COPD360social welcomes new member EmYCASSIDYYYY who joins 66,305 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

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

6 hours ago

Mark Luttmann, COPDF Research

Mark Luttmann, COPDF Research  Have chronic cough with mucus? We need your input!

Help make a difference in research and education e๏ฌ€orts for people with COPD. You may qualify if you are over 18 and have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or have symptoms of chronic bronchitis (chronic cough with mucus for at least 3 months a year, over the last two years).

Please take our 5-minute survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R8XH6MZ

14 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

NEWS: NIH announced that 1,648 early-stage investigators were awarded extramural research grants in fiscal year 2026โ€”the most ever recorded. The agency also launched Generation Discovery, a new initiative to recruit 100 early-career Principal Investigators into NIHโ€™s Intramural Research Program.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-announces-record-number-grants-support-early-career-investigators-launches-new-recruitment-initiative-intramural-research?fbclid=IwY2xjawU0qn5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXprSmJ0M0RGWU00ZWp1c01zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeQBtVuOZ0pj4pyTIxDB2CX8HWCssM_316OaC5hHJqfzS0pafXM1kp7VL_cLQ_aem_1MM05UX3umNDFF6QvKdtiQ

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thanks, Karen! For a really quick soup, you can buy cubed ham in the meat department of many grocery stores! ...

14 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Hero Day โ€” Heroes Are All Around Us!

Good morning, everyone!

Today is National Hero Day, a day to recognize the real-life heroes who inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. That's a pretty tall order, isn't it? But what a wonderful thing to strive for!

When we think of heroes, we might picture first responders rushing into danger, teachers who change lives, parents who lead by example, or someone who steps up when nobody else knows what to do.

But you know what? I think we've got an awful lot of heroes right here in our own community.

Living with COPD takes strength. It takes learning, adapting, asking questions, and sometimes finding courage you didn't even know you had. And caregivers? You're right there too, showing up, figuring things out, and doing your best to make someone else's day a little easier.

And then there are the heroes who may never realize the difference they've made. The person who welcomes a new member, shares something they've learned, offers encouragement on a difficult day, or simply says, "I've been there, and you're not alone."

Sometimes heroes do extraordinary things. Other times, they do ordinary things with extraordinary kindness.

You don't have to wear a cape, save the world, or have all the answers to be somebody's hero. Sometimes just showing up, listening, and caring makes a bigger difference than you'll ever know.

So today, let's celebrate those people who light the way for others. And please, don't sell yourself short. You may be making a difference in someone's life without even realizing it.

๐Ÿ’™ Who's a hero in your life? Maybe it's someone here in our community, a caregiver, a friend, or someone whose words or actions have stayed with you for years.

Let's give those heroes a little recognition today. And remember, you just might be somebody's hero too!

15 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

Oh - that would be quick!! And I'll bet it would taste just as good as the kind I make when you have to soak the dry beans overnight and then cook them for several hours. Thanks for the recipe, Debbie!...

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„QUICK HAM AND BEAN SOUP๐Ÿฅ„ 2 medium carrots, sliced2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion1 large clove garlic, minced2 tbsp. butterFour 15.5-ounce cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained 4 cups chicken broth2 cups cubed...

20 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYou know that when Garfield wishes everyone a happy Thursday, it is going to be a great day for sure! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Keep on smiling, friends! 
Think ORANGE! ๐Ÿ”ธ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๏ธ

20 hours ago

Scallywag32

Scallywag32answered the question I am Wondering if anyone is using the injection of dupixent and if so is it helpful for better breat

My 80-year old father with COPD on 24/7 oxygen was on Dupixent for three months. He says it caused intense itching all over and a rash (which is ongoing to this day). He also claims it caused severe mood fluctuations. The first two weeks, he thought he …
PuzzieTaryn TarverHIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 2 others also answered the question Puzzieand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Brenda Joy

Brenda Joy

Good morning from this side of the caribean sea. As you in the North are starting My favourite season, here we sre entering our dry season. Lower temperatures, clear and beautful blue skyes and no rain until April next year.  


Justo completed my new exercising routine, more like a warming, stretching routine. So far I still catch my btreath back quickly. 
Anyone here likes to crochet??? I'd love to share some little projects. 


