COPD360social welcomes new member Amie Sims who joins 65,083 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHave you ever been told you just have โ€œsevere asthmaโ€ or โ€œCOPD,โ€ only to later discover that bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease had been overlooked? In the latest episode of our podcast, Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director at NYU Langone Health, unpacks how asthma, COPD, and other disorders can overlap with bronchiectasis and why these connections are often missed. Plus, what are some red flags to look out for, and when should you push for additional testing?   Listen here: 
https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts

Podcasts | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association Podcast

Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 Podcast is a series that educates, guides, and empowers patients and their family members with current information and resources. Hear from leading health experts, passionate advocates, caregivers, and people living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.

2 days ago

  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHave you ever been told it was โ€œjust asthmaโ€ or โ€œjust COPD,โ€ only to later learn there was more going on? This podcast takes a closer look at how bronchiectasis and NTM can sometimes be missedโ€”and what signs to watch for. Itโ€™s a great listen if something hasnโ€™t quite felt right. If your diagnosis has changed over time, your story could really help someone else โค5 hours ago
Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerPrescription costs can be one of the most stressful parts of managing careโ€ฆ and for those using Medicareโ€™s Extra Help (LIS), the experience can look very different.

For some, it means real reliefโ€”lower copays, reduced costs, or even no deductible at all.

Weโ€™d really love to hear from you ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ’ฌ If youโ€™re part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help (LIS) program, how has it impacted what you pay for your prescriptions?

Whether youโ€™ve been using the program for a while, just recently learned about it, or this is the first time youโ€™re hearing of itโ€”your perspective matters.

Your experience could help someone else better understand what to expectโ€ฆ and maybe even point them toward support they didnโ€™t know was out there. ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Are-you-part-of-Medicares-Extra-Help-or-Low-Income-Subsidy-LIS-program.aspx

Are you part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program?

If you are part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, how does that impact what you pay for your prescriptions?

3 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question RV/TLC nomral but elevated RV, FRCpl... is this concerning?

This is completely normal. The higher RV and FRC are proportional to the FVC and FEV1- so that's OK.
das23 also answered the question das23 also answered the question

5 minutes ago

anniemae

anniemaeasked the question: RV/TLC nomral but elevated RV, FRCpl... is this concerning?

I did use a good amount of effort on the test. After visit report says no evidence of obstruction or restriction. I asked follow up about some of the numbers but didnt get much further clarification from the pulmonologist. SPIROMETRY : FVC 115% ; FEV1 …

3 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

A little late to celebrate Wear Your Pajamas to Work Dayโ€ฆ but still a good excuse for a smile ๐Ÿ˜„

For those working from homeโ€”or remotelyโ€”it might just be called Thursday.

Pajamas = the new business casual โœ”
Comfort = always in style โœ”

So tell usโ€ฆ are you on-screen ready, or still rocking the PJs today? ๐Ÿ‘‡

3 hours ago

Heidi65

Heidi65

Hello I am new to this websiteโ€ฆ I was diagnosed with COPD in 2009โ€ฆ. 

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ‘๐Ÿฅ‘AVOCADO DRESSING๐Ÿฅ‘๐Ÿฅ‘1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted3/4 cup water1/4 cup olive oil3 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. fresh dill1 small garlic clove, peeled1/2 tsp. saltFreshly ground black pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a blender....

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! It's an orange kind of day for sure! Orange is the color of hope! Never give up hope! Each day brings with it another reason to smile! Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿงก

15 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I'm irked.  I just got the Discov-R to try out.  It is NOT a continuous flow, even though it advertises as such.  It is a PULSE machine, which does not work well for me.  I am going to have to ship it back and my O2 supplier is sending me a different brand to try out that IS actually continuous.  I will post a review after I try it out.  ARGH!

1 day ago

EdNebulizer

EdNebulizeranswered the question How many people were told about portable mesh nebulizers by their Doctor?

Hi all, Its important to note that whether a nebulizer is a mesh or jet they are ALL prescription-only devices. No nebulizer can be legally sold/marketed over the counter. This includes any of the big brand Philips or Pari-trek being sold online or …
RickZHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKandy State Captain of South Dakota and 4 others also answered the question RickZand 6 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonHope we are all looking to make this a great day know l am.Ordered some new equipment yesterday for updating my recording and mixing capabilities. Contacted a major local singing star recently and she called me yesterday to help in explaining the new tech and what to order and volunteered to send a tech over when it comes to explain it and help set it up.l can't rely on beuracrats to do anything meaningful to help,my clock is ticking ....It is so nice when people that have no reason to help do so,restores my faith in humanity.
Sometimes a little act of kindness can go a long way.
Breath well all.
Hope your appointment went well yesterday Debbie B

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday

Letโ€™s mix it up a little this weekโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ’™

Some days, itโ€™s a favorite chair.
Some days, itโ€™s a memory.
And some daysโ€ฆ itโ€™s just something that catches your eye and makes you pause.

