COPD360social welcomes new member Barbara who joins 65,688 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿพโค๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™ Happy Fluffy Friday from the COPD360social K9 Caregiver Team! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿคโค๐Ÿพ

Hi, friends! We're Jasmine and Jag, and we've been assigned an important mission for the holiday weekend.

๐Ÿพ Make sure you get plenty of rest.
๐Ÿพ Remind you to stay cool and hydrated.
๐Ÿพ Encourage lots of smiles.
๐Ÿพ Help you avoid overdoing it.
๐Ÿพ Keep an eye out for extra treats. (We're still working on that one.)

As many of us celebrate the Fourth of July weekend here in the United States, we know it can also bring heat, crowds, fireworks, and busy schedules. Your four-legged caregivers have one simple reminder:

โค Take care of yourself first.

If loud fireworks aren't your favorite, that's okay. A quiet evening, your favorite chair, a cool drink, and a loyal companion can make for a pretty wonderful celebration.

Now we'd love to meet the rest of our COPD360social K9 Caregiver Team! ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿฑ๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿฆœ

๐Ÿ“ธ Share a photo of your furry (or feathered!) caregiver and tell us...
What would their official job title be?

๐Ÿพ Chief Snuggle Officer?
๐Ÿพ Director of Nap Enforcement?
๐Ÿพ Medication Reminder Manager?
๐Ÿพ Firework Comfort Specialist?
๐Ÿพ Head of Tail-Wagging Services?

From all of usโ€”especially Jasmine and Jagโ€”we wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and happy Fourth of July weekend! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’™

14 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Does anyone eat a protein bar, shake, to gain muscle after walk

GAnne - if you're losing weight, without intending to. then you probably should see your doctor. How far are you walking? What do you eat during the day?

6 minutes ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Does anyone eat a protein bar, shake, to gain muscle after walk

When you drink water all day and nothing else and walk, you lose weight is anyone doing a protein bar or shake afterwards? What do you do?

54 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

That's awesome, Karen! You can use a different flavor of Jello mix, different food coloring, and different sprinkles to suit your needs. Be sure to save a few for yourself, just to try...๐Ÿ˜‰...

3 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

I'm saving this recipe and going to make it for our next Ladies Luncheon here - it sounds delicious!!...

3 hours ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Does this mean it's getting worse

Were you prescribed oxygen? What are the circumstances when oxygen drops to low 80s? If you are active at the time immediately before the drop, does it rise to a normal saturation? It's not unusual for us to drop to the 80s when active and then have it …
das23WildebeestCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question das23and 4 others also answered the question

4 hours ago

puglover

puglover

At one point, they were saying I was a heart failure patient and then said no???????I'mI'm new here. N,ot sure how all this works. I have been told I have mild emphysema, then COPD, and then chronic bronchitis. Whatever it is I need help. The shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing have been almost nonstop for months now. Constantly going to my PCP, heart doctor, and an occasional lung doctor visit. Those are hard to get. One says it is my heart; the other says no, it is the lungs.
I have been on several inhalers and a nebulizer. These only give minor relief. I also have gained almost 20 lbs since stopping smoking and using prednisone, hoping to clear up chest congestion. Nothing is helping.  I stay exhausted after just walking a short way, trying to do normal housework. I'm depressed because the doctors do not seem to care.  Now my feet and ankles are swelling twice their size, and all the PCP said to do was weigh myself each day and come back in a week. 
Has anyone else had this happen? At one point, they were saying I was a heart failure patient and then said no???????n to them?  At one point they were saying I was a heart failure patiant and then said no???????

5 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainAnd, I will add one point here. Please do your best to remain calm, and have a positive outlook on life! It really does help! ๐Ÿ™‚4 hours ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHello and welcome pugloverโ€‹.  I'm sure it's very discouraging and frustrating to get conflicting opinions on what's happening to cause your issues.  Do you live anywhere near a large medical center, such as National Jewish in Denver, or one of the Mayo Clinic locations,  or The Cleveland Clinic?  It sounds as if you may need to be evaluated by a team of physicians to determine exactly what the cause is.


    Are you watching how much liquid and sodium you are consuming?  If you are a heart failure patient, that's extremely important, and may be the cause of your swelling.  


