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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday!

Here we are, starting to wind our way toward the end of summer. โ˜€๐Ÿƒ So before it slips away, I think itโ€™s time to see a little more of your corner of the world!

Whatโ€™s caught your eye lately?

Maybe itโ€™s a beautiful view, a favorite place, something blooming in the backyard, your four-legged sidekick, a great sunset, or just something that made you stop and think, โ€œNow THAT is pretty awesome.โ€

And heyโ€”new picture, old pictureโ€ฆ doesnโ€™t matter! Maybe itโ€™s even a favorite photo from years ago or a place youโ€™d love to be right now.

If itโ€™s awesome to you, it belongs here. ๐Ÿ˜Š Somebody else might look at it and think itโ€™s pretty darn awesome too.

So dig through that camera roll, snap something new, or pull out an old favorite and show us your corner of the world! ๐ŸŒŽโค

Tell us a little about it if youโ€™d likeโ€”or just let the picture do the talking.

What are you sharing with us today? ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ“ธ

10 minutes ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThe path to a bright day... Love your picture, Brandon! ๐Ÿ˜€
    I am sharing a picture of flowers called Vinca. Tucked away in a far corner of the backyard. I always plants lots of white flowers, in memory of my little brother Bobby. To me, the white flowers symbolize peace. ๐Ÿคmoments ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerThis is one of my favorite views from my little corner of the world. This old road winds way off the beaten path, past just a handful of homes and eventually down to the river. I took this sometime around 2010, just after a rain, and Iโ€™ve always loved it.

    What makes me smile is how recognizable it is to those who know it. My sister worked for Game and Fish, and had a nice metal print of this made for her and she had it hanging up, officers would walk in and immediately say, โ€œI know exactly where that is!โ€

    To most, it may just look like an old road through the trees. To me, itโ€™s a little piece of homeโ€”and one Iโ€™ll always think is beautiful.moments ago
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Waaaah! I have a cold and I feel rotten. Thus far it seems to have stayed out of my lungs and I have no temperature, so I guess it would count as 'mild'. Well, sinuses full to bursting, total body aches and severe fatigue doesn't feel all that mild. So I came here to complain! Waaaaah!

26 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฏBAKED HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN๐Ÿฏ4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tsp. seasoned salt2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 1/4 cup honey2 tbsp. grainy mustard1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. vinegar 1/4 tsp. paprikaFreshly ground black pepper to taste Preheat...

1 hour ago

Reizers

Reizersasked the question: Help me understand my spirometry 25M

Spirometry results 25M Iโ€™m 25, male, 180 cm, and I smoke. I had spirometry done because Iโ€™ve been getting intermittent shortness of breath and cigarettes sometimes irritate my airways a lot / make me cough up phlegm. My results were roughly: **Pre …

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday! May your day be bursting with brightness, energy, and positive vibes! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

5 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

The article on the effects of pollen on people with COPD comes at a time when I am on Prednisone and a Sullfa/Antibiotic for an ear infection.  Ragweed season came early this year, and I did not start my Allegra soon enough.

9 hours ago

DeanneQ

DeanneQ

I am doing well.  I don't think I have posted here in a long time. I did have the Zephyr valve procedure and all went well.  It was amazing to be able to take a really deep breath immediately after.

14 hours ago

perkyH

perkyH

for me it is cheaper because my insurance does cover Trelegy . And Voltido is 2 months 60  anf trelegy is only one month. might br helpful for someone like that is covered.

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Are you up to date on all your vaccines?

I checked with my primary care physician. I am due for the tetanus vaccination in a year and a half. Will get it then.
JeanO53HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question JeanO53and 2 others also answered the question

17 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainDolly Parton was a dirt-poor little girl from Tennessee who dreamed an outrageous dream, work like crazy to get it, and refused to become somebody other than herself.

She gave us songs we will be singing long after all of us are gone. She gave millions of children books. She gave us laughs. And she showed that enormous success didnโ€™t require pretending you were too important to laugh at yourself.

