COPD360social welcomes new member POPPIN FRESH who joins 64,772 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerWe would love to get your feedback on a topic that we have for the week, please join in and offer your answers!


https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Are-you-part-of-Medicares-Extra-Help-or-Low-Income-Subsidy-LIS-program.aspx

Are you part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program?

If you are part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, how does that impact what you pay for your prescriptions?

5 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnIt has been a long time since my husband has had much fun with everything going on. My new diagnosis', how poorly I was feeling before them, the anxiety these have brought upon, etc... Tomorrow he is doing a "Hot One's", spicy wings challenge with the boys (us girls will watch and be entertained, ha!). I have this silly fear of, "what if I get out of breath and panic while we have guests?", thing going on. I haven't even told any of our friends yet. I for some reason hold a shame because smoking is what had caused this for me. Like I deserve it or something? I just want tomorrow to be perfect for my husband who needs this day so badly. I have everything in order. The house, the food, the sauces. I want him to relax and have fun, and to forget about any troubles. Also, I think I overstress and overthink things. It will be great (!).... right? I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Share pix if so!!

55 minutes ago

  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThis is just what you need, so you can focus on good things! 
    We can't change the fact that we smoked. We can move past it and go forward. There is no shame or guilt. But, there is maintaining our health and striving for happiness! 
    Don't worry about tomorrow! Think about how much this will mean to your husband. You are helping to make this possible! ๐Ÿ‘ 
    Enjoy your day tomorrow! I'll be thinking of you! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ38 minutes ago
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend and doing as well as possible.  I've been dealing with an exacerbation the last week or so.  I had a wonderful week with my family, celebrating my milestone 80th birthday, but a day or so after returning home, ended up with a sore throat, laryngitis, and lungs which are wheezy and full of mucus.  I started on my z-pack and medrol dose pack a week ago, but also had an appointment with my PCP Wednesday.  She prescribed doxcycline and nebulizer meds and on Wednesday and again yesterday gave me an injection of salumedrol.  I almost never watch TV during the day, but have been binge watching The Lincoln Lawyer.  I've read all the books, and I love the series.  


I'd love some suggestions of other series to watch, while I'm doing my best to stay home and rest.  

6 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Hi netmouse I don't know about any other drugs that you might try, but do want to say that unfortunately, all meds usually do have some side effects, and it's helpful to make a list of the pro's and con's. Do you want to breathe better? If so, then …

7 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Below is the doctor's response to my detailed summary (posted here, about the drugs and side-effects, under the same topic name). What do you think? Is it worth re-trying any of the other drugs that had side effects? Some of you had good success with …

8 hours ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

Ask your pulmonologist about pulmonary rehab after you get your results. I had a severe exacerbation last year, and was able to regain the tolerance for exertion that I had lost, but it's a continuous effort that I must invest my time and energy in. I am …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! I am wishing everyone an absolutely wonderful day! Don't forget to bundle up before venturing out into the cold! And, remember to keep hydrated! ๐Ÿ˜€

19 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Supplemental oxygen

Iโ€™m glad youโ€™re finding a new lung doc. The doc can order an exercise oximetry test, overnight oximetry test and 6 minute walk test to see whether you need O2 and under what conditions. The doc can also help get you enrolled in a pulmonary rehab program …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

21 hours ago

BomBy

BomBy

Hey all. I am just laying here with anxiety and overthinking. My pulmonary test is not scheduled until March 18th, and I seriously feel like everything is going in slow motion. I was functioning completely normally before I had someone come to clean vents in my home on January 13th, and the guy blew the dust back into our house REALLY bad. I spent weeks cleaning and had to have them redone. Hired someone else to sanitize the basement floors and he proceeded to run his van outside in subzero temps with our door open, and I inhaled those fumes for several hours asking politely (Iโ€™m too nice sometimes) to please move it or turn it off. Our air purifiers were bright red for hours following this event. Long story short, I have not been the same since. It literally took me out and I am panicking about the fact that the radiologist stated emphysema air trapping on my x-ray, I have shortness of breath doing normal things now that I never did before. Out of no where. I think back to January 13th when this happened and how I was literally fine before this all happened. Iโ€™ve read emphysema is like the worst of COPD, and being only 47 with my girls I am so scared. Not sure about this pulmonologist and if I should try to get into someone else to let them know about all of this while I patiently wait for testing? My anxiety is not helping matters and I just donโ€™t know where to turn to. Any advice? Trying to slowly exercise and keep eating but have been struggling with weight anyway and just feel like maybe I should do something more. I donโ€™t even know exactly what I am asking just so lost and scared and feel like this put me over the edge out of nowhere when I was honestly fine before. Thanks for listening to my rant. Ugh!

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Supplemental oxygen

So when did everyone's pulmonologist decide it was time for supplemental oxygen? Since October my o2 level drops very easily and sometimes simply while at rest. It went down to 88 tonight making tacos and that low sitting on the couch at times. This is …

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulmonary rehab

Aren't pulmonologists supposed to be pro exercise? And yet I've never had a one of them provide any guidance. I was exercising vigorously up until flare last October. But in a fairly short amount of time I got almost all the way back to where I was. But …

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnMy chest percussion cup came in the mail. Does anyone use one of these? I am curious to see if it helps break up mucus. 