    If your breathing continues to be difficult and the swelling continues, please go to the ER.  


    Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.



    3 hours ago
  • JeanO53Hello pugloverโ€‹ - The others have given you great suggestions.  I too am a patient and not a healthcare provider.  
    - I have a question... What tests have you been given?
    .. To diagnose COPD (emphysema or bronchitis)  pulmonary function tests are needed.  At the very least you will need a spirometry test.  This is the definitive test for COPD.
    .. For my diagnosis, my doctors ordered the pulmonary function test AND an echocardiogram.  The echocardiogram was to check for Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) - to see if that was causing my shortness of breath.
    .. If you've not had these tests done, I suggest you request them.  It's important to know what is causing your symptoms in order to determine how to address the causes; what medications are needed.  It could be that you have both CHF and COPD.   The shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing would seem to indicate lungs.  The constant swelling in your legs could indicate the heart.
    .. One of the things I've learned is that I/We have to be my/our own best advocate.  Ask for what you need.  Be specific about your symptoms and when they occur.  Being a better prepared patient can help your doctors be better healthcare providers.2 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธ๐Ÿ”ตEASY PATRIOTIC COOKIES๐Ÿ”ตโšช๏ธ๐Ÿ”ด1 package white cake mixOne 3-ounce package blue raspberry Jello mix1/4 cup butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 large eggFew drops blue food coloring Vanilla frosting Red, white, and blue...

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from our good friend Miyagi, who is all grown up now! Seems as though she's enjoying her secret hideout! We wish everyone a wonderful day! ๐Ÿคฉ

11 hours ago

Tom.E

Tom.Eanswered the question sleeping pill/anxiety

I read an article lately about what RNs keep in their home medicine cabinet and one keeps Magnesium Glycinate supplements to help with their sleep. Seems to help some folks. Might be worth looking into after a talk with your doc.
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainSDMlizjband 3 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

13 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

My relative works at a bank and sent out this message about scams:
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it's also a favorite time of year for scammers... They know banks, agencies, and offices will be closed, making it harder for you to verify anything before acting. Here's what to watch for and how to stay protected:
โ€ข URGENT MESSAGES ARE A RED FLAG - Watch for texts or emails claiming to be from the IRS, a government agency, or a financial institution, warning of an emergency like a locked account or unpaid taxes that need immediate action. Real agencies and reputable financial institutions will never pressure you this way.


โ€ข HOLIDAY LINKS CAN CARRY MALWARE - Fourth of July e-cards, fireworks videos, and social media "deals" are common vehicles for malicious links. If something looks too festive to be real, treat it with caution.


โ€ข VERIFY BEFORE YOU TRUST - A message from a friend on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or by text could come from a hacked or cloned account. Even genuine friends can unknowingly forward malware. When in doubt, confirm directly with the person before clicking.


โ€ข PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS - If you receive a message about your bank or card accounts, do not click any links or call any numbers included in it. Call your financial institution directly using the number on your card or their official website to confirm.


โ€ข LET IT WAIT! - If you cannot verify that a message is legitimate and the sender is closed for the holiday, let it wait... A real issue will still be there when they reopen.


Please enjoy the holiday weekend with your ohana and keep your guard up along with the fireworks...
Mahalo for keeping security a priority,

16 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Just read about an app that uses AI to help detect early exacerbations of asthma & COPD. Itโ€™s still in clinical trials but promising.
https://www.iosconews.com/news/nation/article_44ef7160-1dfb-500a-9e77-f923b5925103.html

17 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing all of our members well, and hoping those of you in areas of extreme heat are managing well, and pulling through! 

20 hours ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonWhat's great day to be alive.No matter how bad your life seems to be with COPD and all of the spin off goodies It lays on us please stay strong and remember tomorrow may be that day where it all turns around.We all here have so much to PF10 about and justafibly complain about but it could definitely be worse,thanks  we all have each other to keep us grounded.Remember to crank the tunes deep breath smile and repeat.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ›ธ๐Ÿ‘ฝ WORLD UFO DAY INVESTIGATION ๐Ÿ‘ฝ๐Ÿ›ธ

Scientists have searched the skies for decades...

