COPD360social welcomes new member R A who joins 66,040 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿค“ Happy Find Your Inner Nerd Day!

Okay, I think we need to clear something up right from the startโ€ฆ

Being a nerd is COOL. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Because really, being a nerd just means thereโ€™s something out there that grabs your attention and makes you say, โ€œOooohโ€ฆI need to know MORE about this.โ€

So today, I want to know: What makes your inner nerd come out?

Maybe youโ€™re the person who wants to know exactly how your inhaler works, what every number on your pulmonary function test means, or why your oxygen does what it does.

Maybe your inner nerd has helped you figure out little shortcuts for living with COPDโ€”how to organize your medications, conserve energy, plan your day, track symptoms, cook an easier meal, or make something that used to be difficult just a little simpler.

Or maybe your nerdiness has absolutely NOTHING to do with COPD. Even better! ๐Ÿ˜‚

Photography? ๐Ÿ“ธ
History?
Cooking?
Cars?
Birds?
Weather?
Sports stats?
Gardening?
Space? ๐ŸŒŒ
Technology?
Some television show you know so well that nobody should EVER challenge you at trivia? ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sometimes the things we're fascinated by teach us ways of thinking that carry over into completely different parts of our lives. We learn to problem-solve, plan ahead, pay attention to details, get creativeโ€”and sometimes just give our brains somewhere FUN to go for a while.

Patients, caregivers, family, friendsโ€”everybody gets to play today.

What do YOU nerd out about? ๐Ÿค“

And if your answer is, โ€œBrandon, you don't have enough room for my listโ€ฆโ€

Well, congratulations. You may have just won Find Your Inner Nerd Day. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’™

Embrace your inner nerd todayโ€”and give a little love to all the wonderful nerds around you!

10 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments8 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainTom, I am wondering what type of nerdiness you possess! ๐Ÿ˜†6 hours ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainI found one of the easiest ways to cook is put the main ingredients in search engine and the word recipe and see what pops up and then try it. It has led to some interesting new dishes. If you have a cooking method preference, you can add it to searchโ€”microwave, instant pot, air fryer, toaster oven, stove top. 



    Today, I learned that you can pare& chop a pair of potatoes and microwave with sprinkle of water for 3 minutes, add some canned corned beef & microwave another 2 minutes and you have corned beef hash either potatoes. 5 hours ago
  • cacI like your idea3 hours ago
Misty Green COPDF Research

Misty Green COPDF ResearchAttention-Caregivers
and Patients


Take the
Survey: Exploring the Unmet Needs of Patients with Serious Respiratory Illness
and Their Caregivers
Whether you are a person living with a respiratory illness
or caring for someone who is, your perspective makes a real difference. Living
with these conditions can be challenging, and the voices of patients and
caregivers are important. By taking part in this survey, you help others
understand what kinds of care and support matter most. The information you
share will help doctors, nurses, and health leaders improve respiratory care
around the world.

The survey should take about 20 minutes to complete, and
itโ€™s best to finish it in one sitting.

Take the survey: https://redcap.musc.edu/surveys/?s=LLLEYFNX8D44D7D4

2 days ago

cac

cacanswered the question What Medicare questions do you wish were easier to find answers to?

Why aren't natural vitamins covered, only drugs! I believe in vitamins and spend a fortune on them and not drugs! I wish there were plans that covered taking natural supplements (vitamins).
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainTom.Eand 1 other also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

3 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53I had the most interesting experience yesterday.  As I was heading home from the park, instead of  taking the freeway I drive the city streets near Lake Michigan, driving from the south to the north side of the county.   The drive takes me through several county.
About halfway home, I was at the line between bright blue skies with fluffy clounds and to the south a storm was brewing.  I think I captured the line in the picture below

10 hours ago

thehlk

thehlk

Good morning, all. Finally had a pulmonology appointment. It was a video visit, but she was able to pull up my 2 ct scans, this year and last year. She said the emphysema is tiny, that she had to enlarge the scans to see it. She said I quit smoking at a good time (5 months ago). She said to schedule a PFT and if there is COPD she will give me LAMA/LABA and I will be fine. She doesnโ€™t think things will progress much. I have had uncomfortable breathing since I quit smoking and have for a couple years thought my breathing is heavier than before going up the stairs. I moved my kids into their dorm rooms over the last couple weeks - both to the 4th floor with no elevator, and was able to keep up, although huffing and puffing at the top. I donโ€™t see how she can tell me she doesnโ€™t foresee a lot of progression. Iโ€™m only 51 and havenโ€™t had the breathing test yet. She obviously couldnโ€™t even listen to my lungs as we were on the phone rather than in person. I wanted to let her words ease my fears, but I canโ€™t shake the feeling that she was trying to do just that and moving forward I will be 65 and at stage 4 on oxygen in respiratory failure. Iโ€™ve joined some groups on Facebook, and let me tell youโ€ฆ there isnโ€™t one person there that matches what the pulmonologist said. Iโ€™m scared out of my mind to do the test. Itโ€™s so hard for me to wrap my mind around the idea that I quit smoking and have no real physical limitations right now, but down the road there is a large possibility that I will be unable to walk from the living room to the bathroom without gasping for air. 

