COPD360social welcomes new member WickidMouthBreethuh who joins 65,914 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ Today, we recognize World NTM Awareness Day.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is often misunderstood, frequently overlooked, and for many people, completely life-changing.

It can affect every breath, every routine, and every part of daily life. Yet too many people spend monthsโ€”or even yearsโ€”searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. That's why awareness matters.

Today, we stand with every person living with NTM, every caregiver walking beside them, every healthcare professional dedicated to their care, and every researcher working tirelessly to uncover better treatments and, one day, a cure.

World NTM Awareness Day reminds us that progress begins with awareness. It grows through research. It advances through collaboration. And it becomes hope because of the strength of a community that refuses to give up.

Together, we're shining a light on NTM, encouraging earlier recognition, supporting continued research, and helping ensure that no one has to face this disease alone.

๐Ÿ’™ Today, we honor the journey. We celebrate the progress. And we look toward a future filled with better answers, better treatments, and more hope for everyone affected by NTM!

4 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 …

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

As DebbieB has mentioned,  we are close to 66,000.  Who is ready to place their bets on when we will reach that mark and earn Ed's atta boy award?

1 hour ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article COPD Foundation announces Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting for COPD

Event highlights need for people's lived experiences at forefront of research, treatment development, and regulatory decisions

Miami (August 4, 2026) - The COPD Foundation today announced plans for an Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This meeting is modeled after the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) PFDD public meetings. Drug developers, FDA, and other stakeholders will be in attendance.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Despite important advances in care, many people with COPD still face ongoing symptoms not addressed by currently available treatments, which negatively impact quality of life and health outcomes.

1 hour ago

JoolsT

JoolsT

Hi, Iโ€™m Jools and a new member. Iโ€™m feeling pretty frightened at the moment asI have just found out that a recent chest x ray has revealed emphysematic changes. Iโ€™m waiting tor a CT scan. I had a really nasty virus in May and since then have been more than the usual amount of mucous, although my coughing episodes have reduced.  Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, what was the outcome?

2 hours ago

Bobmc

BobmcWell the smoke has finally reached the coast,been really lucky till now.Seems like my whole province is on fire,many human caused which really fries my noodles.
For those of us suffering with breathing issues it is just another hurdle to overcome,but we always do because that just who we are.
Hope your part of the world is unaffected by these fires and your skies are clear and sunny.

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸคโšช๏ธONE POT CHICKEN AND RICEโšช๏ธ๐ŸŸค4 to 6 tbsp. butter, divided1 heaping cup shredded carrotsSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 cups Jasmine rice 1 tbsp. dried minced onion1 tsp. dried minced garlic2 tbsp. dried parsley flakes8 cups chicken...

6 hours ago

Darlene68

Darlene68

Im feeling defeated . I fear that i will never beable to get off oxygen which makes me sad and depressed.  I have been on it since June 3rd of this year after having a medical emergency due to severe copd exacerbation.  I have been told that i may have to be on it 24/7.  Its a whole new world for me but at the same time i am grateful that i survived as i wasnt expected to make it through the night.  i have 6 adult children and 4 grandkids.  I feel isolated as i dont know anyone who is on oxygen and am grateful to have found this group. It just happened so fast. I dont recall anything that happened due to delirium.  My daughter called an ambulance as i looked really short of breath and didnt even recognize her.  I dont remember anything until my 3rd day in ICU. My kids said they visited me everyday but i dont recall anyone visiting me. Day 4 i went to a regular floor and came to and some of my kids were there when i got there. My oxygen was only 60 and carbon dioxide was 85 when i was admitted. I was living alone prior to this and i was watching my 4 year old grandson and my daughter was working from home at my house. I dont remember anything the morning of June 3 my daughter said i was breathing heavy and looked like i didnt even know her.  So now im on oxygen. Its not the end of the world. I did pt for 4 weeks and still do my exercises faithfully .  My pulmonolist said that i need  pulmonary therapy and will be faithful to that as well. Thank you for listening to my long message. I guess i just needed to vent. Sincerely Darlene 

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday!
May your day blossom into something totally gorgeous! ๐Ÿ˜

10 hours ago

lbcoopman

lbcoopmancommented onCOPD and Disability Benefits: The Pros, Cons, and Step-by-Step Guide to SSDI

Good info but please keep in mind if you have insurance through an employer yours or spouses that most prescriptions have a coupon for insured only making meds between 0 and $30. If you receive any form of government insurance you cannot use the...

