COPD360social welcomes new member KAW who joins 66,175 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ‚ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday! ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

Itโ€™s Wednesday, which means Iโ€™m getting nosy again and want to see whatโ€™s happening in your corner of the world. ๐Ÿ˜‚

This week, letโ€™s look for signs of change.

Weโ€™re in that funny little in-between time of year. Summer is still hanging around, but fall is starting to sneak in around the edges. Maybe youโ€™ve noticed a leaf changing color, different flowers blooming, birds gathering, cooler mornings, a beautiful sunset, or somebody down the street who has already decided it is absolutely pumpkin season. ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿ˜‚

Take a look around and show us one little sign that things are changing where you are.

And rememberโ€”you donโ€™t have to go anywhere to participate. Your picture can be from the porch, through the window, from the car, or right from your favorite chair. Having a rough breathing day? Old pictures absolutely count. Dig through that camera roll and bring us along somewhere that makes you smile.

Thatโ€™s the fun of Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday. We may not always be able to travel very far ourselves, but for a little while, we can travel through each otherโ€™s pictures. ๐Ÿ’™

So, 360social friendsโ€ฆ what does your corner of the world look like today?

๐Ÿ“ธ Letโ€™s see it!

2 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฅ‘ Happy National Guacamole Day, 360Social!

Okay, everybody remain calm.

Actually, never mind. ITโ€™S GUACAMOLE DAY! ๐Ÿฅ‘

I realize I may be a little more excited about this than a grown adult should be, but have you met an avocado?

Perfectly ripe. A little pinch of sea salt. Pure heaven.

And then somebody, somewhere looked at that already-perfect avocado and thought, โ€œYou know what this needs? Lime, onion, tomato, cilantro, maybe a little jalapeรฑoโ€ฆโ€

POW. Guacamole. ๐Ÿ’ฅ
Humanity really does have its moments. 

And underneath all that deliciousness, avocados bring some good stuff to the table too โ€” healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and other nutrients. Look at that! Guacamole out here doing its part. 

But I think National Guacamole Day also gives us a perfectly good excuse to remember something else.

We hear a lot about stopping to smell the roses. Well, sometimes you need to stop and eat the guacamole. ๐Ÿฅ‘

Life with COPD โ€” whether youโ€™re the patient, caregiver, family member, or friend โ€” can get pretty darn serious. So when one of those simple little things comes along that makes you happy, enjoy it. Try something new. Savor an old favorite. Laugh a little. And if there happens to be a bowl of guacamole sitting in front of you, grab a chip and get in there!

Life is short. The avocado is perfectly ripe for approximately 11 minutes. We don't have time to waste. 

So let's settle this:

Team Guacamole? Team Plain Avocado? Or Team โ€œNope, Brandon, you can have mineโ€?

And if you're on Team Guacamole, what HAS to go in yours? ๐Ÿฅ‘

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โ–ถ๏ธโ–ถ๏ธPORK 'N PLUMSโ—€๏ธโ—€๏ธ1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced and pounded thinSaltOlive oilUnsalted butter 4 plums, cut into wedges 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup red wine vinegar Season pork with desired amount of salt.In a large...

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, everyone! Did you know that we have lots of reliable educational material on our website? Simply click on the LEARN MORE tab at the top of the page. You CAN learn something new every day! ๐Ÿ™‚

7 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Yay, got our flu shots today, as we want as much protection as possible for upcoming October weddings and holidays that follow.  The pharmacist giving the vaccine said one of the kids in her kid's preschool class just got the flu, so it's definitely circulating in HI.  Glad to have gotten it done quickly, and as a walk-in no less!  The pharmacy happened to have 3 pharmacists on duty at the same time, so they were very well-staffed today and everyone was in a great mood!

13 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thank you, Karen! It's got a nice early Fall feel, and your whole meal is made in one skillet! ...

19 hours ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Are Aches and Pains a Common Symptom of COPD?