10 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainKEEP THOSE POSITIVE THOUGHTS FLOWING! In the world of COPD, it is imperative! You can do it! 10 hours ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI don't know if this will help, but to put it in perspective - you're 51 now, with such a little bit of emphysema that your pulmonologist could just barely see it.  I was 55 when diagnosed and diagnosed with very severe COPD.  I'm 80 now.  Yes, I am on oxygen, but it hasn't prevented me from doing most of the things I want to do - including travel, going out for lunches, shopping, etc.  And I've never been in respiratory failure.

    If you continue not to smoke (and congrats on quitting โค), eat healthy foods, exercise (and climbing 4 flights of stairs is  definitely exercise), get all the vaccines that your doctor recommends, take any medications that she might prescribe, and do your best to stay away from sick people,  you've got a really good chance that your condition won't progress much at all.


    Please let us know about your pft results.  And do your best not to worry.  I know it's not easy.10 hours ago
  • Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainA few thoughts on quitting smoking: When you quit smoking, your body begins to repair itself within 20 minutes, lowering your heart rate, clearing toxic carbon monoxide, and steadily reducing your long-term risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer over time.  Immediate and Short-Term Effects over 20 minutes:  Your heart rate and blood pressure drop back toward normal levels.  12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal, allowing oxygen levels to rise.  24 hours: Your risk of a heart attack starts to decrease, and nicotine leaves your bloodstream.48 hours: Your nerve endings start to regrow, and your senses of taste and smell begin to improve.  2 weeks to 3 months: Your blood circulation improves and lung function increases by up to 10%.  Withdrawal Symptoms (First Few Weeks)Cravings for nicotine, Feeling grumpy, anxious, or restless. Trouble sleeping or concentrating.  Increased coughing as your lungs clear out trapped mucus Long-Term Healing 1 to 9 months: Tiny hair-like structures in the lungs called cilia regrow, reducing coughing and shortness of breath.  1 year: Your risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker.  5 years: Your risk of having a stroke drops to match that of a non-smoker.  10 years:  Your risk of dying from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.  15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease matches that of someone who never smoked.7 hours ago
Lil'bit

Lil'bit

 bad leg spasms this am

12 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Super Sunday! Today is going to be a super day! I hope everyone has the chance to do things they enjoy! Relax and have some fun! Sending smiles all around, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

17 hours ago

Liza M

Liza M

Just want to say a quick HELLO.  I have been traveling for most of the summer. Iโ€™ve seen some beautiful things. Along with my traveling, I really limited my time on electronic devices. I have checked  in here a few times.  I am always delighted by how positive and uplifting the site is. It also truly empowers people by providing accurate information.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿพโค Happy Never Bean Better Day! โค๐Ÿพ

Okay, this one made me smile.

Today is Never Bean Better Day, inspired by a very special therapy dog named Bean and created to celebrate the unconditional love, comfort, and happiness our four-legged friends bring into our lives.

And I think a lot of us understand just how powerful that can be.

Our furry little buddies don't care whether we're having our best day or one of those days when nothing seems to cooperate. They don't need an explanation. Sometimes they just seem to know.

They're there for the laughs, the quiet moments, the tough days, the naps we didn't plan on taking ๐Ÿ˜„, and those times when simply having a warm little friend beside us makes things feel a little better.

So today, take a pause and give that special buddy of yours a little extra love. An extra belly rub, a scratch behind the ears, a treat they probably already convinced you they deservedโ€ฆ or just some extra time together. ๐Ÿถโค

And if you don't have a furry friend of your own, maybe there's one belonging to a family member, friend, or neighbor who always manages to make you smile.

Let's spread a little โ€œBean wuvโ€ around 360 Social today!

Who is that special little friend who has helped make some of your days better?

Because sometimes the best medicine doesn't come in a bottle.

Sometimes it has four legs, a wagging tailโ€ฆand absolutely no understanding of personal space! ๐Ÿ˜‚โค

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends!
May your day be peaceful, calm, and simply wonderful! ๐Ÿ’œ

1 day ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Is there s new drug coming out,I heard it was

Yes my pulumnary dr explained that to me today, I am already on dupixent. We discussed that and the new on coming. I already had high esinophils at 450 when I started dupixent.
HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

Mrskip

Mrskip

๐Ÿ˜‰

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Is there s new drug coming out,I heard it was

Is there a new drug, its a biologic. Should be out by the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Happy Fluffy Feathery Friday.
This Wood Duck is a wonderful reminder that some days it's okay to take it easy and enjoy the day.  

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Happy National Senior Citizens Day! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’™

George Burns once said:

โ€œBy the time youโ€™re 80 years old, youโ€™ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜‚

There may be a little more truth in that than some of us would like to admit!

Today is National Senior Citizens Day, and while our COPD360social family spans different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, today gives us a great excuse to celebrate the experience, stories, humor, and hard-earned wisdom that come with a few more trips around the sun. โ˜€

One of my favorite things about this community is how much we learn from one another. Sometimes it's about COPD. Sometimes it's a trick for getting through a tough day, managing oxygen tubing, remembering medications, or conserving a little energy. And sometimes it's simply knowing when to say, โ€œYou know what? That can wait until tomorrow.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜„

So let's have a little fun today.

