COPD360social welcomes new member Surcuitman who joins 64,397 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! According to the white paper "COPD in America" by the COPD Action Alliance, the stigma surrounding COPD and its association with smoking undermines patient care throughout the health care system. The COPD Foundation as resources to support coping with COPD here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Coping-with-COPD.aspx 

Have you, your loved one, or your patients experienced stigma associated with COPD?

Coping with COPD

You may have felt stunned when you first learned of your diagnosis. What you heard may have seemed pretty mysterious, or even frightening. Or maybe you felt relieved to finally know what was going on.

7 hours ago

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF Research

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF ResearchCommunity Survey: Corticosteroid Tablets


Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone) to help manage your COPD symptoms?


Take our quick survey to help researchers understand how corticosteroid tablets are being prescribed.


The survey takes only ten minutes to complete and is anonymous (not connected to your account).We appreciate your assistance in furthering COPD care research!


Take the survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xSdSApyTUSwDEa

1 week ago

Luc1992

Luc1992Hello can someone please help me with these results 

13 minutes ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Sick and scared. How do you avoid being hospitalized?

It sounds like you have an infection at the very least. Do you have an urgent care center or a primary care doctor that you can consult with?
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainViper also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

22 minutes ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Mild SOB - take extra inhaler dose or push through?

Hi Wildebeest I think that it's best if you ask your doctor this question, to clarify what he meant by tsking more as needed. especially since we are all different, and really can't give you medical advice.

22 minutes ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynn

Has anybody tried those portable machines that people blow into that give lung resistance and are meant to help clear out mucus? A kind of a ballbearing mechanism? On sale on Amazon apparently with all models and prices. Would love to know if anybody had experienced these as they make extravagant claims. Thank you. 

5 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Looking for input on Inogen G4. Do users like it?

My advice is to try the unit before you buy it. What works for me very well may not work for you.
Coach Brandon - Community ManagerFran FoxRDKand 3 others also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 5 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

Granby

Granbyasked the question: Sick and scared. How do you avoid being hospitalized?

I am 47 and have severe COPD. Lung functions are at 30%. I am currently sick and afraid. So far my symptoms are sore throat, runny nose and body ache. I went to the ER and I was tested negative for RSV, flu, COVID and strep. They gave me some nasal spray …

6 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

It's a strange day here in Southern WV.  The sky is streaked with grey couds, white clouds and blue sky.  Here on the ground is weird as well with sunshine, wind, snowflurries as the clouds above change.

7 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question How is this drug?

Because Spiriva aerosol is so expensive (Tier 4 on both my 2025 and 2026 Medicare part D plans), the pulmonary doctor and pharmacist recommended Incruse Ellipta. That is not on my 2026 drug formulary. I am reading that Incruse is considered more …
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

7 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manageranswered the question Can anyone recommend a portable oxygen concentrator with 2L continuous flow?

If you want to explore reliable statistics on oxygen equipment, check out this excellent breakdown compiled by our friend Mary Kitlowski. Click the link below to learn more: https://runningonair.net/pocs
Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)JAH5001HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)and 3 others also answered the question

7 hours ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: Mild SOB - take extra inhaler dose or push through?

I have asthma as well as moderate COPD. My inhaler regime is Fostair on a MART regime. So I take 4 puffs per day and am allowed to take up to 4 more puffs per day as needed. My SOB has always felt mild and I can quite easily ignore it. It does not …

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸBAKED FRUIT๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸDelicious and nutritious! Try this alongside your oatmeal!3 apples, cored and sliced 3 pears, cored and slicedJuice of 1 lemonZest of 1 lemon 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup fresh cranberries 1/2 cup raisins 2 tbsp. melted...

10 hours ago

Yesha

Yesha

I just joined this morning because I need some one or somewhere to share what I'm going through. I'm 67 and my husband is 66. We met when we were 35 and 34. After a number of non successful relationships for both of. We were both married once before with children. I have 3 girls he took under his wing, one year after we met , in a bar, we were married. Both smokers. Drinkers. We have since quit drinking now going on 5 years. My husband has always been a wonderful provider, not afraid of hard work. He grew up in Indiana, I'm from California. It was live at first sight for both of us. Now 31 tears later still in love more than ever. But about 3 years ago my husband developed COPD. I'm watching the strong, independent man I love grow weaker and weaker. And I have also gone through a kind of .  Grieving period, if that makes sense. My kids don't understand this, I'm grieving the man he was. Is that normal or am I being selfish? I have to do everything now which I don't mind cause I love him dearly, but lately I think it's taking a toll on me. Mentally, physically and emotionally.  I'm also dealing with my own physical pains as well. But I just keep going. When I share about this I feel guilty, is that normal? Why can't I talk about it? 

