COPD360social welcomes new member Jerrie Dean who joins 65,971 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โœ‹ Happy Left-Handers Day! ๐Ÿคš

Any lefties in the community? Or maybe youโ€™re one of those lucky ambidextrous people who can switch it up when needed? ๐Ÿ˜„

Left-Handers Day always makes me think about how something designed to be just right for one person can feel completely backwards to someone else. Scissors, can openers, desks, notebooksโ€ฆ sometimes the lefties have to figure out their own way of getting the job done!

And you know what? COPD can be a little like that too.

We can learn a lot from each other, but someone elseโ€™s perfect routine may not be the perfect fit for you. Maybe you do better exercising in the morning while someone else has more energy later in the day. Maybe youโ€™ve found your own way to pace activities, organize treatments, get through household chores, or make everyday tasks a little easier.

Sometimes it takes a little trial and errorโ€”and a few good life hacksโ€”to find your groove.

Thatโ€™s one of the things I love about this community. We can share what works for us, pick up ideas from each other, and then find the version that fits our own lives.

So today, letโ€™s hear from our leftiesโ€”and everyone else too! โœ‹๐Ÿคš

Whatโ€™s one workaround, trick, or life hack youโ€™ve discovered that makes living with COPD or getting through your day a little easier?

And left-handersโ€ฆ today is YOUR day. Tell us: whatโ€™s one everyday thing the right-handed world definitely did not design with you in mind? ๐Ÿ˜‚

11 hours ago

bobaloo

bobaloo

Thanks for my new membership.
I Have been experiencing flare-ups past day or so. Just began 2X Daily Ohtuvyre w Nebulizer treatmen to supplement my 1x daily Anoro Elipta Inhaler. But I've had to use my Abuterol Rescue Inhaler a few times which is also new to me. Simple physical exertion has been causing me to become short of breath.
I'm also Left Handed.

2 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Why is my saline solution dripping out of my nubulizer cup?

Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question

6 hours ago

cac

cacasked the question: Why is my saline solution dripping out of my nubulizer cup?

I've replaced all parts but after a few minutes using my nebulizer, the solution starts dripping out of the cup where you screw the mouthpiece into the cup that holds the solution. I can't find any help online. Anyone have a solution for this?

10 hours ago

Old_Guy_Paul

Old_Guy_Paul

Greetings! I am just starting this journey called COPD and trying to figure out what is what. Like many in my generation I started smoking young at 13. It was just what was expected back then. I quit over 10 years ago and thought I had dodged the COPD bullet, but it has now caught up with me. I've only been diagnosed for a few weeks and already my Facebook feed has been swamped with ads for pills, inhalers, botanicals, drops, and all of them claim that they can help COPD. I don't trust any of them. My pulse oximeter arrived last night, and I scared myself with the numbers I saw, and that made the numbers even worse! As my breathing slowly got worse over the past year my lifestyle became somewhat sedentary, so I've managed to put on some excess weight. A lot of it. I'm working on losing weight with healthy eating and more exercise, but it's tough to do 30 minutes on my stationary bike when I'm gasping and wheezing after a few minutes. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.

12 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • brydyhi paul, welcome to 360! its awesome you are being proactive in making healthy changes for yourself, exercise rly helps a lot w copd but pace yourself at first while you build up. resistance bands are great for starting out building muscle. and if possible the best way is pulmonary rehab, ask your pulmonologist if they could refer you. it will get you started on an exercise program suitable for you while being monitored & there are other components to the program as well that can take a lot of the unknown out of the equation. 
    glad you found this site! 11 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYep. Here we are, living with an uninvited guest who doesn't want to leave. That guest's name is COPD. Since we can't kick this guest to the curb, we must learn to live with it.
    Welcome to our community, Paul! 
    We love a positive outlook here on 360Social! You will see lots of members here living a good life in all stages of COPD, myself included!
    Please feel free to post any questions you may have.
    Wishing you an awesome day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ10 hours ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainIf you can, ask for a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation. They can help you develop a customized safe and effective exercise program that helps your lungs & the rest of your body. If there is none near you, Kivo health has a virtual one, if it is available in your health plan. 7 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅš๐ŸฅšBREAKFAST CASSEROLE๐Ÿฅš๐Ÿฅš1 tbsp. olive oil 2 cups diced red bell pepper3/4 cup thinly sliced scallions5 cups roughly chopped spinach12 large eggs3 tbsp. whole milk1/4 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. salt10 grinds black pepper 1 cup crumbled feta cheese,...

