COPD360social welcomes new member squeek who joins 65,941 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’™ Happy National Book Lovers Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ“š

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to get completely lost in a good book?

Living with COPD or another chronic lung condition can make life feel pretty busy sometimesโ€”and not necessarily the fun kind of busy. Appointments, medications, treatments, oxygen, exercise, caregiving, keeping up with everyday lifeโ€ฆand occasionally wondering where exactly the day went. ๐Ÿ˜„

That's why today we're celebrating something wonderfully simple:

Find a comfortable spot. Pick up a book. And disappear for a little while. ๐Ÿ“–

Reading can be its own little form of mindfulness. For a few minutes, you don't have to think about the next appointment or what's on the to-do list. You can solve a mystery, fall in love, travel across the world, visit another time in history, laugh until your sides hurtโ€”or boldly go somewhere no reader has gone before. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ˜‚

And if holding a book isn't comfortable or reading makes you tired? Audiobooks absolutely count! Close your eyes, get comfortable, and let someone else do the reading. That's not cheatingโ€”that's working smarter. ๐Ÿ˜‰

For patients, caregivers, and anyone who could use a little break, maybe National Book Lovers Day is a good reminder that taking time for yourself doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes self-care looks like a quiet room, a comfortable chair, and one more chapter.

(Although we all know "one more chapter" is one of the biggest lies book lovers tell themselves. ๐Ÿ˜‚)

๐Ÿ“š So, let's build our community bookshelf! What's a book you've loved, something you're reading now, or one you'd recommend to the rest of us?

And if books aren't your thing, tell us what helps you escape from the everyday for a little while.

Happy National Book Lovers Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ“–โ˜•

8 hours ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi all! Research institutions like universities and hospitals across the country are not receiving grant funds from the National Institutes of Health that they were already rewarded. These delays threaten lifesaving research, patient care, jobs, and scientific progress in our communities.

You can join the COPD Foundation in calling on our lawmakers to protect scientific research. Use this link to urge them to take action now! https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/campaigns/137619/respond

Join our Advocacy | Action Center | COPD Foundation

The COPD Foundation community works with local, state, and federal policy makers to increase research funding, improve care delivery, protect access to treatments, and create policy that improves the lives of those with COPD and related lung conditions. We cannot act alone. Use this COPD Action …

6 days ago

squeek

squeekanswered the question Exacerbations once a month? Looking for advice (long)

been same here. wished I never saw a cigarette. now i am probably at EOL myself. I just wished I knew now what I didnt know then
Jane M. MartinHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Jane M. Martinand 5 others also answered the question

32 minutes ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

I'm finally getting investigations into my sudden and extreme exercise intolerance. I currently have to walk with poles and if I increase my pace beyond that of a 90 year-old with bad knees and hips I get wobbly. So on Friday, as part of this, I had a full PFT. I've had those before and I don't think there will have been a drastic change from the last one in 2024. But the consultant wanted one and I have no objection. 


So I found myself in the hospital room at the machine with a very kind and helpful physiologist. All good. I could see the computer screen, which is not always the case, and as I glanced up towards the end of one measurement I saw a large message on the screen, saying


REMOVE PATIENT WHEN EXPIRED


๐Ÿ˜ง ๐Ÿ˜†

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday!
Wishing everyone a wonderful, easy breathing day, filled with enjoyment! ๐Ÿ˜€

14 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question โ€‹Check In: Being Your Own Lung Health Champion

Like Karen, I also have a printed list of medications, how often I take them, and the dosage amount. I also have a printed-out list of surgeries and procedures that I have had done and when, to the best of my memory.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Kym D

Kym D

Hi, I was diagnosed with COPD about 15 yrs ago. I have not smoked since my early 20's (I'm 69), don't live in smog area, never worked 'hazardous' job, anyone else like me? Everyone was stumped when I was diagnosed.
I am curious about what others are doing for their specific symptoms. I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea 4 yrs ago and use a CPAP at night, but have never really been treated or told what to do about the COPD, I live in a rural area that does not have any Pulmonologists and my general practitioner must not have known (she retired so now I have to find a new one) a lot about treating COPD. Of course we all have the shortness of breadth, but I have a constant dry cough, use to be once in a while, but now like every day, never goes away, and frequently have to spit up mucus, it's embarrassing and makes public events uncomfortable, I feel like I have to constantly explain that I don't have some terrible disease I'm spreading around. Anyone else dealing with this and has found anything that helps (cough drops/lozenges don't do anything for me)?

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’™ Happy Happiness Happens Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ˜Š

Sometimes happiness just happens. And sometimesโ€ฆwe have to go looking for it a little bit.