21 hours ago

6ft Pixie

6ft Pixie

๐Ÿ˜’ I'm not having a good day, emotionally. My husband and I went to Maine last week to visit our youngest son. It was a good visit. I didn't want to leave. Now that I'm home, I find myself spending hours scrolling. I do have an appointment with both my therapist and psych PA this week. I just can't motivate myself to get to the gym. 

22 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi 6ft Pixieโ€‹โ€‹ I hope you'll feel more energetic as the week goes on, and I'm glad you had such a wonderful time with your son.   I've also been very unmotivated, and I think Brandon's right about the reasons for both of us. I spent a week in Georgia with family very recently and then this weekend my oldest granddaughter and her boyfriend were here for a couple of days. It's a letdown when life is back to "normal" and we are missing our family.  Let's cheer each other on โค21 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainRemember, we are all in this together! ๐Ÿคฉ20 hours ago
  • brydyIm sry you are feeling down, it sounds like you had an amazing time with your son & Im so glad you did! 
    I know its not the same, but could you maybe set up a time you guys could vid chat mb once or twice a week? mb start w a walk if the weather is nice vs the gym right now. or treat yourself to something u look forward to. 
    im glad you will touch base w your docs too. take good care of yourself. 13 hours ago
Shaun Rigdon

Shaun Rigdonanswered the question Heard of a combination of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome & COPD:

I must be very clear and post this from AI as I was mistaken, whereas, there are side effects. Which I am suffering beginning this morning after taking Baclofen 10 mg starting four "bedtimes" ago. I highlighted what I am suffering: This is for …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

23 hours ago

Bobmc

BobmcMy wish to all is to make the best of today no matter the starting point,suck as much joy and happiness you can from the day and leave the garbage in the dump where it belongs.

1 day ago

Mike99

Mike99answered the question Air quality

AQI is only one metric. PM 2.5 measures large particles in the air. My lungs are extremely sensitive when PM 2.5 >10ug/m3. High PM 2.5 occurs during wildfire smoke especially. Usually >10 ug/m3 matches around 50 AQI. I use the airvisual app which …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Douglas1962

Douglas1962

Im tired. Physically and mentally empty.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒฟSIMPLE VINAIGRETTE๐ŸŒฟ1/4 cup olive oil2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. honey1 tsp. Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.Makes 1/2...

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday Morning Music.
Have a Nice Day. Hoyt Axton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK6uoDFEjjs

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends!
So many of us do all we can to help others in various ways! Let us not forget to take good care of ourselves! After all, we cannot be at full capacity if we do not! 
Have an awesome, productive, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ™‚

1 day ago

Shaun Rigdon

Shaun Rigdonasked the question: Heard of a combination of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome & COPD:

Have you ever heard of a combination of Post-Laminectomy Syndrome & COPD: About the addition of Baclofen, prescribed by Spine & Pain Management, I am having tremendous relief from Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, sharp pain, in my right flank. I have …

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I'm pleasantly tired from having company this weekend.  We spent all day yesterday at The Kennedy Space Center - I hadn't been in a few years, and the exhibits have been changed to reflect the advances made.  For me, the most interesting part was a live forum where we got to hear from a retired astronaut, a retired Air Force General and a young woman who was just beginning her aviation career.  They were very enthusiastic about their careers and shared special some of their most memorable moments with the audience.  


We got lucky with the rain - a couple of times it rained whie we were in the buildings looking at exhibits,  but we only got sprinkled on one time outdoors.  


