COPD360social welcomes new member Julian Sterling who joins 65,239 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I'm feeling very happy today.  I finally have found an outfit to wear when I am a presenter at the ATS (American Thoracic Society International Conference) in Orlando, FL in just a little over a week.  Living here in Florida, and being retired, I don't have many "business casual" clothes in my closet, since I doubt that capri's and sandals count, LOL.  And I didn't want to wear my black suit that I wear when I go to DC, since it's too hot to wear in our weather here.  And not only did I find an outfit, it was on sale ๐Ÿ˜

50 minutes ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Not a question just a Hello

Hi Dinna25 It's good to see you again! I hope your seeds all grow into wonderful vegetables (or even some flowers). Be sure to post some pictures when they are ready to harvest.
Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question

58 minutes ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Why o2 fluctuating never still for long

Probably not related to dupixent. Pulse ox levels can vary for many reasons. This could be related to circulation, quality of the oximeter in addition to what is happening in your lungs. I like my patients to use pulse oximeter that measures pulse wave …

2 hours ago

Oral walker

Oral walkerasked the question: Why o2 fluctuating never still for long

Good afternoon...my question is my o2 sat at rest is usually at 94-95 at 4 liters,but for the past few day its been fluctuating up and down from 86-95 never staying still,can someone tell me anything about it,i was put on dupixen monday can that be the …

2 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I had a wonderful visit with my pulmonologist yesterday. I think that it took me until this evening for the full force of what he said hit me. He wants me to see if I can wean myself off oxygen. He said he can tell I do the things you are supposed to do, like exercise, stay active, eat well, and keep a positive attitude.


My FEV1 has improved by a lot.  More than ever, I want to let everyone know to just "keep on keepin on."

3 hours ago

Dinna25

Dinna25asked the question: Not a question just a Hello

Hi all I not been on for a while but thought I'd just say Hello. No changes with me more good news thought I had Apnea which is common with COPD but no all normal my sinuses mimicking symptoms. Now the weather getting better getting out more back on my …

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธโœณ๏ธVEGGIE RELISHโœณ๏ธโœด๏ธ1 cup chopped dill pickles1/2 cup chopped red onion1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped orange bell pepper 1 medium cucumber, chopped 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/2 tsp. dry...

10 hours ago

Crazybird

Crazybird

Ok so i was diagnosed with COPD 2021, have had medication for it for the last 5 years. Had to have a lung function test yesterday, then see a new dr at the hospital. He said i havent got copd or asthma, it could be an allergy of something like grass, cats, pollen, etc. If thats the case why have i been taking medication for it, and to be told yesterday to carry on taking it??

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! Nothing but smiles here! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Start your day in a happy way! So much to look forward to! Enjoy every minute, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

15 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Long time copd patient with cronic hiccups! How to fix it.

There are some medical therapies that have been tried in hiccups. You can check with your physician.

23 hours ago

lazy t

lazy tasked the question: Long time copd patient with cronic hiccups! How to fix it.

For three days, my diaphragm has been busy with hiccups. Enough so that I am sore from them. Today, I have had five different bouts. I have tried all the folk remedies. Some of them work sometimes, but soon there is another round. I know the location of …

1 day ago

SarahR4582

SarahR4582

Hello all -- My grandma has COPD, emphysema, and CHF.  She is home on hospice care after her most recent bout of pneumonia which kept her in the hospital for over 2 weeks.  My mom is her primary caregiver and she has health issues of her own.  She has very active Crohn's Disease and all the stress of helping to care for my grandma is impacting her condition negatively too.  I help out as much as I can but it always feels like it's never enough.  I am so worried about both my mom and my grandma.  I grew up living next door to my grandma and she has always been one of my biggest influences in my life.  My mom is my best friend and does so much for so many.  I work full time, have a 17 year old son who is heavily into sports, and I feel like I need to do more but I feel stretched so thin all the time.  Ugh.  I guess I am just sharing what I have going on and I know many people here will understand that feeling of never doing enough for those you love and treasure dearly.  I balance my grandma's checkbook, pay her bills for her, take her taxes to get filed, cut her nails when my mom's hands are too shaky..... but it still feels like I am failing them both.  Thank you for taking the time to read my venting session.  It's not venting really..... just getting what consumes my thoughts out of my head.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽถ Weโ€™re very sorry, but todayโ€™s Harmonicas Play Along has been canceled due to technical issues.