When you're living with COPD or another chronic lung condition, there are days when happiness may feel a little harder to find. A new diagnosis can turn your world upside down. An exacerbation can knock you off your feet. And even something as simple as summer heat and humidity can change your plans and leave you frustrated.

But here's the wonderful thing about happiness: it doesn't always have to come from something big.

๐Ÿพ A pet doing something ridiculous.
โ˜• That first sip of coffee in the morning.
๐Ÿ˜‚ A laugh you didn't see coming.
๐Ÿ“ž Hearing from someone you love.
๐ŸŒป Seeing something beautiful outside your window.
๐Ÿ’™ Or simply having a better day than yesterday.

And happiness can be contagious. Sometimes sharing a little of ours is exactly what helps someone else find a little of theirs.

So this Saturday, let's give ourselves permission to notice those moments, celebrate them, and maybe even create a few of our own.

After all, happiness starts pretty close to home. Sometimes it starts right with us. ๐Ÿ’™

What's one little thing that brings you happinessโ€”even on the harder days?

Wishing our entire community a very Happy Happiness Happens Day! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐ŸŒป๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends!
Wishing everyone the best day ever! 
Enjoy this wonderful Summer day! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐ŸŒž

1 day ago

Alaskan boonyrat

Alaskan boonyrat

Not too badly.Its rained quite a bit this summer,many are tired of it.Not me,no forest fire smoke or drifting allergens.Im not allergic to anything,but it still takes a few % of my lung capacity and i need all i have left.Greasy smoke is my bane.Guaranteed to make me gasp for air almost instantly.That and i get tired of boiled meat,potatoes.Even an air fryer gets me coughing hard.Thank God for those little outside grill  things.Or on the burn barrel.Depending on the last time i burned plastic.Lets hope that now that 2.5 million illegals have been thrown out of Medicade/Medicare we can more easily get attention and approved for newer medications.We just had a 5.5 quake here,about 90 miles West.Rock and Rolled a couple minutes,no damage.Stood by the swing mounted flat screen just in case.Stupid Alaska medicade made me go through another mediation trying to deny me BREZTRIยฎ again.They failed again.At 950.00 for a 120 shot inhaler per month,i can somewhat understand.Only 3.50 to me.Theyll try again, no doubt.3 times this year so far.

1 day ago

Morrigan

Morrigan

Just registered. I'm the mother of a super rad 13 year old and I've hit that realisation that COPD is going to prematurely kill me. I'm Morrigan, a 42 year old native NYC weirdo. I rebelled early in life. I started smoking cigarettes at 13. I destroyed my lungs with (no particular order) rolling tobacco, black mold, freight trains, unaddressed childhood asthma, crack, allergies, and asbestos. I have not had hard drugs in 6 years but I smoke a lot of weed and binge drink white claw sometimes. I stopped the cigarettes on Halloween but the vape... it is destroying me. I'm in stage 2. Summer is hard, guys. Just had my first lung related hospitalization ever.How are yall holding it down? Thanks.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ก Happy National Lighthouse Day! ๐Ÿ’ก๐ŸŒŠ

Thereโ€™s something pretty special about a lighthouse.

It doesnโ€™t calm the storm. It doesnโ€™t make the waves disappear. It simply keeps shiningโ€”a beacon that says, โ€œYouโ€™re not alone. Thereโ€™s land ahead. Keep going.โ€

And honestly, that made me think about our community. ๐Ÿ’™

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who does can sometimes feel like navigating some pretty rough waters. There are days when you know exactly where youโ€™re headedโ€ฆand others when youโ€™re just looking for a little light to help point the way.

Thatโ€™s where all of us come in.

Patients sharing what theyโ€™ve learned.
Caregivers reminding someone theyโ€™re not alone.
Healthcare professionals offering knowledge and guidance.
And community members simply saying, โ€œIโ€™ve been there. You can do this.โ€

Every time you share an experience, answer a question, welcome someone new, or offer a few encouraging words, you might be somebodyโ€™s lighthouse without even realizing it. ๐Ÿซถ

So on this Friday and National Lighthouse Day, hereโ€™s a fun question:

๐Ÿ’ก How can we be a lighthouse for someone else?

Maybe itโ€™s sharing something you wish youโ€™d known earlier. Maybe itโ€™s checking on someone. Maybe itโ€™s simply shining a little hope into somebodyโ€™s day.

