COPD360social welcomes new member payne who joins 66,009 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰ 66,000! We did it! ๐ŸŽ‰

Today, COPD360social officially became a community of 66,000 members.

But I have to tell you, when I look at that number, I don't just see 66,000 accounts or names on a screen. I see people.

People who came here looking for answers. People who came to share what they've learned. People who needed a hand, and people who reached theirs out. And many of us have been on both sides of that hand at one time or another.

We've been here through the good days and the really hard ones. We've celebrated victories, shared plenty of laughs, sat together through tears, welcomed the newly diagnosed, supported caregivers, remembered friends we've lost, and reminded one another over and over again: you don't have to do this alone.

That's why this has become so much more than an online community. There is genuine care here. There are friendships here. There are people helping people simply because they understand what it means to need someone beside you.

So whether you've been here from the beginning, joined yesterday, post every day, quietly read from the sidelines, ask the questions, answer them, or simply show up when you canโ€”you are part of what makes this community what it is.

66,000 members. 66,000 reasons to keep showing up for one another.

Thank you for making this one incredible community. Here's to wherever we go nextโ€”together! ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŽ‰

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy wonderful Wednesday, friends! Sending lots of smiles and well wishes to all of our members! Enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 hours ago

Boucles d'or

Boucles d'or

Hi - anyone have bad side effects on ohtuvayre? and can you just stop taking it or is it necessary to taper?

13 hours ago

Buscat

Buscatanswered the question How long do you live with severe emphysema

Hi, what medical team do you have? I went to a pulmonologist and was diagnosed 2 years ago, but apart from that I manage on my own..Sorry first post on here, not sure how it works!
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

17 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53We finally had a break in the humid weather. What a relief! The air feels breathable again. 
Yesterday was a beautiful day... high 70s, warm sun, blue skies with lots of gorgeous fluffy clouds
I spent most of the afternoon at the Mill Pond.  There's always something going on there, even when it seems quiet,   Like this small group of young Barn Swallows

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘PEACH BAKED OATMEAL๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ "It's peachy-keen!"3 fresh peaches, divided 2 cups rolled oats2 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. salt1 cup unsweetened almond milk 4 tbsp. maple syrup 2 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat the oven...

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday, friends! 
I hope your day will be peachy-keen!
๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿงก

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

WOOHOO! We have reached 66,000 members! ๐Ÿคฉ

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Are long haul flights advisable

Your uncle needs to ask his provider. Some patients who normally donโ€™t need O2 need it for altitudes, including flying where the cabin is pressurized to 5000-8000 feet, especially in longer flights. A High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) can help …

1 day ago

Nikola

Nikolaasked the question: Are long haul flights advisable

My uncle has copd. He does not need oxygen. He wants to take a long haul flight. Is it advisable and will he need any additional support ie nose spray as well as inhaler

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question any 57 yo with 21% FEV

Try the pulmonary rehab. I learned so many valuable tips that help in my daily life.
brydyJeanO53 also answered the question brydyand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Immunizations and COPD: A Preventive Tool That Starts with a Trusted Conversation

This post was written by Tralisa Willis, MEd, CHWI.

Immunizations can play a fundamental role in managing the quality of life of a person living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conversations with medical providers regarding the importance of vaccines for illnesses such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections can have a great impact on vaccination uptake.

Alongside smoking cessation, evidence-based treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity, and individualized action plans, recommended vaccines can help reduce the impact of preventable respiratory illnesses.

Health care providers play a critical role in helping patients understand how vaccinations support their overall lung health.3 A strong recommendation paired with clear, respectful communication can help patients make informed decisions and feel supported throughout the process.

1 day ago

MLT0715

MLT0715asked the question: any 57 yo with 21% FEV

Hi everyone, Iโ€™m 57 years old and recently had a spirometry test where my FEV1 dropped from 30% down to 21% (GOLD Stage 3/4). I haven't had any recent flare-ups, colds, or changes in my mucus, and I'm not on supplemental oxygen. My Alpha-1 test came …

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainโ€‹ - are you OK?  Do you have power?  I read where some 130,000 are without power on your island.  

