COPD360social welcomes new member MrBreatheEasy who joins 64,307 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

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

6 hours ago

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.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain1)  Primary care physicians should do basic spirometry testing on all patients, even those who are never smokers (they may have been exposed to 2nd hand or 3rd hand smoke), or exposed to environmental toxins, etc.  By testing early, patients would be found at a much earlier stage of the condition, lessening the need for as many medications and also slowing down the progression and high costs of hospitalization. 


    2)  Pulmonary rehabilitation needs to become as widely available as cardiac rehabilitation, and should not be limited to a certain number of sessions.  Not only is the exercise beneficial, but the education provided by the respiratory therapists is excellent.


    3)  I think every COPD patient needs to have a case manager to coordinate care among all the various physicians most of us see.


    4)  Costs for drugs must be lowered - too many patients cannot afford them, and either go without,  or skip doses.  Not taking meds as prescribed causes worsening symptoms, exacerbations, hospitalizations, sometimes death.  19 hours ago
  • baileymccraryThese are incredible suggestions, Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainโ€‹. Specifically on the points of early detection and early intervention - anything we can do to keep patients from a free fall of disease progression would not only save dollars down the line, but increase quality of life!7 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI agree, Bailey!
    Karen has brought up some good points!7 hours ago
bradford1234

bradford1234answered the question Asymptomatic Emphysema

Hi Dr. Mannino, Thank you very much for taking the time to write. I really appreciate it and we (COPD Social) are SO lucky to have you. But, I have to say, the medical field's insistence on lumping Emphysema in with COPD and using these 2 terms …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

25 minutes 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. 

3 hours ago

  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerAs we head fully into flu season, weโ€™re also starting to see norovirus popping up earlier than usual. For those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, this time of year can feel a little heavier, and itโ€™s okay to acknowledge that.
    This is a gentle reminder to take care of yourself in the ways that work best for you. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, washing hands often, being mindful in crowded spaces, and checking in with your care team if something doesnโ€™t feel right can all make a difference. And just as important โ€” listening to your body and giving yourself permission to rest or change plans when you need to.
    You donโ€™t have to navigate this season alone. If youโ€™re feeling worried, run-down, or just need a little reassurance, please know this community is here. And if you have tips that help you get through flu season, sharing them may help someone else more than you realize.
    Weโ€™re glad youโ€™re here, and weโ€™re walking through this season together. ๐Ÿ’™
    56 minutes 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

3 hours 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

4 hours 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

4 hours 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 …

5 hours 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...

7 hours 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

11 hours ago

Skyy lani

Skyy lanianswered the question Is this exarcerbation?

Thank you everyone! I will give his doctor a ring in the morning and ask for another follow up appointment or maybe just a refill of his rescue pack. He is getting depressed as the days go by. Iโ€™m encouraging him to exercise when he feels better and when …
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

16 hours 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.

16 hours ago

DOZZERSMOM

DOZZERSMOM

๐Ÿ˜•

18 hours ago

Jloxk

Jloxkasked the question: Coping living with someone who has COPD

Hi all, I'm new to this community as I wanted to find out a bit more about COPD and everything surrounding it. I live with a relative who was diagnosed with it last Christmas. The doctors had told us that my Grandad has had it since 2015 but we reckon my …

22 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Anyone try a mucolytic for mucus relief ?

Clearance devices like Acapella or Aerobika are helpful. You may also ask your doctor about nebullized saline- which can also help.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainTom.Edas23and 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Shar101

Shar101answered the question Check-in: Top 5 Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays

I usually politely ask people to leave their sniffles at home. I'd prefer to see you before or after the holiday when you're feeling well, than when you are under the weather and possibly contagious.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Hi Karen! Why not try to use the microwave instead of the stove? Just do short intervals in the microwave. I always use it to do candy melts for candy molds. Thanks for reading my recipe! ๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธ...

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

This would be delicious!! I make fudge in the microwave (because I'm lazy) but I wonder if this could be done, somehow, in it instead of on the stove? Hmmm. I might try to find a recipe similar to this and try it in the microwave....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธCANDY CANE FUDGE๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธNon-stick cooking spray Two 10-ounce packages vanilla baking chips14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes1/2 tsp. peppermint extract1 dash red food coloring Line an 8-inch square baking dish...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, everyone!
Wishing you the very best of everything, today and always! 
Keep on smiling! ๐Ÿ˜€โค๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿค

1 day ago

Skyy lani

Skyy laniasked the question: Is this exarcerbation?

Hi there and happy holidays to all 😊 last year hubby had a collapsed lung and had the surgery to fuse lung to his chest wall. Surgery was successful and he has not had any issues till a month ago. A month ago he started feeling fatigue and muscle aches …

1 day ago

Lori S

Lori S

Has anyone quit smoking after being diagnosed? And did you feel better? 

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

1 day ago

jackie 82

jackie 82asked the question: Anyone try a mucolytic for mucus relief ?

Hi Folks, I am inquiring whether a prescription for a mucolytic would be beneficial for me. I am currently taking 1200 mg of guaifenesin, yet I continue to experience difficulties in expelling mucus, likely due to my compromised respiratory and coughing …

1 day ago

bradford1234

bradford1234asked the question: Asymptomatic Emphysema

Hello, Thank you very much for this community! I would like to understand some more about Asymptomatic Emphysema. 1. How many stages are there? 2. Is it possible to get to the final/end stage being asymptomatic? 3. How often is Asymptomatic …

2 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question COPD and inhaler

Hi, Amitola. There's a peer support program at the Foundation if you're interested. You can call 1-866-731-COPD (2673) and select Option 1 to speak with someone who has COPD or is a caregiver for advice.
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )JeanO53 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question How often I have to see my pulmonologist?

Hi, Shar_Bear0608. There's a peer support program at the Foundation if you're interested. These coaches can answer questions that can help to make COPD a little clearer for you. You can call 1-866-731-COPD (2673) and select Option 1 to speak with someone …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question How bad is this going to get?

Hi, KingDeath83. There's a peer support program at the Foundation if you're interested. You can call 1-866-731-COPD (2673) and select Option 1 to speak with someone who has COPD or is a caregiver for advice.
PaulRTAmelia (Millie ) โค๏ธDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 3 others also answered the question PaulRTand 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ’๐Ÿฅ’THAI CUCUMBER SALAD๐Ÿฅ’๐Ÿฅ’1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar 2 tbsp. sugar1/2 tsp. salt1 English cucumber, thinly sliced 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced Small red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped 1/2...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

A delightful rendition of a beloved song! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
https://youtu.be/HLnKgYuDdxg?si=_N5HoWrkb1qWbUxo

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.