COPD360social welcomes new member EllenHCalhoun who joins 65,359 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee is seeking input from individuals with respiratory conditions on their experience with accessing pulmonary function testing (PFT).

On behalf of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the committee is conducting an evaluation on requirements for PFT in Social Security Disability. The committee is seeking written submissions from persons with respiratory conditions who can speak to barriers or facilitators to accessing PFTs, such as spirometry, and those who can speak to barriers or facilitators to sharing those reports with the SSA as part of a disability claim.

This call for perspectives is anonymous and all questions are optional. Submissions are due by 11:59pm ET on June 15, 2026. Follow this link to learn more and submit your written perspective: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8816735/Study-on-Requirements-for-Pulmonary-Function-Testing-in-Social-Security-Disability-Evaluations-Call-for-Perspectives?utm_campaign=33095532-CHPP%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_J0g44DpFfKRXu3fRN2psQJoTNx6TnVZ1uidgbB3Cjsli_uZtIviGNRRkL3DkvxIphlma3B20YJ7_ylt_RZek_G4taIw&_hsmi=419510936&utm_content=419510936&utm_source=hs_email

13 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerWeโ€™re remembering someone very special to so many throughout the COPD community โ€” Pamela DeNardo.
May 15, 2026

Pam was part of the COPD Foundation family from the early days and helped shape so much of what this community became. She was a passionate advocate, a caring supporter, and a true friend to many across the COPD community.

After being diagnosed with COPD in 1999, Pam chose to use her experience to help others feel less afraid and less alone. Through advocacy work, speaking engagements, and her years with the COPD Foundation Information Line, she helped countless patients and caregivers feel heard, understood, and supported.

Pam believed deeply in the importance of connection and community. Along the way, she built meaningful friendships throughout the COPD Foundation and here on COPD360social that touched many lives.

I was grateful to learn from Pam and work alongside her for several years. She shared stories, wisdom, humor, and encouragement that truly meant a lot to me. She was one of the great ones, and she will absolutely be remembered.

We are deeply grateful for everything Pam gave to this community throughout the years, and she will be greatly missed by many friends throughout COPD360social and the COPD Foundation family.

Thank you, Pam, for your kindness, advocacy, friendship, and support.

5 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from my sister's kitty Miyagi! She wishes everyone a pleasant, easy breathing Memorial Day weekend! ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ”ดโšช๐Ÿ”ต

48 minutes ago

briar ford

briar fordanswered the question How do you handle house cleaning?

I totally understand where youโ€™re coming from. My spouse works long hours too, so I had to figure out a routine that keeps the house manageable without overdoing it. What helped me most was breaking cleaning into smaller daily tasks instead of trying to …
Kandy State Captain of South Dakota HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainUniqueand 9 others also answered the question Kandy State Captain of South Dakota and 11 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

Jophine

Jophine

I've been really weak and in pain when I walk. Is this normal or should I make appointment. 

6 hours ago

GAnne

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

I have been using dupixent for a couple months. It takes a couple shots but i do find it is helpful with my breathing. It very costly, waiting to see if i can get help with it off not, not sure what i will do. Cross that bridge when

9 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

I'm going to see another pulmoligist next week

14 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

All he told me was looks pretty good for someone that smoked for 35 years

14 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

Have a question can someone interpret this spimetry test

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThought for today, and every day!
Keep those positive thoughts flowing, my friends! ๐Ÿคฉ

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸจ๐ŸŸฉMELON-FETA SKEWERS๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸจ๐ŸŸฉPerfect appetizer for Memorial Day weekend! One 8-ounce block feta cheese 24 1-inch cubes assorted melon, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew24 fresh basil leaves Balsamic GlazeToothpicks Cut the feta cheese...

20 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, friends! I wish you peace, hope, love, laughter, and light on this fine day. Enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

ktm390

ktm390 answered the question What can I do now, to help future me?

Thank you! Scan set for August
BareDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 2 others also answered the question Bareand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Benita Allen

Benita Allen

Hello itโ€™s been a while since I have been on here I love Wednesdays itโ€™s my bible study day I donโ€™t get out much anymore but Sunday church and Wednesdays bible study it always feels good to get out and sunny days make it even more special other then that I really donโ€™t feel much like getting out i hope everyone is doing well as well as can be anyway. i just had my second injection of dupixent last Friday and wondering if anyone is on it? and if so has it helped you breathe any better? if so how long did it take to start working?
 My pulmonologist thinks it will help me breathe better so looking forward to that! 

1 day ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonEnjoying my playlist and all the sunshine we are blessed with this week. Neighbour is doing second cut of hay and it is filling the air with such a beautiful smell,,,life is good.


Deep breaths for all today and be happy with who you are.

