COPD360social welcomes new member Jim Connolly who joins 64,782 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Quick Question for Our Community

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), sometimes called โ€œsmoothingโ€?

Itโ€™s meant to spread out your Part D medication costs over the year instead of paying more upfront.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you enrolled? Why or why not?
๐Ÿ‘‰ If you have, has it helped?

Your experience might really help someone else whoโ€™s trying to decide. As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with. 

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Have-you-signed-up-for-the-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-MPPP-.aspx

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

9 hours ago

Codyjames

Codyjames

Has anyone lived long with 20% lung function? I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that said I had severe bronchiectisis and a FEV1 of 20%. The first time meeting the pulmonologist he told me I would be on a ventilator in 4-5 years and referred me to a lung transplant facility. I was shocked. And now Iโ€™m terrified Iโ€™m gonna die in a couple years

2 hours ago

Codyjames

Codyjamesanswered the question PROGNOSIS

I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that …
Bill Clark - Community ManagerDEE777David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question Bill Clark - Community Managerand 4 others also answered the question

2 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: HRCT scan results

So I received my hrct scan results of lungs which I guess is a very detailed test and the results were as follows: NO PARENCHYMAL LUNG DISEASE IS IDENTIFIED. NO FINDINGS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE PATIENT'S CLINICAL SYMPTOMS ARE APPARENT. So is this good? Does …

5 hours ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyne

Hi, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I continue to relapse on cigarettes every time I get overly-stressed. I usually make a pack last for 3 days to one week. and then I go back to nicotine gum. Most recently, I was worried because I still had swollen tonsils and lymph nodes following a bad upper respiratory virus back in December. It lasted about 3 weeks and then cleared up, but my glands stayed swollen for 9 weeks. My doctor ordered a CT scan of my neck and soft tissue last wednesday. Thankfully, it came back normal except it was noted that I have: "Mild patchy opacities in the bilateral lung apices, pulmonary parenchymal scarring
versus developing infiltrates".  (this scan only showed the top part of my lungs). I've had chest xrays and scans in the past, though it's been about 5 years or so,  and scarring has been noted on my lower lungs and possibly on upper as well. I guess if my doctor is worried about it he would order more testing.? This just re-affirms to me that smoking is not an option for me. I'm wondering if any of you also have lung scarring? 

6 hours ago

Mary22

Mary22answered the question Newbie questions, please help

Hi, So sorry for your struggles. I went through something similar when my brother passed. I found myself on the couch, SOB, and could feel every breath I took, as though someone was sitting on my chest. When I went to my pulmonologist, in addition to …
Cindy409David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Cindy409and 2 others also answered the question

7 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

9 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Energy Conservation Techniques in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This article was written by Tara Shedor, MA.

As we recognize Pulmonary Rehab Week - our annual opportunity to shine a united spotlight on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for our lung health community - we realize the idea of attending pulmonary rehab may also come with questions. If you've ever asked yourself, "How could I possibly find the energy to participate in pulmonary rehab?" You are not alone!

Dr. Farzeen Wadia helps provide some strategies that may be useful for assisting in the addition of a new physical activity such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Dr. Farzeen Wadia is a Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist from Pune, India and a passionate advocate and Captain for the COPD Foundation. She has extensive clinical experience working with people with COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions and is committed to empowering patients through education and support.

10 hours ago

okypoke

okypoke

This year my Part D moved my Breztri inhaler to a tier 3 making it $135 per refill. To get a decent price on another inhaler I had to go to a generic Symbicort or Advair. I have used both in the past and were not effective. I have appealed this once, was denied, and am currently on a "rededetermination". Has anyone else experienced this?

11 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Phyliss - those are the side effects that I did have after trying each drug.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Karen, many of us have peanut butter on hand. This recipe is easy to do! It's great to have a snack on hand, ready to go!...

13 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

That's a great recipe for Peanut Butter Day!! And, using creamy PB!! My favorite kind....

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธEASY PEANUT BUTTER BALLSโœด๏ธ1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey3/4 cup nonfat powdered milk3/4 cup quick cooking oats Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your CLEAN ๐Ÿงผ hands, roll the mixture into 18 balls, about the size of...

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainStep into Monday, and take a step forward into an awesome, positive week! 
Wishing everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

19 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Managing airway mucus: Commonly asked questions

When I researched what brand was best, I found that NOW brand was the most recommended brand, so that is what I use.
cacNjBTammy55and 4 others also answered the question cacand 6 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Cindy409

Cindy409asked the question: Newbie questions, please help

Hi, I am new here and I'm hoping to get some help. I am new here and I'm hoping to get some help. I had a month of sob which I have never experienced before. I had chest pains with it. I had to sleep propped up. I felt like I was suffocating at times. …

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฅœ Happy National Peanut Butter Day! ๐Ÿฅœ

Letโ€™s give a little love to the jar that has saved many of us on those โ€œI donโ€™t feel like eatingโ€ days.

Peanut butter may be simpleโ€ฆ but itโ€™s mighty.

For those living with COPD, keeping weight steady (or adding a little when needed) isnโ€™t always easy. When appetite is low or energy is limited, foods that pack more nutrition into a few bites can really help.

