COPD360social welcomes new member BirdWatcher83 who joins 66,347 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ Happy October! It's Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐Ÿ“ธ

Well, here we are, another Wednesday and another chance to peek into each other's little corners of the world!

October is here, and I'm wondering what changes you might be seeing out your way. Are the leaves starting to turn? Is there a little chill in the air? Maybe you've got pumpkins on the porch, some beautiful fall flowers, or a favorite spot that's starting to show off its autumn colors.

Or maybe fall hasn't quite found its way to your corner yet! That's okay, too. ๐Ÿƒ

This week, let's just have some fun with it! Share a picture of something that makes you smile this October. It can be something you're seeing right now, a favorite fall memory from years ago, or just a place or moment that brings you a little happiness.

And don't worry if it's not a fall picture. Sometimes the best views have nothing to do with the season!

One of my favorite things about our Wednesdays is getting to see the world through everyone else's eyes. We may be miles apart, but for a few moments, we get to visit places we might never have seen otherwise. And I think that's pretty special. โค

So, grab those pictures, dig through those old favorites, or just tell us what October looks like from where you're sitting!

๐Ÿ What's making you smile in your corner of the world this week?

Come on, everybody! Show us what you've got! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ‚

1 day 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

6 days ago

Brittany Irish COPDF

Brittany Irish COPDFMedicare Open Enrollment is open today through December 7!

Reviewing your Medicare coverage can help you prepare for the year ahead.

We have resources to help you understand your options, plan for health care costs, and navigate prescription coverage.

Explore resources, including:
- A Medicare enrollment checklist
- A guide to understanding Medicare coverage
- A tool to estimate and compare costs
- Webinars and a podcast about Medicare and chronic lung conditions

Take the next step toward understanding your coverage.

Explore our Medicare resources: https://copdf.co/Medicare2026

24 minutes ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

This sounds delicious!! I think I even have all the ingredients :-)...

40 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ™ฆ๏ธBALSAMIC HONEY CHICKENโ™ฆ๏ธTwo 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halves1/2 tsp. garlic salt1/8 tap. freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp. canola oil1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp. honey1/2 tsp. dried basilSprinkle the chicken with garlic...

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, what a wonderful thing                To wake up and hear the birds sing
I get out of bed, filled with peace and joy
I'm so happy to be alive-Oh, boy!
Simple things are the best, indeed
The simple things that all of us need.

6 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI came across this TED video about inhalers which, although aimed at asthma, also talks about COPD. One of the things that I found very interesting was that my husband's cousin was also told by his doctor to smoke special "asthma" cigarettes, which are mentioned in this TED video as the cigarettes that Marcel Proust had to smoke in order to control his asthma. I'm glad we know better now and have better medications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hgEorF0vyY&t=12s

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Good evening, friends!
I saw my pulmonologist today for a follow-up visit. I am very pleased, as was the doctor. Excellent general health! Lungs were clear! He said the clearest they've been in a while! Oxygen saturation 98. Blood pressure great! Weight great! I even gave him a tip to pass along to his patients. Wearing loose clothing can be very beneficial. Sweatpants or pajama bottoms. Bulky shirts. This type of clothing does not restrict breathing. Dress for comfort...

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Hi Tara! Yes, I do recommend adding the wheat germ. See if you like it. You could always eliminate it next time. I like the many health benefits wheat germ offers! ...

15 hours ago

Denise24

Denise24

Hello all! I am new to this site and look forward to being in community with you.
I would like to ask โ€œ how did you know you needed oxygen?โ€ if you use it. I am not asking for medical advice but your experience.
 I have inflated lungs with a flattened diaphragm and believe Iโ€™m experiencing symptoms of low oxygen even though my oximeter shows otherwise. I have become very lightheaded to the point of  feeling Iโ€™m going to faint &/or kind of unsteady on my feet and my fingertips sometimes turn pale purple. I went to the ER back in late Sept, thinking they would perform ABG. They did not but took lots of other blood tests, X-ray and ct with results โ€œeverything looks okayโ€ and a reminder to eat smaller meals and a respiratory therapist bringing me a spirometer and quickly showing me how to use that for a breathing exercise. 
I was thinking of reaching out to my pulmonologist (last appt was end of Aug) but I just donโ€™t know.
Thank you for sharing!

