COPD360social welcomes new member Cherylcats who joins 65,832 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, everyone! Wake up and stretch! Get those positive thoughts flowing! You are about to enjoy a wonderful day! Keep on smiling!
Did you know that a smile is contagious?!! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 hour ago

Sue Joyce

Sue Joyce

I feel a little stuffy today.

5 hours ago

Dawchr71

Dawchr71

Hello, I am new here. My husband has severe COPD. His last hospital stay, in May, they told me he has about 2- 7 years, and wouldn't be surprised if something didn't happen within the next year, due to how bad he is.  How do I deal with something like this? He was referred to Palliative Care, and they said he would qualify for Hospice care, which made me even more worried.  He did refuse hospice care and is currently holding his own, at least that is what he tells me.  Tonight he said his chest has been feeling weird all day, not right, he said just weird. He says other than that he feels ok. I should mention that he hates hospitals and does not want to go back in to one if he doesn't have to.  Apologies if I am rambling, I don't really have anyone to talk to about this, my mom, who was also my best friend, passed away in 2020. there has not been anyone I feel comfortable talking to about my fears/concerns. I put on a brave face and try to take it day by day. Thank you for listening. 

7 hours ago

Mary Lou Cook

Mary Lou Cook

I was sent home after a hospital stay with oxygen and a COPD/emphysema diagnosis.  I am 79 years old.  Prior to this I had no idea.  I have no shortness of breath and led a fully active life before.  No breathing test was ever administered that I know of.   I have no idea  what I can and cannot do.  Some days Im fine and some days not.  I seem to have a very bad pulmonologist who has no idea about my case!  I have to carry a spirometer to tell what my oxygen is..  I have days where itโ€™s up all day and today it is down.  
Treatment so far has been a Pet scan for nodules (which are ok).  The pulmonologist thinks I need 24 hour a day oxygen.  Im not ready for that.

Primary care dr. Could no figure this out.  What do I do?  I live in rural America.

12 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question CPAP CAUSING STOMACH GAS

I have no experience at all with a CPAP. I just wanted to say that you might want to contact your doctor and your supplier and see if they have answers or suggestions.

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain          ๐ŸฟFluffy Friday Bonus!๐Ÿฟ


A new little chipmunk! She follows me around the yard! I named her Sweet  Adeline! ๐Ÿฅฐ I sing Sweet Adeline to her! She stands up like and prairie dog, and she listens to me sing! (Oh, my...)

15 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question How long can you live with severe COPD when on oxygen?

As noted- People do not come with expiration dates! Many have lived full lives with your degree of impairment for years. Control what you can (Diet, exercise, no smoking or vaping, get vaccinated)--- and learn everything you can (use our learn more …
PicassoHIcopd - Hawaii State Captainbrydyand 1 other also answered the question Picassoand 3 others also answered the question

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธAPRICOT-DIJON PORK CHOPSโœด๏ธ4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick 1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper2 tsp. olive oil 3/4 cup chicken stock6 tbsp. apricot preserves5 tbsp. cider vinegar 4 tsp. Dijon mustard 4 tsp. finely chopped fresh sageSeason pork...

20 hours ago

Linda Sulewski

Linda Sulewskiasked the question: CPAP CAUSING STOMACH GAS

I have been using my CPAP for 2 years now and find that sometimes it causes gas to build up in my stomach and I have to take it off as I feel like I'm suffocating. My O2 level was 94 without oxyen and I'm wondering if the CPAP is in fact, causing the air …

22 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainBoo, just read that there has been a recall of eggs. I just bought two dozen from Costco, but fortunately they are local eggs and unaffected by this recall.

www.msn.com/en-us/health/general/fda-announces-recall-of-more-than-19-million-eggs-for-potential-salmonella-contamination/ar-AA28wU6Q?uxmode=ruby&ctsrc=dgst&ocid=edgdhpruby&pc=U531&cvid=6a631c5cd09e45dc960773f2c7800de3&ei=9

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from little Jason Rossi!
Looks as though this young man just had his bath! ๐Ÿ˜€
We both wish all of our friends here on 360Social an awesome day! ๐Ÿคฉ

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article COPD and Disability Benefits: The Pros, Cons, and Step-by-Step Guide to SSDI

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

Severe COPD affects more than just your physical health. It can also make it harder to earn a living and pay for the care you need. If you find yourself in this position, you may qualify for federal disability benefits.

This month marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law on July 26, 1990.1 The ADA helps protect the rights of people with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities.1 It gives them equal access to jobs, public accommodations, and government services.1

While the ADA protects your rights, other federal programs can help protect your income. If you are living with severe COPD or another chronic lung disease, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).2 In honor of this important anniversary, we will break down the pros, cons, and how to apply for these benefits.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’ Happy Gorgeous Grandma Day! ๐Ÿ’

Today we're celebrating all the amazing grandmas in our COPD360social family! โค

Being "gorgeous" isn't about looking a certain way. It's about the strength you've shown through life's challenges, the kindness you've shared, the wisdom you've passed along, and the love you've given so freely.

Grandmas have a special way of making everything feel a little better. They've been the ones to offer encouragement, celebrate our victories, hold our hands through difficult days, and remind us that tomorrow is another chance to keep going.

Living with COPDโ€”or caring for someone who doesโ€”takes that same kind of strength. Every day, we see grandmothers in this community continuing to love their families, cheer on their grandchildren, share their experiences, and lift up others who need a little hope. That kind of beauty never fades.