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! Sending lots of sunshine and smiles to brighten your day! ๐ŸŒž ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ’œ

18 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captaincommented onBiologics for COPD: What You Need to Know

Biologics can indeed make a huge improvement for the correctly chosen patients. From 2000 until covid, I had 1-6 exacerbations/year. Since starting biologics, no exacerbations in nearly 2 years! I am thrilled research continues for biologics which...

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question โ€‹Check In: Being Your Own Lung Health Champion

Yes, I like making a copy of my questions, with most important being on top and handing a copy of the list to the provider or staff person taking my vitals. This way the provider & I are on the same page and make sure to address the Qs. If I have a …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23and 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Biologics for COPD: What You Need to Know

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

Managing COPD is not always easy. Sometimes it can seem like your COPD treatments are not working. If you are still dealing with symptoms or frequent flare-ups, you may have heard about a newer type of treatment called a biologic. Here we will break down what biologics are, how they work, and what you should know before talking to your doctor. We also want to hear from youโ€”what have you heard about these treatments, and how can we help you learn more?

What are Biologic Treatments?

Biologic medications are different from the medicines you take for COPD. Most pills and inhalers are made in a lab with chemicals. Biologics are made from natural sources, like living cells or proteins.1 While many medications affect your entire body, biologics work on one specific part of your immune system. This targeted approach may help reduce inflammation in a more effective way.1

1 day ago

Eddie65

Eddie65

Will it been  sometime now, but i doing ok but my c opd has enter into stage 4 now. I'm  hanging in there and on 6l/m now 24/7

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โ€” with a soundtrack! ๐ŸŽถ

Well, today is apparently National Vinyl Record Day AND Middle Child Day. And since itโ€™s also Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday, weโ€™re going to do what any reasonable community would doโ€ฆ

Mash all three together and see what happens. ๐Ÿ˜‚

๐ŸŽต If your corner of the world had a soundtrack, what would be playing?

Maybe itโ€™s a favorite song that takes you back years. Maybe thereโ€™s a song that reminds you of home, a favorite vacation, your hometown, or simply sitting outside on a beautiful afternoon.

Music has a funny way of taking us places without ever leaving the room โ€” and on days when COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, the weather, or just life makes getting out a little harder, sometimes those memories can be pretty wonderful places to visit.

So today, show us your corner of the world! ๐Ÿ“ธ

It can be your backyard, the view from your window, somewhere you visited years ago, an old family photo, or someplace that simply makes you smile.

Then tell us:

๐ŸŽถ What song would you play with that picture?

Bonus points if you still own it on vinyl. ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ’ฟ

And to all the middle children out there โ€” don't worry. We didn't forget you.

Wellโ€ฆ not completely. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Happy Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐ŸŒŽโค

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“๐ŸFRUITY PARFAIT๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ1 large banana, sliced1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple 2 cups nonfat vanilla yogurt1/2 cup granola of your choice 4 fresh hulled strawberries for garnish Place the banana, strawberries,...

