COPD360social welcomes new member acknowleged1 who joins 65,581 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ Happy Father's Day from COPD360social ๐Ÿ’™

This weekend we celebrate all the people who show up with strength, patience, encouragement, and heart.

Whether you're a father, grandfather, stepfather, uncle, mentor, caregiver, friend, or someone who simply stepped in when you were needed mostโ€”thank you.

Living with COPD or another lung condition often means facing challenges that aren't always visible. Having someone by your side to listen, lend a hand, share a laugh, offer encouragement, or simply be present can make a world of difference.

Today, we're celebrating every person who has filled that role in someone's life.

๐Ÿ’™ Who is someone who has been a guiding presence, source of support, or role model for you?

Feel free to share a memory, a photo, or a few words of appreciation below. We'd love to celebrate them with you.

12 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Have you seen the Lung Health Champion episode with Dave Sylvester?

1 day ago

acknowleged1

acknowleged1

 Hello daz23I am not a USA citizen, being an immigrant to Australia. I discovered COPD in 2000 when my doctor recommended some kind of inhaler treatement for 12 months. It didn't work. I am not complaining. You are a fire fighter, I admit I smoked for some 30 years and then gave it up 40 years ago. I now discover I am COPD. You say - moderate - what does that mean? please? I am desperate to know the "determination" of what this means. My doctor will not talk about my condition very much which leaves me in a quandary. I will not say "own" because you can't "own" any living thing, it is a matter o f agreement. I am responsible for feeding and caring for very large animals - I panick when the winter months come on as this severely impedes my breathing ability. What is the lifespan of people like us?  I do not ask out of morbid curiosity but as a responsible person who has the care of large animals. I am responsible for their well-being. Human doctors do not appear to care about this, merely about my condition. That is not good enough is it? I can't look after them like I used to, but they have the best of food, they have very clean water. I spend as much time with them as I am able - breathing allowing. Please do not brush me off like my doctor does. Please be kind and answer honestly. Because that is the kindest thing to do. You are a fire fighter - therefore, you are kind, you are caring, you are the very best of us. I know that. So please, answer me honestly. 

55 minutes ago

  • das23Welcome ackkowleged1โ€ฆ..First-is your doctor a pulmonologist-a lung specialist?  I was diagnosed after taking a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). From that I was considered moderate. It goes by the numbers. My FEV1 is 60 and there are other considerations. I also have mild Bronchiectasis. You quit smoking 40 years agoโ€”this is great. With the proper diagnosis and treatment your quality of life can improve. Read all the information above in the LEARN MORE TABโ€”It will help and thank you for the kind words. You will get lots of support hereโ€”you are in the right place. Check in with tomorrow. Glad you found usmoments ago
acknowleged1

acknowleged1

1 hour ago

acknowleged1

acknowleged1

Is this strictly a USA website. I am from Australia. I don't seem able to locate any support groups. I was diagnosed in 2000. I use an inhaler; the cold months make it difficult for me to breathe. I am not complaining, but, others depend upon me. I am sure this is a concern of many of you. If I die, then, what happens to those depending upon me? I don't know what to do. My symptoms get worse in the winter months, and I admit to panicking. But, there again, it is their lives that are in jeopardy as well as mine. I need to be able to do the things I was able to do, if only by halves. Their lives depend upon me. Can anyone help me please? 

1 hour ago

acknowleged1

acknowleged1

I am not doing too well today. Does anyone know how to make COPD better, so that one can breathe and able to do the things they used to? 

1 hour ago

Navywife2

Navywife2

Thank you all for the welcome. I also use an oximeter 2 or 4 times a day. My rate rarely drops below 97, over the years I have relegated myself to sitting a lot more than walking. I am very lucky that my youngest son and his wife and kids do just about everything for me.  We live together and they cook, shop,etc. 
Hope you all have a grest weekend 

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday! I hope you take some time out for yourselves today to relax! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š

21 hours ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonHope everyone is at one with the fluff today.The wizard of Oz nailed it by the way there is no place like home.






My fur buddy keeping me safe from gangs of marauding squirrels. Breath well my friend's.

1 day ago

Navywife2

Navywife2

I have had COPD for 15 or so years, and have just found this group. Thank you for accepting me and being here. I joined to see how others are living with COPD. I am supposed to use oxygen 24/7. I do always use it for at least 12 hours a day. I feel fine, just can't walk very far.  Anyway, just wondering if anybody is on Nucala and wondering if it helps? Thank you so much.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerToday, we recognize Juneteenthโ€”a day of reflection, remembrance, resilience, and freedom.

