COPD360social welcomes new member Janice 360 who joins 65,817 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ’™

No passport requiredโ€”just a photo from wherever you happen to be today, or even where you would like to be.

Your "corner of the world" might be a mountain view, a favorite fishing spot, your front porch, a blooming flower, your backyard, a cozy reading chair, or simply the view from your window. Every photo tells a story, and we'd love to see yours.

One of the things that makes our community so special is getting to experience the world through each other's eyes. Whether you're out exploring or spending a quiet day at home, your view is worth sharing.

๐Ÿ“ท Drop a photo in the comments and tell us:
Where in the world are you today, and what makes that view special to you?

Rememberโ€”there's no such thing as an ordinary view when it's shared with friends. We can't wait to visit your corner of the world! โค๐ŸŒ

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends!
May your day be bright and beautiful! 
We always have time to fit in a few extra smiles! Here are a few for everyone! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

41 minutes ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThis is sunset photo from a few years ago when we were with friends at Waikaloa on the Big Island of Hawaiโ€™i. Fortunately the volcano wasnโ€™t spewing particulates our way but made a colorful sunset. 

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ’CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD๐Ÿ…3 medium cucumbers10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved 1 medium red onion, finely diced6 sprigs fresh dill1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Quarter the cucumbers, then slice...

20 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

One more thing, I learned and was reminded the hard wayโ€”ALWAYS hand carry any and all medical equipment. I once put my portable travel nebulizer in my checked luggage. It was pried apart by TSA and had to be discarded and replaced. TSA refused to …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ You may never realize how much one comment can change someone's life.

Today is National Be Someone Day, and honestly... this community lives that message every single day.

Someone here has shared a tip that helped another member breathe a little easier.

Someone has offered hope after a frightening diagnosis.

Someone has reminded another caregiver that they're not carrying everything alone.

Someone has celebrated a walk to the mailbox like it was crossing a finish line.

Those moments matter.

Every encouraging word...
Every shared experience...
Every "thinking of you"...
Every "you've got this"...

They remind people they're not fighting COPD alone.

โค Today, let's do it again.

Leave a kind comment.
Welcome someone new.
Check in on a friend.
Share something that's helped you.

Because you don't have to change the whole world.

You just have to change one person's day. And around here... that's something we do pretty well.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸฃPLUM AND BANANA SMOOTHIE๐ŸŸก3 large ripe plums, pitted and chopped1 medium ripe banana, broken into chunks and frozen1 cup milk of your choice1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Pinch nutmeg3 ice cubesPlace all ingredients in a high...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGood morning, and happy Tuesday!
I wish everyone a pleasant and productive day! 
Give yourselves a big pat on the back for everything you do, and cross off your to-do list. Every accomplishment is a great big one! 
Keep on smiling, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

jeffdrake

jeffdrake

I am doing fine, because my COPD is "stable."  But, this wasn't always the case.

A little over a year ago I was experiencing flare-ups regularly, and sadly, frequently. I remember reading there was even a name for my condition. I would get a flare-up, take prednisone and antibiotics for 10 days, then I'd be good for a couple weeks, then boom, I'd get another flare-up. It was awful and I seriously didn't think I was going to survive the flare-up storms I was experincing.

Then I was tested to see how high my eosinephils were. The result showed they were high enough for me to qualify for Dupixent. I started taking it and the results were immediate, and long-lasting. I have not had a single fflare-up since I started Dupixent!

Dupixent is, as far as I am concererned, a miracle drug. I owe my life to it. I'm sharing this with the hope that others might find the same relief that I am getting.

No, I am not a Dupixent schill. I get no compensation for telling you what my personal experience ahs been with this drug.

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question SOB when taking showers?

Lucy k Are you on oxygen? If so, you can hang the tubing over the shower rod and continue to use it in the shower. If not, then something else you could do is to use your "rescue" inhaler in advance. Spesk with your provider about this, but this …
Lucy kMama Geemelody1957and 3 others also answered the question Lucy kand 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

LindaB50

LindaB50

Is it good to push yourself causing your oxygen level to go down.  Does it strengthen or damage your lungs?

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI agree with das23. Please ask your doctor about this. 2 days ago
  • WildebeestI agree this is a question for a doctor or respiratory physiotherapist. I would say that as far as I know, strengthening lungs as such is not really a thing. They work as well as they work. It is normal for oxygen sats to dip a little bit during exercise (for anyone) but a healthy person with sats sitting around 98/9 would expect to maintain 95/6 even during heavy exertion. However, one would also expect the sats to bounce back up fast when exertion stops. When the lungs are compromised there can be problems with this, depending on what the lung issues are. Hyperinflation can cause interference with blood flow to and from the heart, for example, and tax the heart. If the lungs don't transfer oxygen to the blood well then the reduced sats may linger and that is when you have a big problem because the brain gets very unhappy with reduced oxygen. At that point you run a risk of dizziness, falls and blackouts. There are all sorts of factors at play and it's not really a simple question. I am currently struggling with walking intolerance though other exercise is fine. I am hoping to get a cardio-pulmonary exercise test to see what exactly is going on when I feel wobbly during a walk. If I get any interesting information on lungs and exercise I will try to remember to come back and update. But it's still a question for your own medics...1 day ago
  • David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Exercise is good.  If your oxygen levels decrease with exercise- you may qualify for supplemental oxygen.  Training ( such as pulmonary rehabilitation) increases both muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity ( which results in better functioning lungs)1 day ago
LindaB50

LindaB50

Good thanks 

2 days ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

Travel adds joy to life . Whether you go to visit loved ones , try something new, or explore the world, traveling opens the door to new experiences . COPD can make travel more difficult , but it do esnโ€™t h av e to keep yo u a t home. With …

2 days ago

Tom6314

Tom6314

What Can I say, Glad to find this group, 70 Years old. Waiting for the lung test to confirm the CT of Stage 2 Emphyzema.

