COPD360social welcomes new member Victoria B who joins 65,722 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday: SCUD the Drama... Share the Fun! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’™

Wednesday is SCUD Dayโ€”a day to let go of unnecessary drama and enjoy a good laugh. And honestly, I think we could all use a little more of that!

So for this week's Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday, let's take a break from the serious stuff and share something that made us smile.

๐Ÿ“ท Show us your corner of the world with a photo that's...
๐Ÿ˜‚ Funny
๐Ÿพ Adorably goofy
๐ŸŒป Unexpected
๐Ÿ˜„ Heartwarming
๐Ÿคช Or just wonderfully "only this could happen to me!"

Maybe your dog stole your chair...
Maybe a bird is giving you "the look"...
Maybe your flowers grew in a funny direction...
Or maybe you caught a family member doing something they'll never live down. (Bonus points if they gave you permission first! ๐Ÿ˜„)

The goal today is simple:
๐Ÿ’™ Share a smile.
๐Ÿ’™ Share a laugh.
๐Ÿ’™ Share a little piece of your world.

Sometimes the best way to deal with life's challenges is to pause, appreciate the little moments, and remind each other that joy can pop up in the most unexpected places.

So... what's happening in your corner of the world today? I'd love to see the funny, the beautiful, the unexpectedโ€”and everything in between! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŒŽ

8 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question When to treat a flare up?

While most (70-80%) exacerbations are related to infections (half viral, half bacterial), the rest are related to irritants or other unknown factors. For the later, antibiotics have no real effect. Typically, we treat these exacerbation events with …
brydyWildebeest also answered the question brydyand 1 other also answered the question

1 hour ago

das23

das23answered the question Hello by a New Community Lover

Welcome bency.....
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainbrydyDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

2 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerโž— Happy Math 2.0 Day! โž•

Some math problems just can't be solved with a calculator... especially when COPD or caregiving is involved! ๐Ÿ˜„

Here's a little "COPD Math" to celebrate the day:

๐Ÿซ Oxygen tubing + one office chair = An unexpected tug-of-war.

๐Ÿ’จ One nebulizer treatment + your favorite TV show = Time well spent.

๐Ÿ” One missing inhaler + five minutes of searching = It was on the kitchen counter all along.

๐Ÿพ One curious pet + oxygen tubing = Instant obstacle course.

๐Ÿ˜‚ One good laugh + friends who understand = The best medicine for the soul.

โค One encouraging comment + this community = A reminder that none of us has to do this alone.

Now it's your turn!

If you could write your own "COPD Math" equation, what would it be?

Maybe it's...

โ˜• Coffee + a quiet morning = A great start to the day.

๐ŸŒ… Sunrise + fresh air = A moment of peace.

๐Ÿค— Grandkids + hugs = Pure joy.

๐Ÿถ Dog walks + lots of sniffing breaks = Worth every minute.

There are no wrong answersโ€”just everyday moments that add up to life.

I'd love to hear your funniest, sweetest, or most relatable "COPD Math" equation in the comments! โž•๐Ÿ’™

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉโšซ๏ธโšซ๏ธEASY BLACK BEAN DIPโšซ๏ธโšซ๏ธ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉTwo 14-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained 3/4 cup salsa4 garlic cloves, minced2 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. cumin1 tsp. water1/8 tsp. salt1/4 cup minced cilantro Add everything except the cilantro to the bowl...

8 hours ago

bency

bencyasked the question: Hello by a New Community Lover

Hello everyone, I'm excited to join the COPD Foundation community and wanted to introduce myself. I enjoy being part of supportive communities where people can share experiences, learn from one another, and offer encouragement. I'm here to learn more …

12 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wonderful Wednesday, friends! Open up your heart and let the sunshine in! ๐ŸŒž Enjoy your day, and keep those positive vibes going strong! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

13 hours ago

BlueSky

BlueSkyasked the question: When to treat a flare up?

Hello, stage one copd and asthma overlap, newish diagnosis so still learning. I have had a flare up of symptoms after being close to a petrol spill outside of my workplace. Despite noticably wheezing the doctor could hear nothing unusual with the …

14 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Happy newsโ€”our Governor signed two bills many of us have fought for many years to get passed:  
1.  Banning disposable electronic. smoking devices and
2.  Only FDA approved Electronic Smoking Devices can be registered & sold in our state. 
We are very pleased that these laws can help reduce all the electronic toxic waste from disposables and hopefully reduce the #s of youth who get addicted!

19 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Why do my symptoms return after stop using prednisone

Jalee, you didn't mention that you were on an antibiotic - is it possible that you have an infection? You may want to see if you can get an earlier appointment. Please let us know how you're doing.
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainJaleePat from Illinoisand 3 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Tgodiva

Tgodiva

Getting over being sick and it is taking a long time๐Ÿ˜‘

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainMy thought for today is:
We are all so very lucky to have each other here on this website. ๐Ÿ˜‡

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

This is a nice, healthy side dish. Or, makes a nice, light lunch! Recipes are meant to be customized to your own liking. Karen, I hope you enjoy this without the garlic! ๐Ÿ˜€...

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿค Tell the Truth Day: What's One Truth You'd Like Someone to Understand?

Today is Tell the Truth Day, and I thought it would be a good reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can say is the truth.

Maybe your truth is...

๐Ÿ’™ "I'm more tired than people realize."
๐Ÿ’™ "I miss doing the things I used to do."
๐Ÿ’™ "I'm afraid of becoming more short of breath."
๐Ÿ’™ "I wish people understood that some days are simply harder than others."
๐Ÿ’™ "I don't always ask for help when I probably should."

