COPD360social welcomes new member GACRT who joins 62,668 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿšจ Be Ready Before the Storm: A Reminder to Prepare ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Hi everyone!

We hope your weekend is off to a good start. Our hearts are with anyone affected by the recent storms--please know we're thinking of you and sending strength. If you or someone you care about was impacted, you're not alone--your COPD360social family is here for you!

When it comes to lung health, being prepared for emergencies is more than just a good idea--itโ€™s essential. Weather can turn quickly, and for those living with COPD or other chronic lung conditions, planning ahead can make all the difference.

The Disaster Preparedness Plan (DPP) is a fantastic tool from the COPD Foundation to help you stay one step ahead--before, during, and after an emergency. From medications to oxygen backups, itโ€™s all in there.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ You can find it here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#DPP

๐Ÿ“ฑ The DPP is also available in the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app, which offers additional resources for managing COPD. You can download the app for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Stay safe, check in if youโ€™re able, and share any tips that have helped you prepare--your insight could help someone else!



COPD Foundation Educational Materials

The COPD Foundation educational library has a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools that you can download to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD โ€“ everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups).

2 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello, lung health community!! Recent executive actions have put the U.S. federal health landscape at risk. Join the COPD Foundation as we call on our lawmakers to support our public health infrastructure to ensure that the lung health community has access to cutting edge medical research, improved care delivery, new treatments, and policies that improve the lives of those with COPD and related lung conditions.

Visit our Advocacy: Action Center to urge your lawmakers to support the lung health community!
- Support the U.S. Public Health Infrastructure: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/campaigns/126350/respond
- Protect Medicaid Funding: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/campaigns/126346/respond

1 week ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Roflumilast

I agree with Karen! I believe side effects can be reduced if you are more gradual in getting to higher dosing. Talk with your prescribing provider about this. It can really help some patients (especially folks with chronic bronchitis) have fewer …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

1 hour ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Roflumilast

Does anyone take Roflumilast, if so is it better than trelegy.I understand it has terrible side effects? G-Ann

4 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Advair and hoarse voice

Hi netmouse - I'm sorry you're having this side effect. Are you using a spacer? If not, ask your doctor to prescribe one for you - it may help. It gets the medication farther down past your throat. Here's a video: Well, I don't know why it won't …
das23 also answered the question das23 also answered the question

4 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Tubing kiniking

Welcome KAKaRoo - I wonder if having two 25 foot lengths connected with a swivel connector might help? Hopefully, someone will see your post soon and will respond with their solutions. I use my portable oxygen concentrator (POC) during the day, so …

5 hours ago

KAKaRoo

KAKaRooasked the question: Tubing kiniking

Hi! My mom is on oxygen therapy and uses the 50 foot tubing- but sometimes it seems to kink up super fast- any tips or tricks to reduce this? I have seen some people say on line put it in the dryer or warm water- is that safe to do? Has anyone tried it? …

10 hours ago

artypat

artypatanswered the question I'm new to Trelegy - What results have you had?

I got immediate results when I switched to Trelegy from Spiriva. Much more energy in the morning when I first get up. I also started using Albuterol occasionally. It is very helpful, especially after exercise/ exertion.
lizjbCaroline West Virginia State CaptainGAnneand 5 others also answered the question lizjband 7 others also answered the question

12 hours ago

LTLFRMN

LTLFRMN commented onMilk Products and Mucus in COPD

I smoked tobacco 50 years and cannabis most of those years. I have had COPD over a decade and quit tobacco 7+ years ago. This year I'm finally quitting cannabis except in edible form. I'm sharing this to make a point. My best mucus expectorant is...

12 hours ago

Daisy-Jules

Daisy-Jules

Just saying hello I'm Daisy ๐Ÿ™‚

12 hours ago

SueZQ

SueZQ

I meant is the Pulmonary Rehab helpful? Only RX is Trelegy inhaler

13 hours ago

SueZQ

SueZQ

Recently diagnosed with COPD and SOB on exertion. Never smoked, no other symptoms. I had a stroke last July, back/neck surgery last November, hospitalized last January with no diagnosis. Having a MRI tomorrow to see if additional small strokes, now this. I was very active even though I have RA and Type 1 DM. How does everyone cope with the limitations and change in life? Start Pulmonary Rehab in 10 days Helpful THANK YOU

13 hours ago

  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi SueZQโ€‹ - I commented on your other post about the value of Pulmonary Rehab, and want to say that it sounds as if you've already coped with several major medical issues, and I'm sure you didn't need another one, but you seem to have kept active and that will be a tremendous help now.   In my case I don't focus on the limitations - I just try to figure out what needs to be adapted so that I can continue to do what I'd like to do.  I still travel, go shopping, out to lunch, etc.  I might be a littler bit slower than others, but I still do it.


    I hope your MRI does not show any additional strokes.  And, you said you have never smoked - have you been tested for the genetic version of COPD - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?  If not, please ask for that test.  


    And please keep in touch.



    4 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ’๐Ÿง…EASY PICKLE RELISH๐Ÿง…๐Ÿฅ’Now that cookout and picnic season are in full swing, this is a good recipe to have handy! For anyone who grows cucumbers, it is a good way to use what you grow!2 cups finely chopped cucumber 1/2 cup finely chopped...

