COPD360social welcomes new member Val47 who joins 66,094 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Forgiveness Day

โ€œForgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude.โ€

โ€” Martin Luther King Jr.

Forgiveness. That's a pretty big wordโ€”and sometimes a really hard one.

Living with COPD, being a caregiver, or just dealing with everything life can throw at us means we all carry some things. Hurt, frustration, anger, regret... and probably a few things we wish we could go back and do differently ourselves.

But forgiveness doesn't mean saying what happened was okay. It doesn't mean forgetting, and it doesn't mean you have to let someone back into your life. Sometimes it's simply deciding you don't want to keep carrying the weight of it.

And believe it or not, letting go of some of that can be good for us. Forgiveness has been linked to less stress, better emotional well-being, and even some physical health benefits. It can also make it a little easier to lead with kindness and empathy toward others.

I think we see a lot of that right here on 360social. We don't always have the same experiences or see everything the same way, but we can listen, give each other some grace, and try to understand where someone else is coming from.

And don't forget to save a little of that forgiveness for yourself.

For the day you didn't get everything done. For needing help. For losing your patience. For something you wish you'd handled differently. Or simply for having a bad day.

Maybe today isn't about fixing everything. Maybe it's just about putting down one little piece of something you've been carrying.

A little more grace, a little more understanding, and a little more kindnessโ€”to others and to ourselves. ๐Ÿ’™

7 hours ago

Misty Green COPDF Research

Misty Green COPDF ResearchYou can help revolutionize COPD research! Join the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network!


The COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (PPRN) is a research registry of individuals with COPD who have agreed to share their health information and the impact the disease has on their lives. The information is kept in a secure database to be used for research โ€“ ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the disease.


Get access to the latest research studies at the COPD Foundation by joining the PPRN today!


https://login.redcapcloud.com/survey.jsp?code=k07kBNuauBXNfWRp

4 days ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question PFT Results, could this be early COPD?

I'm not a medic but all those results look good to me, though as you say the RV is significantly elevated. I have had similar, though it has improved a little over the years and my other numbers are worse. The dizziness you describe could be from …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

4 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿช„โœจ๏ธSPECIAL KIELBASA๐Ÿช„โœจ๏ธThis kielbasa is something special, indeed! Serve over rice or egg noodles, or as an appetizer for a potluck dinner, or holiday gathering, or tailgating party! ๐ŸŽˆ 2 pounds kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch pieces1 cup...

8 hours ago

Jasleen

Jasleenanswered the question โ€‹Check In: Being Your Own Lung Health Champion

From a caregiver perspective, one thing that helps is keeping a simple note of questions, routine changes, and anything that seemed easier or harder during the week. It makes appointments less stressful because you are not trying to remember everything …
Sean P. SmithHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Sean P. Smithand 5 others also answered the question

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends, and good morning! 
As I always say, the little things are the best things! They are bigger than big! So, take comfort in them, as they bring you joy! 
The birds outside in your yard. Finishing the final chapter of a book you've been reading. Trying a new recipe and enjoying what you've prepared.  A surprise phone call from a friend. Your first sip of an iced coffee. 
There are so many little things that bring so much happiness! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

12 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainWear a GOOD mask when using potting mix! 


 https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-retirees-garden-warning-after-common-backyard-mistake-ends-in-10-day-coma-had-no-idea-222950949.html

Aussie retireeโ€™s garden warning after common mistake ends in 10-day coma: 'Had no idea'

The warning is simple, but according to one Australian couple, it's often overlooked.

15 hours ago

CaptainCrunch

CaptainCrunchasked the question: PFT Results, could this be early COPD?

Hello everyone, I've been having some issues lately where I've been getting really dizzy if I exert myself or if I talk a lot, and dealing with some shortness of breath too. I vaped for ~5 years (quit a year and a half ago), so I asked my PCP for a PFT …

21 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

โ˜€ Good Monday morning, 360social!

Can you believe weโ€™re already saying goodbye to August? I swear I was just talking about us starting August, and somehow here we are knocking on Septemberโ€™s door. ๐Ÿ˜‚

For some of us, maybe that means we can finally start looking forward to a little less of that heavy summer heat and humidity and a little more of that cooler fall air. ๐Ÿ‚ I know my lungsโ€”and probably a few of yoursโ€”wouldnโ€™t complain about that!

But before we get too far ahead, letโ€™s just start with today.

Try telling yourself a couple of times this morning:

โ€œToday is a good day.โ€
โ€œThis is going to be a good week.โ€

Does it magically fix everything? Nope. We know better than that. Some mornings are harder than others, especially when youโ€™re managing COPD or caring for someone you love.

But sometimes setting the tone for ourselves can make a little difference.

I do this with my two pups. Iโ€™ll tell them, โ€œYou know what, buddies? Itโ€™s going to be a great day.โ€ Now, whether they understand me or are just waiting for breakfast is debatable. ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿพ But I think I need to hear it as much as they do.

So however this Monday found you, make the morning yours. Start small, give yourself some grace, and do what you can with the day in front of you.