1 day ago

Strab

Strab

๐Ÿ˜’ Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and fame...not really, i syole that line. I'm just a guy who has finally accept the fact that COPD is now a part of my life. It has taken me a while to deal with the fact that things have changed. I was just discharged again for exacerbation. It has hard to healthy people about this demon, they just don't get it. I am looking for a place talk about this with people who will understand.
Simple household tasks have become major undertakings, family get togethers have become frustrating. The inability to play with grand kids is heartbreaking to me. I am looking for support for the times i dwell upon these issues.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Jazzybean@Strab Good Morning and welcome. Reading the first line of your introduction made me smile. You must have a sense of humor so part One of living with COPD can be checked off!! Now the hard part. Accepting the fact that things have changed. For me, some times it's a daily thing, other times when I feel good I can go days living my new normal, and almost forget about it. Almost. On tough days I tell myself, I have 2 and only two choices, wallow in pity, anger, whatever,  or for me, do some breathing exercises, gentle stretching, rest, read and wait for the next day or days, when hopefully I will feel better.
    Thankfully, I usually do, at least I go back to what is normal for me. Not being able to play with the grandkids is a big one for me too, mine are three and seven, all energy and action. No magic solution, I do the best I can. What has helped me most is to concentrate on the fact that I am here with them, I can enjoy their laughter, get the hugs and relish the fact that I am so lucky to see them grow, a lot of people don't get to meet their grandkids for whatever reason. You are spot on when you say most people don't get the limitations this disease gives us. That's the hard part, no matter how much I try to explain, people nod their heads and mostly have no understanding. I don't have an answer for that one, except to say what I do now is simply state I have COPD that really limits what I can do. I leave it at that. I no longer engage in long explanations. As you may have learned by now, it just leaves you frustrate or angry. 
    I guess I'll end by saying, stick around this community, here no long explanation needed. Everyone of us here knows the struggle, mental and physical. Again, Welcome and as the kids would say, "We get get you"   1 day ago
  • LFAOMGAWell said Jazzybean, and Welcome Strab, we totally get you !!!1 day ago
  • das23Please to meet you. Hope you.........Welcome Strab. You are in the right place. We have "Sympathy for the Devil"--and anyone else struggling with COPD๐Ÿ˜‰โœŒRead all the info above in the LEARN MORE tab There are many folks here living well with all stages of COPD---with the proper treatment you can too1 day ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday, everyone! Wishing all of our members a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Exacerbations once a month? Looking for advice (long)

These are all great ideas, I would consider the 6 minute walk test to determine if oxygen is needed, also have your esoinophils tested to see how high they are, you may could use dupixent, or nucala
squeekJane M. MartinHIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 4 others also answered the question squeekand 6 others also answered the question

1 day ago

thehlk

thehlk

Hi, everyone.  Just me, Heather, hiding in the bathroom, trying to stifle another round of tears. Iโ€™m still waiting to see the pulmonologist after finding mild emphysema on my ct scan last year. Of course, Dr. didnโ€™t mention it, I noticed myself in my patient portal. I know when I have the pft I will have COPD. I suspected last summer before I even had the scan. Then I had a terrible time over the winter - three respiratory infections. The last one was scary. I was getting winded walking across the hall at work. That has never happened to me before. And since quitting smoking my lungs have felt even worse! I have never been so scared in my entire life. I know many will say COPD is treatable, and some people live many years. Iโ€™m 51, and all I can think about is dying of respiratory failure in front of my family. I mean - the vision is in my mind a majority of the day.  And when will I need oxygen? And when will I have breathlessness at rest? And when wonโ€™t I be able to go up stairs? I started antidepressants, but they donโ€™t stand a chance against what my mind is doing. Every day for 3 months. And I work at an elementary school face to face with littles all day. I get sick several times per year, but I canโ€™t do another winter like this past one. It took a long time to get back to breathing like normal after that last one. Iโ€™ve done so much reading and I have yet to see anyone saying they quit smoking and their COPD has not gotten worse - which is what I always heard - quit and it wonโ€™t get worse! Well, I have learned that was a lie!!!! How does everyone cope?!? My husband wishes I never had that scan because he can hardly bear to see me like this. 