We all know breathlessness, cough, and fatigue are common symptoms of COPD. But what about body pain? If you have had long-lasting aches and pains, it may be because of your COPD. Somewhere between 44% and 88% of people living with COPD experience aches …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸMAPLE-MUSTARD CHICKEN MEAL๐Ÿ2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tsp. garlic powder4 cups peeled, diced sweet potatoes 1 cup finely diced onion6 cups shredded Brussels sprouts 1/4 cup...

1 day ago

Jenga1

Jenga1commented onUnderstanding Specialty Pharmacies

My pulmonologist works at the medical college in our area. He's introduced me to their pharmacy staff who have been very helpful in tracking some medications that were late being sent, and arranging getting me some oxygen equipment I'd forgotten to...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello, and happy Tuesday! 
Yes! Friends gather here! When you become a member of 360Social, you will soon see just how friendly the folks are! Wishing everyone a beautiful day! ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ‚

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Just a quick note to thank everyone for all of your support, good wishes and prayers.  I had 4 Zephyr valves placed in my upper right lobe Friday afternoon.  The protocol is to keep patients in the hospital for 3 days in case of a pneumothorax, which I luckily did not have ๐Ÿ˜  (About 30% of patients do experience that afterward).  I was discharged this afternoon and am now home, resting and apologizing to Ebony for having left her - although there were 5 family members in and out, so it's not exactly as if she had been abandoned ๐Ÿ˜†


I'll be glad to answer questions in another day or two, when I've gotten caught up on sleep - you know they do not let you sleep in the hospital!!

1 day ago

Wife2025

Wife2025

 Im feeling overwhelmed.  Are there any caregivers support groups in Colorado?

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Has anyone heard from our friend Karen Deitemeyer.

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMusic fir a Monday,


Everything is Beautiful     Ray Stevens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHyxBq1PYO8

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽจ Happy National Live Creative Day, 360Social!

Now this is a day I can get behind.

Today is basically permission to let your imagination wander a little โ€” invent something, discover something, daydream, try something different, or just look at an everyday thing and think, โ€œHuhโ€ฆ I wonder if thereโ€™s a better way to do that?โ€

And before anybody says, โ€œWell, Iโ€™m not creativeโ€ฆโ€ Nope. Not getting away that easily.

Creativity doesnโ€™t have to mean painting a masterpiece or suddenly deciding youโ€™re going to become a sculptor by dinner. Maybe you love photography, cooking, gardening, writing, music, woodworking, decorating, crafting, or tinkering with things.

Or maybe your creativity shows up in a completely different way.

Living with COPD โ€” or caring for someone who does โ€” can turn you into a pretty darn good problem-solver. We figure out shortcuts. We adapt things. We find ways to save a few steps or a little energy. Sometimes we take an old idea, give it a twist, and suddenly it works a whole lot better for our life.

That counts!

So today, give that creative side of your brain a little room to roam. Pick up an old hobby, try something new, daydream a bit, or tackle something from a completely different angle.

๐Ÿ’ญ Where does creativity show up in your life?

Maybe itโ€™s a passion, a hobby, something youโ€™ve made, a clever COPD workaround, or one of those little tricks youโ€™ve figured out along the way.

Letโ€™s hear it โ€” because I have a feeling thereโ€™s a whole lot more creativity around this neighborhood than we realize!

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿง€BROCCOLI~CHEDDAR ORZO๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿง€1 tbsp. butter1 tbsp. olive oil 1 small onion, finely diced2 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo3 cups chicken broth2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tap. freshly ground black...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy marvelous Monday, everyone! Wishing all of our wonderful members an awesome, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Bernadine

Bernadine

Hello there. Iam Bern and i have had COPD for about 12 years.  I hope everyone is doing ok and as well as can be expected.  I gave up smoking 10 years ago but vape.  After i gave up I had no chest infection for about 9 years but this year I have had 3. Anyway I am pleased to be here on a,Forum with you all and to chat and listen to others, hugs.

