COPD360social welcomes new member Shawn75 who joins 64,947 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Wait a secondโ€ฆ is it REALLY Wednesday?! (Early Edition ๐Ÿ‘€)

Weโ€™re getting a little head start on Visit My Corner of the World Wednesdayโ€ฆ because tomorrow is April 1st, and it just felt like the right time to mix things up a bit ๐Ÿ˜‰

So hereโ€™s your early edition with a fun twist - youโ€™ve got options this week:

๐Ÿ“ท Share a photo of your corner of the world
๐Ÿ˜„ ORโ€ฆ share something that made you smile today
๐ŸŽญ ORโ€ฆ try a โ€œlittle twistโ€ -- post something surprising, funny, or unexpected from your day (no tricks on each other thoughโ€ฆ weโ€™re keeping this one kind ๐Ÿ’™)

Your corner of the world doesnโ€™t have to be far away or fancy -- sometimes itโ€™s:
โ˜€ a sunny window
๐Ÿพ a familiar face that follows you everywhere
โ˜• a quiet moment that just feels good

Weโ€™re opening this one up early, so whether you post today or tomorrow, weโ€™ll be here for it ๐Ÿ˜„

Soโ€ฆ what does your corner of the world look like right now?

17 hours ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyneanswered the question When to up oxygen level?

I'm curious. When do people get on oxygen? Is it only when a pulse oximeter shows low oxygen levels? I sometimes have shortness of breath, especially while healing after relapsing. (Which I'm going through now. Not smoking tho!), but my at-home pulse …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

11 minutes ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Had a endoscopic moved up to today, why do they have to dilate it 2 times?

Hoping for positive results for you. My father had this procedure done several times and did pretty well afterwards.
GAnneKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question GAnneand 2 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Is it true I just lost 10 years off my life?

People do not come with "expiration dates". Many people with all of the conditions you listed live long and productive lives. Control what you can (no smoking or vaping, proper diet, exercise, get vaccinations). We'd be happy to look at any lung …

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿซ›๐Ÿซ›EASY-PEASY PEA SALAD๐Ÿซ›๐Ÿซ›One 16-ounce package frozen green peas, thawed and dried with paper towels 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 packet buttermilk ranch dressing mix1 cup finely diced cooked ham1/2 cup finely diced red onionIn a medium bowl, stir...

2 hours ago

Shawn75

Shawn75 asked the question: Is it true I just lost 10 years off my life?

I was diagnosed with afib and coronary artery disease when I was 34 years old and I now have 5 stents since then.. Now just last week I was brought to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with COPD (emphysema) ..

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday! Wake up, stretch, get those positive vibes flowing! 
Have a wonderful, easy breathing day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

6 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Whoโ€™s on your health care team?

First, I'm really sorry Wildebeest that the NHS in your exerience isn't what I thought it would be. I have a Medicare Advantage Plan and a wonderful Primary Care Physician who makes referrals to various specialists without any hesitation. In my case, …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainWildebeestDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event COPD360Social Hour & Harmonica Play-Along, Wednesday, April 1, 4pm Eastern

COPD360Social Hour & Harmonica Play-Along- Wednesday, April 1, 4pm Eastern. A group for everyone in our COPD community to make friends, catch up, and answer your most pressing questions. Bring your harmonica for a Harmonicas for Health play-along to …

21 hours ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break - Wednesday, April 8, 2:30pm Eastern

BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break - Wednesday, April 8, 2:30pm Eastern. A group for those in the bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease communities. Register here: https://copdf.co/Bronch-NTM-support

21 hours ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event OxyTalk Social Hour - Wednesday, April 8, 4pm Eastern

OxyTalk Social Hour - Wednesday, March 11, 4pm Eastern. A group for those on oxygen therapy. Send any questions ahead of time to oxygen360@copdfoundation.org. Register here: https://copdf.co/oxy-talk

21 hours ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Whoโ€™s on your health care team?

When you have COPD, different doctors can provide important information to help you take care of your lung health. Here are some of the care providers you may see: Primary care doctor: Your primary care doctor is often the first person you talk to …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ›”๏ธโ›”๏ธROASTED RED PEPPER SPREADโ›”๏ธโ›”๏ธSo good spread on a wrap or sandwich. Also great spread on flatbread crackers. Can be used as a dip for crudites, as well! 1 cup roasted sweet red pepper strips from a jar, drained well2 tsp. olive oil1 tsp. balsamic...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone a bright and cheery Tuesday! 
Hope your day is filled with reasons to smile! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Any recent reviews of the Zen-O portable continuous flow concentrator

I am being sent a new machine I have not tried before in April and will post a review about it after Iโ€™ve had a chance to use it. Itโ€™s said to be among the quietest of the continuous flow machines. It comes with a battery but Iโ€™m not being sent a battery …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

These last days of Marchโ€ฆ can you feel the shift? ๐ŸŒท

Longer days, changing weather, a little more time outsideโ€ฆ and for many living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, this time of year can bring a mix of good days and a few surprises too.

