COPD360social welcomes new member Kathylynn who joins 64,264 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Happy December, 360social!

Weโ€™ve officially entered the season of twinkly lights, cozy blankets, and wondering how it's already dark at 4:30 pm. But even with the holiday hustle, this month is a great reminder of everything we can do -- COPD or not.

Sure, we might pace ourselves a little differently, but look at us:
๐ŸŽ„ Still conquering the cold one carefully planned outing at a time
๐ŸŽ Still showing up for each other with support, humor, and the occasional โ€œDid I really just do that?โ€ moment
โ›„ Still finding ways to make the season bright -- inhalers and all

Letโ€™s celebrate the wins this month, big and small:
โœจ Wrapped a gift? Victory!
โœจ Chose rest over stress? Gold star!
โœจ Managed to avoid glitter while decorating? Youโ€™re basically a holiday wizard.
โœจ Stayed warm, hydrated, and breathing easier today? Thatโ€™s the best gift of all.

December isnโ€™t about limitations -- itโ€™s about doing things in our own style. And this community does that beautifully.

Wishing everyone a month of gentle laughs, warm moments, successful pacing, and zero surprises involving fruitcake! ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ˜„

13 hours ago

SunnyJ

SunnyJasked the question: Flying first time with POC

I was just diagnosed with moderate emphysema. No daily 02 yet. I took a flight simulation test that resulted in need to fly with POC supplemental oxygenโ€” I love traveling and have flown to Europe every year for many years and so I feel devastated to have …

1 hour ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Rescue pack

I agree that you are NOT being silly. We need to keep close watch on these lungs of ours.
Dinna25brydyDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question Dinna25and 2 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMy corner of the world was expanded during the Covid years.  Long solo drives to interesting places.  This pic is from an adventure in Joshua Tree National Park.  

8 hours ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF CommunicationsToday's Oxytalk Social Hour has been cancelled. We'll see you in the New Year! Questions about oxygen therapy or our monthly social group? Contact Mike at oxygen360@copdfoundation.org

9 hours ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Is 500 mg daily of Turmeric Safe?

I have not heard of specific issues with Tumeric ( but also not much in the way of benefits). Have you tried TENS? The newer units are inexpensive, have multiple options, and have worked pretty well for my patients with musculoskeletal problems. I even …
brydy also answered the question brydy also answered the question

11 hours ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Glue

I'm not sure masks would help against these types of fumes (they would go right through). Improving ventilation in your work space is probably the best option ( fan blowing fumes away from you. In "professional" settings people use ventilation hoods that …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainDinna25 also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

11 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State CaptainFrom my Neck of the Woods

Winter wonderland.  View from my kitchen window yesterday.

13 hours ago

Dinna25

Dinna25asked the question: Rescue pack

Hi all Iv got up with the lurgy thumping head throat really sore off food. Dr wont give rescue pack cause my chest and lungs are clear. Is this right? I have bought the chemist lol, and resting plenty of fluids. No exercise today just cannot do it. …

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸค๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธSIMPLE PEPPERMINT BARK๐ŸŸค๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธ6 candy canes9 ounces dark chocolate chips1/2 tsp. peppermint extract Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.Place candy canes in a gallon size plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag closed. Place on the...

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, friends!
May today be merry and bright
Your thoughts be positive and light
A smile to be seen by all
Standing up proud and tall! 

19 hours ago

Viper

Viper

Hi Iโ€™m a 63 year old male veteran and I have COPD. Iโ€™m not sure what to think or do.


I was diagnosed 3 years ago and have been using Albuterol via a nebulizer and a rescue inhaler. I also use an add on called Otuvayre (ensifentrine).


Iโ€™m not coping with my diagnosis well even though itโ€™s been three years. Maybe because I need to find people who are in the same boat.


The first positive step is I found this forum.


I think Iโ€™m just doing this post so I can find people who I can share my ups and downs with.

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Today is a work day for me- Iโ€™ve been working on my laptop all afternoon, mostly responding to and sending follow up emails.  I stopped and looked up and it was completely dark outside.  I yawned and thoughtโ€ฆ Wow, the day really flew by.  I wondered what time it was.  My watch said 4:30.  It feels like 9:00 pm. Ugh ๐Ÿ˜ฉ 
Iโ€™m definitely someone affected by the lack of sunshine and blue skies.  Iโ€™m hoping for a day with sunshine ๐ŸŒž at least one day this week, otherwise Iโ€™m ready to hibernate for a few weeks.  ๐Ÿ˜ด
I knowโ€ฆ gotta keep on keeping on ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธโ€โžก


1 day ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Heat source

Im glad you are getting a generator Ganne, its one of those things that you will be grateful for when/if the power goes out. I know the whole home generators are very expensive & require an electrician to put in switches etc but if its something u …
GAnneDebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question GAnneand 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello from Smudgie Wheat! Before cleaning his face, I decided to try a holiday hat on him. Here he is! โค๐Ÿ’š

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹WARM HOLIDAY PUNCH๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹ ***SLOW COOKER RECIPE***Punch:4 cups apple juice OR apple cider 4 cups pure cranberry juice 1/2 cup pineapple juiceJuice of 1 lemon1/4 cup sugar2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 cinnamon stick Few whole clovesFew star...

