COPD360social welcomes new member BigDog99 who joins 65,390 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerThis Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and love for others helped shape the freedoms we carry with us every single day.

For many throughout our COPD360social community, this day also brings personal reflection. We think about the people weโ€™ve loved and lost โ€” family members, friends, caregivers, veterans, neighbors, and members of this very community who helped guide us, support us, and remind us we were never alone.

One of the hardest parts of loss is learning how to keep moving forward while still carrying someone in your heart. But in many ways, thatโ€™s how their story continues. They hand the baton to us โ€” through the lessons they taught, the kindness they showed, the strength they shared, and the love they gave so freely.

Every time we encourage someone who is strugglingโ€ฆ
Every time we welcome a new memberโ€ฆ
Every time we stop to listen, support, educate, advocate, or simply remind someone that they matterโ€ฆ

โ€ฆwe carry a small piece of those who helped us get here.

That is part of what makes this community so special. COPD360social has always been built by people who cared enough to reach back and help the next person along the path. Some of those voices are still with us every day, and some we carry forward in memory โ€” but all of them helped shape this family and the hope we continue to share together.

This Memorial Day, may we remember with gratitude, love a little deeper, and continue honoring those we miss by how we care for one another moving forward.

From all of us at COPD360social, we are wishing you a peaceful Memorial Day weekend. โค

3 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee is seeking input from individuals with respiratory conditions on their experience with accessing pulmonary function testing (PFT).

On behalf of the Social Security Administration (SSA), the committee is conducting an evaluation on requirements for PFT in Social Security Disability. The committee is seeking written submissions from persons with respiratory conditions who can speak to barriers or facilitators to accessing PFTs, such as spirometry, and those who can speak to barriers or facilitators to sharing those reports with the SSA as part of a disability claim.

This call for perspectives is anonymous and all questions are optional. Submissions are due by 11:59pm ET on June 15, 2026. Follow this link to learn more and submit your written perspective: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8816735/Study-on-Requirements-for-Pulmonary-Function-Testing-in-Social-Security-Disability-Evaluations-Call-for-Perspectives?utm_campaign=33095532-CHPP%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_J0g44DpFfKRXu3fRN2psQJoTNx6TnVZ1uidgbB3Cjsli_uZtIviGNRRkL3DkvxIphlma3B20YJ7_ylt_RZek_G4taIw&_hsmi=419510936&utm_content=419510936&utm_source=hs_email

4 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ๐ŸAPPLE VINAIGRETTE๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ Half of a large apple, peeled, and chopped1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 tbsp. diced shallot1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. honey1 tbsp. lemon juiceSalt and pepper to taste Place all ingredients...

21 minutes ago

BigDog99

BigDog99

Hi, Stephanie,


Not exactly sure I have COPD but I feel like I do. I have been smoking for 30 years. My chest stays tight and I can feel phlem or mucus in my chest and it's very hard to cough up. That's pretty much all the time. 

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends! Wishing all of you much happiness on this fine day! ๐Ÿ˜€

4 hours ago

Auriel

Auriel

I've finally got my meds sorted again.  I had to stop using Ventolin as it was causing a rapid heart rate & palpitations.  I'm now using atrovent instead which doesn't have any side-effects so far, & I'm back to only using oxygen at night & when working out.

6 hours ago

Bleaue

Bleaue

Feeling alone

10 hours ago

Bleaue

Bleaue

Feeling alone

10 hours ago

KellyAmes

KellyAmesanswered the question Long Post -- Smoking / COPD / Many Questions

Hi. I realize this post is about 7 years old. I'm 52 and the first half of this post could have been written by me. Lol. Did you ever end up have a Rheumatology panel done? When I did they took enough blood to fill 12 viles. They will test you for every …
AnonymousCaroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 6 others also answered the question Anonymousand 8 others also answered the question

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGood afternoon, friends.
Maybe some of you remember my black cat Anthony Rizzo. Sadly, he passed away early this afternoon. I came home and found him downstairs, and he had passed away. He was 18 years old, and I think it was just his time. I had him since he was 2 months old. I am heartbroken. 
Rest in peace, Ant. ๐Ÿ•Š๐Ÿœ

15 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

As always on Memorial Day, I take time to remember those loved ones lost in service to their country. They put themselves in harmโ€™s way for our country, their brothers- and sisters-in-arms and their families. I feel we should honor not only their memory but their families left behind.I read a poem by John Maxwell Edmonds, written around 1944 about soldiers, and two lines stayed with me: "When you go home, tell them of us and say: For their tomorrow, we gave our today." Having lost my younger brother in Vietnam I would say, he gave up his tomorrow so I could have today.  So for me, Memorial Day is not only about remembering those who are gone but about giving thanks to those who are still here.

15 hours ago

Nikster9

Nikster9commented onWhat is the Difference Between Emphysema and Lung Cancer?

There is one more thing Iโ€™d like to ask everybody I have started walking every day now I tried to do 3 miles. My right knee has always hurt even before my diagnosis I had a knee replacement. I donโ€™t think they did a very good job but now it seems...

20 hours ago

Nikster9

Nikster9commented onWhat is the Difference Between Emphysema and Lung Cancer?

Thank you Benโ€ฆ your response is such a wonderful read for me. I took a screenshot of it, but I really think Iโ€™m intending to make a photo out of that screenshot and put it in a frame on my little altar where I say my daily prayers we are strong. We...

20 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

In memory of all our family and friends who gave their lives that we might live.
https://bmacards.com/V2gM19

23 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿซ๐ŸซBLUEBERRY BALSAMIC SALAD๐Ÿซ๐Ÿซ1 pint blueberries, divided1/4 cup balsamic vinegar1 tbsp. honeyLarge bowl full of salad greens of your choiceHalf of a medium red onion, thinly sliced 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese OR shredded white Cheddar cheese...

