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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

National โ€œI Want You to Be Happyโ€ Day ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’™

Today is simpleโ€ฆ and powerful.

I want you to be happy.
Not โ€œperfect dayโ€ happy.
Not โ€œeverything is easyโ€ happy.
Just real-life, breathing-through-it, doing-the-best-we-can happy.

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM -- or caring for someone who does -- isnโ€™t always light. So today feels like a good day to talk about intentional happiness.

Here are a few gentle ideas for both patients and caregivers:

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ For patients:

Step outside (even for 2โ€“5 minutes) and take slow, supported breaths. Fresh air + paced breathing can shift your whole mood.

Play a song that lifts you -- even if you just sway in your chair.

Text someone in this community and say, โ€œThinking of you.โ€

Celebrate something small: good sats, finishing airway clearance, making it through a tough morning.

๐Ÿค For caregivers:

Take 10 guilt-free minutes just for you. Sit. Breathe. Quiet.

Accept help if itโ€™s offered -- happiness sometimes looks like sharing the load.

Do one thing thatโ€™s only for your joy today (music, walk, call a friend, favorite snack).

Remember: your well-being matters just as much.

๐Ÿ’™ And for all of usโ€ฆ

Happiness doesnโ€™t have to be big. It can be:

A fluffy pet beside you

A steady breathing day

A laugh during Coffee Break

A message that reminds you youโ€™re not alone

Letโ€™s make this interactive:

โœจ Drop ONE thing that helps you feel a little happier on hard days.
โœจ Or tag someone here and tell them, โ€œI want you to be happy.โ€

You never know whose day you might gently lift.

I want you to be happy. Truly.
And Iโ€™m really grateful we get to do this together!

14 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Quick Question for Our Community

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), sometimes called โ€œsmoothingโ€?

Itโ€™s meant to spread out your Part D medication costs over the year instead of paying more upfront.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you enrolled? Why or why not?
๐Ÿ‘‰ If you have, has it helped?

Your experience might really help someone else whoโ€™s trying to decide. As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with. 

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Have-you-signed-up-for-the-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-MPPP-.aspx

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

1 day ago

Kerry111

Kerry111

Hi everyone Iโ€™m 30 years old was diagnosed recently with mild emphaesyma I was a baby smoker I stopped 2 years ago but I vape , my doctor didnโ€™t tell me I emphaesyma showed in the scan until I went one day and told them I was short of breath thought it was the smoking but giving it up helped reduce symptoms but I cannot exert myself which is really frustrating me, Iโ€™m worried wat the future will hold will I see my 50s is it worse than mild as I was out on a inhaler and had to go private for a spirometry I have been waiting 6 months on the list with my own dr to get one the private spirometer came back normal do I really have mild emphaseyma is it something else they seen on my scan I havnt much faith in them as they didnโ€™t even tell me I had it and also is the inhaler making the spirometer normal ? Iโ€™m worried sick and I live on my own finding it hard to give up the vape now but I know I got to give it up at some stage hopefully not when itโ€™s to late 

6 hours ago

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

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

That report makes a major lung disease much less likely (nothing is ever 100%). Cardiac causes are still possible. You may ask about getting a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).
Kmcnamara68 also answered the question Kmcnamara68 also answered the question

12 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซWILD RICE WITH MUSHROOMS๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซ3 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided Half of a small onion, finely diced 2 1/2 cups wild rice 5 cups lower sodium chicken broth 1 tbsp. olive oil 8 ounces sliced white button mushrooms 8 ounces sliced shiitake...

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Terrific Tuesday, friends! I hope everyone will enjoy this fine Winter day! Keep on smiling! Do you know that you are at your very best when you smile?!! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

20 hours ago

Codyjames

Codyjames

Has anyone lived long with 20% lung function? I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that said I had severe bronchiectisis and a FEV1 of 20%. The first time meeting the pulmonologist he told me I would be on a ventilator in 4-5 years and referred me to a lung transplant facility. I was shocked. And now Iโ€™m terrified Iโ€™m gonna die in a couple years

1 day ago

Codyjames

Codyjamesanswered the question PROGNOSIS

I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that …
Bill Clark - Community ManagerDEE777David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question Bill Clark - Community Managerand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: HRCT scan results

So I received my hrct scan results of lungs which I guess is a very detailed test and the results were as follows: NO PARENCHYMAL LUNG DISEASE IS IDENTIFIED. NO FINDINGS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE PATIENT'S CLINICAL SYMPTOMS ARE APPARENT. So is this good? Does …

1 day ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyne

Hi, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I continue to relapse on cigarettes every time I get overly-stressed. I usually make a pack last for 3 days to one week. and then I go back to nicotine gum. Most recently, I was worried because I still had swollen tonsils and lymph nodes following a bad upper respiratory virus back in December. It lasted about 3 weeks and then cleared up, but my glands stayed swollen for 9 weeks. My doctor ordered a CT scan of my neck and soft tissue last wednesday. Thankfully, it came back normal except it was noted that I have: "Mild patchy opacities in the bilateral lung apices, pulmonary parenchymal scarring
versus developing infiltrates".  (this scan only showed the top part of my lungs). I've had chest xrays and scans in the past, though it's been about 5 years or so,  and scarring has been noted on my lower lungs and possibly on upper as well. I guess if my doctor is worried about it he would order more testing.? This just re-affirms to me that smoking is not an option for me. I'm wondering if any of you also have lung scarring? 

