COPD360social welcomes new member Bernell Hollis, Sr. who joins 64,892 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Today is World Storytelling Day, and what better time to honor the power of your story. ๐Ÿ’™

If you are living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or another lung condition โ€” or caring for someone who is โ€” your story matters more than you may realize. The hard days, the small wins, the setbacks, the strength it takes to keep goingโ€ฆ all of it can mean something deeply important to someone else reading along.

Sometimes sharing your story is more than just opening up. It becomes a hand reaching out to someone who feels scared, overwhelmed, or alone. It shows others that even when life is not easy, there is still courage, resilience, hope, and a way to keep moving forward.

You may never fully know how many people are encouraged by your path, your honesty, and the ways you endure and thrive. But it happens every day in this community.

So for World Storytelling Day, we would love to hear from you. What has your journey taught you? What would you want someone newly diagnosed, or a fellow caregiver, to know? Your voice could be exactly what someone else needs today. ๐Ÿ’ซ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question How long do flares last

I agree with Caroline. If you havent done so already, please seek medical attention ASAP!
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

1 hour ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Latest PFT Results - Help Required in Interpretation

I would have to agree with Wildbeest, though I am not a medical professional either.
WildebeestDaydreams also answered the question Wildebeestand 1 other also answered the question

1 hour ago

Aleida64

Aleida64asked the question: How long do flares last

I am having an exaserbation. Will it pass

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Wishing you all a peaceful day, filled with cheer! ๐Ÿ˜Š

9 hours ago

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

I lost service yesterday and couldn't finish what I was saying...... A huge thank you going out to everyone at the Impact 2026 ,and thank you so much for making me feel at home. This was very educational for me and now I'm hungry to learn more and get more involved. On my way down to DC I was nervous as if I wouldn't fit in but when I left I felt emptiness as if I left all my friends behind, it was a great pleasure meeting everyone. Impact 2027 will be here before we know it and I hope to be there . 
God bless all of you 

17 hours ago

nik281087

nik281087asked the question: Latest PFT Results - Help Required in Interpretation

Hello, Hope all of you are doing well! I got my PFT done recently and pasting the results here. Would appreciate help in interpreting them. I was diagnosed with asthma 4 years ago when I was 34. CT showed hyper-inflated lungs but no mention of emphysema. …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Springtime Saturday! No worries. We've got your back. Here on 360Social, we've got plenty of educational materials, lots of friendly members, and a positive attitude to keep you going strong! 
Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Well, learned that Nucala is a Medicare B treatment, NOT a drug covered under Medicare D or other drug plan.  If you have Medicare, you have to have it properly coded and then have Medicare B pay 1st and then have your other plan(s) pay after that.  We were having denials because we were trying to get it paid as a DRUG, because it is an injection but were finally told after several days of runaround that nope, it is a Medicare B treatment and until it is properly coded and paid by Medicare, insurer will just refuse to pay and patient will be stuck wit huge bills!  I tried to get this straightened out since Wednesday and it finally took until TODAY when we got the customer service person with my insurer to help us have a conference call with the drug company to get is squared away.  I also got the insurance person to help me get a hospital drug bill resolved that has been hanging around since APRIL 2025!

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question When to up oxygen level?

Most of us can adjust our oxygen intake up or down as needed. That said, you should check with your doctor. Your difficulty breathing could be the beginning of an exacerbation, so be sure to check first.

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I'm going in circles trying to work with GSK/Nucala about their discount card and any programs that may reduce the price of their expensive medication for patients.  I've talked to several people on their toll-free numbers as well as several on the CVS Specialty Pharmacy line.  I'm hearing a lot of "hold music" while waiting and watching the rain fall.  It seems their program does NOT apply if you are eligible or enrolled in Medicare B or Medicare D or any number of a whole bunch of government plans and programs.  Boo!  Oh well, it looks like I may meet my medical insurance out of pocket max very early this year!  The copay is nearly $800/month and the Rx is on formulary!

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managercommented onMore than a Caregiver

Caring for a parent is a journey of love, and your words are such a heartfelt reminder of that. Caregivers give so much of themselves, and it can be so easy to put your own needs on the back burner. I really appreciate you sharing this encouragement,...

1 day ago

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

I'm so greatful for being able to take part in Impact 2026 ! It was a awesome time and very edu

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Inhaling Steam and COPD

I cannot tolerate the steam!
Orlan = State Captain - IndianaBen Aclockdaddyand 1 other also answered the question Orlan = State Captain - Indianaand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Gary R.

Gary R.asked the question: When to up oxygen level?

I am at 2.5 liters normally. Having difficulty breathing and was curious if I should go up to 3 liters to alleviate shortness of breath.

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Understanding Biologics

This post was written by: Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN.

If you or someone you love is living with COPD, you may have heard about new treatment options called biologics. If you are already using inhalers every day and still having flare-ups, biologics may work for you.