This week, weโ€™d love to see whatever gives you a different kind of reflection.

It could be:
๐ŸŒ… A beautiful sky that made you stop and look
๐ŸŒธ Trees or flowers starting to bloom
๐ŸŒง๏ธ A rainy moment that felt peaceful
๐ŸŒฟ Something simple that just felt good to notice

And of courseโ€”your usual corners are always welcome too. Thatโ€™s what makes this so specialโ€ฆ thereโ€™s no one way to share.

If it meant something to you, weโ€™d love to see it.

So if youโ€™re up for it, share a photo (or a few words!) and tell us:
What caught your eye this week?

These momentsโ€”big or smallโ€”have a way of connecting us in ways we donโ€™t always expect. And itโ€™s really something special to see. ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„LUNCH PARFAIT๐Ÿฅ„1 cup 4% milkfat cottage cheese1/4 cup thinly sliced English cucumber 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives 2 tbsp. pine nutsOlive oilFreshly ground black pepper In each of 2 parfait glasses, layer 1/4 of the cottage cheese,...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone a lovely Wednesday! Think happy thoughts. Keep moving forward. Breathe easy, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Remember to join us for our monthly support group meetings, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15 (3rd Wednesday of every month). It's available on Zoom, 4-6 Eastern Time (10-noon Hawaii Standard Time). More information is at www.hawaiicopd.org/join-great-discussions-about-lung-health/. Register at www.hawaiicopd.org/hawaii-copd-event-registration/ so you can get reminders.  See you tomorrow!

2 days ago

Bcava2

Bcava2

Hey man, not sure if youโ€™re on this platform or not anymore but Iโ€™ve been having the same issues you describe. 


Iโ€™m a 24 Y/O male and am seemingly healthy as can be. For the last 9 months or so Iโ€™ve been having palpitations, trouble inhaling and a bloating like feeling in my sternum. 


Did you ever find out with this was, as it may help guide me in the right direction.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIf youโ€™re in the mood for a different view, I came across a live cam of a bald eagle with two eaglets โ€” itโ€™s really neat to watch. It can be a nice way to take a quiet moment with some nature. Iโ€™ll add a few more live cams in the comments too โ€” everything from safari scenes to squirrels. Itโ€™s pretty amazing getting a glimpse of places all over the world like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx-M5DV8C2E

2 days ago

Geeka

Geeka

Hi all. Im getting severe anxiety using the breztri inhaler. Itโ€™s been 2 weeks since my pulmonologist instructed me to take it twice a day. 
I guilt smoking 8 years ago. I have five years of ct exams which clearly read I have severe emphysema. I never looked them over thoroughly because my Doctors werenโ€™t concerned their messages were to continue the test yearly.
About a month ago I was winded when walking briskly and was set up for the breath exam. There I was handed the Breztri to help my โ€œsevereโ€ emphysema. 2 weeks in today. I stopped the inhaler it has made me anxious and irritable. my normal blood pressure is high, I have a slight sore throat, my back hurts.  I feel better without it than with it.
My question is since I feel fine and am breathing fine, do I even need the inhaler at all at this time.  Does it make a difference?  If Iโ€™m breathing fine and The medication is not a cure . What is the difference.  Iโ€™m so confused.
I have a follow up appointment in early May. 



2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Reach As High As You Can Day ๐ŸŒค๏ธ

Now before anyone tries to climb a ladder or stretch for something on the top shelfโ€ฆ letโ€™s pause for a second ๐Ÿ˜„

โ€œReaching highโ€ today doesnโ€™t have to mean going all out. Around here, it can look a little differentโ€”and thatโ€™s more than okay.

Maybe today your โ€œreachโ€ is:
๐Ÿ’™ Getting through the day with a steady breath
๐Ÿ’™ Standing a little longer than yesterday
๐Ÿ’™ Remembering your meds (hey, thatโ€™s a win!)
๐Ÿ’™ Sending a message or checking in on someone
๐Ÿ’™ Or just saying, โ€œtodayโ€™s a tough one, and Iโ€™m still hereโ€

Some days we reach for the starsโ€ฆ
Other days we reach for the remoteโ€”and both count.

Wherever today finds you, thereโ€™s still something to reach forโ€”and thereโ€™s always a little hope in that.

Weโ€™d love to hear from you ๐Ÿ‘‡
Whatโ€™s one thing youโ€™re reaching for today?

2 days ago

Dinna25

Dinna25answered the question A different kind of quit smoking question...

