COPD360social welcomes new member JessRT who joins 66,309 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

TimD

TimDHi Everyone!

Interested in contributing to research in a quick but meaningful way? Take a short survey to share your journey to diagnosis and how your condition has affected you. Your input can help us to better understand the path to diagnosis and identify opportunities to improve it for others.

Please complete the survey here: https://copdfoundation.jotform.com/262805493917063

1 day ago

Mark Luttmann, COPDF Research

Mark Luttmann, COPDF Research  Have chronic cough with mucus? We need your input!

Help make a difference in research and education e๏ฌ€orts for people with COPD. You may qualify if you are over 18 and have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or have symptoms of chronic bronchitis (chronic cough with mucus for at least 3 months a year, over the last two years).

Please take our 5-minute survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R8XH6MZ

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Drug not covered

I was on Breo for a while. It worked well.
JeanO53 also answered the question JeanO53 also answered the question

3 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Suicidal

Suicidal - I'm so proud of you for reaching out. That's a huge step and not an easy one. I hope that you will access some of the resources Coach Brandon has listed: And as you may be able to tell, you have found a wonderful group of people who …
Coach Brandon - Community Managerbrydy also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 1 other also answered the question

3 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Drug not covered

I see that no Medicare Part D drug plan covers Advair diskus 250. I had no trouble getting this a few years ago. A search reveals you may find alternatives such as generic fluticasone-salmeterol, Wixela Inhub, Breyna, or Breo Ellipta. Have you …

6 hours ago

Suicidal

Suicidalasked the question: Suicidal

Is anyone else suicidal after their diagnosis? I was suicidal anyway and this is the last straw - ive only got my dog to keep me going and once she goes thats it, I'll have nothing to live for.

9 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onThe Heart-Lung Connection: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People Living with COPD

 Thanks Arnelle - Excellent article! Yesterday I had an ultrasound of my heart - my cardiologist does this about every 2 years. ...

16 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article The Heart-Lung Connection: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People Living with COPD

This post was written by Arnelle Konde, MPH, CHES.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common and significant comorbidities affecting outcomes for people living with COPD.1 Because COPD frequently coexists with other chronic conditions, recognizing and addressing cardiovascular health is a critical component of comprehensive care.

Health care professionals play a key role in identifying cardiovascular risk factors and helping patients understand the connection between heart and lung health. Open conversations combined with evidence-based management can empower patients to better navigate their condition and improve their quality of life.

16 hours ago

Tara Kloehn, COPD Foundation

Tara Kloehn, COPD FoundationHappy Fluffy Friday, friends!! Here's Penelope meeting our new porch goose for the first time. ๐Ÿ’›

Today is also the Lace Up for Lungs Day of Movement! Check out the Facebook event and post your activity if you want to get involved: https://www.facebook.com/share/19axqqiUUY/

17 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‚CINNAMON MAPLE ROASTED SWEET POTATOES๐Ÿ‚3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, divided 1/2 tsp. nutmeg1/2 tsp. salt1/4 cup maple syrup4 tbsp. honey 1/3 cup chopped pecans1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme...

18 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from my sister's kitten Bonkers Gordon! He's growing up so fast! 
We wish everyone a wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

23 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I made this, Debbie, and I will can the leftovers and have them this winter....

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

NEWS: NIH announced that 1,648 early-stage investigators were awarded extramural research grants in fiscal year 2026โ€”the most ever recorded. The agency also launched Generation Discovery, a new initiative to recruit 100 early-career Principal Investigators into NIHโ€™s Intramural Research Program.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-announces-record-number-grants-support-early-career-investigators-launches-new-recruitment-initiative-intramural-research?fbclid=IwY2xjawU0qn5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXprSmJ0M0RGWU00ZWp1c01zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeQBtVuOZ0pj4pyTIxDB2CX8HWCssM_316OaC5hHJqfzS0pafXM1kp7VL_cLQ_aem_1MM05UX3umNDFF6QvKdtiQ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thanks, Karen! For a really quick soup, you can buy cubed ham in the meat department of many grocery stores! ...

