COPD360social welcomes new member SarahR4582 who joins 65,229 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽถ Weโ€™re very sorry, but todayโ€™s Harmonicas Play Along has been canceled due to technical issues.

We know many of you were looking forward to it, and we truly apologize for the inconvenience. Weโ€™re already looking forward to catching up and making music together again next month! ๐Ÿ’™

1 hour ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒโœจ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday: Things Are Looking Up โœจ๐ŸŒ

Sometimes all it takes is a small shiftโ€ฆ and suddenly, things are looking up. ๐Ÿ’™

Todayโ€™s theme is all about what you see when your eyes (and maybe your spirits) lift a little higher:

๐ŸŒ„ Mountains stretching into the sky
๐ŸŒณ Trees reaching up with their branches
๐Ÿƒ Leaves dancing in the breeze (bonus points if one looks like an inhaler ๐Ÿ‘€)
๐Ÿฆ Birds soaring overhead
๐ŸŒ… Sunrises, sunsets, or skies that just feelโ€ฆ hopeful

Those little upward moments can bring a sense of calm, a deeper breath, or even just a smile we didnโ€™t know we needed.

๐Ÿ“ธ Whatโ€™s โ€œlooking upโ€ in your corner of the world today?
Share a photo or describe your view below ๐Ÿ‘‡

You never knowโ€”your glimpse of the sky might be the bright spot someone else has been waiting for. ๐Ÿ’ซ

8 hours ago

SarahR4582

SarahR4582

Hello all -- My grandma has COPD, emphysema, and CHF.  She is home on hospice care after her most recent bout of pneumonia which kept her in the hospital for over 2 weeks.  My mom is her primary caregiver and she has health issues of her own.  She has very active Crohn's Disease and all the stress of helping to care for my grandma is impacting her condition negatively too.  I help out as much as I can but it always feels like it's never enough.  I am so worried about both my mom and my grandma.  I grew up living next door to my grandma and she has always been one of my biggest influences in my life.  My mom is my best friend and does so much for so many.  I work full time, have a 17 year old son who is heavily into sports, and I feel like I need to do more but I feel stretched so thin all the time.  Ugh.  I guess I am just sharing what I have going on and I know many people here will understand that feeling of never doing enough for those you love and treasure dearly.  I balance my grandma's checkbook, pay her bills for her, take her taxes to get filed, cut her nails when my mom's hands are too shaky..... but it still feels like I am failing them both.  Thank you for taking the time to read my venting session.  It's not venting really..... just getting what consumes my thoughts out of my head.

31 minutes ago

  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWelcome to our community. 
    I'm sorry to hear about all of this.
    Please know that you're always welcome to post and share your thoughts and feelings with us. We believe that together is better. 
    You are in my thoughts. ๐Ÿ˜Š25 minutes ago
Bluegoldfinch

Bluegoldfinch

Looking for help. My husband has recently been diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD.  We're both on a learning curve. I would like to find out about support groups for people who live with COPD patients. I don't think I'd call myself a caretaker yet. My husband cares for himself, but I know that could change, and I want to be prepared. It would really be helpful for me to join a support group in Tucson, Arizona, either in-person or online. Do you have any suggestions/recommendations? Thank you!

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉFRUIT PUNCH๐Ÿ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉGreat for a warm weather day get-together!4 cups cranberry juice 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice 1 1/2 cups orange juice1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 3 cups ginger ale, chilledOrange and lime slicesIn a large...

9 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday! 
No worries here on 360Social. Simply let the little things be the big things. 
A little plant that you love looking at. Listening to the birds outside your window. That last piece of pizza sitting in the fridge. A surprise call from a dear friend! 
Enjoy this wonderful day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜€

13 hours ago

Catch22

Catch22answered the question Saline solution in nebulizer to help move mucous

I wanted to mention that if you are doing nebulized Ipratropium/albuterol (IA), and have it on hand, I heard it is best practice (especially when just starting out using nebulized saline,) to do the IA nebulization first. I have found this tamps down a …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainSachAMVand 5 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 7 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question When is Trelegy appropriate?

Triple therapy is typically used in patients who are symptomatic with exacerbations. Of course, every patient is unique. I agree that pulmonary function testing is needed along with a better assessment of what is going on with you (evaluation of …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaindas23and 2 others also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard (COPDF Sr. Communications Specialist)

Jamie Jarrard (COPDF Sr. Communications Specialist)Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I wanted to make a quick post to let you all know we have some very exciting news. We (COPD Foundation) have just launched our new podcast called The Lung Health Champion: https://www.lunghealthchampion.com/

Subscribe and listen in on the 15th every month for episodes focusing on living with COPD and chronic lung conditions. We hear from physicians, RTs, caregivers, people living with COPD, and more. Topics are driven by focus groups we held with YOU! If you have suggestions for future topics, please feel free to drop them in this thread, or feel free to email us at edteam@copdfoundation.org.

We are also featuring a new segment called Air Mail, in which we share write-in stories by YOU, about life with COPD. Share your stories, life, tips etc. with us at share@copdfoundation.org.
 
Additionally, on the 30th of every month, we feature episodes geared toward physicians and health care professionals in our series called Unobstructed. These episodes are great for anyone wanting to learn more about the physician-level insider scoop on COPD and chronic lung disease, and are a fantastic resource for your care team.
 
Click the link above to listen and subscribe to The Lung Health Champion! 

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŒฎ Cinco de Mayo Vibes on 360Social! ๐ŸŒฎ๐ŸŽ‰

Todayโ€™s a good excuse to turn the volume up on a little joy, a little color, and maybe even a little salsa (the dancing kindโ€ฆ or the snack kindโ€”we donโ€™t judge ๐Ÿ˜„).