We know many of you were looking forward to it, and we truly apologize for the inconvenience. Weโ€™re already looking forward to catching up and making music together again next month! ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

Bluegoldfinch

Bluegoldfinch

Looking for help. My husband has recently been diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD.  We're both on a learning curve. I would like to find out about support groups for people who live with COPD patients. I don't think I'd call myself a caretaker yet. My husband cares for himself, but I know that could change, and I want to be prepared. It would really be helpful for me to join a support group in Tucson, Arizona, either in-person or online. Do you have any suggestions/recommendations? Thank you!

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒโœจ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday: Things Are Looking Up โœจ๐ŸŒ

Sometimes all it takes is a small shiftโ€ฆ and suddenly, things are looking up. ๐Ÿ’™

Todayโ€™s theme is all about what you see when your eyes (and maybe your spirits) lift a little higher:

๐ŸŒ„ Mountains stretching into the sky
๐ŸŒณ Trees reaching up with their branches
๐Ÿƒ Leaves dancing in the breeze (bonus points if one looks like an inhaler ๐Ÿ‘€)
๐Ÿฆ Birds soaring overhead
๐ŸŒ… Sunrises, sunsets, or skies that just feelโ€ฆ hopeful

Those little upward moments can bring a sense of calm, a deeper breath, or even just a smile we didnโ€™t know we needed.

๐Ÿ“ธ Whatโ€™s โ€œlooking upโ€ in your corner of the world today?
Share a photo or describe your view below ๐Ÿ‘‡

You never knowโ€”your glimpse of the sky might be the bright spot someone else has been waiting for. ๐Ÿ’ซ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉFRUIT PUNCH๐Ÿ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉGreat for a warm weather day get-together!4 cups cranberry juice 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice 1 1/2 cups orange juice1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 3 cups ginger ale, chilledOrange and lime slicesIn a large...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday! 
No worries here on 360Social. Simply let the little things be the big things. 
A little plant that you love looking at. Listening to the birds outside your window. That last piece of pizza sitting in the fridge. A surprise call from a dear friend! 
Enjoy this wonderful day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Catch22

Catch22answered the question Saline solution in nebulizer to help move mucous

I wanted to mention that if you are doing nebulized Ipratropium/albuterol (IA), and have it on hand, I heard it is best practice (especially when just starting out using nebulized saline,) to do the IA nebulization first. I have found this tamps down a …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainSachAMVand 5 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 7 others also answered the question

1 day ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question When is Trelegy appropriate?

Triple therapy is typically used in patients who are symptomatic with exacerbations. Of course, every patient is unique. I agree that pulmonary function testing is needed along with a better assessment of what is going on with you (evaluation of …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaindas23and 2 others also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Jamie Jarrard (COPDF Sr. Communications Specialist)

Jamie Jarrard (COPDF Sr. Communications Specialist)Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I wanted to make a quick post to let you all know we have some very exciting news. We (COPD Foundation) have just launched our new podcast called The Lung Health Champion: https://www.lunghealthchampion.com/

Subscribe and listen in on the 15th every month for episodes focusing on living with COPD and chronic lung conditions. We hear from physicians, RTs, caregivers, people living with COPD, and more. Topics are driven by focus groups we held with YOU! If you have suggestions for future topics, please feel free to drop them in this thread, or feel free to email us at edteam@copdfoundation.org.

We are also featuring a new segment called Air Mail, in which we share write-in stories by YOU, about life with COPD. Share your stories, life, tips etc. with us at share@copdfoundation.org.
 
Additionally, on the 30th of every month, we feature episodes geared toward physicians and health care professionals in our series called Unobstructed. These episodes are great for anyone wanting to learn more about the physician-level insider scoop on COPD and chronic lung disease, and are a fantastic resource for your care team.
 
Click the link above to listen and subscribe to The Lung Health Champion! 

