COPD360social welcomes new member Thebizz who joins 66,426 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Mark Luttmann, COPDF Research

Mark Luttmann, COPDF ResearchJoin the Study: Coping with COPD or Emphysema

Living with lung disease affects more than just your breathing - it impacts your quality of life, emotions, and relationships.

Learn tools to help you cope with your lung disease at no cost while helping researchers better understand how lung disease affects you. While taking part in this study, you will have weekly check-ins through Zoom or phone. People who participate may also earn money by doing surveys and interviews.

To participate, please have a family member or friend who wants to join with you. This study is conducted remotely.


Learn more and apply: https://redcap.med.upenn.edu/surveys/?s=LNEWCC3ND9TMDHFE

4 hours ago

TimD

TimDHi Everyone!

Interested in contributing to research in a quick but meaningful way? Take a short survey to share your journey to diagnosis and how your condition has affected you. Your input can help us to better understand the path to diagnosis and identify opportunities to improve it for others.

Please complete the survey here: https://copdfoundation.jotform.com/262805493917063

2 weeks ago

Teco Tom

Teco Tom

Hello everyone.
It's been 14 years being on Oxygen 24/7 at 4 liters/min. I am doing fine just have to slow down and do things differently. Staying active and taking meds have helped a lot. I'm in the process to qualify for single lung transplant. Been a lot of testing. 2 more tests to go. Hopefully I will be a candidate. I'm also in Cardiac rehab at this time.
Thankyou Teco Tom. God bless and keep breathing.

9 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Check-in: How Do I Avoid COPD Flare-Ups?

Flare-ups are never fun, no matter when they occur. During the Fall, the leaves that have fallen can become damp. They then become moldy. The leaves should be cleaned up. If you are unable to do this, hopefully you can hire someone to do it, or maybe …

2 hours ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Moon Shots Anyone??

thxs Jean!!! these are awesome!! it was super bright all night but too cloudy here. the cloud banding over your moon make it almost look like a super close jupiter!

3 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ›โค Happy National Black Cat Day! ๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ›

I've always loved black cats! There's just something special about those beautiful little creatures with their shiny black coats, bright eyes, and personalities that can range from sweet and cuddly to downright mischievous!

And I know we've got some pretty wonderful black beauties right here on COPD360social! We've been lucky enough to get to know a few of them through Fluffy Friday, and I always enjoy seeing their pictures and hearing about their adventures.

One of the wonderful things about having a cat, or any beloved pet, is the companionship they bring into our lives. They have a way of becoming part of our everyday routines, finding their favorite spot beside us, and somehow knowing when we could use a little extra love.

And for those living with COPD or caring for someone who does, that quiet companionship can mean an awful lot. On the good days, they're right there enjoying life with us. And on the tougher days, sometimes having a furry friend nearby is all it takes to make things feel a little brighter.

Cats are funny that way. They're independent, determined, and pretty good at reminding us that life is best lived on our own terms. Of course, they'll also remind us when it's time to feed them, whether we're ready or not! ๐Ÿพ

So today, let's celebrate those beautiful black cats and all the love, laughter, and companionship they bring into our lives.

Do you have a black cat who's stolen your heart? We'd love to see a picture! And if you don't, tell us about a special feline friend you've known. There's always room for a little extra kitty love around here! ๐Ÿˆโ€โฌ›โค

3 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53And, oh yeah.... Go Brewers!!  8 runs in the 5th inning 

4 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53asked the question: Moon Shots Anyone??

We were partly cloudy all day in Southeastern Wisconsin. About an hour before moon rise it was looking good. There were clouds on the horizon and then as time passed, I watched the cloud cover start to move East. Thankfully, I was able to capture of few …

4 hours ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: How Do I Avoid COPD Flare-Ups?

Check-In: How Do I Avoid COPD Flare-Ups? Autumn is in the air. Itโ€™s the season of crisp, brightly colored leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, itโ€™s also the start of cold and flu season. Cold and flu season usually starts in October …

4 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅฃTHREE-PEA SOUP๐Ÿฅฃ2 tbsp. olive oil2 cups diced carrots 2 cups diced onions2 tsp. salt, divided 2 tbsp. minced fresh garlic3/4 cup dry split peasOne 32-ounce carton vegetable broth 1 tsp. pepperOne 15.5-ounce can chickpeas with liquid...

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends!
Wishing everyone a lovely fall day! ๐Ÿ‚

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

I sometimes grow horseradish. Caroline, that bug is burning hot! ๐Ÿ”ฅ I love horseradish! ๐Ÿ˜€...

10 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I raised 2 plants of horseradish this summer. This sounds like the perfect way to use the first roots. Something is eating holes in the leaves. That must be some hot bug....

14 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Hyperinflated lungs

Xray findings like that are consistent with emphysema and COPD-- but one really needs lung function testing (Very thin people can also look like this on xrays and NOT have COPD)
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

19 hours ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)commented onHow Severe Is My COPD?: Test Results vs. Symptoms

The number is your "COPD stage," which comes from the Modified MRC Dyspnea Scale. This measures your breathlessness. This scale gives you a number between 0 (not much breathlessness) and 4 (lots of breathlessness). The letter is your "COPD group,"...