Whether youโ€™re celebrating with something festive, enjoying a favorite meal, or just taking a moment to soak in a good dayโ€”weโ€™re here for it.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Letโ€™s make it fun:
Whatโ€™s bringing a little flavor to your day today?
A bright meal? Music? Sunshine? A good laugh?

However youโ€™re spending it, we hope itโ€™s got a little spark in it. ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ•บ

And heyโ€”if todayโ€™s more โ€œquiet and cozyโ€ than โ€œfiesta,โ€ that counts too. Sometimes the best celebration is just feeling okay in your own space. ๐Ÿ’›

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„EASY MEXICAN BLACK BEANS๐Ÿฅ„2 tsp. olive oil 1 small white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Three 15-ounce cans black beans and their liquid2 tsp. cumin1 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 onion powder Salt and...

1 day ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGAKatie wants to wish all of you a happy Cinco de MEOW

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainยกFeliz Cinco de Mayo!
Wishing everyone a totally festive day!
Jason Rossi, of course, is involved! ๐Ÿ˜€ 
I hope you will all be able to enjoy a nice Mexican meal today! ๐Ÿซ”๐ŸŒฏ๐ŸŒฎ
ยกEspero que te diviertas hoy! 

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay!  The Liberty2 is working and I believe it should serve as we need to provide me with continuous flow O2 for the duration of our trip!  Iโ€™m SO relieved!  Of course, wish it were even smaller, quieter and ran cooler, but Iโ€™m happy itโ€™s available. 

1 day ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question vented propane heat source

Karen i will call a fas company tomorrow before m Wednesday, i figure they would know they do Havac work licensed
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿš€โœจ May the 4th Be With Youโ€ฆ and your breath stay strong today. ๐Ÿ’™

Happy Star Wars Day, everyone!

Whether your day feels like a peaceful stroll on Endorโ€ฆ or a full-on battle with the Empire, just know thisโ€”youโ€™re not facing it alone. Every deep breath, every pause, every โ€œIโ€™m going to take this at my own pace todayโ€โ€ฆ thatโ€™s your kind of strength. And around here, that absolutely counts.

Letโ€™s have a little fun with itโ€ฆ

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Jedi Breathing Tip: Slow it down. Inhale gently, exhale fullyโ€”find your rhythm like the Force flowing through you.
๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Travel Plans: No need for hyperspace today. A short walk, a comfy chair, or a quiet moment outside can be just as powerful.
๐Ÿงฐ Your Gear = Your Lightsaber: Keep those inhalers, oxygen, and water nearbyโ€”youโ€™ve got everything you need at your side.
๐Ÿง  Trust Your Instincts: You know your body better than anyone. Listen to itโ€”it wonโ€™t steer you wrong.

And heyโ€ฆ letโ€™s be honest for a secondโ€”
Even Darth Vader had a whole system built around helping him breathe ๐Ÿ˜„

๐Ÿ’ฌ Now for the fun part:
If you could pick a Star Wars character as your COPD sidekick, whoโ€™s got your back?

๐Ÿง™โ€โ™‚๏ธ Yoda for calm wisdom?
๐Ÿค– R2-D2 to keep things running smoothly?
๐Ÿพ Chewbacca for strength and loyalty?
๐Ÿ‘‘ Leia for grit and leadership?

Or maybe youโ€™ve got your own pickโ€”drop it below!

However today looks for youโ€”quiet, active, somewhere in betweenโ€”I hope you find a little light, a little laughter, and a moment to just breathe.

๐ŸŒŸ The Force is strong with you!

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Random o2 drops

What additional/further testing is your provider doing/proposing? Maybe ask if a CPET might be useful in providing more info

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: vented propane heat source

Good afternoon, we are trying to figure this out after we had one person come and tell us to put a vented propane heater in our window. This is only when the power goes out.

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Random o2 drops

So my most recent pft was basically normal and all heart tests also came back normal. Now the random o2 drops that I had for months have seemed to subside, which is great don't get me wrong, but then what could have caused that?

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ“EASY STRAWBERRY MOUSSE๐Ÿ“ "Perfect for a Mother's Day treat!"3/4 pound fresh strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup sugar1 cup heavy OR whipping cream, with at least 30 % fat content, well chilledSliced strawberries for garnishPlace sliced...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, what a magnificent Monday this is! We are all together here on 360Social! We have so many things to look forward to! 
I wish all of you the best Monday ever! ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Staying Asleep

My question is... what's happening when you can't fall back to sleep? When you talk with your doctor, be as specific as possible about what you're experiencing. I've had a variety of sleep issues over the years, mostly it's about shutting down my …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainnetmouse also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! 
Let's keep the good vibes going today, and every day! One happy thought leads to another, to the point when they overflow to everyone! We've got enough happy thoughts to pass along to all of our members and beyond!
And while you're here, why not take a look at our educational materials? Plenty of reliable information here.
We just keep growing and growing... No wonder I love this place! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’™

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

Wowโ€”Phyllis! Thanks for sharing! That must have been so frightening! Glad you are on the road to recovery
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainTJ69eric63and 6 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 8 others also answered the question

4 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Is there a list of online pulmonary rehab clinics ?

I agree with Caroline West Virginia State Captain! Kivo is by far the best of the virtual pulmonary rehab programs.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainDamian Solorzano and 4 others also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 6 others also answered the question

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone here on 360Social a ๐Ÿ“berry๐Ÿ“ good Saturday! May your day be filled with smiles and laughter! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Caroline! ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐Ÿ‘...

4 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.