Kira and Dave took turns pushing me in a wheelchair, so, really, I don't know why I'm tired, ๐Ÿ˜

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Enjoy your day! Today is a great day for relaxation and positive thinking! Keep on smiling! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I watched a movie today on Peacock called Tyson's Run.  It was inspirational.  I have been having a hard time trying to get back to where I was a year ago, before shingles, respiratory infection, and UTI took their toll.  This movie inspired me to "keep on keepin on"

2 days ago

Bobmc

Bobmc

Hello to all again,tis l Bob puff dragon,shortened my handle a bit to better reflect the current me.
Hope all has been well with everyone and look forward to participating again in discussions.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’š Today is National Minority Donor Awareness Day.

Today is a time to recognize the incredible generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors while also raising awareness about an important need. Because compatible donor matches are often more likely to come from people with similar ancestral backgrounds, increasing donor registration across all communities can help give more people the chance to receive a lifesaving transplant.

For many people living with advanced lung disease, a transplant represents more than a medical procedure. It represents another birthday, another family gathering, another sunrise, another breath.

Organ donation has touched my own family, and I know it has touched many in our community as well. It's one of the most selfless gifts a person can give.

Today, let's honor those who have given that gift, remember those whose lives have been changed because of it, and continue the conversation so that hope reaches even more families in every community.

๐Ÿ’š One donor can leave a legacy that lives on through many others.

3 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23I have volunteered to be an organ donor.......I don't think they'll want my lungs though๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ‘3 days ago
  • WildebeestThe UK transitioned to an opt-out system in around 2020, so you are now deemed to be a consenting donor unless you opt out. I think that is a good thing. Opting in is something a lot of people never got round to. I also did not realise how many different kinds of tissue can be used. A friend of mine recently had surgery on his hand, involving a donated hand tendon. Donation has touched my family, too. My uncle needed a bone marrow transplant. At least that can come from a living donor but it's not a particularly pleasant procedure for them. And his donor was kind enough to donate to him twice because the first one did not take.3 days ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello, Coolsters! ๐Ÿ˜Ž I'll bet you've got an awesome day planned! Saturdays are for chillin' out and smiling all throughout the day!
You are VERY cool because you chose to visit 360Social, THE place to be! Don't forget to mention our website to your family and friends! The more the merrier! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

das23

das23answered the question Is going blind worth it? (Advare experience)

I've had one cataract surgery. it was well worth it. I couldn't believe the difference after. Everything was bright and vivid. I didn't know what I was missing
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State CaptainPhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 4 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 6 others also answered the question

3 days ago

cjg

cjg

pretty good
im just wondering if its ok to use albuterol everyday for shortness of breath and tightness in chest

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒป Hello, August!

As we get ready to step into a new month, we're given another chance to care for ourselves, celebrate the victories (big and small), and remind each other that we're never walking this journey alone.

Maybe July taught you something:
๐Ÿ’™ A breathing technique that helped.
๐Ÿ’™ A new routine that made your day easier.
๐Ÿ’™ The importance of slowing down and giving yourself grace.
๐Ÿ’™ Or simply that asking for support is a sign of strength.

Whatever July looked like for you, August is a fresh opportunity to take the next stepโ€”one breath, one day, one victory at a time.

As we begin this new month, we'd love to hear from you:

๐ŸŒž What's one thing you're hoping for, looking forward to, or focusing on in August?

Whether you're living with COPD, caring for someone you love, or simply cheering others on, thank you for being part of this incredible community. Here's to another month of encouragement, learning, and supporting one another.

Happy August, everyone! ๐Ÿ’™

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Lol, Karen! Recipes are meant to be modified! I love the watermelon bowl. So cute if you are feeding a crowd, or bringing it to an event! And, you can always serve it in a regular bowl. ๐Ÿ‰...

4 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

Sounds good, but (and you know this already Debbie, LOL) I'd leave out the bell pepper and onion. So it would only be diced watermelon and iced cucumber, LOL....

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.