COPD360social welcomes new member Ms. Mary who joins 65,958 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Sons and Daughters Day ๐Ÿ’™

Today is a day to celebrate our sons and daughters โ€” the ones we raised, the ones who help take care of us, and even those special people who somehow became family along the way. โค

Living with COPD can change family roles in ways we never expected. Sometimes a son or daughter becomes the person reminding us about an appointment, carrying the oxygen, driving us somewhere, checking in after a rough day, or simply asking, โ€œHow are you doing today?โ€

But here's something else worth remembering: they're watching us, too.

Every time we keep up with our medications, finish pulmonary rehab, make ourselves get up for that walk, quit smoking, ask for help when we need it, or keep moving forward after a difficult day, we're showing them something about taking care of ourselves.

Maybe that's part of what we pass along โ€” not just our stories and family traditions, but a little determination, resilience, and knowledge too. ๐Ÿ’ช

And speaking of what we pass along, here's one important COPD family-health reminder: If you have COPD and haven't been tested for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, ask your healthcare provider about testing. Because Alpha-1 is inherited, knowing your status can provide important information for you and potentially your family.

But mostly, today is about celebrating them. ๐Ÿฅฐ

So tell us: Do you have a son, daughter, or an "unofficial" son or daughter who's been part of your COPD journey? Give them a little shout-out below. ๐Ÿ‘‡

And sons and daughters in our community โ€” we see you, too. Thank you for every ride, phone call, grocery run, oxygen tank carried, appointment remembered, and especially for simply being there. ๐Ÿ’™

11 hours ago

thehlk

thehlk

Hi, everyone.  Just me, Heather, hiding in the bathroom, trying to stifle another round of tears. Iโ€™m still waiting to see the pulmonologist after finding mild emphysema on my ct scan last year. Of course, Dr. didnโ€™t mention it, I noticed myself in my patient portal. I know when I have the pft I will have COPD. I suspected last summer before I even had the scan. Then I had a terrible time over the winter - three respiratory infections. The last one was scary. I was getting winded walking across the hall at work. That has never happened to me before. And since quitting smoking my lungs have felt even worse! I have never been so scared in my entire life. I know many will say COPD is treatable, and some people live many years. Iโ€™m 51, and all I can think about is dying of respiratory failure in front of my family. I mean - the vision is in my mind a majority of the day.  And when will I need oxygen? And when will I have breathlessness at rest? And when wonโ€™t I be able to go up stairs? I started antidepressants, but they donโ€™t stand a chance against what my mind is doing. Every day for 3 months. And I work at an elementary school face to face with littles all day. I get sick several times per year, but I canโ€™t do another winter like this past one. It took a long time to get back to breathing like normal after that last one. Iโ€™ve done so much reading and I have yet to see anyone saying they quit smoking and their COPD has not gotten worse - which is what I always heard - quit and it wonโ€™t get worse! Well, I have learned that was a lie!!!! How does everyone cope?!? My husband wishes I never had that scan because he can hardly bear to see me like this. 

3 hours ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello.
    It sounds like you are dealing with alot of anxiety, which will not help your breathing!
    I have seen people post here in the past, saying they feel a bit worse for a while after quitting smoking. The "gunk" needs time to leave your system, so to speak.
    You don't know if you have COPD until youโ€™ve had a pulmonary function test. A CT scan is not a positive diagnosis. 
    And, yes. There are many people here who ARE living well in all stages of COPD, myself included. We are not thinking about dying. We live our lives.
    Keeping positive thoughts in your mind is imperative. Feeling grateful for all the good things in life is important!
    Keep calm. Stay strong. Carry on! 
    Worrying doesn't make what you're worried about go away.
    I have several health conditions. I am happy every single day. Grateful to be here. I hope you can feel happiness! You deserve it! ๐Ÿ˜€3 hours ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainWelcome thehlkโ€‹  I'm glad that you found us.  I was 55 when I was officially diagnosed and am 80 now.  So, yes, people can and do live many years with COPD.  And it can be a very good life, depending on whether you exercise, watch your weight, take any meds that are prescribed, get all the vaccines reommended for you, and do your best to stay well.  With your job, I realize that's going to be more difficult for you than for others who do not work around little ones.  If they turn out to be the cause of your having frequent respiratory infections, you may need to think about a different type of work.  