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Do you think we'll get 6 more members today?  Tomorrow?    Get ready to celebrate!  ๐Ÿ’ฅ ๐ŸŽ‰

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โ™ป A Little Thrift Shop Thinking for Monday...

Apparently today is National Thrift Shop Day, and it got me thinkingโ€”not everything worth passing along has to fit in a shopping bag.

Sometimes the best things we can give someone else are the things we've picked up along the way.

Maybe it's a breathing tip that made your day a little easier. A trick for getting through the grocery store without wearing yourself out. Something you learned about oxygen, traveling, medications, or pacing yourself. Maybe it's simply a piece of advice someone once gave you when you really needed it.

That's one of my favorite things about this community. We take what we've learnedโ€”sometimes the hard wayโ€”and pass it along. Someone else picks it up, makes it their own, and maybe their day gets a little easier because of it.

So, in honor of Thrift Shop Day, let's do a little reuse, renew, and pass it on.

What's one tip, trick, or piece of wisdom you've picked up along your COPD journey that you'd happily hand down to someone else? ๐Ÿ’™โ™ป

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธCOFFEE SMOOTHIEโœด๏ธ1 medium banana, sliced and frozen1/2 cup brewed coffee, chilled1/2 cup milk of your choice1/4 cup rolled oatsSpoonful of nut butter of your choicePlace all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy,...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy magnificent Monday, everyone! 
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a seat, and join in the conversations here on 360Social! 
Have a marvelous Monday, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Jenel

Jenel

๐Ÿ˜ญ. In the hospital with COPD /bronchitis 

2 days ago

Jenel

Jenel

I am trying to figure out how to find a way to strengthen my lungs. I quit everything I start, need to looks like 40 lbs, bad knees and back. COPD and I want to get better but I just kinda quit. My lung.compacity is at 74% I get chronic bronchitis had asthma since I was 7. I just don't know how to start when I gave up already. I really don't want to die or get where j can't do anything.. 

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Ohtuvayre ??? Any feedback would be helpful!

I have to agree with DebbierB. I take 4 medications daily and a fifth one when needed. To the average person, this makes no sense, but COPD is a different animal. At first when I was prescribed Singulair and then another antihistamine, I thought that I …
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainDusty4Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 9 others also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 11 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿคฃ ITโ€™S NATIONAL TELL A JOKE DAY! ๐Ÿคฃ

All right, 360socialโ€ฆ I feel like this is one of those holidays we really shouldn't let go to waste. ๐Ÿ˜

Today's assignment is simple:

MAKE. US. LAUGH. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Let's face itโ€”COPD isn't funny. But some of the ridiculous stuff that happens while living with COPD? Oh, we've got material. And caregiversโ€ฆdon't even pretend you don't have stories. ๐Ÿคฃ

Ever been clotheslined by oxygen tubing in your own house?
Had your concentrator suddenly make a noise that had you wondering whether to call the DME company or NASA? ๐Ÿš€
Walked halfway across the room before realizing your oxygen tubing had other plans?
Or had one of those moments where you just looked at each other and thought, โ€œWellโ€ฆadd THAT to the list.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sometimes you've just gotta laugh.

Not because everything is easy. Not because COPD magically takes the day off. But because a good laugh can sneak into a hard day and give us exactly the little break we needed.

So today, let's hear it!

๐Ÿ˜‚ Got a joke?
๐Ÿคฃ A ridiculous COPD moment?
๐Ÿ˜œ A caregiver story you've been waiting for an excuse to tell?
๐Ÿ™„ A joke so terrible we may regret asking?

Bring. It. On.

And yes, Dad jokes are allowed. I'm not saying they're encouragedโ€ฆbut this is a judgment-free community. Mostly. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Happy National Tell a Joke Day, 360social!

Let's see if we can get this whole place laughing today.

I'll be waiting in the commentsโ€ฆand preparing myself for the groaners! ๐Ÿคฃ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Wishing everyone a bright and cheery day, filled with sunshine and smiles! ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

We are pretty luckyโ€”most of the wind and rain is on Kona side of Big Island. Coconut leaves are falling and a hazardโ€”on roadways and anywhere they are. 

3 days ago

Judy L

Judy Lasked the question: How long do you live with severe emphysema

how long with severe emphysema do you live

3 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.