Hereโ€™s to a new day, a new week, and a brand-new month waiting right around the corner. ๐Ÿ’™

I hope itโ€™s a good one, 360social!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ…TOMATO RELISH๐Ÿง…๐Ÿง„4 medium ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped into 1/2-inch pieces1 small onion, finely chopped 1 large clove garlic, crushed 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning Place all ingredients in a...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! 
May you blossom in the sunshine, decorating yourself with smiles! 
๐ŸŒž   ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Clo111

Clo111

Has anyone had experience of a Trelegy Ellipta tapering plan? 

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Help me understand my spirometry 25M

Reizers Quitting is very hard, but it can be done. Just know that most of us who quit tried multiple times prior to quitting. We are cheering for you.
WildebeestReizersdas23 also answered the question Wildebeestand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question How to keep my very long oxygen cord from getting tangled and kinked

Here are some tips that have posted over the years. https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Commu...

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Iโ€™m in a terrible financial position now.

This certainly sounds challenging. I did not know about the three year cap on lost wages- that does not seem right.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question CPET experiences

Hope this gives you some answers. Most important component is to be sure there is 100% effort on your part ( tests with "submaximal effort" are very hard, if not impossible, to interpret)
JazzybeanHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Jazzybeanand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question COPD

It's hard to say for sure without seeing actual report ( that you can post with personal info blocked out). I suspect your FEV1 (amount of air you can blow out in one second) is 22% of what it should be. Your Total lung capacity may be "normal" - but …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday! I am outside doing yardwork! Trimmed the horse chestnut tree branches, pulled weeds, and am planting a few things. Hope everyone is enjoying their day so far! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Alfred Rodriguez

Alfred Rodriguez asked the question: COPD

I was recently diagnosed with COPD. I was told that I have 22% lung function. However I was told that I also had a normal lung capacity. What does this mean?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Live in each moment; make each moment count! Life IS good; each moment is precious. Enjoy your day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ’™ National Grief Awareness Day

Grief is a funny word sometimes, because it can mean so many different things.

Of course, we think about losing someone we loveโ€”a family member, a dear friend, or someone who was a big part of our lives. But grief can also come with changes in our health, losing some independence, not being able to do something the way we once did, or simply realizing life looks a little different than we thought it would.

And caregivers, you aren't left out of this one either. There can be grief in watching someone you love go through those changes, and even anticipatory grief when you know things may be changing.

But here's something I think is important:

Grief and gratitude can live in the same place. ๐Ÿ’™

You can miss the way things used to be and still be thankful for today. You can have a rough morning and laugh that afternoon. You can worry about tomorrow and still find something pretty darn good about right now.

Maybe that's part of what today can be about.

Check in with yourself. How are you doing? And take a look around at the people you care about, too. Is there someone who could use a phone call, a little extra patience, a laugh, a hug, or just somebody willing to listen?

We don't always have to have the right words. Heck, sometimes there aren't any. Just knowing someone is there can mean an awful lot.

And if you're the one carrying some grief right now, give yourself some grace. Take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it. There is absolutely no shame in that.

Most of all, celebrate the good days when they come. Notice the little victories. Hold onto the people you love. Laugh when something is funny. Make the memory. Enjoy today.

Grief may be part of our story, but it doesn't have to be the whole story. ๐Ÿ’™

And around here, you certainly don't have to walk through it by yourself.

2 days ago

Bor

Bor

On oxygen, when sleeping the oxygen gets pulled of my face. How do I keep the cannula from coming  off

3 days ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestasked the question: CPET experiences

I am finally getting a CPET and I hope this will help me get to the bottom of the exercise intolerance I have developed. HRCT, bloods and spirometry confirm I have some permanent damage from the pneumonia and my lung function has deteriorated since 2024 …

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿƒ Happy According to Hoyle Day! โ™ โ™ฅโ™ฃโ™ฆ

For anyone who has played cards, you may have heard somebody say, โ€œAccording to Hoyleโ€ฆโ€ when thereโ€™s a little disagreement about the rules. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Hoyle has been the go-to guide for card games for generationsโ€”and I know we have quite a few card players around 360social!

But it got me thinkingโ€ฆ

Wouldnโ€™t it be nice if COPD came with its own โ€œAccording to Hoyleโ€ rule book?

Okay, I have COPD. Turn to page 42 and tell me exactly what Iโ€™m supposed to do next. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Unfortunately, COPD doesnโ€™t always play by the rules, and patients and caregivers learn pretty quickly that there can be a LOT to figure out.

But we do have something pretty close to our own guidebook!

The COPD Foundationโ€™s Downloads Library is filled with educational materials covering the basics of COPD, managing your health, treatments, oxygen, staying active, tracking how youโ€™re doing, and much more. Our Guides for Better Living are a great place to start!

There may not be one perfect rule book for living with COPD, but having good information in your hand can sure help you play the cards youโ€™ve been dealt a little better. โค

And since it IS According to Hoyle Dayโ€”who are our card players? ๐Ÿƒ Whatโ€™s your game?


Happy According to Hoyle Day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜Š
๐Ÿ“š Visit our Downloads Library here:
https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx

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).

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday to the 360Social gang! I'm here to spread sunshine and happiness! I wish all of you a day filled with joy and smiles! 
๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€

3 days ago

Kim H

Kim Hasked the question: Iโ€™m in a terrible financial position now.

Dear Friends, When I was 40 years old I was driving to work. I was in the left turn lane and it was safe for me to proceed. A car the way behind the car that was heading in my direction obviously had an inpatient driver behind him. So he proceeded to …

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.