2 days ago

Lucy k

Lucy kanswered the question CPET result is here

This is so im
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends!
A friendly little reminder to get your flu vaccination! Bruce and I got ours this morning! If you are unsure of when to get yours, your doctor will be able to help you decide.


You certainly don't want to get the flu.
Being protected is the thing to do.
It doesn't hurt, not even one bit.
No bleeding or drama, that's it.
Prevention is always so smart.
So, go ahead and do your part!
๐Ÿ’‰ ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Wishing everyone an absolutely beautiful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Does pulmonary rehab help?

Its really nice to hear from you GAnne, Ive been wondering how your doing. thats awesome you are doing pulm rehab again!
GAnnePuzzieDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 4 others also answered the question GAnneand 6 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ Today is National Day of Encouragement โ€” basically the official โ€œYes, you canโ€ holiday.

And I think 360social knows a thing or two about this one.

Encouragement doesnโ€™t have to be some big speech. Sometimes itโ€™s simply:

โ€œYouโ€™re doing better than you think.โ€
โ€œDonโ€™t forget your meds.โ€
โ€œTake your time. Thereโ€™s no prize for finishing first.โ€
โ€œI know today is hard, but youโ€™re still here pushing through.โ€
โ€œGive yourself a little grace today.โ€
Or one of my favorites: โ€œYouโ€™ve got this.โ€

Living with COPDโ€”or caring for someone who doesโ€”can make even an ordinary day feel like a pretty big accomplishment. Sometimes having somebody recognize that can make all the difference.

And the best part? Encouragement is free. It costs us absolutely nothing to give somebody a little boost, whether itโ€™s a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, or someone right here in this community.

So today, letโ€™s spread a little extra encouragement around 360social.


Whatโ€™s something youโ€™d like to say to encourage someone else today? Or maybe something you need to hear yourself?

You never know who might read your words at exactly the right time.

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! Waking up with a smile on your face sets the tone for the day. Starting off in a positive way means that happiness is right around the corner! Enjoy this beautiful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 days ago

Tcd

Tcd

I have asthma overlap stage three emphysema. Doc is considering valves or volume reduction surgery. Iโ€™ve been doing some research and it seems even though the lung volume reduction surgery is more evasive the outcome is better. Can anyone share their experience with these procedures? 

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Good afternoon, friends. I hope you are having a nice Friday!
I just want to let you know about my husband Bruce's health condition. Those who know me will remember the whole story.
Bruce has been diagnosed with cancer once again. It has been spreading in his neck. It's an aggressive cancer. It has started eating away at the nerve near his vocal cord, which is paralyzed. There is cancer somewhere else is his body, but they have to find it. 
He has been struggling to speak and swallow. He's still going to work every day. 
The cancer is 100 percent treatable and curable. His neck oncologist will be treating thr cancer with radiation and chemical. He'll be out of work for 2 months, and will be in a great amount of pain.
He has a positive outlook, and the will to recover. Very important! 



4 days ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: CPET result is here

If anyone has any comments I'd be interested. It was done on a bike. Effort was maximal stopping due to breathlessness. HR peaked at 98% of predicted maximum. Breathing reserve was 23% (normal). Peak lactate was low at 5 when it should be over 8. Peak …

4 days ago

Lauriek64

Lauriek64

I'm doing ok. I have good and bad days

4 days ago

Patrick Moose

Patrick Mooseanswered the question Has anyone been involved in stem cell treatments? I understand there is no hard evidence.

To follow up on my experience - I have asthma / COPD overlay which mostly manifests in chronic bronchitis. My ox levels are stable (96-97) but Iโ€™m in bed 2-4 months out of the year with bronchial flares. If I get a virus my life is hell for the next few …
Upstate NY MikeKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainJeanO53and 2 others also answered the question Upstate NY Mikeand 4 others also answered the question

5 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.