1 day ago

Debby13

Debby13

Hello everyone, my name is Debbie, Iโ€™m new to this group. I was diagnosed with the COPD in 2024. I donโ€™t really know a lot about it as I didnโ€™t take it serious until 2025. I am mild to moderate at this time, not sure exactly what my numbers are. I donโ€™t know how to tell the stats but I believe mine wasnโ€™t 89 but that was a while back I just got a pulmonologist who said that I am mild in starting moderate COPD emphysema. I donโ€™t know what questions were allowed to ask in this group but Iโ€™m wondering what type of Mullen drops if any anyone takes here thank you in advance. 

1 day ago

Debby13

Debby13

Good thank you yourself 

1 day ago

Mervin

Mervin

Hello Brandon ๐Ÿ‘‹ I'm new to the community and new to COPD. I was diagnosed 2 months ago. I'm scared. Today I'm having trouble breathing. Can you help me thru this please 

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ”Ž Happy Scavenger Hunt Day, COPD360social! ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ

If you live with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or care for someone who doesโ€ฆ letโ€™s be honestโ€ฆ some days already feel like a scavenger hunt. ๐Ÿ˜„

One minute youโ€™re looking for your:
โœ… Pulse oximeter
โœ… Rescue inhaler
โœ… Nebulizer tubing
โœ… Glasses that were somehow on your head the whole time
โœ… Oxygen cannula that mysteriously wrapped itself around a chair
โœ… Water bottle your doctor told you to keep nearby
โœ… The TV remote that apparently entered another dimension

So today, letโ€™s have a little fun with it!

๐ŸŽฏ COPD360social Scavenger Hunt Challenge ๐ŸŽฏ

How many of these can YOU find today?

โ˜ Pulse ox
โ˜ Rescue inhaler
โ˜ Neb cup or tubing
โ˜ Extra batteries
โ˜ Lip balm
โ˜ A random cough drop hiding in a pocket
โ˜ Blanket for โ€œone of those breathing daysโ€
โ˜ Your favorite comfy chair
โ˜ A pet supervising your every move ๐Ÿพ
โ˜ Something that makes you smile
โ˜ Someone who reminds you to slow down and breathe

BONUS POINTS if:
๐Ÿ˜‚ You found something in the fridge that absolutely does not belong there
๐Ÿ˜‚ Youโ€™ve ever said โ€œNow where did I put that inhaler?โ€ while holding it
๐Ÿ˜‚ Your oxygen tubing has tried to take you hostage today

We know chronic lung conditions can bring serious moments, but sometimes laughter, connection, and sharing the little everyday things can help lighten the load a bit too. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก

Drop a comment below and tell us:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s the MOST โ€œCOPD scavenger huntโ€ thing youโ€™ve ever searched the house for?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Or share a funny photo of something you found today!

Letโ€™s have some fun with this one, friends. ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’จ

1 day ago

Mervin

Mervin

I'm new to COPD. Was diagnosed 2 months ago at the ER. They didn't do spirometer only chest X-ray. So I don't know my numbers. Anyways in search of a primary care physician as we speak. Last 3 days been having difficulty breathing. I called teledoc and they wrote me Prednisone, benzonatate, and ipratropiun bromide nasal solution. I also have Albuterol inhaler. I started the steroids yesterday and noticed a huge difference as to I could actually get out and go to the store. But this morning I'm having trouble just going to the bathroom. I just took 2nd dose of steroids so I'm about to see if this helps. If not what should I do? Help I'm scared and 44 years of age. I have quit smoking a few months ago. Stopped drinking 3 years ago. So I'm on the up and up now. Also I do herbal teas. Termic, honey, lemon, thyme, cinnamon, fresh ginger root. Please any advice will help me. Thank you

1 day ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question Check-in: How can I exercise safely when I have COPD?

Persevere! Exercise takes a while to show noticeable results. If you are a data nerd (and maybe even if you are not) consider keeping records of what you're doing so you can track improvements. That habit has helped me no end over the years. Caroline has …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! Happy Sunday, friends! I hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day weekend! ๐Ÿ”ดโšช๐Ÿ”ต

2 days ago

JamesCC58

JamesCC58

๐Ÿ˜ƒ Iโ€™m doing pretty good today have a small headache but Iโ€™m good

2 days ago

JamesCC58

JamesCC58answered the question โ€‹What do you know about new COPD treatments?

I have had COPD now for almost 30 or so years you can live with it but you have to slow down I was put on oxygen 24/7 now for about 15 years now and Iโ€™m getting along well but like I said you have to slow down I still play with my grandson it hard to …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

ktm390

ktm390

Hi Brandon i assume thus us private? Still can't understand how to remove posts i don't see a remove button whatever i do if you can help direct message me thanks

2 days ago

ktm390

ktm390 answered the question Remove posts

Ok will do thanks
Coach Brandon - Community ManagerDebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaindas23 also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Nikster9

Nikster9

Hi everyone reading all of your questions and answers makes me feel so much better.. I thank you all, and now I am a member. Iโ€™m feeling pretty good for the first time. I felt shortness of breath yesterday I was diagnosed a year and a half ago with mild emphysema, but didnโ€™t look up the disease and was very much in denial so continue to smoke then in February I got very sick with what I found out was a flareup and my emphysema had gotten worse, so I started to pay attention read everything on the subject, and of course stopped smoking everything that every day and now I am here anxious to learn more and share. Thank you again nikster9!

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onClinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in COPD Care

 I think that AI can play an important role in the healthcare industry. The only issue that I have at the moment is that I get incorrect information from my AI source from questions that I know the answer to, and this happens quite often....

2 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.