14 hours ago

Yesha

Yesha

Can't sleep

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy magnificent Monday, friends!
A positive attitude will take you far! Don't just sit around and wallow in the misery because it's Monday. Rise and shine with an open mind. Plenty of hope that today is the start of an awesome week ahead! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

15 hours ago

Amelia (Millie ) โค๏ธ

Amelia (Millie ) โค๏ธ

Iโ€™ve missed a few days unfortunately but I hope everyone had had a lovely Christmas ๐ŸŒฒ๐Ÿฅณ

1 day ago

Dinna25

Dinna25answered the question Asymptomatic Emphysema

Hi Bradford1234 welcome to the group. I was diagnosed with COPD emphysema 7 year ago now coming up too 8 year, via a spirometry test. I was stage 2 and was very surprised and found it hard, as there were no symptoms and so this continued until month + …
sami1263Caroline West Virginia State Captainbradford1234and 2 others also answered the question sami1263and 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

The harsh truth about COPD is that to improve, you must do the work.  No magic pill or inhaler will make the breathlessness go away, but learning how to breathe and breathing exercises, along with strengthening exercises for all parts of your body, will go a long way.
Then there is the thing of getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet.  Last by not least is learning the proper way to use your inhaler or nebulizer and sticking to your medication schedule.
COPD improvement is not for lazy people.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โ„ A Gentle Weather Check-In for Our 360social Family โ„

As many of you are already seeing โ€” and others are about to feel โ€” an intense wave of cold weather is moving through, even in areas that have already been hit hard with snow. We wanted to take a moment to check in and encourage everyone to move gently and mindfully over the next few days.

Cold air, icy conditions, and sudden temperature drops can be extra challenging, especially for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or other lung conditions. If youโ€™re able, try to stay warm, limit time outdoors, and make sure you have what you need within easy reach โ€” medications, oxygen supplies, warm layers, and anything that helps you feel steady and comfortable.

Itโ€™s also okay to slow things down. Rest when you need to. Cancel plans if it feels like too much. Staying safe is not falling behind โ€” itโ€™s taking care of yourself.

If youโ€™re in an area being impacted, know that youโ€™re not alone. Weโ€™re thinking of you, sending warmth your way, and hoping everyone stays safe as this weather system moves through.

Please feel free to check in below and let us know how youโ€™re doing โ€” or share any tips that help you get through colder days. ๐Ÿ’™

Stay warm. Stay safe. Weโ€™re in this together.

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Does chronic stress affect copd?

I just wanted to add my message of support - you're dealing with an awful lot of major stressors right now and I hope that you'll take Dr. Mannino's suggestion of seeking out professional help. We're here to listen.
JeanO53David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question JeanO53and 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, happy day! Another awesome Sunday!
Wake up with a positive outlook! Put a smile on your face! Enjoy every minute of your Sunday, friends! ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynn

Hi everybody, just a query today. I quit smoking 20 years ago from a five a day habit but a CT scan recently showed up emphysema and a spirometry confirmed it. Does that mean I have had it for 20 years as I wasn't aware until the scan which I had because of chest pain. If I had it for 20 years then it must be quite advanced even though my fev1 is 360 as expected for ages and height  and my oxygen is 98%. Thanks in advance.

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Does chronic stress affect copd?

I had a flare back in October that I attribute to extreme stress of finding out wife was unfaithful, selling house, divorce,etc. Anyway after flare I had follow up pft recently that showed my copd is still pretty mild, holding and about the same (fev1 …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! There's always a reason to smile! I hope you find many reasons to smile on this wonderful day! โ˜ƒ๏ธ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Wvhickchicks

Wvhickchicksanswered the question I need help/advice with Medicare billing

I'm not sure where to respond to the answers and advice... Medicare isn't refusing they are saying since the nebulizer was paid for under part B that my part D won't cover it to get it paid for I would have to be in a nursing home...they cover my …
JeanO53David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question JeanO53and 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )For Fluffy Friday....  A spoonbill and white egret were hanging out together by the lake on the golf course this morning!

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

This is really good, Karen! It's very easy to make! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! ๐Ÿฏ ...

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I have all the ingredients - definitely will make this soon!! Thanks for the idea!!...

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.