It also reminds us of something we see every day here on 360social: the power of community.

Many of us come from different backgrounds, different places, and different life experiences. Yet we gather here for a common reasonโ€”to support one another, learn from one another, and help make the journey a little easier for someone else.

When someone shares a hard day, celebrates a victory, asks a question, or offers encouragement, they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. They are helping build a community rooted in understanding, compassion, and hope.

Juneteenth reminds us that progress is not only measured by how far we've come, but also by how we care for one another along the way. By listening. By learning. By making space for every voice and every story.

Thank you for being part of 360social and for helping create a place where people can find support, connection, and a reminder that they do not have to face challenges alone.

Wishing you a meaningful Juneteenth.
โค

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onComprehensive Tobacco Treatment: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Care

 Arnelle, you have delivered an eye-opening article about quitting the cigarette habit as well as the dangers of vaping. I consider myself well-informed, but you have shown me that I need a refresher course....

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Happy Fluffy Friday!
Usual visitors to the bird feeder area - Birds, Squirrels, Chipmunks and, at different times of day, Deer.
And now, a Rabbit!  It's fun to watch them all interact with each other.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โšช๏ธMARINATED CAULIFLOWER SALADโšช๏ธ1 head cauliflower, broken into grape-size floretsHalf of a 12-ounce jar sliced roasted red peppers, drained well and patted dry with paper towels 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olivesHalf of a small red onion, diced2 tbsp....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from my Mother's dog Sammy Joe. My sister and her hubby took him to the vet. I guess the poor kid really didn't want to go, but he made out alright! 
Sending smiles your way on this Fluffy Friday! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaincommented onListening to Your Lungs: When Itโ€™s Time to Speak Up

I agree that it would be worthwhile to see if you may qualify for any patient assistance program(s) and/or coupons did Dupixent. I did get coupon from manufacturer, and it made the cost free or $35/shotโ€”I canโ€™t remember which. ...

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onListening to Your Lungs: When Itโ€™s Time to Speak Up

SDM - the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Dupixent might have a patient assistance program. You might want to check into that....

2 days ago

SDM

SDMcommented onListening to Your Lungs: When Itโ€™s Time to Speak Up

I have a NP pushing dupixant. I say no and she insists she can get it free to low price. My insurance says a copay of at least 1000 dollars. I tell the NP every visit i can't pay that. Then she said okay. She can't get it cheaper. Next visit it...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Hi Karen! This is a yummy treat! Where I shop, they have fruit nectar on the International Food aisle near the Goya products, plus on the juice aisle. ๐Ÿ ...

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Care

This article was written by Arnelle Konde, MPH, CHES.

Smoking and tobacco exposure are primary risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression and mortality, accounting for up to 80% of COPD-related deaths in the United States.1 People with disabilities (e.g., individuals who have physical, cognitive, psychiatric and sensory impairments) have disproportionately higher rates of tobacco use and suffer worse health outcomes as a result.2 Addressing this disparity requires comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco treatment that combines counseling, pharmacotherapy, and ongoing follow-up support.2 As tobacco patterns continue to evolve with products such as e-cigarettes and vaping3,4, health care must provide patient-centered, inclusive treatment that is accessible for all patients.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿšจ International Panic Day ๐Ÿšจ

Today is International Panic Day... which means if you're going to panic, today's apparently the official day for it! ๐Ÿ˜„

But before we all start frantically searching for misplaced reading glasses that are already on our heads, let's try something different.

Whether you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, caring for someone you love, or simply juggling life's daily surprises, it's easy to feel overwhelmed from time to time.

So today, instead of panicking, let's practice a little "pause."

๐ŸŒฟ Sit down for a moment.
๐ŸŒฟ Put on your favorite song.
๐ŸŒฟ Give your pet an extra cuddle.
๐ŸŒฟ Step outside and enjoy a little sunshine.
๐ŸŒฟ Take a few slow, comfortable breaths.
๐ŸŒฟ Remind yourself that not everything has to be solved today.

Some days, the laundry can wait.
The dishes can wait.
That email can wait.

Your well-being can't.

๐Ÿ’™ For today's International Panic Day challenge:

Tell us one thing you're NOT going to worry about today.

