COPD360social welcomes new member Bud light who joins 65,810 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ You may never realize how much one comment can change someone's life.

Today is National Be Someone Day, and honestly... this community lives that message every single day.

Someone here has shared a tip that helped another member breathe a little easier.

Someone has offered hope after a frightening diagnosis.

Someone has reminded another caregiver that they're not carrying everything alone.

Someone has celebrated a walk to the mailbox like it was crossing a finish line.

Those moments matter.

Every encouraging word...
Every shared experience...
Every "thinking of you"...
Every "you've got this"...

They remind people they're not fighting COPD alone.

โค Today, let's do it again.

Leave a kind comment.
Welcome someone new.
Check in on a friend.
Share something that's helped you.

Because you don't have to change the whole world.

You just have to change one person's day. And around here... that's something we do pretty well.

18 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello, and happy wonderful Wednesday! Wishing all of our members a beautiful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

15 minutes ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

One more thing, I learned and was reminded the hard wayโ€”ALWAYS hand carry any and all medical equipment. I once put my portable travel nebulizer in my checked luggage. It was pried apart by TSA and had to be discarded and replaced. TSA refused to …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaindas23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

16 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸฃPLUM AND BANANA SMOOTHIE๐ŸŸก3 large ripe plums, pitted and chopped1 medium ripe banana, broken into chunks and frozen1 cup milk of your choice1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Pinch nutmeg3 ice cubesPlace all ingredients in a high...

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGood morning, and happy Tuesday!
I wish everyone a pleasant and productive day! 
Give yourselves a big pat on the back for everything you do, and cross off your to-do list. Every accomplishment is a great big one! 
Keep on smiling, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

jeffdrake

jeffdrake

I am doing fine, because my COPD is "stable."  But, this wasn't always the case.

A little over a year ago I was experiencing flare-ups regularly, and sadly, frequently. I remember reading there was even a name for my condition. I would get a flare-up, take prednisone and antibiotics for 10 days, then I'd be good for a couple weeks, then boom, I'd get another flare-up. It was awful and I seriously didn't think I was going to survive the flare-up storms I was experincing.

Then I was tested to see how high my eosinephils were. The result showed they were high enough for me to qualify for Dupixent. I started taking it and the results were immediate, and long-lasting. I have not had a single fflare-up since I started Dupixent!

Dupixent is, as far as I am concererned, a miracle drug. I owe my life to it. I'm sharing this with the hope that others might find the same relief that I am getting.

No, I am not a Dupixent schill. I get no compensation for telling you what my personal experience ahs been with this drug.

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question SOB when taking showers?

Lucy k Are you on oxygen? If so, you can hang the tubing over the shower rod and continue to use it in the shower. If not, then something else you could do is to use your "rescue" inhaler in advance. Spesk with your provider about this, but this …
Lucy kMama Geemelody1957and 3 others also answered the question Lucy kand 5 others also answered the question

1 day ago

LindaB50

LindaB50

Is it good to push yourself causing your oxygen level to go down.  Does it strengthen or damage your lungs?

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI agree with das23. Please ask your doctor about this. 1 day ago
  • WildebeestI agree this is a question for a doctor or respiratory physiotherapist. I would say that as far as I know, strengthening lungs as such is not really a thing. They work as well as they work. It is normal for oxygen sats to dip a little bit during exercise (for anyone) but a healthy person with sats sitting around 98/9 would expect to maintain 95/6 even during heavy exertion. However, one would also expect the sats to bounce back up fast when exertion stops. When the lungs are compromised there can be problems with this, depending on what the lung issues are. Hyperinflation can cause interference with blood flow to and from the heart, for example, and tax the heart. If the lungs don't transfer oxygen to the blood well then the reduced sats may linger and that is when you have a big problem because the brain gets very unhappy with reduced oxygen. At that point you run a risk of dizziness, falls and blackouts. There are all sorts of factors at play and it's not really a simple question. I am currently struggling with walking intolerance though other exercise is fine. I am hoping to get a cardio-pulmonary exercise test to see what exactly is going on when I feel wobbly during a walk. If I get any interesting information on lungs and exercise I will try to remember to come back and update. But it's still a question for your own medics...20 hours ago
  • David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Exercise is good.  If your oxygen levels decrease with exercise- you may qualify for supplemental oxygen.  Training ( such as pulmonary rehabilitation) increases both muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity ( which results in better functioning lungs)19 hours ago
LindaB50

LindaB50

Good thanks 

1 day ago

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)

Kalli Mago (COPDF Communications Coordinator)asked the question: Check-in: Preparing to travel with COPD

Travel adds joy to life . Whether you go to visit loved ones , try something new, or explore the world, traveling opens the door to new experiences . COPD can make travel more difficult , but it do esnโ€™t h av e to keep yo u a t home. With …

1 day ago

Tom6314

Tom6314

What Can I say, Glad to find this group, 70 Years old. Waiting for the lung test to confirm the CT of Stage 2 Emphyzema.

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainMonday Morning Music.

"Electric Avenue" Eddie Grant


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azuSxl9sHmc

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿš€ Happy Space Exploration Day! ๐ŸŒŽโœจ

Every great discovery starts with one simple question:

"What if?"

What if I asked my doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation?

What if I tried a different airway clearance routine?

What if I joined a support community where people truly understand?

What if I took a short walk today... just to see how I feel?

Space exploration has always been about taking that first step into the unknown. Living with COPD or bronchiectasis can sometimes feel the same way. Trying something new can be a little intimidatingโ€”but it's often how we discover new ways to breathe easier, stay active, and improve our quality of life.

You don't have to make a giant leap today. Even one small step forward is still progress. ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒŸ What is one thing you've explored that has made a positive difference in your journey? Maybe it was pulmonary rehab, a new medication, airway clearance, oxygen, exercise, breathing techniques, or finding this community.