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello.
    It sounds like you are dealing with alot of anxiety, which will not help your breathing!
    I have seen people post here in the past, saying they feel a bit worse for a while after quitting smoking. The "gunk" needs time to leave your system, so to speak.
    You don't know if you have COPD until youโ€™ve had a pulmonary function test. A CT scan is not a positive diagnosis. 
    And, yes. There are many people here who ARE living well in all stages of COPD, myself included. We are not thinking about dying. We live our lives.
    Keeping positive thoughts in your mind is imperative. Feeling grateful for all the good things in life is important!
    Keep calm. Stay strong. Carry on! 
    Worrying doesn't make what you're worried about go away.
    I have several health conditions. I am happy every single day. Grateful to be here. I hope you can feel happiness! You deserve it! ๐Ÿ˜€2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainWelcome thehlkโ€‹  I'm glad that you found us.  I was 55 when I was officially diagnosed and am 80 now.  So, yes, people can and do live many years with COPD.  And it can be a very good life, depending on whether you exercise, watch your weight, take any meds that are prescribed, get all the vaccines reommended for you, and do your best to stay well.  With your job, I realize that's going to be more difficult for you than for others who do not work around little ones.  If they turn out to be the cause of your having frequent respiratory infections, you may need to think about a different type of work.  


    Please let us know what your pft test shows, and do your best not to panic.2 days ago
  • brydyHi Heather. I can tell from your words you are really scared & your brain is locking you into fear & worst case scenarios. im so sorry you are going through that & glad you posted. I know how hard that can be to reach out when feeling so anxious & upset. If I can offer you 1 comfort its that ctscans can show mild lung changes in ex & current smokers & even as ppl age but do not necessarily mean copd. only a pft can really determine your lung health & it sounds like you will be seeing a pulmonolgist soon so thats rly good! try not to think too far ahead rn, stay in the present & get that test done, knowledge is power. our brains can send us to rly dark places when we are in the not knowing place. you have done the absolute best thing for your lungs & your health in quitting smoking! thats a huge accomplishment you should be super proud of! sometimes ppl do feel worse for months after quitting while your body recovers but keep strong. it is the single best thing you can do for yourself & your family. hang in there, you have a whole community of ppl here thinking of you & wishing the absolute best for you. you've got this. and when/if u feel like u dont, post away & we will offer our care & support. I promise you will get thru this. sending u warmest hugs. 1 day ago
Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerWhen Your Breathing Says, โ€œSomethingโ€™s Not Quite Rightโ€ฆโ€

We often talk about COPD exacerbations during cold and flu season, but unfortunately, they don't check the calendar. They can happen in the middle of summer too.

Sometimes the first signs can be pretty subtle. Maybe you're a little more short of breath than usual, your chest feels tighter, you're coughing or wheezing more, your mucus has changed, or everyday activities suddenly feel harder. Sometimes it's simply that feeling of, โ€œSomething is off today.โ€

That's why knowing your normal is so important. When something starts changing, paying attention early and communicating with your healthcare team can make a real difference.

And as Karen reminded us, this is where a COPD Action Plan can be such a great tool. It's a roadmap you create with your healthcare provider that helps you recognize changes in your symptoms, know what steps to take, and understand when it's time to call for help.

Summer brings its own challengesโ€”heat, humidity, poor air quality, smoke, allergens, travel, and plenty moreโ€”so keep listening to what your body is telling you.

What are some of the first signs that tell YOU your COPD may be starting to act up? Sharing what you've learned might help someone else recognize their own warning signs a little sooner! ๐Ÿ’™

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#MyCOPDActionPlan

COPD Foundation Educational Materials

The COPD Foundation educational library has a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools that you can download to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD โ€“ everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups).

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI'm starting an exacerbation. When I was at my PCP's yesterday, I mentioned that my chest was tight, and I had a slight cough. She listened and told me to start on my prednisone and doxycycline if it wasn't better this morning. Well, it's worse, so I started both of them (I always have a filled prescription for both on hand). I have cancelled out of a lunch with my best friends tomorrow, an activities meeting the following day, and although I'll log onto Right To Breathe this afternoon and OxyTalk tomorrow, I may be on mute so no one will head my croaky ๐Ÿธvoice or cough.


