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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerโœˆ Safe travels to our lung health advocates heading to Washington, D.C.!

This week, some wonderful members of our community are making their way to Washington, D.C. for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 and Hill Day. Theyโ€™ll be meeting with elected officials and sharing something incredibly powerful - their real stories of living with COPD and other lung conditions.

That kind of advocacy matters more than people realize. When lawmakers hear directly from patients and caregivers, it puts a real face and voice to the challenges our community experiences every dayโ€”things like access to oxygen, pulmonary rehab, better treatments, and continued research that can change lives.

IMPACT Lung Health brings together advocates from across the country who are willing to step forward and speak up for all of us. It takes courage, heart, and a lot of dedication to do this work, and weโ€™re incredibly grateful.

To everyone making the trip this weekโ€”thank you for raising your voices for the lung health community. Wishing you smooth travels, great conversations on the Hill, and maybe even a few good laughs along the way with our terrific crew.

Weโ€™re cheering you on from back home. ๐Ÿ’™

And when you get backโ€ฆ we hope youโ€™ll share a few stories and photos with us!

If you'd like to learn more about IMPACT Lung Health and what our advocates are working toward, you can check it out here:
https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/IMPACT-Lung-Health.aspx

IMPACT Lung Health | COPD Foundation

The IMPACT COPD event, hosted by the COPD Foundation will help you improve your advocacy, storytelling and relationship-building skills while preparing you for a day of virtual meetings with members of Congress and their staff.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Your Story Could Help Someone Else

One of the most powerful things about our community is the stories we share with each other. The experiences, challenges, little victories, and lessons along the way can mean so much to someone who may be going through the same thing.

As we work on refreshing the COPD Foundation podcast, weโ€™re adding a new segment where we highlight stories from people living with COPD or other lung conditions, as well as caregivers.

If youโ€™d like to share part of your journey, we would love to hear from you. Your story can be shared anonymously on the show if you prefer.

You can send your story to:
๐Ÿ“ง  share@copdfoundation.org

It could be about something that helped you, a challenge youโ€™ve faced, advice for others, or even a moment that gave you hope. Sometimes hearing that someone else has walked a similar path can make all the difference.

If youโ€™ve ever thought, โ€œMaybe my story could help someone,โ€ this is a wonderful way to do it.

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Diagnosis

Good afternoon all! It's my understanding that it is possible to have the 3 conditions at the same time - Emphysema, Bronchiectasis and Bronchitis. My primary diagnosis is Emphysema and Asthma, which is called Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome. My last CT …
Jazzybeannetmousedas23and 1 other also answered the question Jazzybeanand 3 others also answered the question

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ—ป๏ธTUSCAN WHITE BEAN SKILLET MEALโ—ป๏ธ1 tbsp. olive oil1 cup diced onion1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced Two 14.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes and...

18 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends! Let's ease into the new week together! The sunshine, 360Social, and your favorite morning beverage are what you need to start the day out right! ๐Ÿ˜Š

22 hours ago

Lori Loretta Lynn

Lori Loretta Lynn

Today I feel well, I am having difficulty adjusting to Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure meds that I have recently began to take.  Does anyone experience a heavy chest feeling, dry cough, sore back and joints?  I use Inspiolto Respimat inhaler - 2 puffs 1x daily - for my current COPD / Empheseyma

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • JeanO53Hi Lori Loretta Lynnโ€‹!   I can only speak to the cholesterol medication.
    It may be the high cholesterol meds that are causing your sore back and joints.  One of the side effects of taking a statin can be the muscle aches and weakness.  I take a statin.  Along with a change in diet, my cholesterol is at a great level, but my doctor has me continue with it for heart health. Iโ€™ve been fortunate to avoid some of the side effects.
    I suggest talking with your doctor - maybe a change in dosage or a different statin will lessen the side effects. 1 day ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi Lori Loretta Lynnโ€‹.  Welsome to 360!  I agree with Jean - my husband was on statins and the first 4 caused aches in his muscles and joints.  Please do speak with your care team - they may want to have you try a diferent statin.  As for the feeling in your chest and your cough, have you mentioned that to them?  It might indicate the beginning of an exacerbation (flare-up). Please let us know.1 day ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainWelcome!! The chest tightness and cough sound like you have something in your chest that needs to come out.  You may be experiencing an exacerbation of your COPD and need to see your pulmonologist or a critical care center.


    The sore joints may be from inflammation in which case you may need to add some supplements to your medicine regimen.  Jean has given you suggestions about this as well.  You need to see your doctor about these symptoms.1 day ago
netmouse

netmouseanswered the question CPET

JHutton - copy your message and attach the file in Gemini (Google's Artificial Intelligence platform). Start with "What do you think about the following?". Hit enter. You will get likely a great answer in a second or two. In this "conversation", you …
JHutton94 also answered the question JHutton94 also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! So many little things to enjoy, each and every day! Yes, youโ€™ll look back at them all, and you'll smile! I hope everyone finds lots of little things today! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Jingles

Jinglesasked the question: Diagnosis

Anyone have this problem? My problem is doctors have a hard time figuring out exactly what I have. I am currently going to the best in the Philly area. Temple in Philly. They have guessed emphysema, bronchitis, copd/asthma combo and perhaps …

2 days ago

Jingles

Jinglesanswered the question Has anyone used a smartvest?