What's one thing getting older has taught you that your younger self probably wouldn't have believed?

Or, if you're feeling especially brave...

What's something you've learned over the years that you now have trouble remembering? ๐Ÿ˜‚

Here's to experience, laughter, good stories, and continuing to learn from one anotherโ€”no matter what number happens to be on the birthday cake. ๐ŸŽ‚๐Ÿ’™

2 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)asked the question: What Medicare questions do you wish were easier to find answers to?

What Medicare questions do you wish were easier to find answers to? We're building a new Medicare information website and want it to answer the questions that matter most to our community. What Medicare-related questions have you had about coverage, …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฏHONEY ROASTED APRICOTS๐Ÿฏ12 large apricots3 large sprigs rosemary 6 large sage leaves1 strip orange peel, about 1 inch wide3 tbsp. honey1/2 cup orange juice Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Cut the apricots in half; remove pits.Place the halves,...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from William Bruce, my youngest kitty! ๐Ÿ–ค
This little guy wishes everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainHad a fun interview for a radio program locally, with a board member who is a retired RT with over 30 years of experience practicing in CA & HI about our 20th Annual COPD Education Day, Friday, 9/4/2026! It's FREE and open to the public on zoom as well as live in Honolulu. There's still time to register at www.hawaiicopd.org/hawaii-copd-event-registration/. More information is on the flyer and at www.hawaiicopd.org/19th-annual-copd-education-day/. 


Sure hope you can join us--it will be a fun and informative event! Sorry, we can't give food, demos & giveaways for folks who don't come in person, but you can hear and the presentations! The zoom portion will run from 9:45am Hawaii Standard Time to 1:15pm. (That's 3:45pm Eastern Daylight Time to 7:15pm Eastern Daylight Time.) Sorry for such vast 6 hour time zone differences, but that's our wonderful nation, with Daylight Saving Time!

2 days ago

Bob Steich

Bob Steich

I have been diagnosed with COPD. I worked for the DOE at Oak Ridge, TN. I was also diagnosed with Asbestosis. I just work out there for a couple of years. They admit to exposing me to asbestos but told me I did not work there long enough to have contracted COPD. Doe anyone know how long it takes to be subjected to the contaminates to contract COPD?

3 days ago

cleanUSAsilicone

cleanUSAsilicone

Has anyone found a 100% silicone cannula made in the USA


3 days ago

  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI asked Gemini that question, and here's the response (but be sure to double-check, since AI can be unreliable at times):

    Aithre Aviation: Aithre is a US-based company that manufactures a 100% Silicone Nasal Cannula. It uses pure medical-grade silicone tubing that can be disinfected in boiling water, retains extreme softness without stiffening, and uses standard dual-prong fittings.


    Oxyllow System / Sleep Easy Tech: Offers soft nasal cannulas constructed with flexible medical-grade silicone headset loops and tubing designed for oxygen therapy, shipped directly from their US facility.Specialty Hydrogen / Oxygen Therapy Suppliers: Online merchants such as Hydrogen for Health sell 100% silicone, kink-free, reusable oxygen cannulas via storefronts like eBay and direct specialty sites.


    Hope this helps.

    2 days ago
chrls54

chrls54

How am I doing today?    So far so good

3 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Insurance barriers may limit access to virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD

New research suggests need for expanded telehealth coverage of programs

Miami (August 20, 2026) - Insurance coverage is a significant barrier to accessing virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study in the July 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. People with COPD show improved outcomes when treatment includes a combination of pharmacotherapy, patient education, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and educational program supervised by health care professionals who teach people how to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Programs are offered both in-person and virtually.

3 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article The COPD Community Looks Back on the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article was written by Kalli Mago.

In March 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic changed the world. This new respiratory illness brought unique challenges and concerns for many people with COPD and other lung diseases.

Since then, more than 7 million people have died from COVID.1 Today, COVID vaccines are widely available. These vaccines help slow the spread of disease. Just last year, more than 20 million Americans received the vaccine.2

Five years ago in August 2021, the first COVID vaccine received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Now, the COPD Foundation is looking back at how COVID affected people with COPD.

In this blog post, we share the stories of a person with COPD and a doctor. They talk about the challenges of the pandemic, the impact of the vaccine, and lessons learned.

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅฃGNOCCHI SOUP๐Ÿฅฃ1 tbsp. olive oil1 medium onion, diced2 celery stalks with leaves, chopped2 large carrots, peeled and chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 4 cups vegetable broth One 15-ounce can cannellini beans,...

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question How long do you live with severe emphysema

My medical team is my primary care doctor/internist and my lung doctor (pulmonologist), plus his staff and APRN (nurse practitioner), plus the community pharmacist. Because Iโ€™ve been using supplemental O2 since 2008 for altitude and 2016 for exertion, …
BuscatKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Buscatand 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy thankful Thursday! 
Good morning, friends! What are you thankful for today, and every day?
I am very thankful for this community! It is a part of my day, every single day. ๐Ÿ˜Š

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.