๐Ÿ’œ And today, we'd also like to celebrate the women who became "Grandma" in every way that mattersโ€”even if it wasn't by birth.

Maybe you're the aunt, neighbor, family friend, mentor, teacher, caregiver, or honorary grandma who has wrapped someone in love, offered a listening ear, shared your wisdom, or simply made someone feel like they belonged. Families are built in many different ways, and love has never depended on a family tree.

You are just as cherished today.

๐Ÿ“ธ We'd love to celebrate YOU!

Share a favorite photo of yourself or one with your grandchildren, your honorary grandchildren, or someone whose life you've touched.

To every gorgeous grandmaโ€”and every woman whose heart has made room for othersโ€”thank you for making our community warmer, kinder, and stronger. Your love leaves a lasting legacy, and we're so grateful you're here. ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ’œ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉKEY LIME PIE YOGURT BOWL๐Ÿฅ„1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice Zest of 1 key lime1 tbsp. crushed graham crackers In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt and protein powder until...

1 day ago

Picasso

Picassoasked the question: How long can you live with severe COPD when on oxygen?

Hello, newbie here. I've had COPD for several years now and after my first dreadful flare up back in February, I was prescribed 6L oxygen for 15 hours daily. This has now been reduced by my respiratory nurse to 1 litre when at rest at 4/5L on exertion. …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends!
May your day be bright and beautiful! 
We always have time to fit in a few extra smiles! Here are a few for everyone! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThis is sunset photo from a few years ago when we were with friends at Waikaloa on the Big Island of Hawaiโ€™i. Fortunately the volcano wasnโ€™t spewing particulates our way but made a colorful sunset. 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Sounds delicious! You're quite welcome, Caroline! ๐Ÿ˜€...

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

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

This is now on my menu for this evening. Thanks Debbie....

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ’™

No passport requiredโ€”just a photo from wherever you happen to be today, or even where you would like to be.

Your "corner of the world" might be a mountain view, a favorite fishing spot, your front porch, a blooming flower, your backyard, a cozy reading chair, or simply the view from your window. Every photo tells a story, and we'd love to see yours.

One of the things that makes our community so special is getting to experience the world through each other's eyes. Whether you're out exploring or spending a quiet day at home, your view is worth sharing.

๐Ÿ“ท Drop a photo in the comments and tell us:
Where in the world are you today, and what makes that view special to you?

Rememberโ€”there's no such thing as an ordinary view when it's shared with friends. We can't wait to visit your corner of the world! โค๐ŸŒ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ’CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD๐Ÿ…3 medium cucumbers10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved 1 medium red onion, finely diced6 sprigs fresh dill1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Quarter the cucumbers, then slice...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello, and happy wonderful Wednesday! Wishing all of our members a beautiful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

One more thing, I learned and was reminded the hard wayโ€”ALWAYS hand carry any and all medical equipment. I once put my portable travel nebulizer in my checked luggage. It was pried apart by TSA and had to be discarded and replaced. TSA refused to …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ You may never realize how much one comment can change someone's life.

Today is National Be Someone Day, and honestly... this community lives that message every single day.

Someone here has shared a tip that helped another member breathe a little easier.

Someone has offered hope after a frightening diagnosis.

Someone has reminded another caregiver that they're not carrying everything alone.

Someone has celebrated a walk to the mailbox like it was crossing a finish line.

Those moments matter.

Every encouraging word...
Every shared experience...
Every "thinking of you"...
Every "you've got this"...

They remind people they're not fighting COPD alone.

โค Today, let's do it again.

Leave a kind comment.
Welcome someone new.
Check in on a friend.
Share something that's helped you.

Because you don't have to change the whole world.

You just have to change one person's day. And around here... that's something we do pretty well.

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸฃPLUM AND BANANA SMOOTHIE๐ŸŸก3 large ripe plums, pitted and chopped1 medium ripe banana, broken into chunks and frozen1 cup milk of your choice1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Pinch nutmeg3 ice cubesPlace all ingredients in a high...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGood morning, and happy Tuesday!
I wish everyone a pleasant and productive day! 
Give yourselves a big pat on the back for everything you do, and cross off your to-do list. Every accomplishment is a great big one! 
Keep on smiling, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 days ago

jeffdrake

jeffdrake

I am doing fine, because my COPD is "stable."  But, this wasn't always the case.

A little over a year ago I was experiencing flare-ups regularly, and sadly, frequently. I remember reading there was even a name for my condition. I would get a flare-up, take prednisone and antibiotics for 10 days, then I'd be good for a couple weeks, then boom, I'd get another flare-up. It was awful and I seriously didn't think I was going to survive the flare-up storms I was experincing.

Then I was tested to see how high my eosinephils were. The result showed they were high enough for me to qualify for Dupixent. I started taking it and the results were immediate, and long-lasting. I have not had a single fflare-up since I started Dupixent!

Dupixent is, as far as I am concererned, a miracle drug. I owe my life to it. I'm sharing this with the hope that others might find the same relief that I am getting.

No, I am not a Dupixent schill. I get no compensation for telling you what my personal experience ahs been with this drug.

4 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question SOB when taking showers?

Lucy k Are you on oxygen? If so, you can hang the tubing over the shower rod and continue to use it in the shower. If not, then something else you could do is to use your "rescue" inhaler in advance. Spesk with your provider about this, but this …
Lucy kMama Geemelody1957and 3 others also answered the question Lucy kand 5 others also answered the question

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.