Meanwhile, our community has been investigating some mysteries of our own.

๐Ÿ” Where does the nebulizer mouthpiece disappear to?
๐Ÿ” Why is the inhaler never where you were sure you left it?
๐Ÿ” How does oxygen tubing wrap around absolutely everything without moving?
๐Ÿ” And who keeps hiding the pulse oximeter?

At this point, we're not saying it's aliens...

...but we're not not saying it's aliens. ๐Ÿ˜‚

One thing isn't a mystery, though.

Whether you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, or caring for someone you love, you're never alone. There's always someone here who understands these little daily adventuresโ€”and is ready to laugh right along with you.

๐Ÿ‘ฝ Tell us your funniest "disappearing medical equipment" story! What's the one thing that always seems to vanish when you need it most?

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Letโ€™s Talk Cough: Patient Groups Unite to Inform Drug Development in Chronic Cough

First-ever patient focused drug development meeting for chronic cough will be held in October 2026.

Washington D.C. (July 2, 2026) โ€” For the first time, a coalition of patient advocacy organizations is uniting to bring the voice of the chronic cough community directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, COPD Foundation, Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation announce Let's Talk Cough, a joint effort to document and elevate the lived experience of chronic cough. This initiative aims to capture the full impact of chronic cough across many conditions, current management strategies, unmet medical needs, and treatment outcomes that matter most patientsโ€”with the goal of informing the development of new therapies.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸดFRUIT-GLAZED PORK CHOPS๐Ÿด ๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธGRILL RECIPEโšช๏ธ๐Ÿ”ด1/3 cup hickory smoke flavor BBQ sauce1/2 cup apricot OR peach preserves1 tbsp. corn syrup1 tsp. yellow mustard 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 6 bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4-inch thick1/2 tsp....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWishing everyone a very happy Thursday! Start your day with a beautiful smile, and keep those positive thoughts flowing! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Jenn Lynn

Jenn Lynn

 literally almost asked if my O2 concentrator came wireless. Hey everything else is wireless
 Lol

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • SDMIf my electricity went out as often as my wifi I'd be in trouble.  Actually the oxygen tanks are wireless, no electric, no battery and no wifi but i do hate pulling those around.  I wish there was a better way than the oxygen cords and nebulizers. 1 day ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThe portable oxygen concentrators are battery operated (and also can run off AC or DC power, with cords.  Itโ€™s handy but sadly that batteries donโ€™t run as long and arenโ€™t as light as weโ€™d like.  I am friends with an inventor and keep prodding him and his company to help us get lighter batteries and better, lighter portable oxygen concentrators.  Iโ€™m not holding my breath!15 hours ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainMy solution when we have power outages (which we seem to have multiple times/year) is to have a Duracell power brick that is 500 watts (there are others out there as well, some higher wattage, some can be powered with solar panels).  I can plug my POC into the power brick and it will run for at least 8+ hours, which so far has been long enough for the power to come back on.  If thatโ€™s not enough, I have a cord that can run my POC off my hybrid car battery, as long as that has power.  


    What I like about my power brick is it has a handle and is about 10 pounds, so I can transport it if we need to evacuate.  Also, it holds its charge for about a year and can be recharged by plugging it into the wall outlet and recharges in 4+ hours.  Many of the other power sources are too heavy for me to manage, especially with my POC, & the batteries & cords that come with it.  (I admit it, Iโ€™m a wimp.)15 hours ago
Jenn Lynn

Jenn Lynn

There are days that I feel ok, breathe pretty good and then there are days when walking across the room leaves me breathless and drops my O2
I am recently diagnosed with COPD. I also have a few other medical problems that affect how I get around. And it is a million degrees in my house. I am exhausted all the time. Will I ever get off oxygen once on it?

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Advice for caregiver burnout?

The American Lung Association has a wonderful Caregiver Guide - there may ne some suggestions that would ease your mind in it: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/caregive...
DaughterBeckybrydy also answered the question DaughterBeckyand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

DaughterBecky

DaughterBeckyasked the question: Advice for caregiver burnout?