16 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Advair and hoarse voice

I was prescribed Advair HFA, the lowest dose and 1 puff, not 2, twice a day. For 7 days. This was because I developed a tight chest and felt out of breath on short inclines in my walks. I have moderate obstructive airway (no emphysema). Within a few …

17 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Anyone else diagnosed young?

I also wasn't diagnosed young, but I have seen posts from others who were, and I hope you'll hear from someone soon. In the meantime, how were you diagnosed? Have you seen a pulmonologist for testing?
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

17 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! Did you know that positive vibes are on their way to you right now?! As soon as you entered 360Social, the positive vibes began to flow!
Keep a smile on your face, and youโ€™ll always be in a good place! ๐Ÿ˜„

22 hours ago

Deegrace

Deegraceasked the question: Anyone else diagnosed young?

Iโ€™m struggling with this so much

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I have decided that the best way to learn to enjoy something is not to be able to do it for a while.  While I was suffering from depression, I could not clean my house very well.  Now that I am able I actually enjoy it.

1 day ago

DebbieS

DebbieS

Went for slow walk today which I couldnt have done just a couple of days ago. My oxygen is slowly coming up too. So nice to feel a bit better. Any ideas what I could take in place of Spiriva that is relatively inexpensive in case I have to pay out of pocket? I will be trying to resolve the meds situation tomorrow and am trying to cover my bases. Thanks.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

VANILLA CINNAMON COFFEE SMOOTHIE 6 ounces cold coffee2 ounces unsweetened almond milk 1 cup frozen banana chunks 2 tbsp. almond butter 1 pitted Medjool date1/2 tsp. vanilla extract2 tbsp. quick-cooking oats1/2 tsp. cinnamon, plus more for garnish...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Our good friend Kristen had posted about wildfire safety a few days ago. We were discussing preparedness. 
In my mind, part of being prepared is being observant.
We were coming home from our Sunday drive with the dogs. We turned down our road and noticed alot of smoke. Neighbors who moved in a few months ago were burning dry leaves directly on their lawn, next to a row of trees. Bare in mind, it is EXTREMELY windy and dry right now.
We called the fire department and reported it. It is against the law to burn on your property.  Our concern is the fire spreading to our woods. I had noticed dry leaves and embers flying up into the air.
We drove around the block, and sure enough, there was a firetruck there, putting out the fire, which seemed to be burning out of control. 
I am so grateful that they came out. 
As Smokey the Bear says---Learn Not To Burn. ๐Ÿ”ฅ ๐Ÿšซ

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Good morning, friends! ๐ŸŒž

Just a little reminder as we start the day: making the most of your day doesnโ€™t always mean doing the most. Sometimes it means giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and just be. ๐Ÿ’™

Whether today is a go-get-'em kind of day or a take-it-slow-and-breathe kind of day--youโ€™re doing the best you can, and thatโ€™s more than enough. ๐Ÿซ


Wishing everyone a day filled with peace, patience, and a little kindness toward yourself. ๐Ÿ’›





1 day ago

Caesar

Caesar

Thank You Caroline for your info. I do have severe emphysema,heart disease and sleep apnea,so ANY medical procedure that requires me to be put under is very dangerous for me! I was going to get a Watchman device for my heart earlier this year but declined because of the high risk.I am on oxygen 24/7 at 4-5 liters during the day depending on how I feel and 5 liters at night with my cpap machine.I do sleep well and get a oxygen reading of 96-98% for about 8-9 hours a night.I will check out anything that can help me get thru this situation.I am happy to be part of this COPD Foundation and I should have done it sooner. Thank you for caring !!!    

1 day ago

Caesar

Caesar

Thank you Brody,I will check that info out.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunny Sunday! No matter what the weather, your day will be filled with sunshine and smiles when you visit 360Social! Plenty of information and friendly folks here! 
Enjoy your day, friends! ๐ŸŒž ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

Caesar

Caesar

Hello Everyone, I had a PFT done on Thursday 5-15-25 and my FEV1 was 91% and TLC was 75% but my DCLO was very,very low and this is what makes me worry ! I donโ€™t want even think about it.That is how bad it is.I canโ€™t walk any real distance without having to sit down and catching my breath.I am hoping I can get advice on trying to increase a low DLCO reading.I heard that exercise,deep breathing and Pulmanary Rehab may help. Any advice would be appreciated !   Thank You

2 days ago

Norwester

Norwesteranswered the question Check-in: Have you experienced COPD symptoms from wildfires?

If you google theres a number of studies stating that wildfire smoke along with all the other health risk involved has been linked to a signicantly highr risk of dememtia.
brydyCaroline West Virginia State Captaindas23and 2 others also answered the question brydyand 4 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI know what you're thinking. Oh no! Not another flower picture! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ 
Yep. Another flower picture. ๐Ÿ˜‚
Plants I picked up today. I'll have them all planted by tomorrow. 
P.S. Thanks for putting up with my flower pictures! ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ˜‚

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday to everyone! 
You bring joy and smiles to 360Social each time you visit! Thank you for being an important part of our community! Wishing everyone a lovely day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

DebbieS

DebbieS

Ive been better. I just got back from Urgent Care being out of Spiriva for two weeks with insurance denial and my doctor doing nothing to help. My breathing deteriorated severely and I was have to double up on my rescue inhaler just to breathe. They gave me a steroid and antibiotic , after they gave me a breathing treatment. My ox was 95 even after doing a double dose of rescue inhaler. Would have hated to see it without the inhaler. Ugh. I am so frustrated with insurance and my so called " doctor"

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.