COPD360social welcomes new member MDCOPD who joins 64,409 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

As we turn the page on another year here in COPD360social, itโ€™s a good moment to pause and smile at what weโ€™ve built together. Friendships formed, questions answered, encouragement shared, and yes -- plenty of moments where we showed up for one another on the hard days and the good ones.

This year also asked us to hold space for loss. We said goodbye to some truly special people who helped shape this community with their honesty, strength, and heart. While they may no longer be posting alongside us, their light is still very much here. In true community fashion, they passed us the torch -- and weโ€™re carrying it forward together, one encouraging word at a time.

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s so much to feel hopeful about. More connection. More learning. More laughter (and probably a few โ€œbeen thereโ€ moments that make us nod at our screens). We carry gratitude for the small wins, the big milestones, and the simple comfort of knowing someone here understands.

As we step into the new year, we do it together -- stronger, supported, and full of heart. We keep showing up, cheering each other on, and proving that this community is about resilience, kindness, and hope.

Thank you for being here and for making COPD360social the welcoming, supportive space that it is. Hereโ€™s to the year ahead -- letโ€™s meet it with hope, humor, and a whole lot of heart. ๐Ÿ’™

16 hours ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! According to the white paper "COPD in America" by the COPD Action Alliance, the stigma surrounding COPD and its association with smoking undermines patient care throughout the health care system. The COPD Foundation as resources to support coping with COPD here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Coping-with-COPD.aspx 

Have you, your loved one, or your patients experienced stigma associated with COPD?

Coping with COPD

You may have felt stunned when you first learned of your diagnosis. What you heard may have seemed pretty mysterious, or even frightening. Or maybe you felt relieved to finally know what was going on.

1 day ago

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF Research

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF ResearchCommunity Survey: Corticosteroid Tablets


Have you taken corticosteroid tablets (such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone) to help manage your COPD symptoms?


Take our quick survey to help researchers understand how corticosteroid tablets are being prescribed.


The survey takes only ten minutes to complete and is anonymous (not connected to your account).We appreciate your assistance in furthering COPD care research!


Take the survey: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xSdSApyTUSwDEa

1 week ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy New Year's Eve, 2026! It's not 2026 yet, but it will be soon! 
Wishing everyone a happy, productive, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿคฉ

1 hour ago

Natalie Nelson

Natalie Nelsonanswered the question Emphysema no symptoms

Grandma05 - scrolling and wondering how you are doing today? Can you update us ? Are you the same? You had such positivity in the post.
AnonymousGrandma05netmouseand 2 others also answered the question Anonymousand 4 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynnanswered the question Its probably COPD - please help me to understand

It's a tough one this. I didn't know that I had COPD my GP thought that this was asthma. However I had a CT scan for an unrelated issue which confirmed emphysema later backed up by a spirometry test. Without the CT scan I wouldn't have known that I had …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )David29Brittishereand 3 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 5 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question I have had my home oxygen taken away because i smoked

Hi COPD239now Welcome to 360. I'm very sorry that your oxygen was taken away. I've not heard of that happening until now. First - do not buy anything that you cannot purchase without a doctor's prescription. Anything else is not going to provide the …

13 hours ago

Mandy S

Mandy SHello Everyone:-)
I am a 55 year old female ex-smoker with COPD (severe emphysema). I had an upper left lobectomy at 53 due to a small nodule that ended up being lung cancer. So far, so good.. made it 2 years, working toward the 5. I came across your forum looking how to read a PFT & really liked everything I was reading๐Ÿ˜€. Sometimes you need the positive vibes especially since I have not felt back to my normal self in 2 years & worry Iโ€™ll never get there.. I do take Trelegy & have an inhaler (breathing treatments as needed).. could someone help me understand my PFT. Please & Thank you! 

13 hours ago

COPD239now

COPD239nowanswered the question Sick and scared. How do you avoid being hospitalized?

Hi i am also new to the site. I am not sure if it's in England or America? Anyway to answer your question i can only say having just come out of a one night stay in hospital i know exactly how you feel i hate having to go to hospital to sit in accident …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

COPD239now

COPD239nowanswered the question Anyone try a mucolytic for mucus relief ?

I am on Carbostien six tables 3 times a day at first did think they were any good but they are they make all the flem in your throat like water dead easy to bring up. I am at end stage COPD. Also the tablets help with infection as well. Excuse my …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Caroline West Virginia State CaptainTom.Eand 2 others also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 4 others also answered the question

14 hours ago

COPD239now

COPD239nowasked the question: Oxygen lost

Lost home oxygen told it could take three months if at all to get back. Does anyone know where to buy a safe home concentrater?

14 hours ago

COPD239now

COPD239nowasked the question: Lost home oxygen therapy

I lost my home oxygen therapy i am in last stage COPD. Its going to take three months if at all to get back does anyone know if you can buy a safe oxygen concentrator online?