Rest in peace, Dolly.

We will always love you.

https://open.spotify.com/track/22b9X7sCLtNCklyh2Yqv0H?si=a695b54caa8a49d1

I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven

Listen to I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven on Spotify. Song ยท Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn ยท 1993

17 hours ago

SOB2026

SOB2026answered the question Bad breathing and heavy chest while on Prednisone?

The doctor sounds incompetent when they do that. How about saying, it shouldn't do that. We need to run some tests to see what is going on with you. We will check your CBC and CMP. Then, see from there. Get a better doctor if possible.
DaBoomerRoxy Swango Lorrikeetand 5 others also answered the question DaBoomerand 7 others also answered the question

19 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday music


The Entertainer Marviin Hamlisch
https://open.spotify.com/track/6QQIawc8vdSjXHZIjuUJG7?si=852d2534e60449fa

The Entertainer - The Sting/Soundtrack Version (Piano Version)

Listen to The Entertainer - The Sting/Soundtrack Version (Piano Version) on Spotify. Song ยท Marvin Hamlisch ยท 1974

21 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Pollen season poses greater risk for people with COPD

New study shows higher pollen exposure linked to decreased lung function

Miami (August 25, 2026) - Increased exposure to pollen negatively impacts the lung function of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study in the July 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Environmental triggers, such as exposure to aeroallergens like pollen, can increase airway inflammation and symptom burden and decrease airflow in people with respiratory diseases.

Climate change is also a contributing factor as higher temperatures and decreases in precipitation lead to higher concentrations of pollen in the air and may extend the pollen season from the typical March to October.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉEASY CILANTRO LIME SAUCE๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉIn a blender, place 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic, minced, a handful of cilantro, chopped, 1 tbsp. lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.Makes a great sauce for chicken! โ‡๏ธ...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, friends! Wishing all of you an absolutely beautiful day! Keep on smiling! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Lil'bit

Lil'bit

Drinking  my 2 qts or more daily of water. No spasms in calves today but a couple times in my hands. I am receiving  5 Iron infusions  within 5 wks.,I am anemic.  I hope ya'all have a good evening. I'm relaxing and looking to watch hopefully a good movie.๐Ÿ˜

1 day ago

Lil'bit

Lil'bit

Always open to new friends. Thankful I found the COPD FOUNDATION. ๐ŸŒป

1 day ago

Lil'bit

Lil'bit

I thank God I joined this site. Any friend requests are welcomed.I read the message about drinking lots of water,I do. I learned the hard way.I had to get imfusion & it was so hard for them to get the needle in my arm I actually cried
 I drink at least 2 qts a day
 My heart goes out to all that also deal with lung diseases  ๐ŸŒปโ˜€We can do this together โค 


1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Self-First Day: You Get to Be on the List, Too

Today is National Self-First Day, and I think this is one we could probably all use a reminder about.

We spend a lot of time taking care of things. Appointments, medications, oxygen, airway clearance, work, family, the house, the dog who is absolutely convinced their needs are an emergencyโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ˜„ The list can get pretty long.

But somewhere on that list needs to be you.

If you're living with COPD, taking care of yourself is part of managing your health. And if you're a caregiver, you already know how easy it is to put someone else's needs ahead of your ownโ€”sometimes so often that you forget to check in with yourself.

Putting yourself first doesn't mean ignoring everyone else. Sometimes it simply means intentionally investing a little time in your own well-being.

Maybe today that's resting without feeling guilty. Taking a walk. Sitting somewhere quiet with a cup of coffee. Calling a friend. Doing something you enjoy. Or maybe it's simply saying, โ€œToday, I need a little time for me.โ€

So here's our National Self-First Day challenge:

What's ONE thing you can do for yourself today?