Used it for months, did absolutely nothing. Might help you though. I really never have a lot of mucus. It's a little costly, but my insurance paid for it.
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Sunny789 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

JHutton94

JHutton94asked the question: CPET

Hello all, Not sure if you remember me but I got a CPET as suggested by members here. The report came back it showed: Peak VO2: 21.5 mL/kg/min โ€” 53% predictedO2 Pulse: 9 mL/beat โ€” 58% predicted โ€” flatVE/VCO2 rest: 54 โ€” AT: 46 โ€” Peak: 50PETCO2 rest: 4 …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainZippity Doo Dah, Zippity Ay! My, oh, my, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine headed my way! Zippity Doo Dah, Zippity Ay! ๐ŸŒž
Happy Saturday, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAnother "Fluffy Friday", pic. This is May, our little silkie hen. We now call her "Mama May", because any baby chick who comes to the farm, she adopts. She is small, but mighty, and is definitely the "mom", of the flock. More babies coming this spring! COPD and winter coop cleaning... I had a hard time with the dust before, but now my husband (he is amazing!) has taken pity on me and does the coop cleaning. I can't wait for spring when everyone is back outside all day. 

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )โ€‹  I want to give a shout out to a person who gives selflessly of his time and undeniable expertise.  Thank you, Dr. Mannino.

3 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question COPD questions

Yes, COPD is a progressive disease. It's great that you have quit smoking. That helps to slow down the progression. Caroline gave you great advice there. Realize that beyond the progressive nature of the disease, there is the normal decline in function …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Happy Birthday to you __ birthday to you.  I am singing this in my most melodious voice which ain't what it used to be.
I hope that you have a wonderful day Coach Brandon.

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿง„CANNELLINI BEAN SALAD WITH ROASTED GARLIC VINAIGRETTE๐Ÿง„1 bulb roasted garlic, peeled 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp. lemon juice1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. dry mustard 1 1/2 tbsp. thyme leaves 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped rosemary leaves 1/4 tsp. lemon...

3 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn"Fluffy Friday!". This is my late Fredrick (I lost him a year and a half ago). The best trail-buddy a girl could have ever asked for. He was a working roping horse from Montana and was a rock solid, true-blue boy. He came to me in his retirement at a young-ish age after being worked hard. We did light, leisurely trail rides, but then I fully retired him in 2016 when I noticed his arthritis. Then, he became my little pasture puff (spoiled mind you) for the rest of his days (years). This picture... whenever we would ride, I would dismount and walk beside him for a portion of the way home. On a different note, spring is right around the corner, and the horses shed their winter coats obviously. This is the only time of year that I have a reaction to all of the grooming and fur. I breakout in welts, cough, etc... Never worried too much about it. Now, with COPD I am worried, but as a horse mama know that I can't slack on this task. Do you suppose an N95 mask, and washing self and clothes right away, would make it okay? Not sure I can articulate how much fur horse shedding season brings, but N95's are tough, ha! 

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI have a birthday wish I'd like to share.
It's filled with happiness and extra care.
It's for someone special who's a friend to us all.
Whenever you need him, he's always on call.
Happy, Happy Birthday dear Brandon-YES, YOU!
Enjoy a slice of your cake, or go ahead and have two! ๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿฐ

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from two of my sister's pets! Miss Cricket Smudge and Mr. Jason Alexander would like to wish you all a very pleasant day! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

Gilmour

Gilmourasked the question: COPD questions

Hi, I am trying to figure out if I have COPD and what, if anything, I can do about my situation. I am 53 now and am under medication for hypertension. I was a heavy smoker (20 a day) from 1990-2004. I stopped completely after that (I might have …

4 days ago

Richard DJ

Richard DJanswered the question Roflumilast-Any feedback much appreciated.

I have had a lot of trouble with mental effects from Roflumilast. That is why I went to 250mg every other day. That seemed to work along witht the fisetin I take after a meal to greatly slow down the phlegm problem. However, since I had my coronary …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

4 days ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communicationscommented onA Tale of Too Many Options

 Hi Phyliss! You can share Mike's blog with this link: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Praxis/Community/Blog/Article/1937/A-Tale-of-Too-Many-Options.aspx...

4 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captaincommented onA Tale of Too Many Options

 Is there a way to get rid of the comments below??? I would really like to share this excellent blog with others, but having those comments below is really off-putting. There has to be a better way of managing this....

4 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

I was able to get one of the local newspapers to publish a blurb about IMPACT Lung Health 2026. https://patch.com/new-jersey/jersey-city/calendar/event/20260318/d48abebd-2c9f-47dc-ac4b-8ae0ff59b02e/impact-lung-health-2026

4 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Building Patient Knowledge, Buy-In, and Self-Efficacy with Inhalers and Nebulizers

This post was written by Kalli Mago.

Medication is central to managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but as most health care providers know, prescribing the right medication is only half the battle. The real challenge is helping patients actually use their prescribed devices properly. When it comes to inhalers and nebulizers, studies consistently show high levels of non-adherence, with rates ranging from 23% to 93%.1

Obstacles to Adherence

There are many reasons patients may struggle to follow their prescription. For example, sometimes the prescription itself is the problem. Providers should consider the patient's symptoms, preferences, financial situation, coordination, and dexterity when deciding which device is best. This blog post provides a more in-depth look at how to navigate different device options with your patients with COPD.

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ท๏ธ๐Ÿ’ COLD RICE SALAD๐Ÿ’ ๐Ÿ”ท๏ธ. Dressing:1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. sugar1 clove garlic, finely minced 1 tsp. salt1 tsp. cumin1 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Salad:3 cups cooked basmati rice,...

4 days ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question Has anyone had a upper GI endoscopy while having COPD?

I am stage 2. I had one a year or so ago with sedation. I was dreading it because I have a strong gag reflex but it was way less awful than I had feared. Hope it goes well.
GAnneDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )BrandyLynnand 2 others also answered the question GAnneand 4 others also answered the question

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! You have the power, the strength, and the courage to do well! You are an awesome person, and you CAN accomplish many things! Wishing everyone a happy, productive, easy breathing day! 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.