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM can sometimes make us feel like we have to put on a brave face. But being honest with your family, your friends, your care teamโ€”and even with yourselfโ€”isn't giving up. It's how people know how to support you.

The truth also helps your healthcare team make better decisions. If you're having more symptoms, struggling with treatments, or finding everyday tasks harder than they used to be, don't be afraid to say so. Your voice matters.

So, if you're comfortable sharing...

๐Ÿ’ฌ What's one truth you'd like others to understand about living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or being a caregiver?

You never knowโ€”your honesty might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. โค

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments19 comment(s)
  • thehlkThank you. I somehow need to figure out how to live with knowing I did this to not only myself, but my family. My kids are still teenagers. My family relies on me heavily. Not knowing how fast this will happen is so hard. I decided to wait until after a PFT to tell the kids. That way Iโ€™ll at least have a starting point. Iโ€™ve been reading a lot and so many people are already in stage 3 with no idea! Iโ€™m afraid of that. I knew the last couple years stairs and hills were getting more challenging. Still doable, but I thought well, I did turn 50, so I guess this is what happens. I guess I was being naive. Iโ€™m just really, really struggling right now. ๐Ÿ˜ข7 hours ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainthehlkโ€‹  I know you are struggling with what your CT scan showed.  But until you've seen a pulmonologist and had your pulmonary function testing there's no way to know the extent of any lung damage you might have done.  I was 55 when I was diagnosed and I'm still here.  Yes, I am slowed down some, but I'm also 80.   Congratulations on stopping smoking - I know that was a big step!  Please stay in touch - we're here for you6 hours ago
  • brydyhi thehlk, like debbie & karen said you dont have a diagnosis until the PFT & that will determine your lung health. while smoking always causes some lung dmg it doesnt always mean emphysema or any other form of copd. its great you breath well & hills & stairs are ok! and you did the single most important thing for your heath in quitting smoking! 
    when is your appt for your PFT? pls let us know how your doing, keep posting, & reading this site & I think that could help alleviate some of your fears bec there are so many here living long productive happy lives at even very severe stages like me. you will see me whine once in a while bec im a straight shooter about stuff. not gona pretend there arent some crappy days but I still live on my farm & run an animal rescue (large animals) & im borderline end stage copd/asthma. you & I & everyone here have lots of life left to live. this condition is manageable (we dont know for sure you have it even!), you quit smoking!! thats amazing & shows what you are made of! 5 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸกSAUTร‰ED CORN, ZUCCHINI, AND TOMATOES๐ŸŸข1 tap. olive oil 2 cups diced zucchini, in 3/4-inch dice3 medium ears corn, cooked and kernels removed 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp. minced cilantro 1 tsp. lime juice 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends! 
Wishing you a warm welcome and a sunshiney smile on this lovely day! We are so happy to have you here with us! ๐Ÿ˜€๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53This Indigo Bunting is looking forward to singing... ๐ŸŽถGood Morning ๐ŸŽถ to all at 360Social

1 day ago

Margaret l

Margaret l

My mother has COPD. Sheโ€™s nauseous all the time.

1 day ago

Melissa kelley

Melissa kelley

I am doing ok but scared about mild emphysema getting worse , as I was diagnosed with it two weeks ago

2 days ago

Blowe

Blowe

Good morning everyone. Hope you all have a great day. 

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerGood morning, everyone! โ˜€

I hope you had a chance to enjoy at least a little bit of the holiday weekend, whether that meant spending time with family, relaxing with a favorite pet, watching fireworks from a safe distance, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home.

Now it's Monday... and we've got a brand-new week ahead.

If your breathing feels great today, celebrate that. If it's one of those mornings where everything seems to take a little more effort, that's okay too. Every day doesn't have to look the same.

As we settle into July, remember that summer can still surprise us. Even when temperatures are a little kinder, humidity, poor air quality, and overdoing it can sneak up on us.

๐Ÿ’™ A few gentle reminders:
๐ŸŒค๏ธ Check the weather and air quality before heading out.
๐Ÿ’ง Keep water nearby and stay hydrated.
๐Ÿ’Š Take your medications as prescribed and don't wait until you're struggling.
๐Ÿ˜Œ Pace yourself. There's no prize for doing everything in one day.

Most importantly... be kind to yourself this week.

Whether you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, caring for someone you love, or simply cheering others on, know that you're an important part of this community.

I'm glad you're here, and I'm looking forward to sharing another week with you.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What's one thing you're looking forward to this week? Big or smallโ€”I would love to hear it.

๐Ÿ’™ If today feels like a fresh start, wonderful. If it feels like you're picking up where you left off, that's okay too. Either way, I'll be here, cheering you on, one breath and one day at a time.

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Monday Morning Music
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
Simon and Garfukel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xhJcQEfD5s

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฅฃKALE AND QUINOA SOUP๐Ÿฅฃ2 cups diced onion1 1/2 cups diced carrots 1 cup diced celery with leaves2 tbsp. olive oil 2 cups diced zucchini1 large red bell pepper, diced3 cloves garlic, minced7 cups vegetable brothOne 28-ounce can crushed...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! You can bank on the fact that 360Social is a wise, smart way to spend your time! Keep on smiling friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  I was able to sustain my oxygen saturation as I made coffee and returned to my seat at my breakfast bar.  No supplemental oxygen needed.  I will put my oxygen on to sleep, but please do not ever give up and do the things that we say will help which is to eat well, exercise, get enough rest and keep a positive mental attitude.

2 days ago

Oxygen tank Man

Oxygen tank Man Only short 5k this Sunday surport by lovely wife Marie. Beach race on the Yorkshire coast

2 days ago

Oxygen tank Man

Oxygen tank Man

Over 4800ft climbing 17 hours change 5 oxygen tanks. 

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.