Big or small, it counts. ๐Ÿ’™

And just in case nobody has told you latelyโ€”you deserve to be on your own list, too!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅญEASY MANGO SALSA๐ŸฅญFinely chop 2 ripe mangos, 1 medium red bell pepper, and 1 small red onion. Place in a medium glass bowl. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix together to combine. Goes well with tortilla...

2 days ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Are you up to date on all your vaccines?

Check-in: Are you up to date on all your vaccines? August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Staying up to date on your recommended vaccines helps protect your health, especially if you have COPD. Vaccines help teach your immune system to …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Magnificent Monday! We are ready to step on into a new day! We've got a positive outlook. We're wearing a smile. We've got what it takes to go through the day in a good way. Let's keep on going, and make every day a good one! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

cac

cacanswered the question What Medicare questions do you wish were easier to find answers to?

Why aren't natural vitamins covered, only drugs! I believe in vitamins and spend a fortune on them and not drugs! I wish there were plans that covered taking natural supplements (vitamins).
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainTom.Eand 1 other also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿค“ Happy Find Your Inner Nerd Day!

Okay, I think we need to clear something up right from the startโ€ฆ

Being a nerd is COOL. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Because really, being a nerd just means thereโ€™s something out there that grabs your attention and makes you say, โ€œOooohโ€ฆI need to know MORE about this.โ€

So today, I want to know: What makes your inner nerd come out?

Maybe youโ€™re the person who wants to know exactly how your inhaler works, what every number on your pulmonary function test means, or why your oxygen does what it does.

Maybe your inner nerd has helped you figure out little shortcuts for living with COPDโ€”how to organize your medications, conserve energy, plan your day, track symptoms, cook an easier meal, or make something that used to be difficult just a little simpler.

Or maybe your nerdiness has absolutely NOTHING to do with COPD. Even better! ๐Ÿ˜‚

Photography? ๐Ÿ“ธ
History?
Cooking?
Cars?
Birds?
Weather?
Sports stats?
Gardening?
Space? ๐ŸŒŒ
Technology?
Some television show you know so well that nobody should EVER challenge you at trivia? ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sometimes the things we're fascinated by teach us ways of thinking that carry over into completely different parts of our lives. We learn to problem-solve, plan ahead, pay attention to details, get creativeโ€”and sometimes just give our brains somewhere FUN to go for a while.

Patients, caregivers, family, friendsโ€”everybody gets to play today.

What do YOU nerd out about? ๐Ÿค“

And if your answer is, โ€œBrandon, you don't have enough room for my listโ€ฆโ€

Well, congratulations. You may have just won Find Your Inner Nerd Day. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’™

Embrace your inner nerd todayโ€”and give a little love to all the wonderful nerds around you!

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments10 comment(s)
  • cacI like your idea2 days ago
  • Shadwanda Rainey COPDF ResearchAs a nerd myself. I know I am cool haha. 1 day ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerDang right, you are!1 day ago
JeanO53

JeanO53I had the most interesting experience yesterday.  As I was heading home from the park, instead of  taking the freeway I drive the city streets near Lake Michigan, driving from the south to the north side of the county.   The drive takes me through several county.
About halfway home, I was at the line between bright blue skies with fluffy clounds and to the south a storm was brewing.  I think I captured the line in the picture below

