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Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Very low blood oxygen when walking

Please see/call your doctor and let him or her know that your oxygen saturation is dropping to dangerous levels while walking, as Val mentioned.
brydyHIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question brydyand 1 other also answered the question

2 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article I Was Prescribed Supplemental Oxygen. Now What?

This article was written by Michael W. Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT.

Maybe you have just had a COPD flare that put you in the hospital. Maybe you went to one of your health care providers and told them you were short of breath, even though you are taking all your meds. Whatever the reason, you were prescribed something called "oxygen therapy."

A couple of days later, a van shows up at your door to drop off a big plastic box that has your new oxygen machine, along with a number of metal tanks, some plastic tubing, and a few "No Smoking" signs. The delivery driver probably showed you how to turn the oxygen machine on and off and gave you a number to call if an alarm went off.

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฝBAKED SALMON๐Ÿฝ1 large salmon filetSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste2 lemons, thinly sliced6 tbsp. butter, melted2 tbsp. honey3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. minced fresh thyme Minced fresh parsley, for...

3 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainWowโ€”interesting PRELIMINARY news on nebulized, inhaled stem cell treatment trial:

https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20260916ph49513/smsbiotech-receives-fda-study-may-proceed-notification-for-first-us-ind-cleared-inhaled-stem-cell-therapy-in-copd

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from my sister's kitten, Bonkers Gordon! He is growing and growing! 
We wish all of you an awesome day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

8 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

13 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Well, Iโ€™m learning more than I ever expected (or wanted to) about buying a battery + PV system so that I can have sustained electric power when we have power outages.  Our electric grid system is aging and has frequent outages but theyโ€™re getting more prolonged and with supplemental O2, thatโ€™s not a good thing.  The good part is that Iโ€™ve been able to manage with the Portable Oxygen Concentrator (Ingoen Rove6) and a Duracell 500W Power Station overnight & then go & charge it at my brotherโ€™s place during the day (he has backup battery for 1/2 his house).  Ideally, continuous flow is better for overnight, so Iโ€™m looking into what it will take to keep the 300-500 watt/hour concentrator running all night.  Sadly, that takes most of the power stations off the table and we are back to looking at a complete system that will power my home, so why not have all the power running?


Oh well, we have gotten some quotes and are now looking to get some questions answered so we can decide how to move forward.  The companies are VERY busy, so Iโ€™m hoping we still get good customer service.  A family friend was the corporate attorney for one of the firms, so Iโ€™m leaning toward using them, providing I can get the needed responses in a timely manner.

13 hours ago

Puffmama

Puffmamaasked the question: Very low blood oxygen when walking

Is it normal for a patient with severe copd to have blood oxygen level drop into 60's -70s while walking?

14 hours ago

Collette

Collette

Dr prescribed Esbriet. Itโ€™s over $500 a month.    Has anyone else encountered this?  Mac

15 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainGet your COVID shotโ€”itโ€™s circulating, as pictured in this map!

16 hours ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captaincommented onClinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in COPD Care

 AI has important roles to play in healthcare. But AI also carries risks. It is a dilemma that we all are facing. I believe that throttle or kill switch needs to be in place, with human monitoring. Although the need for human monitoring kind of...

17 hours ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024asked the question: Karen Deitemeyer

Can anyone tell me how Karen is doing. I sent her a message, but haven't heard back. Thanks so much

20 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Hi, Brandon! It's a always good to have a recipe on hand that doesn't take much effort to prepare. Thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚๐Ÿฅ„...

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managercommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

Oh wow, what an easy dinner idea! I love it. Our go-to around here is usually Anasazi beans, but this is such a quick and simple way to get a good pot of bean soup going without making a whole production out of it. And thereโ€™s just something about a...

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿฆœ Happy National Pet Bird Day! ๐Ÿฆ

Okay, dogs and catsโ€ฆ kindly move over. Just for today. The birds have the microphone!

And I have a feeling Debbie has been preparing for this day her entire life. With her feathered crew, she could probably host the festivities herself! ๐Ÿฆœ

But this one also got me thinking about something we were just talking about yesterday โ€” making time for the little things that bring us joy.

Jean is our resident bird queen when it comes to pictures. Somehow, she spots the most beautiful birds and gets these incredible photos of them. Yesterday, that got us talking about how bird watching might be something I need to get into myself.

And then it hit me: maybe it's not about finding the time. Sometimes we have to make the time.

Time to sit outside for a few minutes. Listen to the birds. Watch what's flying through the yard. Notice the flowers. Feel the breeze. Take a picture. Or just be still long enough to notice what's been happening around us all along.

Living with COPD or another chronic lung condition can make our worlds feel pretty complicated sometimes. Maybe that's exactly why these simple pleasures matter so much. They give us a chance to slow things down, be present, and enjoy something that doesn't ask anything from us.

So today, let's give the birds their moment. ๐Ÿฆโค

Do you have a favorite bird that visits your corner of the world? Are you a bird watcher, a bird photographer, or maybe even a proud bird parent like Debbie?

And if you happen to spot one today, grab a picture and share it with us. Jean has set the bar pretty high, but we'll try.