Just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter offer:
โœ” Protein (about 7โ€“8 grams)
โœ” Healthy fats
โœ” A good boost of calories in a small serving

That means a spoonful stirred into oatmeal, blended into a smoothie, or spread on toast can quietly do a lot of work for you.

And caregivers -- this oneโ€™s for you, too. ๐Ÿ’›
When youโ€™re focused on making sure everyone else eats, donโ€™t forget about yourself. A quick PB snack can be easy fuel on busy days when sitting down for a full meal just isnโ€™t happening.

Because nourishment matters for everyone in the home.

Now for the serious debateโ€ฆ
Are you Team Crunchy ๐Ÿฅœ or Team Creamy ๐Ÿฅ„?
And be honest -- have you ever gone straight in with the spoon? ๐Ÿ˜„

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainToday is Sunday! How cool is that?!! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
A day to be happy and carefree! Okay, coolsters-Let's see that smile! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnIt has been a long time since my husband has had much fun with everything going on. My new diagnosis', how poorly I was feeling before them, the anxiety these have brought upon, etc... Tomorrow he is doing a "Hot One's", spicy wings challenge with the boys (us girls will watch and be entertained, ha!). I have this silly fear of, "what if I get out of breath and panic while we have guests?", thing going on. I haven't even told any of our friends yet. I for some reason hold a shame because smoking is what had caused this for me. Like I deserve it or something? I just want tomorrow to be perfect for my husband who needs this day so badly. I have everything in order. The house, the food, the sauces. I want him to relax and have fun, and to forget about any troubles. Also, I think I overstress and overthink things. It will be great (!).... right? I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Share pix if so!!

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend and doing as well as possible.  I've been dealing with an exacerbation the last week or so.  I had a wonderful week with my family, celebrating my milestone 80th birthday, but a day or so after returning home, ended up with a sore throat, laryngitis, and lungs which are wheezy and full of mucus.  I started on my z-pack and medrol dose pack a week ago, but also had an appointment with my PCP Wednesday.  She prescribed doxcycline and nebulizer meds and on Wednesday and again yesterday gave me an injection of salumedrol.  I almost never watch TV during the day, but have been binge watching The Lincoln Lawyer.  I've read all the books, and I love the series.  


I'd love some suggestions of other series to watch, while I'm doing my best to stay home and rest.  

2 days ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Below is the doctor's response to my detailed summary (posted here, about the drugs and side-effects, under the same topic name). What do you think? Is it worth re-trying any of the other drugs that had side effects? Some of you had good success with …

2 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

Ask your pulmonologist about pulmonary rehab after you get your results. I had a severe exacerbation last year, and was able to regain the tolerance for exertion that I had lost, but it's a continuous effort that I must invest my time and energy in. I am …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! I am wishing everyone an absolutely wonderful day! Don't forget to bundle up before venturing out into the cold! And, remember to keep hydrated! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Supplemental oxygen

Iโ€™m glad youโ€™re finding a new lung doc. The doc can order an exercise oximetry test, overnight oximetry test and 6 minute walk test to see whether you need O2 and under what conditions. The doc can also help get you enrolled in a pulmonary rehab program …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

BomBy

BomBy

Hey all. I am just laying here with anxiety and overthinking. My pulmonary test is not scheduled until March 18th, and I seriously feel like everything is going in slow motion. I was functioning completely normally before I had someone come to clean vents in my home on January 13th, and the guy blew the dust back into our house REALLY bad. I spent weeks cleaning and had to have them redone. Hired someone else to sanitize the basement floors and he proceeded to run his van outside in subzero temps with our door open, and I inhaled those fumes for several hours asking politely (Iโ€™m too nice sometimes) to please move it or turn it off. Our air purifiers were bright red for hours following this event. Long story short, I have not been the same since. It literally took me out and I am panicking about the fact that the radiologist stated emphysema air trapping on my x-ray, I have shortness of breath doing normal things now that I never did before. Out of no where. I think back to January 13th when this happened and how I was literally fine before this all happened. Iโ€™ve read emphysema is like the worst of COPD, and being only 47 with my girls I am so scared. Not sure about this pulmonologist and if I should try to get into someone else to let them know about all of this while I patiently wait for testing? My anxiety is not helping matters and I just donโ€™t know where to turn to. Any advice? Trying to slowly exercise and keep eating but have been struggling with weight anyway and just feel like maybe I should do something more. I donโ€™t even know exactly what I am asking just so lost and scared and feel like this put me over the edge out of nowhere when I was honestly fine before. Thanks for listening to my rant. Ugh!

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Supplemental oxygen-So when did everyone's pulmonologist decide it was time for supplemental oxygen?

So when did everyone's pulmonologist decide it was time for supplemental oxygen? Since October my o2 level drops very easily and sometimes simply while at rest. It went down to 88 tonight making tacos and that low sitting on the couch at times. This is …

3 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulmonary rehab-Aren't pulmonologists supposed to be pro exercise?

Aren't pulmonologists supposed to be pro exercise? And yet I've never had a one of them provide any guidance. I was exercising vigorously up until flare last October. But in a fairly short amount of time I got almost all the way back to where I was. But …

3 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnMy chest percussion cup came in the mail. Does anyone use one of these? I am curious to see if it helps break up mucus. 

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.