I hope you all have a wonderful week angmf a happy eggnohg season

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerGood morning! What a beautiful picture you painted of your corner of the Caribbean. Clear blue skies, cooler temperatures, and no rain until April sounds pretty darn nice from where Iโ€™m sitting! ๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŒด



    And good for you for getting that new exercise routine going. Starting with warming up and stretching and paying attention to how your breathing responds sounds like a great way to ease into it. Iโ€™m glad to hear youโ€™re still catching your breath fairly quickly afterward. And crochetโ€”absolutely share those projects!  I have a feeling we may have a few crocheters hiding around here who would love to see what youโ€™re working on and share some of their own!Thanks for giving us a little glimpse into your corner of the world this morning!1 day ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi Brenda Joyโ€‹  I don't crochet, but would love to see pictures of what you have made.  Years ago, when one of my granddaughters was 16, she crocheted me a beautifull afghan.  She did her best to teach me how to crochet but I'm all thumbs and never could manage to do it.  We laughed at the thought of a granddaughter teaching the grandmother - it's usually the other way around.๐Ÿ˜†15 hours ago
JeanO53

JeanO53

I've recently seen Trelegy commercials on television that start with... "COPD is an ugly reality... ".  Or another one: "COPD is not pretty"
.. I understand that pharmaceutical companies advertise on television to drive patient demand, but the presentation of COPD as "ugly" or "not pretty"??  Use their product and suddenly the sun is shining and you're beautiful, happy and carefree?
. . I'm offended by this type of advertising.  Anyone else??

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โ€” Show Us What You Got!

This week, weโ€™re throwing the theme wide open. Show us one of your favorites! ๐Ÿ“ธ

You know that picture you have that just makes you happy when you see it? Maybe itโ€™s the view from your backyard, a favorite road, a beautiful sunset, someplace you visited years ago, or a spot half a world away.

Thatโ€™s one of my favorite things about Wednesdays around here. For a few minutes, we get to look out through somebody elseโ€™s window and see a little piece of their world. One minute we might be looking at someoneโ€™s flowers, and the next weโ€™re standing on a beach, up in the mountains, or wondering what in the world wandered into somebodyโ€™s backyard. ๐Ÿ˜„

Okayโ€ฆ maybe not that last emoji. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Nope. No laughing emoji either. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Anyway! No rules and no complicated theme this week. Dig through those pictures and show us what youโ€™ve got.

๐Ÿ“ท Whatโ€™s a favorite view, place, or picture youโ€™d love to share with us today?

Letโ€™s see where everybody takes us! ๐ŸŒŽ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‚FALL SPICE BLEND๐Ÿ‚Great to keep on hand during baking season! Wonderful with roasted pumpkin and squash! Adds a sprinkle of warmth to fall drinks! ๐Ÿ3 tbsp. cinnamon2 tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. nutmeg 1 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 1/2 tsp....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday, friends! Keep those positive thoughts going strong, and keep moving forward! Together we are better. Here on 360Social, we never give up! ๐Ÿคฉ

1 day ago

A sister asking questions

A sister asking questions

My brother has COPD and congestive heart failure. His feet are swollen, deep, deep purple, and the veins are popping out. He is short of breath and tired. The last time he went to a doctor they said his heart was only functioning 14%.
He doesnโ€™t want to contact a doctor because he feels thereโ€™s nothing they can do until he has a surgery theyโ€™ve been suggesting which he canโ€™t afford.
Is he at the end stages?

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIโ€™m really sorry you and your brother are going through this. Right now, I think the most important thing is getting your brother medical help and letting a healthcare professional evaluate whatโ€™s happening.
    I understand that he may feel thereโ€™s nothing they can do until he has the surgery, but these symptomsโ€”deep purple and swollen feet, worsening shortness of breath and extreme tiredness, especially with his known heart conditionโ€”need to be evaluated promptly. There may be things his medical team can do right now to help, even if surgery isnโ€™t possible at the moment.
    None of us here can tell you whether this means he is in the end stages. Only his healthcare team, after evaluating him, can give you an accurate picture of whatโ€™s happening.
    Please donโ€™t let the cost of the surgery keep him from getting care for what is happening today. If his breathing is significantly worse, he has chest pain, becomes confused or difficult to wake, faints, or his lips/skin are turning blue or gray, please call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
    Right now, the priority is your brotherโ€”not putting a name or stage on whatโ€™s happening. Letโ€™s get him seen and find out what can be done to help him now. ๐Ÿ’™
    (This is general information and isnโ€™t a substitute for evaluation or advice from his healthcare team.)1 day ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHello A sister asking questionsโ€‹.  Welcome to 360Social.  I'm so sorry about your brother's condition but I'm not a clincian, just another patient, so I can't comment on your question.  Is there any way that you can convince him to see a doctor?  1 day ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, dear. I hope you can convince your brother to seek medical attention! He really needs to be evaluated! Can you get him into your car and drive him to an Urgent Care Center? Once there, they will bring him to the ER if necessary. 1 day ago
tintina