    Please let us know what your pft test shows, and do your best not to panic.1 hour ago
Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerWhen Your Breathing Says, โ€œSomethingโ€™s Not Quite Rightโ€ฆโ€

We often talk about COPD exacerbations during cold and flu season, but unfortunately, they don't check the calendar. They can happen in the middle of summer too.

Sometimes the first signs can be pretty subtle. Maybe you're a little more short of breath than usual, your chest feels tighter, you're coughing or wheezing more, your mucus has changed, or everyday activities suddenly feel harder. Sometimes it's simply that feeling of, โ€œSomething is off today.โ€

That's why knowing your normal is so important. When something starts changing, paying attention early and communicating with your healthcare team can make a real difference.

And as Karen reminded us, this is where a COPD Action Plan can be such a great tool. It's a roadmap you create with your healthcare provider that helps you recognize changes in your symptoms, know what steps to take, and understand when it's time to call for help.

Summer brings its own challengesโ€”heat, humidity, poor air quality, smoke, allergens, travel, and plenty moreโ€”so keep listening to what your body is telling you.

What are some of the first signs that tell YOU your COPD may be starting to act up? Sharing what you've learned might help someone else recognize their own warning signs a little sooner! ๐Ÿ’™

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).

5 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI'm starting an exacerbation. When I was at my PCP's yesterday, I mentioned that my chest was tight, and I had a slight cough. She listened and told me to start on my prednisone and doxycycline if it wasn't better this morning. Well, it's worse, so I started both of them (I always have a filled prescription for both on hand). I have cancelled out of a lunch with my best friends tomorrow, an activities meeting the following day, and although I'll log onto Right To Breathe this afternoon and OxyTalk tomorrow, I may be on mute so no one will head my croaky ๐Ÿธvoice or cough.


Just a reminder to everyone - have a COPD Action Plan and follow it - hopefully by my catching this fairly early, I'll be good by the weekend.

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).

5 hours ago

Wyliewoman

Wyliewoman

Good morning my name is Lynn, Iโ€™m exhausted today but doing okay. Yesterday was a hard day as Iโ€™m caring for my older brother 67 who has had COPD since 2019. Iโ€™m new here and looking for support and suggestions! 

9 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

You could use canned corn. It will have a bit of a different taste. Yes! Drain the corn very well. You could pat it dry with paper towels, too. Pamper it...Lol! ๐Ÿ˜€Can't help but be "corny"! ๐Ÿ˜†...

9 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

I wonder if this could be made with canned corn which has been drained well?...

9 hours ago

Whyz

Whyzanswered the question Is anyone using Trimbow for COPD

Hi i am on heart meds and Trimbow, took a while before things settled may be only a slight change but feeling better than i did
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDinna25and 1 other also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 3 others also answered the question

12 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒฝ๐ŸฅžCORN PANCAKES๐ŸŒฝ๐ŸฅžGreat recipe for times when you have company! Also great to serve at brunch!2 cups fresh corn kernels, cooked and cooled 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt3 large eggs, at room temperature 3/4 cup milk2 tbsp....

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy terrific Tuesday!
Wake up with a smile on your face. Start your day with a positive outlook. You're good to go! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿคฉ

17 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay! I had a great visit with my lung doc as always. I asked him if he could order me an overnight pulse oximetry test with my concentrator set at 1 liter/minute continuous flow, just to see how I will do at that setting. If it works, I might be able to use a POC that delivers pulse as well as up to 1+ liter/minute when we travel instead of requiring two machines--one that delivers continuous flow for sleep and one that delivers pulse that I can wear and move around with. That is exciting to me and I don't have to acquire yet another piece of medical gear to add to my collection (a recording pulse oximeter). He said that the Durable Medical Equipment company (probably Apria) will mail me the test and have me mail it back.  Since I've already met my out of pocket maximum due to my copay for my biologic, there shouldn't be any charge to me for having the testing done.

22 hours ago

QQ

QQ

Has anyone here had successful surgical intervention?

1 day ago

QQ

QQ

How do I ask a question to the community?

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜ด Happy National Lazy Day! ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธโ˜•

Well, would you look at thatโ€ฆ itโ€™s Monday, and apparently weโ€™ve been given official permission to be lazy.