And if youโ€™re the one looking for the light right now, keep looking this way. There are a whole lot of lighthouses here. ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŒŠ

Happy Friday, everyone! โš“๐Ÿ’ก

2 days ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGAHappy Fluffy Friday Everyone ๐Ÿ˜Š My nephews first born child , a baby boy  named Cade, pictured here at 14 days old today, is lovingly being monitored by his doggy sister named Callie. She truly adores her newborn brother. And I am beyond happy being a Great Aunt again. 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‹LEMON ANGEL HAIR๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‹ "A nice summery Sunday meal..."Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 16 ounces angel hair pasta2 sticks unsalted butter Zest and juice of 2 large lemons1 lemon for garnishAdd some salt to a large pot of...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from two of my  sister's cats, Miyagi and Johnny Rocket! We all wish you a wonderful, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Gooffy

Gooffy

Hi everyone new here I have had severe copd and thinking about getting the zephyr valve procedure hoping it improves my walking without being out of breath. I have had copd since 2019 and on oxygen 24/7. Do the treatments 3 times a day and of course 2 inhalers. So if anyone has had the procedure what should I expect and how long will I be off work. Any information would be appreciated thanks goofs

2 days ago

RickZ

RickZanswered the question Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

Ohtuvayre can take a while to start working. It started working for me in less than 24 hours with profound results. Fev1 went from 26% to 33%, it may not sound like a big improvement but it was huge for me. Absolutely no side effects for me!
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

https://copdnewstoday.com/columns/mush-and-the-blessing-of-a-very-good-and-faithful-friend/?mc_euid=3932ecc9de&utm_source=COPD&utm_campaign=abab907ad2-Email_ENL_US_COPD&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_23d08524e9-abab907ad2-74912421


For those who haven't read this, Caroline has written a wonderful article!
I love this article. Mush is an incredible friend to have! ๐Ÿฅฐ
Thank you, Caroline! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

Bobmc

BobmcHope all is well with everyone.

3 days ago

Dusty4

Dusty4

was wondering if it is ok to take ohtuvayre if when you receive it from UPS it has a temp of over 98F was I n a shipment for over 4 days with high temps?

3 days ago

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)asked the question: โ€‹Check In: Being Your Own Lung Health Champion

Taking an active role in your health is one of the most important things you can do when living with COPD or another chronic lung condition. You know your body better than anyone else. By staying informed, asking questions, and speaking up when something …

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ˜ Happy Fresh Breath Day! ๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŒฟ

Who knew there was a whole day dedicated to fresh breath? While it might make us smile, it's actually a wonderful reminder that caring for your mouth is an important part of caring for your whole bodyโ€”including your lungs.

When you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or another chronic lung condition, there's already a lot to keep track of. Medications, inhalers, oxygen, airway clearance, appointments... it can feel like there's always something on the list. But don't let your smile get lost in the shuffle!

๐Ÿชฅ Brushing and flossing regularly help keep your mouth healthy.
๐Ÿ’ง Staying hydrated can help with dry mouth, which is common with some medications and oxygen therapy.
๐Ÿฆท Regular dental checkups can help catch problems early and support your overall health.
๐Ÿ˜Š And let's be honest... a fresh, healthy smile just feels good!

Every small act of self-care matters. Whether it's remembering your inhaler, taking a short walk, practicing your airway clearance routine, or spending a couple of extra minutes caring for your teeth, those little choices add up over time.

Today, let's celebrate the little things that help us breathe easier, feel better, and keep smiling. ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒŸ What's one small self-care habit you try to stick with every day? It doesn't have to be perfectโ€”just something that helps you take care of yourself. Your idea might inspire someone else in our community!

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ‡๏ธDILLED CHICKEN SALADโ‡๏ธ3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked, cooled, and finely shredded1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup plain yogurt 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tbsp. finely minced shallots2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! 
360Social is THE place to visit, and you know it will bring a smile to your face! ๐Ÿ˜€ Spread that sunshine and keep on smiling, everyone! ๐ŸŒž

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainLooks like results of RElIANCE study have been published, comparing Azithromycin with Rofumilast for COPD patients who exacerbate. 


https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/ucla-study-compares-two-copd-treatments-guide-patient-care-10

UCLA study compares two COPD treatments to guide patient care

Multiple treatments are available for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but identifying which regimen best matches an individual patientโ€™s needs remains one of the biggest challenges in care. A new study from researchers at UCLA Health compares two treatment options aimed at preventing …

3 days ago

Jason41

Jason41

 New member here! Stumbled across this organization and decided to join! Iโ€™m living with COPD and I am currently on oxygen 24/7. Iโ€™m 41. 

4 days ago

Bobmc

BobmcGot pretend going out again today,wind is supposed to change tomorrow so the smoke will be back in the interior.
Both large air purifiers are going non stop and they really help for 
 sure

4 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI'm hoping to see a lot of you at the 360Support Group/Harmonica Play-Along this afternoon at 4:00 PM Eastern.  If you haven't registered already, here's the link: The topic this month is Living Well with a Chronic
Condition.

https://copdf.co/360-social

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: 360Support Group/Harmonica Play-Along. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: 360Support Group/Harmonica Play-Along. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

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.