Just a reminder to everyone - have a COPD Action Plan and follow it - hopefully by my catching this fairly early, I'll be good by the weekend.

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#MyCOPDActionPlan

COPD Foundation Educational Materials

The COPD Foundation educational library has a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools that you can download to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD โ€“ everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups).

2 days ago

Wyliewoman

Wyliewoman

Good morning my name is Lynn, Iโ€™m exhausted today but doing okay. Yesterday was a hard day as Iโ€™m caring for my older brother 67 who has had COPD since 2019. Iโ€™m new here and looking for support and suggestions! 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

You could use canned corn. It will have a bit of a different taste. Yes! Drain the corn very well. You could pat it dry with paper towels, too. Pamper it...Lol! ๐Ÿ˜€Can't help but be "corny"! ๐Ÿ˜†...

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

I wonder if this could be made with canned corn which has been drained well?...

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Sons and Daughters Day ๐Ÿ’™

Today is a day to celebrate our sons and daughters โ€” the ones we raised, the ones who help take care of us, and even those special people who somehow became family along the way. โค

Living with COPD can change family roles in ways we never expected. Sometimes a son or daughter becomes the person reminding us about an appointment, carrying the oxygen, driving us somewhere, checking in after a rough day, or simply asking, โ€œHow are you doing today?โ€

But here's something else worth remembering: they're watching us, too.

Every time we keep up with our medications, finish pulmonary rehab, make ourselves get up for that walk, quit smoking, ask for help when we need it, or keep moving forward after a difficult day, we're showing them something about taking care of ourselves.

Maybe that's part of what we pass along โ€” not just our stories and family traditions, but a little determination, resilience, and knowledge too. ๐Ÿ’ช

And speaking of what we pass along, here's one important COPD family-health reminder: If you have COPD and haven't been tested for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, ask your healthcare provider about testing. Because Alpha-1 is inherited, knowing your status can provide important information for you and potentially your family.

But mostly, today is about celebrating them. ๐Ÿฅฐ

So tell us: Do you have a son, daughter, or an "unofficial" son or daughter who's been part of your COPD journey? Give them a little shout-out below. ๐Ÿ‘‡

And sons and daughters in our community โ€” we see you, too. Thank you for every ride, phone call, grocery run, oxygen tank carried, appointment remembered, and especially for simply being there. ๐Ÿ’™

2 days ago

Whyz

Whyzanswered the question Is anyone using Trimbow for COPD

Hi i am on heart meds and Trimbow, took a while before things settled may be only a slight change but feeling better than i did
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDinna25and 1 other also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒฝ๐ŸฅžCORN PANCAKES๐ŸŒฝ๐ŸฅžGreat recipe for times when you have company! Also great to serve at brunch!2 cups fresh corn kernels, cooked and cooled 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt3 large eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup milk2 tbsp....

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday!
Wake up with a smile on your face. Start your day with a positive outlook. You're good to go! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay! I had a great visit with my lung doc as always. I asked him if he could order me an overnight pulse oximetry test with my concentrator set at 1 liter/minute continuous flow, just to see how I will do at that setting. If it works, I might be able to use a POC that delivers pulse as well as up to 1+ liter/minute when we travel instead of requiring two machines--one that delivers continuous flow for sleep and one that delivers pulse that I can wear and move around with. That is exciting to me and I don't have to acquire yet another piece of medical gear to add to my collection (a recording pulse oximeter). He said that the Durable Medical Equipment company (probably Apria) will mail me the test and have me mail it back.  Since I've already met my out of pocket maximum due to my copay for my biologic, there shouldn't be any charge to me for having the testing done.

2 days ago

QQ

QQ

Has anyone here had successful surgical intervention?

3 days ago

QQ

QQ

How do I ask a question to the community?

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.