tintina

Hi,  im new to oxygen 24/7 and new to this community.  I have an inogen rove 6 (I've been carrying it around the house with me for the last couple of weeks) I have just ordered the 'inogen at home' unit,  lol i just found out that the hoses dont fit under the bedroom or bathroom doors, have to modify the doors, ugg.  I was wondering how others have set up their homes and what has worked best and what not so great.  I also have back up o2 tanks.  Thanks

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ‚ Cooler Weather Is Comingโ€”Are You and Your COPD Crew Ready?

Well, here we go again. The mornings are getting cooler, we're spending a little more time indoors, and cold, flu and respiratory virus season is starting to tag along. Apparently, nobody invited them, but they showed up anyway.

Flu activity is starting to increase, so October is a great time to think about prevention. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. And ask whether the RSV vaccine is recommended for you too.

Caregivers and family members, you're part of this team! Keeping yourselves healthy and up to date on recommended vaccines can also help protect the person you love.

This is also a good time to pull out your COPD Action Plan. Know your normal and watch for changesโ€”more shortness of breath than usual, increased coughing or wheezing, changes in mucus, fever, or needing your rescue medication more often. Don't wait for things to get really bad before contacting your healthcare team. Follow your Action Plan and know when it's time to call for help.

If breathing becomes severely difficult, you can't speak normally because you're so short of breath, you become confused, or your lips or fingertips look blue or gray, call 911 or seek emergency care.

Wash those hands, avoid sick people when you can, and if somebody is coughing their way through aisle seven at the grocery storeโ€”you do not need to investigate. Keep moving.

As we head toward the holidays, let's give ourselves and the people we care about the best defense we can. ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ’™

How are you getting ready for cold and flu season? Have you gotten your vaccines, updated your COPD Action Plan, or is there something else you do every year to help stay healthy? Share belowโ€”you might give someone else an idea they hadn't thought of!

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThank you, Brandon! Anyone who is interested in contributing a recipe or kitchen tip is more than welcome to post on the Eating Well blog! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ2 days ago
  • LucindaSAbsolutely, Brandon! My recent bloodwork showed that Iโ€™m deficient in vitamin A, borderline deficient in vitamin C, and low in zinc. Not exactly the blood profile I was hoping for heading into winter!

    According to the recent COPD Foundation Journal article it stresses the protective effects of vitamin A (carotenoids specifically) in COPD. Here is the article: https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1606/Protective-Effects-of-Serum-Carotenoid-Status-on-Respiratory-Health-Among-Low-Income-Individuals-With-COPD

    I will definitely be checking out Debbie's recipes!!
    Protective Effects of Serum Carotenoid Status on Respiratory Health Among Low-Income Individuals With COPD

    Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease where diet-derived carotenoids may counteract inflammation and improve COPD outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate associations between serum carotenoid levels and COPD outcomes. Methods: Low-income individu

    15 hours ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHi Lucinda, thank you so much for sharing this! I really enjoyed reading it, and I think there's some pretty encouraging information here for all of us living with COPD or caring for someone who is.

    For anyone who hasn't had a chance to read the article, researchers studied people with COPD to see whether certain nutrients found in fruits and vegetables might make a difference in their health.

    Here's what caught my attention: People who had more of these nutrients in their blood tended to have less inflammation, better breathing-related health, and fewer serious COPD flare-ups that sent them to the hospital. Now, that doesn't mean eating more vegetables will stop a flare-up. There's still more research to be done. But it does remind us that what we eat may play an important part in taking care of ourselves.

    I also liked that the study focused on people with limited incomes. Eating healthier doesn't have to mean spending a fortune! Frozen vegetables, canned tomatoes, carrots, and other simple foods can be affordable ways to add more nutrition to our meals.

    And caregivers, don't forget yourselves! You need that same good fuel to keep going too.