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŒฎ Cinco de Mayo Vibes on 360Social! ๐ŸŒฎ๐ŸŽ‰

Todayโ€™s a good excuse to turn the volume up on a little joy, a little color, and maybe even a little salsa (the dancing kindโ€ฆ or the snack kindโ€”we donโ€™t judge ๐Ÿ˜„).

Whether youโ€™re celebrating with something festive, enjoying a favorite meal, or just taking a moment to soak in a good dayโ€”weโ€™re here for it.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Letโ€™s make it fun:
Whatโ€™s bringing a little flavor to your day today?
A bright meal? Music? Sunshine? A good laugh?

However youโ€™re spending it, we hope itโ€™s got a little spark in it. ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ•บ

And heyโ€”if todayโ€™s more โ€œquiet and cozyโ€ than โ€œfiesta,โ€ that counts too. Sometimes the best celebration is just feeling okay in your own space. ๐Ÿ’›

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„EASY MEXICAN BLACK BEANS๐Ÿฅ„2 tsp. olive oil 1 small white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Three 15-ounce cans black beans and their liquid2 tsp. cumin1 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 onion powder Salt and...

2 days ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGAKatie wants to wish all of you a happy Cinco de MEOW

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainยกFeliz Cinco de Mayo!
Wishing everyone a totally festive day!
Jason Rossi, of course, is involved! ๐Ÿ˜€ 
I hope you will all be able to enjoy a nice Mexican meal today! ๐Ÿซ”๐ŸŒฏ๐ŸŒฎ
ยกEspero que te diviertas hoy! 

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay!  The Liberty2 is working and I believe it should serve as we need to provide me with continuous flow O2 for the duration of our trip!  Iโ€™m SO relieved!  Of course, wish it were even smaller, quieter and ran cooler, but Iโ€™m happy itโ€™s available. 

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question vented propane heat source

Karen i will call a fas company tomorrow before m Wednesday, i figure they would know they do Havac work licensed
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿš€โœจ May the 4th Be With Youโ€ฆ and your breath stay strong today. ๐Ÿ’™

Happy Star Wars Day, everyone!

Whether your day feels like a peaceful stroll on Endorโ€ฆ or a full-on battle with the Empire, just know thisโ€”youโ€™re not facing it alone. Every deep breath, every pause, every โ€œIโ€™m going to take this at my own pace todayโ€โ€ฆ thatโ€™s your kind of strength. And around here, that absolutely counts.

Letโ€™s have a little fun with itโ€ฆ

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Jedi Breathing Tip: Slow it down. Inhale gently, exhale fullyโ€”find your rhythm like the Force flowing through you.
๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Travel Plans: No need for hyperspace today. A short walk, a comfy chair, or a quiet moment outside can be just as powerful.
๐Ÿงฐ Your Gear = Your Lightsaber: Keep those inhalers, oxygen, and water nearbyโ€”youโ€™ve got everything you need at your side.
๐Ÿง  Trust Your Instincts: You know your body better than anyone. Listen to itโ€”it wonโ€™t steer you wrong.

And heyโ€ฆ letโ€™s be honest for a secondโ€”
Even Darth Vader had a whole system built around helping him breathe ๐Ÿ˜„

๐Ÿ’ฌ Now for the fun part:
If you could pick a Star Wars character as your COPD sidekick, whoโ€™s got your back?

๐Ÿง™โ€โ™‚๏ธ Yoda for calm wisdom?
๐Ÿค– R2-D2 to keep things running smoothly?
๐Ÿพ Chewbacca for strength and loyalty?
๐Ÿ‘‘ Leia for grit and leadership?

Or maybe youโ€™ve got your own pickโ€”drop it below!

However today looks for youโ€”quiet, active, somewhere in betweenโ€”I hope you find a little light, a little laughter, and a moment to just breathe.

๐ŸŒŸ The Force is strong with you!

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Random o2 drops

What additional/further testing is your provider doing/proposing? Maybe ask if a CPET might be useful in providing more info

3 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: vented propane heat source

Good afternoon, we are trying to figure this out after we had one person come and tell us to put a vented propane heater in our window. This is only when the power goes out.

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Random o2 drops

So my most recent pft was basically normal and all heart tests also came back normal. Now the random o2 drops that I had for months have seemed to subside, which is great don't get me wrong, but then what could have caused that?

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.