15 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I want to thank all of you wonderful people who read my column.  My column on Voltaren was one of the most read columns of September.

19 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Everyday Life with COPD: What's Worked for You? What Are You Still Trying to Figure Out?

The first thing that comes to mind for me is that everything is just a little harder than it used to be, but do it anyway. Right now, I am still learning to use my new POC. Yesterday at my annual wellness visit I encountered several obstacles that were a …

20 hours ago

Tara Kloehn, COPD Foundation

Tara Kloehn, COPD Foundationcommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I LOVE making my own granola, Debbie!! It's one of the only food preps I do... but it keeps so well in jars in the cabinet! I've never added wheat germ to mine-- do you recommend?...

21 hours ago

Sean P. Smith

Sean P. Smithanswered the question Suicidal

You have yourself to live for. Please I am asking you to reach out to your doctor or even a friend or relative. Just somebody to talk to. Hell, reach out to me if you have to. That is what we are all here for - one another. COPD is a journey - not an …
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainJeanO53and 2 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

22 hours ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Good morning 360! I received this email and thought I would copy and paste it here, if anyone might be interested.
This is an automated email from Patient Advocate Foundation's TotalAssist Fund Notification System.
โ€ขChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Fund
โ€ข Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Fund
โ€ข Small Cell Lung Cancer Fund
โ€ข Lupus Fund
These funds are now open at PAF TotalAssist. You can apply at TotalAssist.org 
Please note: This email does not guarantee funding. Funding is limited, and disease fund statuses may change quickly. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to each foundation's eligibility criteria. Please contact the listed foundation to learn more.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸMAPLE AND PECAN GRANOLA๐Ÿ3 cups old fashioned oats 1/2 cup sliced almonds1/2 cup chopped pecans1/2 cup pecan halves 1/2 cup wheat germ1/2 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup canola oil1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. cinnamon1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup dried...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday! 
Keep those positive thoughts flowing! They will help you glide through the day, no matter what today may bring! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

Jim Martin

Jim Martin

Have not posted on here in some time. To bring all up to speed, my Dad is still managing his COPD the best he can. I would imagine there are some days where managing it is better than other days. He still has to use the C-PAP machine to help him sleep at night. 

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: Everyday Life with COPD: What's Worked for You? What Are You Still Trying to Figure Out?

💙 Everyday Life with COPD: Let's Share Some Ideas! Sometimes living with COPD isn't just about managing your breathing. It's about figuring out how to do the everyday things that used to be so simple. Taking a shower, getting groceries, getting around …

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ”Ž Happy International Skeptics Day! ๐Ÿง

Do you believe in Bigfoot? The Loch Ness Monster? Maybe you've got a friend or family member who swears they've seen something that nobody else can explain. And you're sitting there thinking, "Hmmmm... I'm going to need a little more proof than that!" ๐Ÿ‘ฃ

Well, today is for YOU!

Being a skeptic isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it's just about asking questions, looking at things from another angle, and not believing everything you hear simply because somebody said it.

And when it comes to living with COPD, a little healthy skepticism can actually be pretty valuable!

We've all seen those advertisements promising some miracle treatment, supplement, or secret cure that sounds almost too good to be true. That's when it's time to put on our skeptical hats and do a little investigating! ๐Ÿ”

But there's another side to this, too. When your healthcare team recommends something to help you breathe better, manage your COPD, or improve your quality of life, don't let skepticism keep you from getting the care you need. Ask questions! Understand WHY they're recommending it. Have that conversation, and work together to figure out what's best for you.

Being skeptical doesn't mean being stubborn. Sometimes it simply means wanting to understand something better before making up your mind.

And caregivers, this goes for you, too! Asking questions and understanding the options can make a world of difference when helping someone you love.

So here's my question for today: Are you naturally a skeptic, or are you someone who tends to believe things until proven otherwise?