Maybe you're letting go of a chore, a stressor, a "what if," or simply giving yourself permission to rest.

I'll start:

๐Ÿ‘‰ I'm not going to worry about having a perfect day. Good enough is good enough.

What about you?

2 days ago

Bare

Bareanswered the question Does pulmonary rehab help?

yes it does. Iโ€™ve been going to rehab four days a week for the past 5 years. Helps strengthen your lungs as well as other muscle groups that support your lungs. Best of success with your journey
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainbrydyand 1 other also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

Oh my, this sounds decadent!! I've never seen pear nectar - I hope it's available in the grocery? Or maybe have to order it?...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ๐ŸBUTTERSCOTCH PEARS๐Ÿ๐Ÿ โ–ถ๏ธSLOW COOKER RECIPEโ—€๏ธ2 large firm pears1/2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1 1/2 tbsp. butter, softened 1 tbsp. flour 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt1/4 cup chopped...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! I have an idea!๐Ÿ’ก How about getting a nice journal for yourself, and a few nice pens, in different colors?! You could jot down your thoughts, and all of the positive things in your day! 
Wishing everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragon

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good quality CPAP machine the price varies so much from 1200 on Amazon to over 3000 at other places the wife checked out.
I know quality costs more but have no idea about them at all.


Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • JazzybeanHi Bob puff dragon, here is my experience with c-pap. I have been using my ResMed AirFit N30 machine for the past two years. I love it. It's light, not that noisy and has a small screen much like a cell phone. I use the pillow mask just because I am somewhat claustrophobic and the pillow Mask works well for me.
    The machine is set up to be used as a C-pap or can be used as a bi-pap which is most likely what you will need. I don't know about the cost. I am also not sure where you are located. I am in New York State, (should be the same all across the country) and for me Medicare covers most of the cost. I pay $10.00 a month and every three month by new filter, hose and pillow for mask. So, every three months I pay the $10 plus 30 for supplies. I have had No issues with the machine. I visit my grandchildren in another state quite frequently and my little machine travels quite well. I also have emphysema with lung scarring and hyper inflated lungs,  for now, they tell me it's mild according to my DLCO.  Some days it sure does not feel like it, but, then that's another story. But, I got the ResMed C-pap machine precisely because I know as I travel the Emphysema road, my hyper inflated lungs, and destruction of alveoli  will most certainly lead to more and more CO retention.  Then, my c-pap can easily be switched to a bi-pap. 
    I hope this helps. I am so glad you have a wife who puts her foot when needed :)  2 days ago
  • Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainI have a Resmed Airsep 11 that I am quite satisfied with.  It sends information to the app I my computer for me to see and sends it to my provider as well.2 days ago
  • Bob puff dragonThanks Jazzybean and Ken,went for the Resmed brand seem really wellmade.Up here we have to buy our machines Jazzybean so it was a bit of a shock.1 day ago
Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragon

Hello friends,thought l would post an update on what's been going on these past days.
My wife finally put her foot down and drove me to emergency, admitted immediately and diagnosed and treatment started before blood test results came back due to severe lab backlog.


Have been dealing with CO2 retention for years, truly had no idea what it was really about, l tend to not want to know a lot of things l should .l have a intersticial rheumatoid arthritis lung deal along with my stage four emphasema.So my sob is sometimes not to pretty .
While l was having the recent radiation therapy for the lung cancer l had to stop methotrexate injections for three weeks, which l have been taking for 12 years,which is supposed  to lower ra markers and make the ra manageable .This apparently cause a severe ra  flair,which along with the radiation and usual stuff caused a pH lowering which turned my blood to acid and causing all kinds of nasty organ related things.  They are cpaping me like crazy and pumping intravenous bags of who knows what non stop.
I was supposed to be discharged this evening but when the doctor did rounds he said levels are still to low so now not sure when
I can go home,anyway could not be happier that l now have a indicator as when to seek medical intervention and a treatment plan in place now to treat it
If you are later stage COPD and notice your breathing is, getting more difficult than normal ,you may want to ask your doctor about the possibility of retention issues . It makes no difference if your blood ox level is high. 
Apparently this condition affects about 1 in10 patients so most doctors do not look for it so read up and become aware of the symptoms so you don't end up like me in a world of ca ca. Hope this helps someone who may be experiencing this and not realize it.

That's the scuttlebutt of what's new in our life l hope everyone is having a better go of it but l did not set the bar to high.

2 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.