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday Morning Music.

"Electric Avenue" Eddie Grant


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azuSxl9sHmc

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿš€ Happy Space Exploration Day! ๐ŸŒŽโœจ

Every great discovery starts with one simple question:

"What if?"

What if I asked my doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation?

What if I tried a different airway clearance routine?

What if I joined a support community where people truly understand?

What if I took a short walk today... just to see how I feel?

Space exploration has always been about taking that first step into the unknown. Living with COPD or bronchiectasis can sometimes feel the same way. Trying something new can be a little intimidatingโ€”but it's often how we discover new ways to breathe easier, stay active, and improve our quality of life.

You don't have to make a giant leap today. Even one small step forward is still progress. ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒŸ What is one thing you've explored that has made a positive difference in your journey? Maybe it was pulmonary rehab, a new medication, airway clearance, oxygen, exercise, breathing techniques, or finding this community.

Your experience might be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today!

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments7 comment(s)
  • das23I have moderate COPD and mild Bronchiectasis---The Bronchiectasis was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I started doing Airway Clearance----No chest infections since!!2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainThe one discovery that changed my journey was going to Pulmonary Rehab back in 2004 or 05 (can't remember which exact year it was).  I learned so much about living well with my severe COPD.  And, another great discovery was when I met John Walsh (founder of the COPDF, for those who may not know) and became a State Captain and eventualy one of the early members of 360Social.2 days ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThe one thing I did was listen to my primary care doc, who urged me to go to Denver for a thorough work up, especially after I got worse from each of the local lung specialists I was referred to. There I was able to get the support I needed and more answers than my local docs had been offering. They also helped evaluate me and helped me develop an exercise program that worked for me. 


    They were happy to continue working with me via email and I was able to coordinate care with my local docs. 1 day ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„YELLOW RICE๐Ÿฅ„1/4 cup unsalted butter2 cups Basmati OR Jasmine rice4 cups chicken broth2 tsp. turmeric 1 chicken bouillon cube1 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. onion powder1/2 tsp. paprika Salt and pepper to taste Melt butter in a large...

2 days ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024

Thank you for your advice.  I'm 82 and lilve alone.  Do most of the people that use Ohtuyvre live alone, have a care giver or live in a facility?  For several years now, for reasons I don't know, I will be eating or drinking something and begin coughing and or choking.  Do you use this medication?  Please let me know your answers.  Thanks so much.  Nancy2024

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends! May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!    ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€ Make the best of every moment...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Just a little note!
When I am out and about, I like to spread the word about COPD, and this website. Many conversations this weekend ended up being about the wildfire smoke situation. 
This is THE perfect time to hand out Captain's Calling Cards! Folks can learn about better breathing, taking precautions, and how folks like us deal with the smoke on a daily basis.
I tell people that if anyone is being affected by the smoke, they should visit our website. ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’™

3 days ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGA

Electric is still out from severe storm that started here in Ohio around 5:30 pm yesterday when one of the lines came down onto the street. The good news is that it has really cooled down from the storm so itโ€™s still a happy Sunday for me. My neighbor has a generator and let me bring my frozen food over to put in their basement freezer. Kind neighbors are a gift ๐ŸŽ 

3 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Can anyone interpret these latest blood tests

This demonstrates chronic CO2 retention that is mostly compensated. This suggests chronic hypoventilation and end stage severe COPD. I have had several patients that survive with this level of impairment for months to a year or two- but most only survive …
netmouse also answered the question netmouse also answered the question

3 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

Every medication has the potential for side effects. As an inhaled medication, Ensifentirne (Ohtuvayre) has fewer side effects than systemic medications- but some people are more sensitive to medications than others. The reported psychiatric side effects …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainnetmouseKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Wonderful article featuring Grace Anne Dorney Koppel about COPD.
www.www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2026/07/18/ted-koppels-wife-grace-anne-talks-about-life-with-copd/

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday! We have a very nice friend here with us today who wants to make an announcement. She would like to wish all of you a pleasant day. She would also like to remind you to take some time out for yourselves and enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

4 days ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Wildfires + Apartment Search

Well, I can well imagine this weekend has been a concern for you, to say the least. I have stayed inside for a few days. I'm in Pennsylvania and we went up to the "hazardous" maroon (highest) AQI level for 3 hours overnight Friday. Today Saturday, …
GAnnebrydy also answered the question GAnneand 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.