So today, letโ€™s do a quick check-in togetherโ€”something simple, but really important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you noticed any small changes in your breathing this week?

Sometimes itโ€™s easy to brush things off as โ€œjust allergiesโ€ or โ€œjust the weather,โ€ but those early changes can be your bodyโ€™s way of asking for a little extra attention.

Things like:
โ€ข Feeling a bit more short of breath than usual
โ€ข Needing your rescue inhaler more often
โ€ข A change in cough or mucus
โ€ข Feeling more tired than your normal

And for those living with bronchiectasisโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have your airway clearance routines felt a little harder lately?
Are you needing a bit more time, or not getting the same results you usually do?

That can be an important signal too.

๐Ÿ’ก This is a great time to:
โ€ข Take a quick look at your action plan
โ€ข Stay consistent with your routines
โ€ข And donโ€™t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off

Catching those changes early can make a big difference.

And just as importantโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s one small win or bright spot youโ€™ve had these past few days?

Maybe a steady breathing day, a short walk, a good laugh, or a quiet moment with someoneโ€”or somethingโ€”you love ๐Ÿพ

Iโ€™ll startโ€”thereโ€™s something about these last days of March that makes me want to slow down just enough to notice the little thingsโ€ฆ and to listen when your body whispers, not just when it shouts.

Your turnโ€”what are you noticing, and whatโ€™s been a bright spot for you? ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: Adding LAMA to my ICS/LABA inhaler regime - physical fitness issues

I am seeing my GP in a couple of weeks to discuss my inhaler. I would welcome any thoughts from the community to consider before I go. There are 2 issues. The first is recurrent thrush and hoarseness from my current inhaler, which is dry powder. I will …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

QUICK AS A WINK ๐Ÿ˜‰ SPRING SALAD4 large radishes1 cup fresh sugar snap peas2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste One 7-ounce package butter lettuce blend Trim and thinly slice the...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainToday I would like to wish a very special friend of ours a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
Hope your day is as special as you are! We love you, Caroline West Virginia State Captainโ€‹!!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! Wake up with a positive outlook! What a great way to begin the day! Spread that positivity around everywhere you go, and to everyone you speak with! 
Enjoy this awesome day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Iโ€™m grateful and very relieved. My HI lung doc is doing me a big favor and going to fit my H in to see him tomorrow before we are scheduled to fly to SF on Tuesday.  Itโ€™s really a relief since the ER didnโ€™t find anything they could treat but encouraged us to follow up with pulmonology or cardiology and internist. I feel extremely fortunate and hopeful!

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question How long after a endoscopic can you do flutter valve

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone here on 360Social a peaceful Sunday! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAn unusual 'Fluffy Friday", pic. Not from this year, but a past spring. How beautiful is this moth who came to visit me?! I have a soft spot for all creatures. Happy Spring, and Happy Breathing, everyone! 

3 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: How long after a endoscopic can you do flutter valve

After having a endoscopic with 2 biopsies do you have to wait to do your flutter valve. GAnn

3 days ago

Ler111

Ler111

Hi Kier123,
Iโ€™m curious as to how youโ€™ve been doing over the past few months. Iโ€™ve had similar symptoms that you wrote about 4 months ago with SOB when talking, walking and talking etc, but can go for a run without any problems. Iโ€™ve had a bunch of tests done as well (still waiting for the full report) and Iโ€™ve got damage to my lungs from years of smoking, which I have now stopped, but doctor put a positive spin on it, but the SOB is still giving me anxiety and I too want to be around to see my young children grow up. Hopefully you have been feeling better and the SOB isnโ€™t the new normal! Thanks

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone a very happy Saturday! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Had a endoscopic moved up to today, why do they have to dilate it 2 times?

I was so thankful when they moved up my endoscopic from July 8 to today. Everything went well as far as the procedure he did have to dilate my esophagus. He said that I had some twisting in there and he dilated it from a 24 to 54. But then I have to go …

4 days ago

BigCNV

BigCNVasked the question: Any recent reviews of the Zen-O portable continuous flow concentrator

I have been told there are only two machines that provide 2 liter continuous flow oxygen. The Eclipse - Sequel and the Zen-O . The Zen-O is much lighter which is preferable for travel, but the two reviews I found from a year ago indicate issues with …

4 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question What can cause big fluctuations in oxygen levels over different nights?

I'm not a pediatrician- PDAs in adults can result in low saturations. It sounds like you may need a second opinion or be evaluated at an academic center for a more complete evaluation.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

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.