14 hours ago

COPD239now

COPD239nowasked the question: I have had my home oxygen taken away because i smoked

I had my home oxygen taken away and they won't give it back until. 3 months maybe if at all. I know what i did was stupid and dangerous to me and the people living in the building. I am at end stage COPD so it's very scary not having my oxygen. Dose …

14 hours ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Mild SOB - take extra inhaler dose or push through?

I get it wildebeest. in fact when i was diagnosed i didnt even use my maintenance inhaler daily 🤦โ€โ™€๏ธ now I do bec ive progressed rather quickly likely because like you its been recently discovered I have quite severe uncontrolled asthma! how nuts is …
Dinna25WildebeestJeanO53and 1 other also answered the question Dinna25and 3 others also answered the question

15 hours ago

Natalie Nelson

Natalie Nelsonanswered the question Now I'm Scared - Paraseptal Emphysema

Any update here on your breathing and PFT?
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (Assistant Director of Education)das23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

16 hours ago

Peaceable

Peaceable

Hi all, new here and just diagnosed this past week. Gotta say I'm frightened. I watched a good friend struggle with this until the end and it's not how I envisioned my end. I'm 71, active and no other significant health issues. I've got an acute lung infection now so I'm hoping that once that is cleared I'll be somewhat back to normal? I just don't know what to expect. How did you guys deal with a mental aspect one day? I'm okay and then the next day I have this disease? It's just being really hard for me right now. I hope somebody out there can understand.

17 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments8 comment(s)
  • PeaceableThank you all for your kind responses. I already feel I'll be able to get support and info here. I was diagnosed by CT scan and I've not yet been to see a pulmonologist. I was also thinking that since I live at a very high altitude (8400 above sea level) that might compound issues. Something to ask the doc about 12 hours ago
  • Mandy SIt does take up your thoughts 24/7 when you first find out.. but it does get better:) keep up with being active, donโ€™t lock yourself away and let it consume your thoughts, get out there and just be you!!!12 hours ago
  • das23Welcome Peaceable.......You won't have a true diagnosis until you see a pulmonologist and have a PFT--Pulmonary Function Test--then you will know where you stand. So--you're still OK--nothing has changed except something showed up on a CT----See the Pulmonologist as soon as you can. Good luck and keep us postedโœŒ8 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹LEMON COUSCOUS๐Ÿ‹1 cup water 1 cup couscous 4 tsp. olive oil, divided 3/4 tsp. salt, divided2 cloves garlic, mincedZest of 1 lemon1 tbsp. lemon juice1/3 cup minced fresh parsley 2 tbsp. pine nutsIn a medium saucepan, bring water to a...

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! It's terrific Tuesday! 
Keep that positive energy going strong! Your good attitude, along with a big smile, will help to make today an awesome day!
Keep on going, and keep on smiling, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Luc1992

Luc1992Hello can someone please help me with these results 

1 day ago

UK Lynn

UK Lynn

Has anybody tried those portable machines that people blow into that give lung resistance and are meant to help clear out mucus? A kind of a ballbearing mechanism? On sale on Amazon apparently with all models and prices. Would love to know if anybody had experienced these as they make extravagant claims. Thank you. 

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Looking for input on Inogen G4. Do users like it?

My advice is to try the unit before you buy it. What works for me very well may not work for you.
Coach Brandon - Community ManagerRDKJonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)and 2 others also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Granby

Granbyasked the question: Sick and scared. How do you avoid being hospitalized?

I am 47 and have severe COPD. Lung functions are at 30%. I am currently sick and afraid. So far my symptoms are sore throat, runny nose and body ache. I went to the ER and I was tested negative for RSV, flu, COVID and strep. They gave me some nasal spray …

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

It's a strange day here in Southern WV.  The sky is streaked with grey couds, white clouds and blue sky.  Here on the ground is weird as well with sunshine, wind, snowflurries as the clouds above change.

1 day ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question How is this drug?

Because Spiriva aerosol is so expensive (Tier 4 on both my 2025 and 2026 Medicare part D plans), the pulmonary doctor and pharmacist recommended Incruse Ellipta. That is not on my 2026 drug formulary. I am reading that Incruse is considered more …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manageranswered the question Can anyone recommend a portable oxygen concentrator with 2L continuous flow?

If you want to explore reliable statistics on oxygen equipment, check out this excellent breakdown compiled by our friend Mary Kitlowski. Click the link below to learn more: https://runningonair.net/pocs
Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)JAH5001HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)and 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: Mild SOB - take extra inhaler dose or push through?

I have asthma as well as moderate COPD. My inhaler regime is Fostair on a MART regime. So I take 4 puffs per day and am allowed to take up to 4 more puffs per day as needed. My SOB has always felt mild and I can quite easily ignore it. It does not …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸBAKED FRUIT๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐ŸDelicious and nutritious! Try this alongside your oatmeal!3 apples, cored and sliced 3 pears, cored and slicedJuice of 1 lemonZest of 1 lemon 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup fresh cranberries 1/2 cup raisins 2 tbsp. melted...

1 day 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.