I donโ€™t know who planned National Lazy Day for a Monday, but I think they deserve some recognition. ๐Ÿ˜‚

After a summer of heat, humidity, wildfire smoke, appointments, treatments, medications, errands, caregiving, and simply trying to keep up with life, maybe today is a good excuse to lean back instead of leaning in.

Put your feet up. ๐Ÿฆถ
Stay in the comfy clothes a little longer.
Watch the show youโ€™ve already seen 14 times. ๐Ÿ“บ
Sit somewhere cool with a good book. ๐Ÿ“–
Take a nap without feeling like you need to explain yourself. ๐Ÿ˜ด
And if something can wait until tomorrowโ€ฆ well, National Lazy Day says we should at least consider it. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Sometimes slowing down isn't being lazy at all. When you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is, conserving your energy and giving your body a chance to recharge can be pretty important.

So today, give yourself permission to take things a little easier.

And I'll leave you with a bit of wisdom from Dagwood Bumstead:

โ€œYou canโ€™t teach people to be lazy. They either have it or they donโ€™t.โ€ ๐Ÿ˜‚

So, 360 Socialโ€ฆ how are YOU celebrating National Lazy Day?

Me? Iโ€™m thinking feet up, something cold to drink, and absolutely no unnecessary movement. ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ

Happy Monday, everyone! ๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

TonicDk

TonicDkanswered the question CPAP CAUSING STOMACH GAS

Yes , CPAP use gives build up of gas, its a common thing, not for all, but most users. i use CPAP, sometimes i get bloated, a brisk walk takes care of that. A bloated stomach makes i harder to breathe.
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

Sue F

Sue F

Ok so far. As the day progresses I get worse.. I was born and raised in Connecticut in Woodbury. 
I had a COPD flare and went to the hospital emergency room because I wasn't sure what it was. I had another COPD flare last week at the grocery store. My doctor has taken me off prednisone I was taking 5 mg a day as a maintenance drug. I had blood work done on Friday and I'm waiting for the doctor to call me this week.

1 day ago

Sue F

Sue F

Deb9 I was born and raised in Connecticut Woodbury. I now do 6 months in Florida in the winter and 6 months here in the summer

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ“STRAWBERRY PINEAPPLE SPRITZER๐Ÿ1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled1 cup diced fresh pineapple 1 tbsp. honeyJuice of 1 lime1 1/2 cups sparkling waterIcePlace the strawberries, pineapple, honey, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the...

1 day ago

squeek

squeekanswered the question Exacerbations once a month? Looking for advice (long)

been same here. wished I never saw a cigarette. now i am probably at EOL myself. I just wished I knew now what I didnt know then
Jane M. MartinHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Jane M. Martinand 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’™ Happy National Book Lovers Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ“š

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to get completely lost in a good book?

Living with COPD or another chronic lung condition can make life feel pretty busy sometimesโ€”and not necessarily the fun kind of busy. Appointments, medications, treatments, oxygen, exercise, caregiving, keeping up with everyday lifeโ€ฆand occasionally wondering where exactly the day went. ๐Ÿ˜„

That's why today we're celebrating something wonderfully simple:

Find a comfortable spot. Pick up a book. And disappear for a little while. ๐Ÿ“–

Reading can be its own little form of mindfulness. For a few minutes, you don't have to think about the next appointment or what's on the to-do list. You can solve a mystery, fall in love, travel across the world, visit another time in history, laugh until your sides hurtโ€”or boldly go somewhere no reader has gone before. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ˜‚

And if holding a book isn't comfortable or reading makes you tired? Audiobooks absolutely count! Close your eyes, get comfortable, and let someone else do the reading. That's not cheatingโ€”that's working smarter. ๐Ÿ˜‰

For patients, caregivers, and anyone who could use a little break, maybe National Book Lovers Day is a good reminder that taking time for yourself doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes self-care looks like a quiet room, a comfortable chair, and one more chapter.

(Although we all know "one more chapter" is one of the biggest lies book lovers tell themselves. ๐Ÿ˜‚)

๐Ÿ“š So, let's build our community bookshelf! What's a book you've loved, something you're reading now, or one you'd recommend to the rest of us?

And if books aren't your thing, tell us what helps you escape from the everyday for a little while.