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event OxyTalk Social Hour - Wednesday, March 11, 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

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard

Jamie Jarrard created the event BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break - Wednesday, March 11, 2:30pm Eastern

BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break - Wednesday, March 11, 2:30pm Eastern. A group for those in the bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease communities. Register here: https://copdf.co/Bronch-NTM-support

1 day ago

Jamie Jarrard

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

COPD360Social Hour & Harmonica Play-Along- Wednesday, March 4, 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 …

1 day ago

Jazzybean

Jazzybeananswered the question Pulmonologist advice?

ktm390 I just want to add my thought since I am somewhat in the same place as you. I also continue to hear positive comments about the severity of my COPD while I continue to feel worth and have less and less exercise ability. If I were you I would …
ktm390 David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Kmcnamara68and 1 other also answered the question ktm390 and 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿšจ Fluffy Friday + February Wrap-Up ๐Ÿšจ

Okayโ€ฆ quick question.

Who gave February permission to pack up and leave already?!
I blinked and suddenly weโ€™re at the last week. ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ“†

If you ask my dogs, February was clearly 47 days long (because winter naps are serious business)โ€ฆ but somehow for the rest of us, it flew.

So letโ€™s close it out the best way we know how:

๐Ÿพ Drop your fluffy (and feathered!) Friday photos
๐Ÿพ Share your pets, grand-pets, neighbor pets, or honorary stuffed animals or the squirrel in the backyard
๐Ÿพ Bonus points for dramatic side-eye or if they look like theyโ€™re judging you. ๐Ÿ˜„


And while weโ€™re at itโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ’™ Whatโ€™s one small win you had this month?
๐Ÿ’™ What did you push through?
๐Ÿ’™ What helped your breathing or your mindset?

Maybe you made it to pulmonary rehab.
Maybe you rested when your body said rest.
Maybe you just kept going.

That counts.

As we roll into March, letโ€™s fill the feed with paws, smiles, and reminders that even short months hold big strength.

Jasmine & Jagger have already approved this message. Theyโ€™re currently supervising from the couch. ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿ˜„

Nowโ€ฆ show me the fluffy!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

~~Friday night is date night! Try our Best Date Bars, and you can make any night date night! ๐Ÿ˜‰ โœด๏ธBEST DATE BARSโœด๏ธ2 1/2 cups putted dates, cut up1/4 cup sugar1 1/2 cups water1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 1 1/4 cups flour1/2 tsp....

1 day ago

ktm390

ktm390 answered the question CT diagnosis of emphysema but very mild symptoms

Hi im very similar to you i have mild emphysema diagnosed 4 years ago just had another ct scan still mild breath machine is good i walk alot have a slight cough and a little mucus in throat i was very frightened now doctor says don't think to much live …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from two of my sister's kitties, Jerry and Johnny Rocket! We all wish you a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

NjB

NjBanswered the question Check-in: Managing airway mucus: Commonly asked questions

People need to try NAC. N-Acetyl-Cysteine. Reduces mucus. Also Xlear nasal rinses. Helps too.
Tammy55Jenga1Dr H and 2 others also answered the question Tammy55and 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

I am trying to understand what makes some days better than others. Paying close attention to what I am doing each day. What I eat, drink, my activity level, etc... Today was a pretty good day breathing-wise. The two days prior I was winded and had far more mucus production. I don't know what changed? Just learning. Maybe I should be keeping a journal of some kind? These days are such a relief, when I can be doing something and not even think about my breathing. Feels amazing to feel normal, and I am blessed that that still happens for me. Will I ever again have a day when it escapes my mind that I have COPD? Full disclosure, I also have severe OCD and know that this is NOT helping! I hope you're all breathing well today! 

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68answered the question Bronchiolits

had hrct scan for this today. Guess we'll see
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

Transparent9

Transparent9answered the question Has Anyone Used Aspirin To Slow Progression or Reduce Symptoms?

My research suggested aspirin and Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide riboside) might be useful in slowing down loss due to emphysema. Both might reduce lung inflammation. Care should be taken with aspirin. Vitamin B3 is relatively safe.
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )JD85Natalie Nelsonand 2 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 4 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Transparent9

Transparent9asked the question: CT diagnosis of emphysema but very mild symptoms

I was diagnosed with smoking related emphysema about 14 months ago via a lung health CT scan on the NHS. I have not really got any symptoms. Maybe a bit more phlegm in the mornings. I'm 61 and gave up smoking on dianosis. I can run 10 km relatively …

2 days ago

Transparent9

Transparent9

I was diagnosed with emphysema about 14 months ago. I have not really got any symptoms. Maybe a bit more phlegm in the mornings. I'm 61 and gave up smoking on dianosis. I can run 10 km relatively easily. Not short of breath.
Initially, I was very frightened but now I'm not so. In fact I have come to terms with what I have. I lnow I'm lucky.
My fear is, will this suddenly get worse or will there be a slow but manageable decline in lung function?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฏHONEY NUT SMOOTHIE๐Ÿฅœ1/3 cup rolled oats1 tbsp. nut butter of your choice1 tbsp. honey1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 4 frozen almond milk cubesPlace all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serves 1 ๐Ÿ˜‹...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! Enjoy a nice, warm -n- cozy day! Ol' Man Winter can't get us down! We are dreaming of Spring! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaincommented onHow to Care for Your Caregiver

So many of us are caregivers and many of us also receive some caregiving. Itโ€™s important to be happy in whichever role one finds him/herself. Also be sure to ask for help as needed and take breaks and time for oneself. Caregiving is tiring and a...

2 days ago

nesnyds

nesnydsHappy Pink Shirt Day (where I live anyways)

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.