Sometimes stopping to smell the roses also means stopping long enough to hear who's singing in the tree above them. โค

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โšช๏ธ๐Ÿฅ„VERY EASY WHITE BEAN SOUP๐Ÿฅ„โšช๏ธ2 tsp. olive oil 2 scallions, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, minced1/2 tsp. dried oregano One 14.5-ounce can vegetable broth One 18-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 1/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! Today is a good day to be thankful for all the little things in life. We are so very fortunate to have them! I hope your little things all add up to one very happy day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

das23

das23answered the question Check-in: Are Aches and Pains a Common Symptom of COPD?

Thanks Kalli. Interesting topic. I have occasional hip and calf and lower back pain. I've never really considered COPD as the culpert. I've just thought it was part of getting older etc. I'm still very active but it can be an issue. I'll be bringing this …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

KCSunshine

KCSunshineanswered the question which Supplements for Lung Health actually Work?

Guafenesin can help thin mucus and make it easier to clear. It is in Mucinex but you donโ€™t want the versions that include a cough suppressant. The bromelein in pineapple juice and fresh pineapple helps thin mucus and helps digestion so might help with …
Richard DJ also answered the question Richard DJ also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฅ‘ Happy National Guacamole Day, 360Social!

Okay, everybody remain calm.

Actually, never mind. ITโ€™S GUACAMOLE DAY! ๐Ÿฅ‘

I realize I may be a little more excited about this than a grown adult should be, but have you met an avocado?

Perfectly ripe. A little pinch of sea salt. Pure heaven.

And then somebody, somewhere looked at that already-perfect avocado and thought, โ€œYou know what this needs? Lime, onion, tomato, cilantro, maybe a little jalapeรฑoโ€ฆโ€

POW. Guacamole. ๐Ÿ’ฅ
Humanity really does have its moments. 

And underneath all that deliciousness, avocados bring some good stuff to the table too โ€” healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Look at that! Guacamole out here doing its part. 

But I think National Guacamole Day also gives us a perfectly good excuse to remember something else.

We hear a lot about stopping to smell the roses. Well, sometimes you need to stop and eat the guacamole. ๐Ÿฅ‘

Life with COPD โ€” whether youโ€™re the patient, caregiver, family member, or friend โ€” can get pretty darn serious. So when one of those simple little things comes along that makes you happy, enjoy it. Try something new. Savor an old favorite. Laugh a little. And if there happens to be a bowl of guacamole sitting in front of you, grab a chip and get in there!

Life is short. The avocado is perfectly ripe for approximately 11 minutes. We don't have time to waste. 

So let's settle this:

Team Guacamole? Team Plain Avocado? Or Team โ€œNope, Brandon, you can have mineโ€?

And if you're on Team Guacamole, what HAS to go in yours? ๐Ÿฅ‘

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ‚ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

Itโ€™s Wednesday, which means Iโ€™m getting nosy again and want to see whatโ€™s happening in your corner of the world. ๐Ÿ˜‚

This week, letโ€™s look for signs of change.

Weโ€™re in that funny little in-between time of year. Summer is still hanging around, but fall is starting to sneak in around the edges. Maybe youโ€™ve noticed a leaf changing color, different flowers blooming, birds gathering, cooler mornings, a beautiful sunset, or somebody down the street who has already decided it is absolutely pumpkin season. ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ˜‚

Take a look around and show us one little sign that things are changing where you are.

And rememberโ€”you donโ€™t have to go anywhere to participate. Your picture can be from the porch, through the window, from the car, or right from your favorite chair. Having a rough breathing day? Old pictures absolutely count. Dig through that camera roll and bring us along somewhere that makes you smile.

Thatโ€™s the fun of Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday. We may not always be able to travel very far ourselves, but for a little while, we can travel through each otherโ€™s pictures. ๐Ÿ’™

So, 360social friendsโ€ฆ what does your corner of the world look like today?

๐Ÿ“ธ Letโ€™s see it!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ–ถ๏ธโ–ถ๏ธPORK 'N PLUMSโ—€๏ธโ—€๏ธ1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced and pounded thinSaltOlive oilUnsalted butter 4 plums, cut into wedges 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup red wine vinegar Season pork with desired amount of salt.In a large...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, everyone! Did you know that we have lots of reliable educational material on our website? Simply click on the LEARN MORE tab at the top of the page. You CAN learn something new every day! ๐Ÿ™‚

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay, got our flu shots today, as we want as much protection as possible for upcoming October weddings and holidays that follow.  The pharmacist giving the vaccine said one of the kids in her kid's preschool class just got the flu, so it's definitely circulating in HI.  Glad to have gotten it done quickly, and as a walk-in no less!  The pharmacy happened to have 3 pharmacists on duty at the same time, so they were very well-staffed today and everyone was in a great mood!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thank you, Karen! It's got a nice early Fall feel, and your whole meal is made in one skillet! ...

2 days ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Are Aches and Pains a Common Symptom of COPD?

We all know breathlessness, cough, and fatigue are common symptoms of COPD. But what about body pain? If you have had long-lasting aches and pains, it may be because of your COPD. Somewhere between 44% and 88% of people living with COPD experience aches …

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸMAPLE-MUSTARD CHICKEN MEAL๐Ÿ2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tsp. garlic powder4 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes 1 cup finely diced onion6 cups shredded Brussels sprouts 1/4 cup...

3 days ago

Jenga1

Jenga1commented onUnderstanding Specialty Pharmacies

My pulmonologist works at the medical college in our area. He's introduced me to their pharmacy staff who have been very helpful in tracking some medications that were late being sent, and arranging getting me some oxygen equipment I'd forgotten to...

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.