Hi all Its been many many years but i will not have smoked 34,680 fags. Combination of Tailor made and Rolling Tobacco. Eventually packed up on medical grounds years ago but still diagnosed with copd some years later.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainStephanie Williams, RRT (COPDF VP of Education and Engagement)Michael55and 7 others also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 9 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โบ๏ธCREAM CHEESE RANCH ROLY-POLYSโบ๏ธ16 ounces cream cheese, softened One 1-ounce packet dry ranch dressing mix1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper 1/2 cup finely diced scallionsOne 2.25-ounce can chopped black olives, drainedFour 12-inch flour...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday! 
Keep those positive vibes flowing! You have no idea how much your positive outlook helps others! 
Positivity. Pass it along to everyone! ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

Ms Burns

Ms Burns

I'm seeing the pulmonologist for the first time in May 2026 and don't know what to expect 

2 days ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIโ€™m really glad to hear you have your appointmentโ€”those first pulmonologist visits can bring up a lot of questions, and youโ€™re definitely not alone. Think of this appointment as a starting point. Itโ€™s a chance for you and your doctor to get on the same page about what youโ€™re experiencing and what your โ€œnormalโ€ looks like. One thing that can really help (and make the whole process feel less overwhelming) is a COPD action plan. It basically gives you a roadmap for:

    ๐ŸŸข what your good or usual days look like
    ๐ŸŸก what changes to keep an eye on
    ๐Ÿ”ด and when itโ€™s time to call the doctor or get help

    A lot of patients have had those moments of wondering, โ€œIs this something I should worry about, or just ride it out?โ€ โ€” and thatโ€™s exactly where an action plan comes in. It takes a lot of that guesswork off your shoulders. If you can, it might also help to go into your appointment with a few notesโ€”how youโ€™ve been feeling, anything thatโ€™s changed, or questions you donโ€™t want to forget. It doesnโ€™t have to be anything fancy.


    Youโ€™re doing the right thing by getting in to see a pulmonologist, and youโ€™ve got a whole community here walking alongside you. When youโ€™re ready, this is a great place to start with an action plan:

    https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#MyCOPDActionPlan
    COPD Foundation Educational Materials

    The COPD Foundation educational library has a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools that you can download to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD โ€“ everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups).

    2 days ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainI am very glad that you have a pulmonologist.2 days ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi Ms Burnsโ€‹ Welcome to 360Social! Be sure to also click on the tabs at the top of this page - "What is COPD" and "Learn More". They contain lots of good information, along with what Brandon has already given you. Here's another link from Medlineplus, which is a government site, about what to ask your doctor - things to ask now and maybe ones to keep in mind for future visits.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000215.htm2 days ago
Ms Burns

Ms Burns

Feeling lonely but ok 

2 days ago

DavinaT

DavinaT

๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainโ€‹ writes wonderful articles and this one is, I think, one of the best, especially since I also have a drippy nose and found her suggestions to be ex cellent!!  Thank you, Caroline!!

https://www.bezzycopd.com/discover/basics-copd/health-managing-allergies-on-oxygen-for-copd/?utm_term=reads&slot_pos=1&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%20copd_17669449&utm_content=thisweek

Allergies and Oxygen: What to Know

Using oxygen for COPD can be challenging when you're not sneezing. Pollen season can make it worse. Here are ways to help yourself.

3 days ago

Lisa Hall- Minnesota State Captain

Lisa Hall- Minnesota State Captainanswered the question Are you part of Medicareโ€™s Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program?

I get extra help through the state of Minnesota I to pay $3 and some change and $6 and some change. They also pay for my Medicare premiums And it is also income based so it tends to keep you poor instead of helping you get a leg up if you have a chronic …
Calebsnana also answered the question Calebsnana also answered the question

3 days ago

Dan Leonard

Dan Leonardcommented onTom the Truck Driver Drives COPD Awareness

Thank you Tom!I am a voice for those who like me have COPD. My #1 most important goal is to get word out to as many fellow patients as possible. So much is not being openly told to patients forcing many to do research on their own. I took immediate...

3 days ago

Ms.PoohBear3040

Ms.PoohBear3040

I have upper resportary and been dealing with it for some yrs now. I am concerned due to my dad passing away to lung cancer when I was 14yrs old. So I am doing everything I can do

3 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonAnother wet dreary day on the coast like we need it.
Trying to get through another day bird watching and observing the world from the front window,no plans except have a video conference with local school board to try and establish an expanded music course,Have been offering guitar classes for years where  l tape them and experiment at the mixing board to show them a
Better view of the behind the scenes business aspects.The students have been asking for me to do more as nothing is offered in our area to help them and Lord knows l need a cause these days.Afraid dealing with school boards is like copd, frustrating and endless.
Anyway keep them breaths large and repeat.

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.