1 day ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Last week I had my annual check in with my pulmonologist - all is well - med & cpap check, plus  CT shows everything is stable.  All of my doctors are part of the same healthcare "system" so have access to all of the info from any other visits.
I mentioned to her that I was still working part-time from home 3 days a week, but was thinking about cutting back on my hours - too much sitting, not enough movement.  She totally supported that idea - -  "Get out and enjoy your life."  Maybe the best advice ever!!   It was a beautiful day, so I shut down my work computer and headed outside.  ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽโœจ Itโ€™s Wednesday againโ€ฆ which means itโ€™s time for another Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! โœจ๐ŸŒŽ

This week, weโ€™re throwing out the rulebook and making this one a free-for-all. ๐Ÿ˜„

Share anything from your corner of the world that brings you comfort, makes you smile, helps you breathe a little easier emotionally, or simply feels meaningful to you.

Maybe itโ€™s:
๐ŸŒป flowers blooming
๐Ÿพ a favorite pet
โ˜• your morning coffee spot
๐ŸŒ… a sunset or sunrise
๐ŸŽฃ a favorite fishing hole
๐ŸŒง๏ธ rain on the porch
๐ŸŒฑ a garden growing
๐Ÿ“ธ an old memory photo
๐Ÿช‘ your favorite comfy chair
๐Ÿ’™ or just something that made you smile today

Sometimes COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, caregiving, and life itself can keep us extra busy or wear us down a little. So this week, letโ€™s intentionally look for the good stuff around us โ€” the peaceful moments, the funny moments, the beautiful little things we might otherwise miss.

No pressure. No perfect photos needed. Just your corner of the world and the things that make it special. ๐Ÿ’™

We canโ€™t wait to see what everyone shares today!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โšช๏ธโšช๏ธCHICK PEA SALADโšช๏ธโšช๏ธOne 16-ounce jar roasted red pepper strips, drained well and patted dry with paper towels Half of a large lemon, cut in half lengthwise 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/3 cup...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! It's Wednesday! Today is going to be a great day! 
Thank you all for being here on 360Social, THE place to be! ๐Ÿคฉ

2 days ago

Peppersmom

Peppersmomanswered the question O2 different night and day

please let me know if she found anything out on this? Iโ€™m struggling with the exact same thing and getting the same I donโ€™t knows from doctors, praying she has found someone that knows whatโ€™s going on with the huge oxygen drops while sleeping or even …
netmousePeter PeterJean IA State Captainand 1 other also answered the question netmouseand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonLittle step backwards on the path of life today,least did not fall off the path completely.
On days when we feel defeated it is so vital to regroup,refocus and get our heads out of our butts,life is not all unicorns and daisies.


Have an uneventful breathing day fellow weezers and keep on walking on the sunny side of life.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โ˜€ Happy May Ray Day from COPD360social! โ˜€

Hereโ€™s to sunshine, fresh air, open windows, porch sittinโ€™, bird watching, flower sniffinโ€™, cloud gazing, and soaking up whatever little bit of brightness the day gives us. ๐ŸŒค๏ธ

For those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is, getting outside isnโ€™t always simple. Some days the lungs cooperateโ€ฆ and some days they absolutely file a formal complaint. ๐Ÿ˜… But today isnโ€™t about how far you can go or how much you can do. Itโ€™s about finding a little comfort, beauty, or peace wherever you are.

Maybe itโ€™s sitting on the porch with your oxygen tubing tangled around the chair.
Maybe itโ€™s sunshine coming through the kitchen window.
Maybe itโ€™s hearing the birds while resting.
Maybe itโ€™s simply giving yourself permission to slow down without guilt.

And honestly? That counts too. ๐Ÿ’›

If youโ€™re able, we hope you get a chance to enjoy a little โ€œMay Rayโ€ today โ€” even if itโ€™s just for a few moments. And if you canโ€™t get outside, we hope the sunshine finds you anyway.

Tell us below:
โ˜€ Whatโ€™s your favorite โ€œsunshine momentโ€?
๐Ÿ“ธ Share a sunny photo from your corner of the world if youโ€™d like!
๐ŸŒผ Or just check in and let us know how youโ€™re doing today.

Sometimes a little light โ€” and a little grace for ourselves โ€” can go a long way!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœณ๏ธโœณ๏ธCELERY SALADโœณ๏ธโœณ๏ธ1 shallot, mincedJuice of 1 lemon2 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 tsp. saltGood grind black pepper Small bunch of celery with leaves, trimmed and sliced into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese To a large bowl,...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, everyone! Count your Blessings! I'll bet you've got many! Be grateful for every little thing in your life. Those little things mean a whole lot. Keep those positive thoughts flowing, and you're headed down the right path. Enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

DLB

DLBanswered the question Anyone else using silicone instead of vinyl cannulas?

I know this is an old post, so hope it connects with you and the group. I too am looking for a silicone one. Hating the stinky ones and really question inhaling these off gassing chemicals with lung issues to start with. Something is just wrong with this …
das23LisaG820seablue2uand 3 others also answered the question das23and 5 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

PTL from whom all blessings flow. I have been able to do without my oxygen since 1 pm today. The power went out, and when I got up, my oxygen went to 88, so I said to myself, "Well, let's see if this stabilizes. "  It did.  I have been moving slowly, but am doing well

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.