COPD360social welcomes new member alexa12 who joins 64,206 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Hello December, 360social! โ„

Here we are, stepping right into the colder part of the year. This is a great time to take a quick look at the things that help keep you feeling your best -- making sure medications are filled, keeping your usual supplies handy, and staying mindful of those early signs that an exacerbation might be trying to sneak in. A little preparation now can make these chilly days a lot smoother.

December also has a way of making us pause and look back on the year. Weโ€™ve had moments of change, moments of strength, and moments that reminded us just how important this community is. Weโ€™ve had to say goodbye to friends far too soon, and they remain close to our hearts. Weโ€™ve also welcomed new faces and leaned on the steady support of those whoโ€™ve been with us for years.

Iโ€™m really grateful for all of you. Letโ€™s head into this month staying warm, staying prepared, and staying connected. Hereโ€™s to December and to being here for each other! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก

3 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Anyone hopeful about possible regenerative therapies in near future?

These are interesting data but the info above is from the corporate site and the results have not yet reported officially ( either to a clinical trials sit or published in a medical journal). So stay tuned!
JD85brydyKeir123and 5 others also answered the question JD85and 7 others also answered the question

3 minutes ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Best Electric Blanket Expert Recommendations to Choose

Those are two places I check for reviews. Prefer Consumer Reports. Just buy one of those based on price, color, whatever floats your boat.

44 minutes ago

alexa12

alexa12asked the question: Best Electric Blanket Expert Recommendations to Choose

I researched electric blankets for the past few days because winter is approaching and I want something warm, safe and comfortable for daily use. I read reviews on the New York Times Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and Popular Mechanics, and they are …

2 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question How often I have to see my pulmonologist?

I agree with Karen, and I do take a med that requires that I abstain from eating grapefruit. This is somewhat odd, as I had just recently acquired a taste for it.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaindas23 also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

3 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒฟCRANBERRY PECAN CHEESE LOG๐ŸŒฟ9 ounces cream cheese 5.3 ounces dried cranberries, diced4.4 ounces pecans, chopped3.5 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese1/4 cup finely diced fresh chivesIn a small bowl, combine pecans, cranberries, and chives.In a...

7 hours ago

Bare

Bare

Whatโ€™s the best and quietest oxygen concentrator? I currently have a Inogen. It is noisy

8 hours ago

Bare

Bare

Anyone on NAC inhalation therapy? Has it helped to reduce the thickness of mucus?

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHo Ho Ho !!! Happy Thursday! Let's get into the holiday spirit! Listening to your favorite Christmas songs is a good way to begin! Enjoy your day, friends! โค๐Ÿ’š

12 hours ago

benj

benj

first of all i feel it very motivating to hear everyone being positive about this, im 38 and got diagnosed 2 months ago. i quit smoking straight away im at the start of my journey and still going through my 1st flare up! its scary as i am having dyspnea most of the day i just hope it goes away soon. i have hope that i can keep going but the fear has not gone away. i dont have much exept my mothers help, this page has given more hope i thank you all for that โค 

14 hours ago

Shar_Bear0608

Shar_Bear0608asked the question: How often I have to see my pulmonologist?

I got my COPD diagnosis in November 2023. Still trying to understand it. Do I have to consult my doc for using any new food/drink ? That sounds a lot of work.

19 hours ago

Cherigee

Cherigee

I am newly diagnosed with emphysema which was found from a lung CT.  I wasn't having many symptoms just occasional breathlessness when walking up stairs and some wheezing at night.  Met with a pulmonologist once and she gave me a sample of trelogy which helped immediately.  I only had a 2 week sample and it was going to run out on Thanksgiving so the office called in a 1 month prescription. They also gave me an albuterol inhaler which was never mentioned.  I have no idea when/how to use it.  I have a breathing test scheduled for 12/12 but no follow up appointment scheduled.  I feel kind of lost here and am having some anxiety about doing some things like watching my grandchildren or going to a Christmas village with my kids and grandkids (alot of walking).    I know excercise is good but I now have this fear of not being able to breath.  I also haven't shared this diagnosis with my family.  I don't want them to worry or treat me differently.  

21 hours ago

  • NewestOldest
  • brydyHi Cherigee. welcome to 360. there is really good up to date info under the learn more tab of this site. google not so much so I would avoid that. Im not a doctor, just a patient, but my understanding is that findings of COPD on a CT Scan arent really a diagnosis. you need a PFT which Im glad to read you have scheduled on the 12th. 
    trelegy is a maintenance inhaler that is taken daily. albuterol is an emergency inhaler that you would use if you were suddenly very short of breath & unable to recover using breathing techniques such as pursed lip breathing. its not generally something you would use regularly. there are instructions in that Learn More area I mentioned on how to use inhalers correctly that you might find helpful. since trelegy has a corticosteroid component to it, if they didnt tell you, be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after use (gargle too). I also brush my teeth. 
    try not to worry too much right now. There are many of us living well with all lvls of COPD from mild to very severe. really glad you found the site, good ppl here to help & support you. 19 hours ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State Captainbrydy has given you wonderful advice.  I would just add that this is not a death sentence.  It is a chronic disease which is treatable.17 hours ago
EbonySuede

EbonySuede

Just finished attending a Zoom meeting (harmonica group), where I got to meet some very nice and informative people. In this format I use the name Ebony Suede, however my real name is Ken Walton. Very glad I participated in this meeting. Thanks for making me feel welcome!