    It's another reminder that managing COPD involves more than medications. Sometimes the little things we do every day can help support our overall health.

    What are some of your favorite ways to eat a little healthier without spending a lot? Maybe you've got a favorite recipe or a simple trick that could help someone else.

    Thanks again, Lucinda! This was a great find and definitely worth sharing!14 hours ago
LucindaS

LucindaScommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

This looks really healthy and delicious! ...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸกSO EASY PUMPKIN PUDDING๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸกOne 15-ounce can pumpkin purรจe One 12-ounce can low-fat evaporated milkOne 5.1-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix1 tsp. pumpkin pie spiceAdd all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and thick. Transfer...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š
Keep those positive vibes flowing! You are doing a great job! 
Never give up! Just keep on going! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

Jillibean M

Jillibean Manswered the question Trelegy-Anyone notice a change in their voice on this medication.

After about 5 months of the hoarseness i got in to a ENT dr who stuck a camera in my nose and down my throat. Such a weird feeling! Because if you swallowed they had to pull out and back in. You could see the red/swollen voice folds. I read paragraph and …
Macey8DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGAnneand 5 others also answered the question Macey8and 7 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)commented onSigning Up for Medicare: What You Need to Know

It is super confusing!!! No matter how much I research, I always learn something new. I hope you're doing well, Caroline!...

3 days ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)commented onSigning Up for Medicare: What You Need to Know

Thank you, Karen! That's a great plan. I feel like no matter how prepared you are, there's always more to know.Thinking of you!!...

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒป Happy National Do Something Nice Day!

What a perfect way to start the first Monday of a new monthโ€”and a new week.

I try to believe that doing something nice doesnโ€™t need its own special day. But maybe today is a good reminder to go just a little bit further.

Because sometimes, the little things arenโ€™t little at all.

Thatโ€™s especially true when COPD is part of life.

Maybe thereโ€™s a new member here on 360social who is scared, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of a new diagnosis. A simple โ€œWelcome, weโ€™re glad you found usโ€ can mean more than we realize.

Maybe a longtime friend here asks a question. Share what helped you. Check back later and ask how theyโ€™re doing.

Maybe itโ€™s a caregiver who has been taking care of everyone else and could use someone asking, โ€œHow are YOU doing?โ€

Or maybe today has absolutely nothing to do with COPD. Let someone merge in traffic. Bring in your neighborโ€™s garbage cans before the rain. Give someone an extra tip. Make somebody laugh. Call a friend. Sit beside someone who could use the company.

Kindness doesnโ€™t have to be big to matter.

And I want to turn this around for a second, too.

Thank you. ๐Ÿ’›

Thank you for all the little things you do here on 360socialโ€”the welcoming comments, shared experiences, answers to questions, caregiver support, check-ins, and simple reminders that nobody has to figure all of this out alone.

You do nice things for one another every single day, and those things make my days better, too.

So, as we start a new week and a new month, letโ€™s pass a little of that goodness along.

Whatโ€™s one small thing you can do today to make somebodyโ€™s day a little better? ๐ŸŒป

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŠ๐ŸฏSPICED ORANGE DRINK๐ŸŠ๐Ÿฏ2 cups orange juice2 whole cinnamon sticks, plus 2 for serving2 whole cloves1 tbsp. honeyPour the orange juice into a small saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and the cloves. Place the saucepan over medium heat until it...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! Bring on the coffee! โ˜• Is that what I hear so many of you saying? ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Well, alright, alright!! โ˜•
Today is one of those days where everyone is a winner. Enjoy! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Found out what is wrong with me.

JHutton94 I am glad that you were able to get a diagnosis and help.
das23 also answered the question das23 also answered the question

4 days ago

thehlk

thehlk

Hi, everyone! I had my PFT about a month ago and it was pretty ok, so I am trying to take your advice and just LIVE! Iโ€™m back to work at school, and taking my antidepressant - the crying has gone down considerably, but still having a lot of anxiety. At this point I know it is somewhat irrational. I am fine right now. And anything can happen over the next 10 to 20 to 30 years. Not sure why I just canโ€™t shake it off. I tried to set my classroom up to try to keep a bit of a distance between me and the kids. I may set up an air purifier and a fan blowing out into the hallway. I want so badly to be able to keep my job! But not at the expense of continuing to get bronchitis every year! Hope everyone is doing well. ๐Ÿฅฐ

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.