COPD360social welcomes new member Sierra E who joins 64,331 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! According to "COPD in America" white paper by the COPD Action Alliance, COPD-related medical costs reached $31 billion in 2019 and are expected to reach $60.5 billion by 2029. On an individual level, COPD patients can expect medical costs over $4,000 per year. You can view the COPD costs in your state by reviewing your COPD State Report Card here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/Statistics.aspx 

What do you think we can do to manage the cost of COPD care in America?

How Common is COPD in the United States? | COPD Foundation

COPD affects an estimated 30 million individuals in the U.S. and our community stretches across all 50 states, and over half of them have symptoms and do not know it. Early screening can identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs.

3 days ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Still confused about exacerbations, though I *think* I am having one

so sorry you are feeling poorly :( I agree with Karen that this sounds more like a virus than a flareup but I know how confusing determining a flareup can be! There are so many bugs going around right now & quite a few ppl I know have the same …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

54 minutes ago

Dinna25

Dinna25answered the question Whoops ohdear

Hi wildebeest To be honest i think i am just in panic mode and not being listened to, have reason to think there might be Sleep Hypopnea but at a mild stage like scores are 5.1 5.2, and fatigue. Drs two different ones suggest i am overdoing it and …
Wildebeest also answered the question Wildebeest also answered the question

2 hours ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: Still confused about exacerbations, though I *think* I am having one

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/What-exactly-is-an-exacerbation-COPD-or-asthma-I-have-both.aspx From David's answer to my question last year I guess I am having an exacerbation. The answer kind of matters …

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHey, folks! Today we've got a fun Christmas song! It's an oldie, but a goodie! If you know the words, sing along!
Buon Natale, amici!!! ๐ŸŽ„ 


https://youtu.be/Ca5wXojemRM?si=biQXF34Or9JfHniY

6 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Asymptomatic Emphysema

bradford1234 If you feel that you did not get your answers, that might be because you need to have a pft test to determine whether or not you have COPD (emphysema).
bradford1234Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question bradford1234and 2 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

Dinna25

Dinna25asked the question: Whoops ohdear

Hi all Seems like i have over done the exercise a check up said my body is fatigued/ tired and i am too stop and rest. Whoops was loving it, but the warning i must take on board and act on. Think it was the over 12,000 steps plus cardio. I am now very …

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ€GRAHAM CRACKER TOFFEE๐ŸŽ€1 package honey graham crackersTwo 7-ounce milk chocolate bars1 cup butter1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecansPreheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick...

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday to our great community! 
Today we have an innocent kitty who certainly was no angel! ๐Ÿ˜‡
It's all in good fun! ๐Ÿ˜„
Have a beautiful Friday, friends! โค๐Ÿ’š

11 hours ago

Shona

Shona

At Dr. Office

23 hours ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break - Wednesday, January 14, 2:30PM Eastern

A group for those in the bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease communities. Register here: https://copdf.co/Bronch-NTM-support

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event OxyTalk Social Hour - Wednesday, January 14, 4PM Eastern.

A group for those on oxygen therapy. Send any questions ahead of time to oxygen360@copdfoundation.org. Register here: https://copdf.co/oxy-talk

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event COPD360Social Hour & Harmonica Play-Along- Wednesday, January 7, 4PM

A group for everyone in our COPD community to make friends, catch up, and answer your most pressing questions. Bring your harmonica for a Harmonicas for Health play-along to take place after the group discussion. Register here: https://copdf.co/360 …

1 day ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Attention Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Employee Plan (FEP) beneficiaries!

Starting January 1, 2026, Dupixent (dupilumab) will be excluded from the BCBS FEP formulary. If you are currently prescribed Dupixent, your health care provider can submit a formulary exception request to BCBS. If you are prescribed Dupixent after January 1, your health care provider can submit a prior authorization request followed by a formulary exception request.

This announcement only applies to BCBS FEP beneficiaries. Dupixent is still covered by most major health insurance policies, including Medicare.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain Here's an oldie, but a goodie! My dearly departed brother Bobby and I used to love this song when we were little! โค๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿฟ


https://youtu.be/np2ZapISRzM?si=dtU9B6CmWAxEhnrG

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ด๐ŸŸขNO-BAKE JINGLE BALLS๐Ÿ”ด๐ŸŸข3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar1 tbsp. vanilla extract1/4 tsp. almond extract1 cup all purpose flour, plus more as needed, adding 1 tbsp. at a time, just enough so dough is not too dry Beat the...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! I hope everyone enjoys a beautiful, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š Here's a BIG smile to start your day out the right way! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

Skyy lani

Skyy lanianswered the question Is this exarcerbation?

We were able to see the pulmonologist today. The doctor prescribed dupixent and a second round of prednisone. He was also referred to a pulmo rehab online. Sleep apnea results came in negative and hubby maintained oxygen of above 90 the whole time. …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainCoach Brandon - Community Managerand 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

brydy

brydy

I read yesterday that the hospitals are experiencing an over 200% of ppl coming in with the flu. Apparently this years strain is not only highly virulent if is also quite severe & has led to pneumonia complications in otherwise healthy ppl. this years flu shot isnt a great match for it but should hopefully still help a bit. just wanted to give a heads up to the community to consider masking for the time being as flu is def not good for us. 

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question home use - portable spirometers

The MIR Spirobank works well. We have used the Vitalograph COPD 6 - this gives fev1 and fev6 (which is close to fvc for most)
WildebeestCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Wildebeestand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Coping living with someone who has COPD

Hi Jloxk Welcome. Your granddad is very fortunate to have you living with him and caring about his health. Both Dave and Caroline have given you excellent advice. One thing that I noticed is that you mentioned his ankles are swollen - to my …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other 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 How is this drug?

Some people are more sensitive to medications than others- and you appear to be one of those people. Stiolto contains both a LABA and a LAMA- and LABAs increase the risk of Afib. You could try Spiriva- which is just the LAMA, and see how that does. You …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: How is this drug?

All - I had an updated PFT after 5 years. The numbers are worse, to a degree which surprised the pulmonary doctor. The pulmonary doctor wants to try a new drug. I am now on nothing (see history below). After walking up 2 flights of stairs, I am a bit …

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Happy festive Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐ŸŒ
Feel free to share any view that makes you smile. Holiday-themed photos are a fun bonus, but truly, anything that brings a little joy to your day is welcome.

Wishing everyone a cozy, wintery Wednesday! โ„โœจ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ด๐ŸŸขโšช๏ธEASY PITA PIZZA๐Ÿ”ด๐ŸŸขโšช๏ธFour 5-inch pita breads4 tsp. olive oil, divided 1/2 cup marinara sauce, divided 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn and divided 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.Place a large sheet...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, everyone!
We are all so busy this time of year. Please be sure to take good care of yourselves. Try not to overdo it. Don't let yourselves get run down. Set a limit each day. Keep those positive vibes flowing! Taking good care and managing your condition will help to keep you strong, so you can keep on going, long past the holiday season! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: home use - portable spirometers

Can anyone recommend a portable spirometers I can use at home? I do a Google search and see a few. Looking for your thoughts.

2 days ago

DOZZERSMOM

DOZZERSMOM

๐Ÿ˜•

2 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.