Iโ€™m new to the group but not to copd caregiving. My mom is 76 with stage 4 copd. She still smokes a pack a day. She weighs under 75 pounds. She lives alone. She was recently hospitalized for a week for an exacerbation. She was scheduled to go to rehab …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

It is yummy, and very easy to prepare, Karen! ๐Ÿ˜€...

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ˜‚ Happy International Joke Day & Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŒŽ

Wednesday we're celebrating two of my favorite things... laughter and seeing the amazing places (and moments!) that make up your corner of the world.

This week's Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday has a fun twist...

๐Ÿ“ธ Show us the FUNNIEST corner of your world!

Maybe it's your dog giving you that look. A funny sign you spotted. A project that didn't quite go as planned. A spectacular weather forecast that promised sunshine while you're looking at pouring rain. Or just one of those perfectly timed photos that makes everyone smile.

Need a laugh to get us started?

๐Ÿคฃ Doctor: "Try to avoid stress."
Me: "Have you ever tried to untangle oxygen tubing... while the dog is standing on it?"

๐Ÿคฃ My smartwatch congratulated me on an amazing workout...
I was folding laundry.

๐Ÿคฃ Whoever invented oxygen tubing obviously never owned a recliner, a coffee table, and a dog.

๐Ÿคฃ My doctor said, "Listen to your body."
My body said, "Let's have a snack and a nap."

๐Ÿคฃ Caregiver Olympics:
๐Ÿฅ‡ Find the inhaler.
๐Ÿฅˆ Find the glasses.
๐Ÿฅ‰ Realize the glasses have been on your head the whole time.

Now it's YOUR turn!

๐Ÿ˜„ Tell us your favorite clean joke.
๐Ÿ“ธ Share a funny photo from your corner of the world.
โค Or simply tell us something that made you laugh this week.

Living with COPDโ€”and being a caregiverโ€”comes with enough serious moments. Today, let's celebrate something we can all use a little more of: laughter, friendship, and the kind of humor only this incredible community truly understands.

Now... let's see who posts the funniest photo or the best joke! I have a feeling this community is about to make a lot of people smile. ๐Ÿ˜„๐ŸŒŽ

2 days ago

brydy

brydy

Happy Canada Day. I know most here are American but Canada Day is a big deal in my country. We celebrate this place we call home & a big kick off to summer. Its crazy hot today already 45c but some friends are crashing here tonight in their tent after enjoying the festivities & fireworks at the lake later. Hope everyones managing thru this heat & humidity. be careful out there guys ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ’ RED, WHITE, AND BLUE PARFAIT๐Ÿ’  1 cup diced watermelon, plus 6 extra pieces diced watermelon 1 cup blueberries 6 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt Whipped creamUsing 2 pint size mason jars, assemble the parfaits.Layer, starting with the blueberries,...

2 days ago

carolyn johnson

carolyn johnson

Good morning  im still feeling down and depressed  until i figure out whats gling on with  these recent flare up. I cant cough up mucus no more. My doctor told me i have asthma  not copd and other doctors cant tell the difference  which i knew that wasnt true. I have no faith in him i feel like its all about insurance money not about me. Im switching doctors. He put me back on incruse which i was once taking off it. Im so confused and i have allergies  and acid flux and i do still work and walk 3 days a week. But i feel like im taking care of everyone else accept  me. I have a special needs newphew and im disable mom and i take care of a ex who disable also.  My hands are full but i feel like i have no one that understands  me. I haven't  been eating because of my flare up  just drinking to stay hydrated.  I love my grandbabies to death  and my children . Dena umbash i might be spelling your name wrong i do know how your feeling right now. Your welcome to reach out im available  to talk. You can even call me because  we are both the same age 54. Im stage 3 i think

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, friends! Just buzzing by to wish you a great day!  ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’จ Bee happy. Bee strong. Bee positive. Bee-You-Tee-Ful! ๐Ÿ

2 days ago

Dena Umbach

Dena Umbach

Hi .. New here.. im stage 4 COPD & 11% function..  Ive just turn 54yrs old . 2 weeks no smoking .. lung transplant list in next 5 iish months .  .  Looking to learn more about copd and what is ahead for me . Found out i had copd about 3 yrs ago but the last 6 / 7 months its got extremely worse,,  on oxygen 24/7..   a month 1/2 ago. .  Vary emotional about it all .. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿปโค

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.