2 days ago

thehlk

thehlk

Good morning, all. Finally had a pulmonology appointment. It was a video visit, but she was able to pull up my 2 ct scans, this year and last year. She said the emphysema is tiny, that she had to enlarge the scans to see it. She said I quit smoking at a good time (5 months ago). She said to schedule a PFT and if there is COPD she will give me LAMA/LABA and I will be fine. She doesnโ€™t think things will progress much. I have had uncomfortable breathing since I quit smoking and have for a couple years thought my breathing is heavier than before going up the stairs. I moved my kids into their dorm rooms over the last couple weeks - both to the 4th floor with no elevator, and was able to keep up, although huffing and puffing at the top. I donโ€™t see how she can tell me she doesnโ€™t foresee a lot of progression. Iโ€™m only 51 and havenโ€™t had the breathing test yet. She obviously couldnโ€™t even listen to my lungs as we were on the phone rather than in person. I wanted to let her words ease my fears, but I canโ€™t shake the feeling that she was trying to do just that and moving forward I will be 65 and at stage 4 on oxygen in respiratory failure. Iโ€™ve joined some groups on Facebook, and let me tell youโ€ฆ there isnโ€™t one person there that matches what the pulmonologist said. Iโ€™m scared out of my mind to do the test. Itโ€™s so hard for me to wrap my mind around the idea that I quit smoking and have no real physical limitations right now, but down the road there is a large possibility that I will be unable to walk from the living room to the bathroom without gasping for air. 

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainA few thoughts on quitting smoking: When you quit smoking, your body begins to repair itself within 20 minutes, lowering your heart rate, clearing toxic carbon monoxide, and steadily reducing your long-term risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer over time.  Immediate and Short-Term Effects over 20 minutes:  Your heart rate and blood pressure drop back toward normal levels.  12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal, allowing oxygen levels to rise.  24 hours: Your risk of a heart attack starts to decrease, and nicotine leaves your bloodstream.48 hours: Your nerve endings start to regrow, and your senses of taste and smell begin to improve.  2 weeks to 3 months: Your blood circulation improves and lung function increases by up to 10%.  Withdrawal Symptoms (First Few Weeks)Cravings for nicotine, Feeling grumpy, anxious, or restless. Trouble sleeping or concentrating.  Increased coughing as your lungs clear out trapped mucus Long-Term Healing 1 to 9 months: Tiny hair-like structures in the lungs called cilia regrow, reducing coughing and shortness of breath.  1 year: Your risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker.  5 years: Your risk of having a stroke drops to match that of a non-smoker.  10 years:  Your risk of dying from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.  15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease matches that of someone who never smoked.2 days ago
  • Loch Nessie I joined to answer this question because I remember the sheer terror of my diagnosis and wanted to tell you my story which I think  is completely typical of a none smoker with emphysema. I was diagnosed 9 yrs ago , I think I am probably around the moderate stage. Like you, I stopped smoking immediately and my condition stabilised . My 02 levels are 98 and, thanks to Spiriva, I am rarely breathless. I am recovering from a lower lobe infection , my first in many years , my 02 levels stayed stable through the entire infection and I have recovered quickly with a small patch of inflammation my inhalers will resolve.Youโ€™ll read a lot of guff on the internet about emphysema, very little of it is accurate . It is perfectly possible to stabilise your emphysema and for the loss of lung function to be very similar to a healthy person. The statistics you read are heavily skewed by those who continue to smoke and neglect their lungs.Thereโ€™s things you have to do though and youโ€™ve already started to do them. Youโ€™ve stopped smoking and thatโ€™s the single best thing you can do. It stops the disease in its tracks.  The next thing you have to do is avoid major flare ups ( I havenโ€™t had one since diagnosis). You need to religiously take your inhalers, you need to pounce on the slightest infection and hit it hard with antiobiotics so that it doesnโ€™t escalate and damage your lungs. You need to keep your antibiotics in the house if you can, check your 02 levels regularly and keep checking your sputum so that the minute it starts to turn yellow you start taking them.You need to be proactive, you need to stay away from anyone with a cold, stay out of crowded places and wear an ffp3 mask when you canโ€™t avoid a crowd or infection rates are high in your area. You need to take every vaccine thatโ€™s going. In short, you have to build a wall of protection around your lungs and be hyper vigilant. You canโ€™t afford to ever stop. Do these things and your life span will be norm ...1 day ago
  • Loch Nessie Sorry I ran out of space.
    If you do all these things you will have a normal lifespan and you wonโ€™t need oxygen.
    Stay strong 1 day ago
Lil'bit

Lil'bit

 bad leg spasms this am

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.