

Jasmine swears she was nowhere near the treat jar, but her freshly fluffed hair says โ€œguilty of fabulousness.โ€ Meanwhile, Jagger is giving his best โ€œWho, me?โ€ faceโ€”while standing exactly where the missing toy used to be. ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿช€

These two may look innocent, but we know better. The evidence? Endless cuteness, suspicious amounts of fur on the couch, and hearts stolen all over the place. ๐Ÿ’™

While weโ€™re sharing todayโ€™s suspects, weโ€™re also wishing everyone easier breathing and hoping youโ€™re staying out of the heat. If youโ€™re dealing with smoke or high temps, hereโ€™s hoping youโ€™ve found a cool, comfy spot to enjoy the day indoors--and donโ€™t forget to stay hydrated! ๐Ÿ’ง

Letโ€™s see your โ€œadorable suspectsโ€ in the comments--caught red-pawed, mid-zoomie, or just looking like theyโ€™ve gotten away with something. This is one lineup we want to see!

1 day ago

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

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

Your post bronchodilator spirometry is technically "normal", pre bronchodilator showed Stage 1 (Mild) obstruction with fev1/FVC of 0.68 ( less than the 0.70 threshold). So yes- I would consider this "borderline obstruction". Your DLCO and lung volumes …
Coach Brandon - Community ManagerSassy1Danforth55and 2 others also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

WATERMELON BERRY POPSICLES 6 cups cubed watermelon1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 3 tbsp. honeyAdd the watermelon, 1/2 cup of the blueberries, 1/2 cup of the raspberries, and the honey to a blender. Blend until smooth. Press the mixture...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday! This dachshund is enjoying every moment of her summer! I bet she's ready to jump into her kiddie pool! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainhttps://apple.news/A7kb9irzeRkC5jwbjaGYDOA


For all of us mourning all our angels, including John Linnell, our latest one, theyโ€™re putting on a fabulous light show for us to enjoy!  See if you can view it and tell us all about it!

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question N100

I have no experience with these masks. I hope that someone who knows about them will answer you soon.

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Trelegy and Roflumolast

Good morning Richard thank you for sharing your story. Right now I have been on rolfumilist fir 3 day, had some brain fog, like you said about going to restroom. I think Iโ€™m gonna stay here for a bit and let this medication works. I am just still try to …
Richard DJDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Richard DJand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

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

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

I agree with the pulmnary Rehabilitation suggestion. Have you had pulmonary function testing or CT imaging post operatively?
HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain45yrcopdasthma also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ’กCUTE SNACK IDEA! ๐Ÿ’ก1 bag tortilla cups (next to bags of tortilla chips)1 can fat-free refried beansFinely chopped ripe tomatoesFinely chopped scallionsShredded taco-seasoned Cheddar cheese Warm the refried beans in the microwave. Fill...

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaincommented onBiologic Medicines for COPD: What They Are and Why to Use Them

I was started on Dupixent 11/2024. The year prior I had 3 exacerbations. Since starting Dupixent, NO exacerbations, though several things happened since I started Dupixent which would normally have likely triggered an exacerbation (like when both my...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thankful Thursday! What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for the wonderful folks here at the COPD Foundation, and all the valuable information they provide!
I am also thankful for my pets, the critters outside, and all the beautiful flowers that grow out there!
A big thank you to all my friends here on 360Social! It wouldn't be a day without you in it! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

45yrcopdasthma

45yrcopdasthmaasked the question: N100

I have just discovered these carbon filter reusable masks. I've been using n 95s until now but I can smell diesel fumes and strong perfumes and aftershaves through it. Back in the city and am finding it difficult to breath. My asthma is at crazy levels …

2 days ago

Mustang2006

Mustang2006asked the question: OnCOPD

I had a lobectomy in February . They removed a huge tumor and Im cancer free. I have COPD and Emphysema and my surgeon said that once the tumor was removed that I would not be able to run but I could jog. Well I cant even walk 10 feet without having to …

2 days ago

Sassy1

Sassy1asked the question: CT scan

Hi everyone! I got pneumonia twice in 2023. I was sent for a CT scan and it showed mild emphysema. I then did a PFT which came back good. I went for a PFT again, July 2025, and the results/Pulmonologist said that I don't have COPD. I'm very confused. …

2 days ago

Mimi21

Mimi21

In November, I ended up in the hospital with COVID-19 NL 63 and pneumonia. My oxygen level was 86 and I was sent to the emergency room. I am now on oxygen 24 hours a day. Itโ€™s taking a lot out of me. Iโ€™ve gained a lot of weight and I hate it. This whole thing is new and Iโ€™m struggling with it, but Iโ€™m happy to see the comments that Iโ€™ve seen here. I need a support group.. I have not had a cigarette since the day I went into the hospital on 18 August itโ€™ll be nine months I called this my leash. I hate it unfortunately Iโ€™ve also gained 35 pounds and I hate every pound of it. Iโ€™m just starting to look into looking for a support group and I start Pulmonary rehab next week. Iโ€™m looking forward to learning a lot from this dashboard.

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainWelcome!


    I use my portable oxygen concentrator and can still do a lot with it. I use it to go out shopping and for traveling (yes, flying with it). If your MD/provider approves, thereโ€™s a whole lot you can still do while on O2!


    I have a virtual & in person support group Iโ€™ve run since 2007. Anyone is welcome to join. Itโ€™s available by zoom, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10-noon, Hawaii Standard Time. You can get and share good info there. More info at www.hawaiicopd.org. 


    Mike Hess also runs an excellent OxyTalk group that is held every monthโ€”lots of great folks there too!


    2 days ago
  • das23Welcome Mimi21.....HIcopd has given you great advice. Congrats on quitting smoking--That is the best thing you can do!!!!--You have the right attitude and pulmonary rehab will help get you started with exercise. Good luck. You'll get much support here. โœŒ2 days ago
  • brydyhi mimi, see if your doctor/pulmonologist will refer you to pulmonary rehab. it is very beneficial & sounds like it could be a great starting place for you. 
    welcome to 360! theres a lot of rly good info under learn more on this site too. 2 days ago
JeanL

JeanL

Hello.  My sister-in-law is 71 years old and was diagnosed with COPD a couple of years ago.  She was able to/needs to work until a few months ago.  She had a fall at work after returning on oxygen and her employer let her go.  She is struggling financially and I am trying to find out where to get assistance for her; utilities, rent, anything that would help.  She had been eligible for SNAP, but was reduced.  We are supplementing with food banks and are trying to reapply for food stamps.  Can you direct us on how to get her the assistance she needs?  Social security is not enough.
Thank you,

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Has anyone tried NO medication for COPD?

It depends what other medications you are on- but an a minimum one would expect to see an increase in symptoms and a higher risk of exacerbations. If you have been stable and exacerbation free- you can talk to your doctor about stepping down therapy …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question

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.