COPD360social welcomes new member victoriadl who joins 66,098 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHey everybody! ๐Ÿ’™ If youโ€™ve got a few minutes, come jump into our COPD360 Social Hour!

Today weโ€™re talking about Navigating Medicare, and this is a really great overview of what Medicare is, how some of the different pieces work, and programs and resources that may be there to help. Letโ€™s face itโ€”Medicare can get confusing pretty darn quickly, so having someone help break it down is always a good thing!

Karen Dietermeier is leading todayโ€™s discussion with Arnelle, and theyโ€™re doing a fabulous job walking us through it.

And of course, weโ€™ll finish things off with a little Harmonicas for Health play-along! ๐ŸŽถ

So if youโ€™ve got a few minutes, come on in! Weโ€™d love to have you join us, listen, ask questions, or just hang out with everybody.

๐Ÿ‘‡ Registration link is belowโ€”register and jump right in with us!

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udemhqTMrHNH-yuii9FBVMYD9lxg9LyEK#/registration

Hope to have you join us! ๐Ÿ’™

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: 360Support Group/Harmonica Play-Along. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: 360Support Group/Harmonica Play-Along. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

19 minutes ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿก Hey there, 360social โ€” and a special hello to our newer neighbors!

Itโ€™s been a little while since weโ€™ve done this, so I thought today was a good day to simply say welcome. Weโ€™re really glad youโ€™re here. ๐Ÿ’™

Maybe you just joined and arenโ€™t quite sure where to start. Maybe youโ€™ve been here for a while but havenโ€™t posted yet. Or maybe youโ€™re perfectly happy reading along, learning, and getting to know everyone from the sidelines.

However youโ€™re here, youโ€™re welcome here.

I like to think of 360social as a big neighborhood filled with some pretty great neighbors. You can sit on the porch and watch whatโ€™s going on, give us a wave, or holler out a big โ€œHowdy!โ€ and chances are somebody is going to holler right back. ๐Ÿ˜„

And when youโ€™re ready, jump in. Ask a question, join a conversation, share something youโ€™ve learned, celebrate a good day, or tell us when youโ€™re having a not-so-good one. There are patients, caregivers, family members, and friends here who understand how much it can mean to talk with someone who simply gets it.

Youโ€™ll also find plenty of trusted information and resources here. If youโ€™re looking for something and canโ€™t find it, please ask. Seriously. Thereโ€™s no prize for figuring everything out by yourself. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Whether you post every day, comment every now and then, or quietly read from the back row, youโ€™re part of this community.

So, if youโ€™re new around here โ€” Howdy, neighbor! ๐Ÿ‘‹ Welcome to 360social.

Pull up a chair whenever youโ€™re ready. Thereโ€™s a place for you here. ๐Ÿ’™

2 hours ago

Kaseykat

Kaseykatanswered the question Check-in: How does COPD affect personal hygiene?

I always play music while Iโ€™m taking a shower. I find that the music distracts me from thinking about breathing. And I donโ€™t get that panicky feeling. Also Iโ€™ve been wanting to get a terry cloth robe so I could just put that on and I wouldnโ€™t have to dry …
JasleenCaroline West Virginia State Captainevery breath also answered the question Jasleenand 2 others also answered the question

50 minutes ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Just a reminder that today at 4:00 PM Eastern is our 360Social Support Grup/Harmonica Play Along meeting. The topic this month is Medicare.
https://copdf.co/360-social

58 minutes ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday!

Well, here we areโ€”the first Wednesday of September! ๐Ÿ‚

We're starting to inch toward fall, although depending on where you live, Mother Nature may have missed that memo completely. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Some of you may already be seeing cooler mornings and a few leaves starting to change. Others may still be standing outside thinking, Yep...still summer. โ˜€๐Ÿคฃ

So today, let's keep Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday simple and have some fun with it.

๐Ÿ‘€ What caught your eye this week?

That's it. No rules. No award-winning photography required. Heck, you don't even have to leave the house!

Maybe it was a beautiful sunrise, a flower still hanging on to summer, a deer in the yard, a hummingbird buzzing around, or a cloud that looked like something completely ridiculous. Maybe it was a squirrel doing something that confirmed once again that squirrels are absolutely up to something. ๐Ÿ˜‚

It could be beautiful. Peaceful. Weird. Or something that made you laugh and think, I've got to get a picture of this.

That's what we want to see!

Look out the window, step onto the porch, or check that camera rollโ€”we all know there are about 4,000 pictures hiding in there. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Share something new, old, or something you just haven't had a reason to share yet.

That's what I love about these Wednesdays. What seems like an everyday sight in your corner of the world might be something the rest of us have never seen.

And for a few minutes, we get to travel around and see a little piece of everybody else's world without packing a suitcase or wondering why our luggage ended up three states away. ๐Ÿ˜‚โœˆ

So come on, 360social family...

๐Ÿ“ธ Show us what caught your eye!

Beautiful, funny, strange, peaceful, completely randomโ€”bring it on.

I can't wait to see where you take us!

7 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ˜†GO AHEAD AND BE A BRAT!๐Ÿ˜† โžก๏ธSLOW COOKER MEALโฌ…๏ธDo you have some bratwurst leftover from your Summer grilling plans that didn't quite make it to the grill? Here's a great way to use them! One 20-ounce package bratwurst 5 potatoes,...

8 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHello, and happy Wednesday! Wake up with a positive outlook to carry you through the day! With a CAN-DO attitude, you will go far! 
Have an awesome, easy breathing day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

12 hours ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications created the event Let's Talk Cough: Unpacking What it's Like to Live with Chronic Cough

People with chronic cough are the experts on what itโ€™s really like to live with chronic cough. Your experience helps the people who research, develop, and regulate targeted medicines and treatments. โ€œLetโ€™s Talk Coughโ€ is a rare opportunity to share your …

22 hours 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

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Sure, Karen! It's something different to have for a change! ๐Ÿ˜€...

1 day ago

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’™

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

I just might try this - thanks for the idea!...

1 day 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...

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.

1 day 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 …

1 day 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!

2 days 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...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

2 days ago

Clo111

Clo111

Has anyone had experience of a Trelegy Ellipta tapering plan? 

2 days 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

3 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...

3 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

3 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

3 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 …

3 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

3 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?

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.