22 hours ago

brydy

brydyanswered the question Dentist, tooth pulled

Hi GAnne. I dont use oxygen but I did have some oral surgery this morning & I do inform of my breathing issues & my anxiety re dental work. I can barrel race on a horse but put me in a dentist chair & I turn into a big baby. what I have found …
GAnneCaroline West Virginia State CaptainJeanO53 also answered the question GAnneand 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒ Itโ€™s Visit My Corner of the World Day!

I hope everyone is having a great start to December, and that after the holiday youโ€™re settling into the season and feeling a little of its joy.

Share a view from your corner of the world โ€” something that brings you a smile, a moment of calm, or a touch of that December spirit. Canโ€™t wait to see what you share today! ๐Ÿ’™โœจ

1 day ago

Jazzybean

Jazzybeananswered the question PFT TESTS DONE 7 MONTHS APART

Good Morning, I am not a doctor so I Can't give you any answers or reasons why your test may show the differences between the two times you took the test. Here is what I think may be helpful. I also have had some questions about the differences between …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸซBLUEBERRY COBBLER BARS๐ŸซBlueberry Layer:2 cups fresh OR frozen blueberries 2 tsp. cornstarch 1 tbsp. lemon zest 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup sugarBottom Layer & Top Crumble:1 1/4 cups flour1/2 cup sugar1/2 tsp. baking powder10 tbsp....

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHAPPY BIRTHDAY to an all-around great guy! My good friend DAVE! das23โ€‹
Enjoy your special day! ๐Ÿค—

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday! If you've been pining for good company, let your light shine here on 360Social! Plenty of lovely people to brighten your day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

Abeba

Abeba

Thank you for welcoming me. Iโ€™m Dr. Abeba Yeshitila, an internist from Ethiopia currently working in the Gurage Zone, where COPD is one of our leading health challengesโ€”especially among non-smoker women exposed to biomass fuel. Iโ€™m grateful to join this community and look forward to learning, sharing experiences, and contributing where I can.

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

In case anyone is interested in an inexpensive digital subscription, there are a whole lot of digital subscriptions available @$2 for 2 years! Be sure to calendar to cancel just before subscription expires to avoid surprise charge. I just subscribed to Chicago Tribute for 2 years because $2 seemed like a great price for a good paper. https://www.medianewsgroup.com/communities/

1 day ago

GodIsLove

GodIsLoveasked the question: PFT TESTS DONE 7 MONTHS APART

Hi everyone, Iโ€™m looking for some help interpreting the significant changes in my pulmonary function test (PFT) results over a six-month period. History: In December 2024 and January 2025, my family experienced a severe respiratory illness. I went to …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainA big Hi Hello from my wee baby cockatiel! His tail is starting to grow now. Here he is waiting to be hand fed by me.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉLIME VINAIGRETTE๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ A refreshing dressing, which is great for salads, or as a marinade for chicken and pork chops.1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 cup olive oil OR avocado oil 1 large clove garlic, smashed, peeled,...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends! Today is definitely your day to sparkle! Keep that positive outlook going, and keep on smiling! Enjoy every minute of your day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: Dentist, tooth pulled

Hello, has anyone had a tooth extraction while on oxygen and COPD. I know I probably need one and have to see the dentist s the molar is leaving the gums. How does a dentist do this with oxygen and severe COPD? I have anxiety bad just thinking about it …

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Saw this beautiful Buck on my way out of the park today.  And you can see the snow in the background

2 days ago

Liza M

Liza Manswered the question Confused about prescriptions.

Hello, I went to see my doctor and he said the breztri prescription was a mistake. He did prescribe a rescue inhaler albuterol sulfate. The pharmacy said that breztri prescription was from November of last year? In November of last year, I was taking …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaindas23and 1 other also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Bare

Bare

Doing ok
Whatโ€™s the best & quietest Oxygen Concentrator?

3 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Attention Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Employee Plan (FEP) beneficiaries!

Starting January 1, 2026, Dupixent (dupilumab) will be excluded from the BCBS FEP formulary. If you are currently prescribed Dupixent, your health care provider can submit a formulary exception request to BCBS. If you are prescribed Dupixent after January 1, your health care provider can submit a prior authorization request followed by a formulary exception request. If you are a BSBC FEP beneficiary, you can review your options for health plans before open enrollment ends of December 8 to ensure your health plan best meets your medical needs.
 
This announcement only applies to BCBS FEP beneficiaries. Dupixent is still covered by most major health insurance policies, including Medicare.

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.