Your experience might be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today!

1 day ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments7 comment(s)
  • das23I have moderate COPD and mild Bronchiectasis---The Bronchiectasis was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I started doing Airway Clearance----No chest infections since!!1 day ago
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainThe one discovery that changed my journey was going to Pulmonary Rehab back in 2004 or 05 (can't remember which exact year it was).  I learned so much about living well with my severe COPD.  And, another great discovery was when I met John Walsh (founder of the COPDF, for those who may not know) and became a State Captain and eventualy one of the early members of 360Social.1 day ago
  • HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainThe one thing I did was listen to my primary care doc, who urged me to go to Denver for a thorough work up, especially after I got worse from each of the local lung specialists I was referred to. There I was able to get the support I needed and more answers than my local docs had been offering. They also helped evaluate me and helped me develop an exercise program that worked for me. 


    They were happy to continue working with me via email and I was able to coordinate care with my local docs. 22 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„YELLOW RICE๐Ÿฅ„1/4 cup unsalted butter2 cups Basmati OR Jasmine rice4 cups chicken broth2 tsp. turmeric 1 chicken bouillon cube1 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. onion powder1/2 tsp. paprika Salt and pepper to taste Melt butter in a large...

1 day ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024

Thank you for your advice.  I'm 82 and lilve alone.  Do most of the people that use Ohtuyvre live alone, have a care giver or live in a facility?  For several years now, for reasons I don't know, I will be eating or drinking something and begin coughing and or choking.  Do you use this medication?  Please let me know your answers.  Thanks so much.  Nancy2024

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends! May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!    ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜€ Make the best of every moment...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

Just a little note!
When I am out and about, I like to spread the word about COPD, and this website. Many conversations this weekend ended up being about the wildfire smoke situation. 
This is THE perfect time to hand out Captain's Calling Cards! Folks can learn about better breathing, taking precautions, and how folks like us deal with the smoke on a daily basis.
I tell people that if anyone is being affected by the smoke, they should visit our website. ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’™

2 days ago

LFAOMGA

LFAOMGA

Electric is still out from severe storm that started here in Ohio around 5:30 pm yesterday when one of the lines came down onto the street. The good news is that it has really cooled down from the storm so itโ€™s still a happy Sunday for me. My neighbor has a generator and let me bring my frozen food over to put in their basement freezer. Kind neighbors are a gift ๐ŸŽ 

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Can anyone interpret these latest blood tests

This demonstrates chronic CO2 retention that is mostly compensated. This suggests chronic hypoventilation and end stage severe COPD. I have had several patients that survive with this level of impairment for months to a year or two- but most only survive …
netmouse also answered the question netmouse 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 Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

Every medication has the potential for side effects. As an inhaled medication, Ensifentirne (Ohtuvayre) has fewer side effects than systemic medications- but some people are more sensitive to medications than others. The reported psychiatric side effects …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainnetmouseKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 1 other also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Wonderful article featuring Grace Anne Dorney Koppel about COPD.
www.www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2026/07/18/ted-koppels-wife-grace-anne-talks-about-life-with-copd/

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday! We have a very nice friend here with us today who wants to make an announcement. She would like to wish all of you a pleasant day. She would also like to remind you to take some time out for yourselves and enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Wildfires + Apartment Search

Well, I can well imagine this weekend has been a concern for you, to say the least. I have stayed inside for a few days. I'm in Pennsylvania and we went up to the "hazardous" maroon (highest) AQI level for 3 hours overnight Friday. Today Saturday, …
GAnnebrydy also answered the question GAnneand 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPlease save the date & join us for a wonderful zoom event. It is our 20th anniversary and more information & registration information is available at www.hawaiicopd.org/19th-annual-copd-education-day/.  It will be a lot of interesting speakers and topics.  It is free to all interested registrants.

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainSilly sign posted on bathroom at a bar (saw it online).

3 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53

Update on Sleep Progress:  
All is going incredibly well with addressing my sleep issues.  I seem to have found a good rhythm for getting a good night's sleep.  It's kind of amazing.  I'm averaging about 7.5 hours of sleep a night with an average of 1.5 of deep sleep.
- What's working for me are a number of things. 
... First was recognizing there's a "sleep window".   I usually start yawning around 9:30 - 10:00.  I used to push past that.  I now recognize that as the "sign" and I'm leaning into it.  That's the sign to wind down and be ready to sleep by 11:30-12:00
... I've shifted most things to earlier in the evening.  I try to make sure I've had dinner around 6:00 pm, do my evening medication routine around 8:00 pm, and have everything set up for sleep before 9:30.  
... I do some gentle stretches and pursed lip breathing just before lights out.
... My alarm is set for 8:00 am and I try to stick to that.


I try not to make it too regimented.  I know that I'd resent and resist anything set in stone.  It's been about relaxing and setting a new rhythm.  My body and brain are responding very positively.  It's a great incentive to enjoy this new routine.

3 days ago

Nancy2024

Nancy2024asked the question: Having taken Chantix years ago, I now fear taking Ohtuyvre

Need to speak to an interventional pulmonologist for advice

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! Hoping everyone enjoys their day! Keep those positive thoughts flowing! 
Remember, a smile on your face puts everyone in a good place! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 days ago

leeseeya

leeseeya

Hello everyone, I am new to this group because of my hard headedness Ihad chroic bronchitis from 1977-2022 and did not believe I had COPD. Only because as a retired RN I only saw pts with emphysema in the later stages and never saw anyone without O2. It was not until I  voraciously read all articles and blogs about COPD, i am so glad that i found this website and convinced my PCP to refer me to Pulmonary Rehab. i am glad i found this great resource.

4 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.