And while we're at it... Bigfoot. Real or not? I'm not saying he's out there, but I'm not saying he isn't, either! ๐ŸŒฒ๐Ÿ‘ฃ

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep on keeping on!

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Do you gain weight on symbicort. I have been taking for 2 months and gained 15 lbs.

Welcome to 360Social RubyAngel7 You've found a place where others understand what it means to live with COPD. I'm so sorry you are having to live with the stress of COPD while being homeless. ... I live in Wisconsin and don't know much about the …
RubyAngel7SKHJean IA State Captainand 13 others also answered the question RubyAngel7and 15 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Pippilotta64

Pippilotta64

Still not able to do much. I have a lot of muscle wasteing. Always tired and dont get out much. I have a therapist and a psychiatrist. Trying to work on things.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒฟOLIVE OIL AND HERB SAUCE๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒฟ1/4 cup olive oil1 tbsp. finely chopped Kalamata olives1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. finely chopped basil1/4 tsp. finely chopped rosemary 1/4 tsp. finely chopped oreganoFreshly ground black pepper to taste Pour the...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends! Wishing you a bright and cheery day! ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐ŸŒž

2 days ago

NannyBK

NannyBK

Hi Everyone! I just joined. I'm 47 years old and have severe obstruction Gold4 and going through tests to try to figure out why my lungs are so bad. Im alpha negative. I'm really scared. Anyone out there have severe lung disease early? I just want some hope that I might live to see my boys get married and be around to meet future grandkids. 

2 days ago

6ft Pixie

6ft Pixie

Hi, GammyPat. Welcome!

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53A good read on COPD and Mental Health, featuring our own Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainโ€‹ and David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )... 
https://www.healthywomen.org/condition/mental-health-while-living-with-copd?fbclid=IwY2xjawU6DmtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR47SDv_RMTzigfONRzbpMk0a_1uzrPDEjbXOgnSEG3_xp0qdckmvXc8S2JVSA_aem_b8tnBmzwoFDfcyVjDcQBwQ

The Importance of Mental Health While Living with COPD

Learn about the importance of caring for your mental health if you have COPD

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerโ˜•๐Ÿ’™ Let's Talk Medicare! You're Invited to Our Coffee Break!

Hi, everyone!

Medicare can be a little confusing, can't it? Between the different plans, coverage options, and all those letters and numbers, sometimes it feels like you need a roadmap just to figure out where to start!

Well, we've got something coming up this Thursday that might help!

Our friends over at BronchandNTM360social are hosting their monthly Coffee Break, and everyone here at COPD360social is welcome to join us!

๐Ÿ“… Thursday, October 15, 2026
๐Ÿ• 2:30 PM Eastern Time

We'll be joined by Emily Wicheloe, Director of Education at the Medicare Rights Center, who will walk us through the upcoming 2027 Medicare Open Enrollment, including coverage considerations for people living with chronic lung conditions and tips for understanding and accessing benefits.

Whether you're already on Medicare, getting ready to enroll, or helping a loved one navigate their coverage, this could be a great opportunity to learn something new!

And don't let the name Coffee Break fool you. You don't have to drink coffee to join us! โ˜• We'll gladly welcome the tea drinkers, too!

๐Ÿ’™ We'd love to have you join us! I'll share the registration information below.

In the meantime, here's a helpful resource from the COPD Foundation:

Medicare Resources to Help You Navigate Your Coverage

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Medicare.aspx

Hope to see you Thursday! ๐Ÿ’™


Register here:  https://copdf.co/Bronch-NTM-support

Medicare | COPD Foundation

Understanding your Medicare options can help you make informed decisions about your health care and manage costs.

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Music for a Monday Morning.
Route 66 Nat King Cole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcavVs7a0w4



3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธFESTIVE POMEGRANATE DRINKโœด๏ธ1 cup pomegranate juice3 tbsp. maple syrup 4 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice 1 cup sparkling water 2 cups crushed ice Lime slices for garnish1/2 cup pomegranate arilsIn a large pitcher, mix together the pomegranate...

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.