23 hours ago

MamaA

MamaA

๐Ÿ˜Š I periodically have questions about navigating life with oxygenโ€ฆ so looking for answers here! 

23 hours ago

Jim Martin

Jim MartinFall colors peaking here. Picture taken today.

1 day ago

NjB

NjBcommented onHow Severe Is My COPD?: Test Results vs. Symptoms

What if they put a letter after the grade? What does that mean? Like 3a or 3b?...

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMusic for a Monday.

Bright Side of the Road Van Morrison


https://open.spotify.com/track/46uEddRiUn3gVvFTKoIXjW?si=75e9bc924372404e

Bright Side of the Road

Listen to Bright Side of the Road on Spotify. Song ยท Van Morrison ยท 1998

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿบ๐ŸŒ• Happy Howl at the Moon Day and Night!

Well, here's a fun one! Today is Howl at the Moon Day and Night, and wouldn't you know it, we've got October's beautiful Hunter's Moon lighting up the sky tonight! Talk about perfect timing!

As we wrap up October and get ready to welcome November, I think we could all use a little fun.

And let's face it, living with COPD or caring for someone who does can sometimes give you plenty of reasons to want to howl at the moon! Some days are wonderful, some are challenging, and others just make you want to throw your hands up and let out a big old AAAAOOOOOO! ๐Ÿบ

But that's one of the wonderful things about our 360social community. We can share the frustrations, celebrate the good days, and find a little humor along the way. Sometimes a good laugh is just what we need!

So tonight, if the skies are clear, take a peek outside your window, enjoy that beautiful Hunter's Moon, and maybe give it a little howl. Even if it's just a quiet one in your head!

Here's a question for everyone: Are you a moon watcher? Do you enjoy a beautiful full moon, or have you ever been tempted to give one a good howl? ๐ŸŒ•๐Ÿบ

And if you happen to catch a picture of tonight's moon, we'd love to see it!

1 day ago

Painterguy1

Painterguy1

Anxious. My copd has been well managed for years. I have lived and worked mostly a normal life. I woke up a few weeks ago umnable to breathe or work. No warnings or gradual path to today, just a sudden downfall. I ser my new pulmonologist Wednesday but don't havr high hopes as it is a new patient consultation, not to mention I live in an economically depressed region with few "good" doctors or resources. I'm facing the reality of s sudden career change at age 55. I have no schooling or skills other than my trade. Not sure if I can turn my background into an income im this region or how to go about doing it successfully online. Looking for resources to get the training.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธHORSERADISH CRUSTED POTATOES๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ5 medium red potatoes, thickly sliced 2 tsp. salt, divided 1/4 cup coarse grain brown mustard1/4 cup prepared white horseradish 1/3 cup olive oil1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly ground black pepper to taste...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, everyone! Wishing all of you a very pleasant day, filled with reasons to smile! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

For those of us who have Medicare - I ran across this very helpful section of the Medicare.gov website.  If you enter some information it will compare all possible plans in your geographic area and let you know which are the best for you in your particular circumstances.  I entered my current plan, then my doctors, my meds, and it made the decision I had already made - to continue with my current plan.  But I was curious if it would agree, and was happy to see that it did.


www.medicarepocketprotector.com



2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โค Happy National I Care About You Day! โค

If there's one thing I've learned from being part of COPD360social, it's just how much it means to know that someone genuinely cares about you.

Living with COPD isn't always easy, and neither is caring for someone you love who has it. There are good days, tough days, and days when you just need someone who understands what you're going through.

And that's what makes this community so special!

We've got some pretty incredible people here. Patients, caregivers, family members, and friends who show up for one another every day. Whether it's a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, a little encouragement, or a good laugh when it's needed most, there's a whole lot of heart here.

But caring is also about what we do to help one another live better. And that's something we're pretty proud of at the COPD Foundation!

Beyond the friendships and conversations, we're here to share trusted information, education, resources, and support to help you better understand COPD, make informed decisions, and find ways to live better, breathe better, and thrive. Because caring isn't just something we say. It's something we work to put into action every day.

And somewhere along the way, people who started out as strangers have become some pretty wonderful friends. โค

So today, I want to thank all of you who make this community what it is. Whether you're living with COPD, caring for someone you love, sharing your experiences, or simply being there when someone needs a friend, you matter, and you're appreciated.

That's what a community of caring is all about!

Let's spread a little extra kindness today. Is there someone here who's made a difference in your life, helped you through a tough time, or simply made you smile? Give them a little shout-out! โค

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Sharing a picture of last night's sunset. 
It was a lovely end to a beautiful Autumn day in Wisconsin.  I fear we are nearing the end of our days of 60+ degree temps so I'm taking advantage of every gorgeous day.  And the moon was nearly full last night.  I was so focused on the sunset, I missed it as it passed the horizon, but I got a few photos later.
... Challenge:  Can you find the sun dog on the photo below?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Today is a good day to take some time out for "me" time! Sit down and relax! Reflect on the wonderful things in life! Simply enjoy the day! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿงก

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Is low 80โ€™s SAT a good to hospital thing?

The low 80 reading is a dangerous level. Do get here to the ER or emergency care clinic.
Sean P. SmithKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question Sean P. Smithand 2 others also answered the question

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.