1 day ago

ZaydeBob

ZaydeBob

I think it is Day28 of this exacerbation and I have had no improvement. I kept a cough log yesterday for 4 hours and realized I'm coughing about 1,800 times a day. I still haven't heard back from my pulmonologist. I called last Thursday. I completed two 12-day rounds with prednisone and one round of doxyclicline. 


I am very concerned that my COPD has progressed, and this is the new me. In addition to the cough, I am weak, short of breath doing daily chores. I also was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) in February, which is contributing to the weakness. In the past two years, Breztri (2 puffs twice a day) helped shorten the frequency and duration of my exacerbations. I did a search online to see if it ever loses its effectiveness, but couldn't find anything.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

1 day ago

Memaw1965

Memaw1965answered the question Retaining CO2

I have COPD plus CO2 RETAINING. I have the Bi pap machine. I hate that thing..I wish they would just do a blood transfusion. I have panic attacks on the Bipap machine. 3yrs still going.Breathing walking.Just do what you can.Iam also on on 2l of oxygen …
PamRKandy State Captain of South Dakota tlaneand 2 others also answered the question PamRand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, friends! 
Wishing you a pleasant, easy breathing day! Keep on smiling! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Finally got my flu/'COVID vaccinations today.  I usually don't wait so long, but time got away from me this year.
I had a dental appointment this morning, so I scheduled the shots at a nearby CVS (inside a Target) .  
Bonus!  They gave me coupon for $10 off a purchase of $20 or more.  

2 days ago

lazy t

lazy t

I have had a minor cold, a little coughing, but the last two days, I have been out of breath and my chest feels heavy when I breathe. I was listed as stage three years ago and have been getting along fine. this heavy feeling in my chest is new and rather worrisome.

2 days ago

Dinna25

Dinna25asked the question: Glue

Hi all I have got to use Glue most Glues have fumes anybody suggest a safe one thats less likely to irritate lungs. Was using Super Glue but have been advised against it, although I have not had any adverse reaction to it. Its a hobby i have done for …

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

The air inside buildings, which is crucial for health, comfort, and productivity, often contains higher pollutant levels (like VOCs, mold, CO, dust, radon) from household products, activities, and outdoor pollution.  This in turn impacts occupants with headaches, fatigue, allergies, or serious diseases. Improvement relies on ventilation, cleanliness, and controlling pollutant sources like smoke from tobacco and other sources, chemicals, and moisture.

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Heat source

Hey everyone, this question doesnโ€™t have anything to do with meds, itโ€™s a question of heat source, we have had 2 2 Snowfall in the last week, my husband and myself get quiet worked op what we would if we lost power. We have all electric, we had our …

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Ohtuvayre

Thank you Tom
Tom.E also answered the question Tom.E also answered the question

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Ohtuvayre

is anyone taking Ohtuvayre, if so did you have any side effects of mood changes

2 days ago

Keir123

Keir123answered the question PFT findings -air trapping, any comments?

Thanks everyone. I think re the monitoring, I'm probably somewhere in the middle - I do O2 sats often (often hang around 97/98, but sometimes 93/94 without apparent rhyme or reason), I have a spirometer but I've never used it for fear of worse results! I …
JazzybeanWildebeestKarinaDKand 2 others also answered the question Jazzybeanand 4 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŽง Have you checked out our COPD Foundation podcast library yet?

Itโ€™s a wonderful way to stay informed, hear from experts, and connect with real experiences from across our community. Whether youโ€™re a patient, caregiver, or simply someone wanting to learn more about lung health, youโ€™ll find thoughtful, easy-to-understand conversations waiting for you.

Our newest episodes -- along with many past favorites -- offer a wide range of topics, including:

Spotting early signs of flare-ups
Helpful guidance on what to watch for, when to take action, and how to stay ahead of changes in your breathing.

Real stories from those using oxygen therapy
Encouraging conversations that share day-to-day experiences, practical tips, and the comfort of hearing from others who truly understand.

Insights from doctors and respiratory therapists
Clear explanations about treatments, self-management strategies, and the science behind lung health, all shared in a supportive way.

Womenโ€™s lung health and lesser-known conditions
Discussions on topics like Alpha-1, how symptoms may differ, and why getting the right diagnosis matters.

Intimacy, relationships, and emotional well-being
Honest episodes exploring how chronic illness can affect connection, communication, and the personal side of life.

โœจ These podcasts are designed to inform, empower, and remind you that youโ€™re not alone. If youโ€™re ready to listen, catch up on past episodes, or discover a new favorite, you can explore them all here:

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts-Events.aspx

COPD Health Podcast Series | COPD Foundation

The COPD Podcast is a new health podcast series dedicated to raising awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and helping guide those affected by the condition so they can live their best lives.

2 days ago

Linda Sulewski

Linda Sulewskiasked the question: Is 500 mg daily of Turmeric Safe?

I've been researching various supplements to help with my joint and back pain. I have thoracic scoliosis plus Gerd (which both affect my breathing) and cannot take Advil and Tylenol doesn't do it for me. I'm on Trelegy, Prilosec, Fosinopril, Crestor, …

2 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.