1 day ago

Mary22

Mary22answered the question Newbie questions, please help

Hi, So sorry for your struggles. I went through something similar when my brother passed. I found myself on the couch, SOB, and could feel every breath I took, as though someone was sitting on my chest. When I went to my pulmonologist, in addition to …
Cindy409David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Cindy409and 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Energy Conservation Techniques in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This article was written by Tara Shedor, MA.

As we recognize Pulmonary Rehab Week - our annual opportunity to shine a united spotlight on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for our lung health community - we realize the idea of attending pulmonary rehab may also come with questions. If you've ever asked yourself, "How could I possibly find the energy to participate in pulmonary rehab?" You are not alone!

Dr. Farzeen Wadia helps provide some strategies that may be useful for assisting in the addition of a new physical activity such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Dr. Farzeen Wadia is a Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist from Pune, India and a passionate advocate and Captain for the COPD Foundation. She has extensive clinical experience working with people with COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions and is committed to empowering patients through education and support.

1 day ago

okypoke

okypoke

This year my Part D moved my Breztri inhaler to a tier 3 making it $135 per refill. To get a decent price on another inhaler I had to go to a generic Symbicort or Advair. I have used both in the past and were not effective. I have appealed this once, was denied, and am currently on a "rededetermination". Has anyone else experienced this?

1 day ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Phyliss - those are the side effects that I did have after trying each drug.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Karen, many of us have peanut butter on hand. This recipe is easy to do! It's great to have a snack on hand, ready to go!...

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

That's a great recipe for Peanut Butter Day!! And, using creamy PB!! My favorite kind....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธEASY PEANUT BUTTER BALLSโœด๏ธ1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey3/4 cup nonfat powdered milk3/4 cup quick cooking oats Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your CLEAN ๐Ÿงผ hands, roll the mixture into 18 balls, about the size of...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainStep into Monday, and take a step forward into an awesome, positive week! 
Wishing everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Check-in: Managing airway mucus: Commonly asked questions

When I researched what brand was best, I found that NOW brand was the most recommended brand, so that is what I use.
cacNjBTammy55and 4 others also answered the question cacand 6 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Cindy409

Cindy409asked the question: Newbie questions, please help

Hi, I am new here and I'm hoping to get some help. I am new here and I'm hoping to get some help. I had a month of sob which I have never experienced before. I had chest pains with it. I had to sleep propped up. I felt like I was suffocating at times. …

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฅœ Happy National Peanut Butter Day! ๐Ÿฅœ

Letโ€™s give a little love to the jar that has saved many of us on those โ€œI donโ€™t feel like eatingโ€ days.

Peanut butter may be simpleโ€ฆ but itโ€™s mighty.

For those living with COPD, keeping weight steady (or adding a little when needed) isnโ€™t always easy. When appetite is low or energy is limited, foods that pack more nutrition into a few bites can really help.

Just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter offer:
โœ” Protein (about 7โ€“8 grams)
โœ” Healthy fats
โœ” A good boost of calories in a small serving

That means a spoonful stirred into oatmeal, blended into a smoothie, or spread on toast can quietly do a lot of work for you.

And caregivers -- this oneโ€™s for you, too. ๐Ÿ’›
When youโ€™re focused on making sure everyone else eats, donโ€™t forget about yourself. A quick PB snack can be easy fuel on busy days when sitting down for a full meal just isnโ€™t happening.

Because nourishment matters for everyone in the home.

Now for the serious debateโ€ฆ
Are you Team Crunchy ๐Ÿฅœ or Team Creamy ๐Ÿฅ„?
And be honest -- have you ever gone straight in with the spoon? ๐Ÿ˜„

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainToday is Sunday! How cool is that?!! ๐Ÿ˜Ž
A day to be happy and carefree! Okay, coolsters-Let's see that smile! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnIt has been a long time since my husband has had much fun with everything going on. My new diagnosis', how poorly I was feeling before them, the anxiety these have brought upon, etc... Tomorrow he is doing a "Hot One's", spicy wings challenge with the boys (us girls will watch and be entertained, ha!). I have this silly fear of, "what if I get out of breath and panic while we have guests?", thing going on. I haven't even told any of our friends yet. I for some reason hold a shame because smoking is what had caused this for me. Like I deserve it or something? I just want tomorrow to be perfect for my husband who needs this day so badly. I have everything in order. The house, the food, the sauces. I want him to relax and have fun, and to forget about any troubles. Also, I think I overstress and overthink things. It will be great (!).... right? I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Share pix if so!!

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend and doing as well as possible.  I've been dealing with an exacerbation the last week or so.  I had a wonderful week with my family, celebrating my milestone 80th birthday, but a day or so after returning home, ended up with a sore throat, laryngitis, and lungs which are wheezy and full of mucus.  I started on my z-pack and medrol dose pack a week ago, but also had an appointment with my PCP Wednesday.  She prescribed doxcycline and nebulizer meds and on Wednesday and again yesterday gave me an injection of salumedrol.  I almost never watch TV during the day, but have been binge watching The Lincoln Lawyer.  I've read all the books, and I love the series.  


I'd love some suggestions of other series to watch, while I'm doing my best to stay home and rest.  

3 days ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Below is the doctor's response to my detailed summary (posted here, about the drugs and side-effects, under the same topic name). What do you think? Is it worth re-trying any of the other drugs that had side effects? Some of you had good success with …

3 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

Ask your pulmonologist about pulmonary rehab after you get your results. I had a severe exacerbation last year, and was able to regain the tolerance for exertion that I had lost, but it's a continuous effort that I must invest my time and energy in. I am …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! I am wishing everyone an absolutely wonderful day! Don't forget to bundle up before venturing out into the cold! And, remember to keep hydrated! ๐Ÿ˜€

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.