COPD360social welcomes new member Annle who joins 65,826 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

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

20 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

53 minutes 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 hour ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question How long can you live with severe COPD when on oxygen?

I've needed supplemental O2 for altitudes since 2008, 18 years ago (and for the past decade also for exertion and for sleep). We just spent 1 month in NYC, Scandinavia and Tokyo, WITH my O2. It worked fine and allowed me to do what we wanted to do. …
brydyPhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain also answered the question brydyand 1 other also answered the question

4 hours 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.

14 hours 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...

20 hours 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. …

22 hours 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

1 day 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. 

1 day 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˜€...

1 day 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....

1 day 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

1 day 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...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

2 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

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

2 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.

2 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...

2 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˜€

3 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.

3 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

3 days ago

LindaB50

LindaB50

Is it good to push yourself causing your oxygen level to go down.  Does it strengthen or damage your lungs?

3 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI agree with das23. Please ask your doctor about this. 3 days ago
  • WildebeestI agree this is a question for a doctor or respiratory physiotherapist. I would say that as far as I know, strengthening lungs as such is not really a thing. They work as well as they work. It is normal for oxygen sats to dip a little bit during exercise (for anyone) but a healthy person with sats sitting around 98/9 would expect to maintain 95/6 even during heavy exertion. However, one would also expect the sats to bounce back up fast when exertion stops. When the lungs are compromised there can be problems with this, depending on what the lung issues are. Hyperinflation can cause interference with blood flow to and from the heart, for example, and tax the heart. If the lungs don't transfer oxygen to the blood well then the reduced sats may linger and that is when you have a big problem because the brain gets very unhappy with reduced oxygen. At that point you run a risk of dizziness, falls and blackouts. There are all sorts of factors at play and it's not really a simple question. I am currently struggling with walking intolerance though other exercise is fine. I am hoping to get a cardio-pulmonary exercise test to see what exactly is going on when I feel wobbly during a walk. If I get any interesting information on lungs and exercise I will try to remember to come back and update. But it's still a question for your own medics...2 days ago
  • David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Exercise is good.  If your oxygen levels decrease with exercise- you may qualify for supplemental oxygen.  Training ( such as pulmonary rehabilitation) increases both muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity ( which results in better functioning lungs)2 days ago
LindaB50

LindaB50

Good thanks 

3 days ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

Travel adds joy to life . Whether you go to visit loved ones , try something new, or explore the world, traveling opens the door to new experiences . COPD can make travel more difficult , but it do esnโ€™t h av e to keep yo u a t home. With …

3 days ago

Tom6314

Tom6314

What Can I say, Glad to find this group, 70 Years old. Waiting for the lung test to confirm the CT of Stage 2 Emphyzema.

3 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday Morning Music.

"Electric Avenue" Eddie Grant


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azuSxl9sHmc

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿš€ Happy Space Exploration Day! ๐ŸŒŽโœจ

Every great discovery starts with one simple question:

"What if?"

What if I asked my doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation?

What if I tried a different airway clearance routine?

What if I joined a support community where people truly understand?

What if I took a short walk today... just to see how I feel?

Space exploration has always been about taking that first step into the unknown. Living with COPD or bronchiectasis can sometimes feel the same way. Trying something new can be a little intimidatingโ€”but it's often how we discover new ways to breathe easier, stay active, and improve our quality of life.

You don't have to make a giant leap today. Even one small step forward is still progress. ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒŸ What is one thing you've explored that has made a positive difference in your journey? Maybe it was pulmonary rehab, a new medication, airway clearance, oxygen, exercise, breathing techniques, or finding this community.

Your experience might be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today!

3 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments7 comment(s)
  • das23I have moderate COPD and mild Bronchiectasis---The Bronchiectasis was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I started doing Airway Clearance----No chest infections since!!3 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainThe one discovery that changed my journey was going to Pulmonary Rehab back in 2004 or 05 (can't remember which exact year it was).  I learned so much about living well with my severe COPD.  And, another great discovery was when I met John Walsh (founder of the COPDF, for those who may not know) and became a State Captain and eventualy one of the early members of 360Social.3 days ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThe one thing I did was listen to my primary care doc, who urged me to go to Denver for a thorough work up, especially after I got worse from each of the local lung specialists I was referred to. There I was able to get the support I needed and more answers than my local docs had been offering. They also helped evaluate me and helped me develop an exercise program that worked for me. 


    They were happy to continue working with me via email and I was able to coordinate care with my local docs. 3 days ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„YELLOW RICE๐Ÿฅ„1/4 cup unsalted butter2 cups Basmati OR Jasmine rice4 cups chicken broth2 tsp. turmeric 1 chicken bouillon cube1 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. onion powder1/2 tsp. paprika Salt and pepper to taste Melt butter in a large...

3 days ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024

Thank you for your advice.  I'm 82 and lilve alone.  Do most of the people that use Ohtuyvre live alone, have a care giver or live in a facility?  For several years now, for reasons I don't know, I will be eating or drinking something and begin coughing and or choking.  Do you use this medication?  Please let me know your answers.  Thanks so much.  Nancy2024

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends! May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!    ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€ Make the best of every moment...

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.