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Hero Day โ€” Heroes Are All Around Us!

Good morning, everyone!

Today is National Hero Day, a day to recognize the real-life heroes who inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. That's a pretty tall order, isn't it? But what a wonderful thing to strive for!

When we think of heroes, we might picture first responders rushing into danger, teachers who change lives, parents who lead by example, or someone who steps up when nobody else knows what to do.

But you know what? I think we've got an awful lot of heroes right here in our own community.

Living with COPD takes strength. It takes learning, adapting, asking questions, and sometimes finding courage you didn't even know you had. And caregivers? You're right there too, showing up, figuring things out, and doing your best to make someone else's day a little easier.

And then there are the heroes who may never realize the difference they've made. The person who welcomes a new member, shares something they've learned, offers encouragement on a difficult day, or simply says, "I've been there, and you're not alone."

Sometimes heroes do extraordinary things. Other times, they do ordinary things with extraordinary kindness.

You don't have to wear a cape, save the world, or have all the answers to be somebody's hero. Sometimes just showing up, listening, and caring makes a bigger difference than you'll ever know.

So today, let's celebrate those people who light the way for others. And please, don't sell yourself short. You may be making a difference in someone's life without even realizing it.

๐Ÿ’™ Who's a hero in your life? Maybe it's someone here in our community, a caregiver, a friend, or someone whose words or actions have stayed with you for years.

Let's give those heroes a little recognition today. And remember, you just might be somebody's hero too!

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

Oh - that would be quick!! And I'll bet it would taste just as good as the kind I make when you have to soak the dry beans overnight and then cook them for several hours. Thanks for the recipe, Debbie!...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„QUICK HAM AND BEAN SOUP๐Ÿฅ„ 2 medium carrots, sliced2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion1 large clove garlic, minced2 tbsp. butterFour 15.5-ounce cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained 4 cups chicken broth2 cups cubed...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYou know that when Garfield wishes everyone a happy Thursday, it is going to be a great day for sure! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Keep on smiling, friends! 
Think ORANGE! ๐Ÿ”ธ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๏ธ

1 day ago

Scallywag32

Scallywag32answered the question I am Wondering if anyone is using the injection of dupixent and if so is it helpful for better breat

My 80-year old father with COPD on 24/7 oxygen was on Dupixent for three months. He says it caused intense itching all over and a rash (which is ongoing to this day). He also claims it caused severe mood fluctuations. The first two weeks, he thought he …
PuzzieTaryn TarverHIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 2 others also answered the question Puzzieand 4 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Brenda Joy

Brenda Joy

Good morning from this side of the caribean sea. As you in the North are starting My favourite season, here we sre entering our dry season. Lower temperatures, clear and beautful blue skyes and no rain until April next year.  


Justo completed my new exercising routine, more like a warming, stretching routine. So far I still catch my btreath back quickly. 
Anyone here likes to crochet??? I'd love to share some little projects. 


I hope you all have a wonderful week angmf a happy eggnohg season

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerGood morning! What a beautiful picture you painted of your corner of the Caribbean. Clear blue skies, cooler temperatures, and no rain until April sounds pretty darn nice from where Iโ€™m sitting! ๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŒด



    And good for you for getting that new exercise routine going. Starting with warming up and stretching and paying attention to how your breathing responds sounds like a great way to ease into it. Iโ€™m glad to hear youโ€™re still catching your breath fairly quickly afterward. And crochetโ€”absolutely share those projects!  I have a feeling we may have a few crocheters hiding around here who would love to see what youโ€™re working on and share some of their own!Thanks for giving us a little glimpse into your corner of the world this morning!2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi Brenda Joyโ€‹  I don't crochet, but would love to see pictures of what you have made.  Years ago, when one of my granddaughters was 16, she crocheted me a beautifull afghan.  She did her best to teach me how to crochet but I'm all thumbs and never could manage to do it.  We laughed at the thought of a granddaughter teaching the grandmother - it's usually the other way around.๐Ÿ˜†1 day ago
JeanO53

JeanO53

I've recently seen Trelegy commercials on television that start with... "COPD is an ugly reality... ".  Or another one: "COPD is not pretty"
.. I understand that pharmaceutical companies advertise on television to drive patient demand, but the presentation of COPD as "ugly" or "not pretty"??  Use their product and suddenly the sun is shining and you're beautiful, happy and carefree?
. . I'm offended by this type of advertising.  Anyone else??