What is a Biologic?

Most medicines are made with chemicals in a lab, but biologics are different. A biologic is a type of medicine that is made from a living source, like cells or proteins.1 Biologics for COPD are usually given as a shot once or twice a month.

2 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Dad with stage 4 COPD

I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences on your mom's passing. Many years ago, I was a caregiver for my mom. I want you to know that it seems like your father's pulmonologist made the right referral. I do not know if receiving more liters of …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia 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”ตHUNGARIAN KOLBรSZ STEW๐Ÿ”ตBeing Hungarian, I may choose to prepare this meal on Easter.2 tbsp. olive oil Two 7-inch links Hungarian Kolbรกsz1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges1 of each: small yellow, orange, and red bell pepper, cut into large...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday, and Happy First Day of Spring! What a nice combination! Today we have my kitty boy Fritters George, who is here to remind us to do our Spring cleaning! ๐Ÿ˜†

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Am I eating wrong, keep loosing weight?

I live it Caroline, I bought cottage cheese yesterday, put peanut butter in my smoothie last night. I have to put on weight. Cornbread sounds good. My dr told me to eat whatever I wanted. GAnn
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainLiza MCoach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Goodness, CVS Specialty Pharmacyโ€”after all this time, why donโ€™t you understand that drugs patients administer themselves are part D as in Delta, NOT part B as in Beta of Bravo. Clearly this has been the rule on injectable drugs but you say it will take you an extra 7-20 days to figure it out. Ok, but meanwhile, you give patients stress and  concern that they may have to pay nearly $800/mo or more as copays?!?!?!  Yikes!  I wish we could use a different service & pharmacy but am not sure it would get better. 

2 days ago

BomBy

BomBy

Hey everyone! I just wanted to update you all and let you know I had Pulmonary testing done yesterday (no results yet), but had a CT of lungs done today which showed no lung issues at all, no more hyperinflation, nothing. It had to have been the dust and massive inflammation that has since gone away. (All it showed was a 6mm kidney stone I was unaware of haha). I cannot believe it.  Thank you all for helping me through the horrific anxiety I have had with this going on. I am praying for all of you and easy breathing. I am sad to be leaving such wonderful people, and cannot say thank you enough. Hugs to you all and I wish you all the best. XoXo

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Are there more options for plane travel and batteries?

Ask for a wheelchair to push you mom (even if she doesnโ€™t normally need one). This allows her to use as little O2 as possible before and after the flight. All US airlines will supply a wheelchair and pusher upon request. You can get it from the ticket …

2 days ago

Huff and Puff

Huff and Puffanswered the question Storing oxygen tube when temporarily not in use.

Insert the prongs into an O2 Fresh nasal cannula cover to keep them clean and use the handle to hang the tubing.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainJohn in OregonCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜„ Letโ€™s Laugh Day is here! ๐Ÿ˜„

If thereโ€™s one thing we know, itโ€™s that laughter really can be good medicine. It might not fix everything, but it sure can make the day feel a little lighterโ€”and sometimes thatโ€™s exactly what we need.

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM (or caring for someone who is) comes with its momentsโ€ฆ so today, letโ€™s take a break and share a laugh together.

Drop something in the comments that made you smile:
๐Ÿ˜‚ A funny story
๐Ÿถ A silly pet moment
๐Ÿ“บ A joke or favorite show
๐Ÿ™ƒ Or one of those โ€œyou had to be thereโ€ moments

Your turnโ€”whatโ€™s something that gave you a good laugh recently? ๐Ÿ‘‡

3 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Pennsylvania semi-truck driver visits Capitol Hill to raise awareness of COPD

Driver's cab designed for COPD awareness is inspired by his wife, who lives with the disease

Miami (March 19, 2026) - Tom Manges, a semi-truck driver from Pennsylvania, has outfitted his truck's cab to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Manges has driven his COPD-wrapped semi for 2.5 years.

Manges' latest stop with his truck was on Capitol Hill during the COPD Foundation's IMPACT Lung Health advocacy event on March 18. IMPACT allows people with COPD, caregivers and health care professionals to network and meet with their members of Congress.

Manges, who serves as an advocate on behalf of the COPD Foundation, was inspired to use his truck to raise awareness of COPD after seeing how the chronic lung disease has impacted his wife, Renee, over the past decade.

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„CREAMY RICE PUDDING๐Ÿฅ„ Makes a lovely Easter dessert!1 1/2 cups cold water3/4 cup uncooked white rice 2 cups milk, divided1/3 cup sugar1/4 tsp. salt 1 large egg, beaten2/3 cup golden raisins1 tbsp. butter1/2 tsp. vanilla...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, what a wonderful Thursday! So many reasons to be grateful! 
What are you thankful for? I am thankful for having the means to manage my condition! Therefore, I keep rollin' along and moving forward! ๐Ÿ˜€

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.