Happy National Book Lovers Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ“–โ˜•

2 days ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

I'm finally getting investigations into my sudden and extreme exercise intolerance. I currently have to walk with poles and if I increase my pace beyond that of a 90 year-old with bad knees and hips I get wobbly. So on Friday, as part of this, I had a full PFT. I've had those before and I don't think there will have been a drastic change from the last one in 2024. But the consultant wanted one and I have no objection. 


So I found myself in the hospital room at the machine with a very kind and helpful physiologist. All good. I could see the computer screen, which is not always the case, and as I glanced up towards the end of one measurement I saw a large message on the screen, saying


REMOVE PATIENT WHEN EXPIRED


๐Ÿ˜ง ๐Ÿ˜†

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday!
Wishing everyone a wonderful, easy breathing day, filled with enjoyment! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question โ€‹Check In: Being Your Own Lung Health Champion

Like Karen, I also have a printed list of medications, how often I take them, and the dosage amount. I also have a printed-out list of surgeries and procedures that I have had done and when, to the best of my memory.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Kym D

Kym D

Hi, I was diagnosed with COPD about 15 yrs ago. I have not smoked since my early 20's (I'm 69), don't live in smog area, never worked 'hazardous' job, anyone else like me? Everyone was stumped when I was diagnosed.
I am curious about what others are doing for their specific symptoms. I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea 4 yrs ago and use a CPAP at night, but have never really been treated or told what to do about the COPD, I live in a rural area that does not have any Pulmonologists and my general practitioner must not have known (she retired so now I have to find a new one) a lot about treating COPD. Of course we all have the shortness of breadth, but I have a constant dry cough, use to be once in a while, but now like every day, never goes away, and frequently have to spit up mucus, it's embarrassing and makes public events uncomfortable, I feel like I have to constantly explain that I don't have some terrible disease I'm spreading around. Anyone else dealing with this and has found anything that helps (cough drops/lozenges don't do anything for me)?

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’™ Happy Happiness Happens Day! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ˜Š

Sometimes happiness just happens. And sometimesโ€ฆwe have to go looking for it a little bit.

When you're living with COPD or another chronic lung condition, there are days when happiness may feel a little harder to find. A new diagnosis can turn your world upside down. An exacerbation can knock you off your feet. And even something as simple as summer heat and humidity can change your plans and leave you frustrated.

But here's the wonderful thing about happiness: it doesn't always have to come from something big.

๐Ÿพ A pet doing something ridiculous.
โ˜• That first sip of coffee in the morning.
๐Ÿ˜‚ A laugh you didn't see coming.
๐Ÿ“ž Hearing from someone you love.
๐ŸŒป Seeing something beautiful outside your window.
๐Ÿ’™ Or simply having a better day than yesterday.

And happiness can be contagious. Sometimes sharing a little of ours is exactly what helps someone else find a little of theirs.

So this Saturday, let's give ourselves permission to notice those moments, celebrate them, and maybe even create a few of our own.

After all, happiness starts pretty close to home. Sometimes it starts right with us. ๐Ÿ’™

What's one little thing that brings you happinessโ€”even on the harder days?

Wishing our entire community a very Happy Happiness Happens Day! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐ŸŒป๐Ÿ’™

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends!
Wishing everyone the best day ever! 
Enjoy this wonderful Summer day! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐ŸŒž

3 days ago

Alaskan boonyrat

Alaskan boonyrat

Not too badly.Its rained quite a bit this summer,many are tired of it.Not me,no forest fire smoke or drifting allergens.Im not allergic to anything,but it still takes a few % of my lung capacity and i need all i have left.Greasy smoke is my bane.Guaranteed to make me gasp for air almost instantly.That and i get tired of boiled meat,potatoes.Even an air fryer gets me coughing hard.Thank God for those little outside grill  things.Or on the burn barrel.Depending on the last time i burned plastic.Lets hope that now that 2.5 million illegals have been thrown out of Medicade/Medicare we can more easily get attention and approved for newer medications.We just had a 5.5 quake here,about 90 miles West.Rock and Rolled a couple minutes,no damage.Stood by the swing mounted flat screen just in case.Stupid Alaska medicade made me go through another mediation trying to deny me BREZTRIยฎ again.They failed again.At 950.00 for a 120 shot inhaler per month,i can somewhat understand.Only 3.50 to me.Theyll try again, no doubt.3 times this year so far.

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.