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday โ€” Show Us What You Got!

This week, weโ€™re throwing the theme wide open. Show us one of your favorites! ๐Ÿ“ธ

You know that picture you have that just makes you happy when you see it? Maybe itโ€™s the view from your backyard, a favorite road, a beautiful sunset, someplace you visited years ago, or a spot half a world away.

Thatโ€™s one of my favorite things about Wednesdays around here. For a few minutes, we get to look out through somebody elseโ€™s window and see a little piece of their world. One minute we might be looking at someoneโ€™s flowers, and the next weโ€™re standing on a beach, up in the mountains, or wondering what in the world wandered into somebodyโ€™s backyard. ๐Ÿ˜„

Okayโ€ฆ maybe not that last emoji. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Nope. No laughing emoji either. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Anyway! No rules and no complicated theme this week. Dig through those pictures and show us what youโ€™ve got.

๐Ÿ“ท Whatโ€™s a favorite view, place, or picture youโ€™d love to share with us today?

Letโ€™s see where everybody takes us! ๐ŸŒŽ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‚FALL SPICE BLEND๐Ÿ‚Great to keep on hand during baking season! Wonderful with roasted pumpkin and squash! Adds a sprinkle of warmth to fall drinks! ๐Ÿ3 tbsp. cinnamon2 tsp. ground ginger 2 tsp. nutmeg 1 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 1/2 tsp....

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday, friends! Keep those positive thoughts going strong, and keep moving forward! Together we are better. Here on 360Social, we never give up! ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

A sister asking questions

A sister asking questions

My brother has COPD and congestive heart failure. His feet are swollen, deep, deep purple, and the veins are popping out. He is short of breath and tired. The last time he went to a doctor they said his heart was only functioning 14%.
He doesnโ€™t want to contact a doctor because he feels thereโ€™s nothing they can do until he has a surgery theyโ€™ve been suggesting which he canโ€™t afford.
Is he at the end stages?

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIโ€™m really sorry you and your brother are going through this. Right now, I think the most important thing is getting your brother medical help and letting a healthcare professional evaluate whatโ€™s happening.
    I understand that he may feel thereโ€™s nothing they can do until he has the surgery, but these symptomsโ€”deep purple and swollen feet, worsening shortness of breath and extreme tiredness, especially with his known heart conditionโ€”need to be evaluated promptly. There may be things his medical team can do right now to help, even if surgery isnโ€™t possible at the moment.
    None of us here can tell you whether this means he is in the end stages. Only his healthcare team, after evaluating him, can give you an accurate picture of whatโ€™s happening.
    Please donโ€™t let the cost of the surgery keep him from getting care for what is happening today. If his breathing is significantly worse, he has chest pain, becomes confused or difficult to wake, faints, or his lips/skin are turning blue or gray, please call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
    Right now, the priority is your brotherโ€”not putting a name or stage on whatโ€™s happening. Letโ€™s get him seen and find out what can be done to help him now. ๐Ÿ’™
    (This is general information and isnโ€™t a substitute for evaluation or advice from his healthcare team.)2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHello A sister asking questionsโ€‹.  Welcome to 360Social.  I'm so sorry about your brother's condition but I'm not a clincian, just another patient, so I can't comment on your question.  Is there any way that you can convince him to see a doctor?  2 days ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainOh, dear. I hope you can convince your brother to seek medical attention! He really needs to be evaluated! Can you get him into your car and drive him to an Urgent Care Center? Once there, they will bring him to the ER if necessary. 2 days ago
tintina

tintina

Hi,  im new to oxygen 24/7 and new to this community.  I have an inogen rove 6 (I've been carrying it around the house with me for the last couple of weeks) I have just ordered the 'inogen at home' unit,  lol i just found out that the hoses dont fit under the bedroom or bathroom doors, have to modify the doors, ugg.  I was wondering how others have set up their homes and what has worked best and what not so great.  I also have back up o2 tanks.  Thanks

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ‚ Cooler Weather Is Comingโ€”Are You and Your COPD Crew Ready?

Well, here we go again. The mornings are getting cooler, we're spending a little more time indoors, and cold, flu and respiratory virus season is starting to tag along. Apparently, nobody invited them, but they showed up anyway.

Flu activity is starting to increase, so October is a great time to think about prevention. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. And ask whether the RSV vaccine is recommended for you too.

Caregivers and family members, you're part of this team! Keeping yourselves healthy and up to date on recommended vaccines can also help protect the person you love.

This is also a good time to pull out your COPD Action Plan. Know your normal and watch for changesโ€”more shortness of breath than usual, increased coughing or wheezing, changes in mucus, fever, or needing your rescue medication more often. Don't wait for things to get really bad before contacting your healthcare team. Follow your Action Plan and know when it's time to call for help.

If breathing becomes severely difficult, you can't speak normally because you're so short of breath, you become confused, or your lips or fingertips look blue or gray, call 911 or seek emergency care.

Wash those hands, avoid sick people when you can, and if somebody is coughing their way through aisle seven at the grocery storeโ€”you do not need to investigate. Keep moving.

As we head toward the holidays, let's give ourselves and the people we care about the best defense we can. ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ’™

How are you getting ready for cold and flu season? Have you gotten your vaccines, updated your COPD Action Plan, or is there something else you do every year to help stay healthy? Share belowโ€”you might give someone else an idea they hadn't thought of!

3 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments6 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThank you, Brandon! Anyone who is interested in contributing a recipe or kitchen tip is more than welcome to post on the Eating Well blog! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ3 days ago
  • LucindaSAbsolutely, Brandon! My recent bloodwork showed that Iโ€™m deficient in vitamin A, borderline deficient in vitamin C, and low in zinc. Not exactly the blood profile I was hoping for heading into winter!

    According to the recent COPD Foundation Journal article it stresses the protective effects of vitamin A (carotenoids specifically) in COPD. Here is the article: https://journal.copdfoundation.org/jcopdf/id/1606/Protective-Effects-of-Serum-Carotenoid-Status-on-Respiratory-Health-Among-Low-Income-Individuals-With-COPD

    I will definitely be checking out Debbie's recipes!!
    Protective Effects of Serum Carotenoid Status on Respiratory Health Among Low-Income Individuals With COPD

    Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease where diet-derived carotenoids may counteract inflammation and improve COPD outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate associations between serum carotenoid levels and COPD outcomes. Methods: Low-income individu

    1 day ago
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHi Lucinda, thank you so much for sharing this! I really enjoyed reading it, and I think there's some pretty encouraging information here for all of us living with COPD or caring for someone who is.

    For anyone who hasn't had a chance to read the article, researchers studied people with COPD to see whether certain nutrients found in fruits and vegetables might make a difference in their health.

    Here's what caught my attention: People who had more of these nutrients in their blood tended to have less inflammation, better breathing-related health, and fewer serious COPD flare-ups that sent them to the hospital. Now, that doesn't mean eating more vegetables will stop a flare-up. There's still more research to be done. But it does remind us that what we eat may play an important part in taking care of ourselves.

    I also liked that the study focused on people with limited incomes. Eating healthier doesn't have to mean spending a fortune! Frozen vegetables, canned tomatoes, carrots, and other simple foods can be affordable ways to add more nutrition to our meals.

    And caregivers, don't forget yourselves! You need that same good fuel to keep going too.

    It's another reminder that managing COPD involves more than medications. Sometimes the little things we do every day can help support our overall health.

    What are some of your favorite ways to eat a little healthier without spending a lot? Maybe you've got a favorite recipe or a simple trick that could help someone else.

    Thanks again, Lucinda! This was a great find and definitely worth sharing!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.