COPD360social welcomes new member mkparker who joins 65,399 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ’CUCUMBER BOATS WITH IMITATION CRABMEAT๐Ÿฅ’1 large English cucumber 1/4 cup finely diced onion1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper 1/2 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper 2 ounces imitation crabmeat sticks, diced3 tbsp. mayonnaise Salt and freshly...

51 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, friends!
Orange you glad you're here with us?! I'll bet you are! This is a great place to be! Wishing everyone a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

5 hours ago

das23

das23answered the question Does anyone know what to expect now?

Welcome ALouise.....Sorry your Dad is struggling so much. I can't give you any medical advice. I would just suggest to work closely with his doctor to make him comfortable. There is helpful info for caregivers above in the LEARN MORE tab. Hang in there- …

9 hours ago

Lucy k

Lucy kcommented onIs It a Flare-Up?

This is a really useful article Arnelle. I have had COPD for some years. Sometimes I either forget or deny my symptoms for flare ups. I read the article and took immediate action with antibiotics and prednisone. I now have the flare up under...

12 hours ago

ALouise

ALouiseasked the question: Does anyone know what to expect now?

Hi Iโ€™m hoping to get some help with some questions I have about this terrible disease. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 COPD 12 years ago. He has had several hospitalizations due to pneumonia and the COPD was worse after each one. He has been on full …

13 hours ago

Poppy76

Poppy76

Not great. I had a difficult weekend when my COPD got to a difficult stage for the first time. Couldn't stop the wheezing sound and had difficulty sleeping.

15 hours ago

Jackie Red

Jackie Red

Hi I am new here.  I am scared.

18 hours 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...

1 day 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 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

1 day 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.

1 day ago

Bleaue

Bleaue

Feeling alone

1 day ago

Bleaue

Bleaue

Feeling alone

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.

1 day 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...

1 day 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...

1 day 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

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

2 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonThank you.

2 days 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...

2 days 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. 

2 days ago

Debby13

Debby13

Good thank you yourself 

2 days 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 

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • JazzybeanHi Mervin, I agree with Karen, I would head to the ER or Urgent Care. Tell them the medicines you have been taking and that it does not look like it's helping. Better to be overly cautious. I also think that once you feel better you need to find a pulmonologist. If you have not had a pulmonary function test so that would be your next step. You need to know where you stand. By the way, once you have a primary care physician ask that doctor for a referral to a pulmonologist. Otherwise you may wait months to get an appointment. 2 days ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainIf you feel that you have reversed your forward progress, then please seek medical help.2 days ago
  • WildebeestI agree with the suggestions to get some emergency advice. Finding it hard just getting to the bathroom sounds pretty bad. Although I see you have had an emergency prescription so maybe the prescriber gave you some advice on when to expect improvement? At any rate, if in any doubt get some emergency help. And in the meantime try not to exert yourself heavily even if the steroids are kicking in. Give your body some time to adjust and rest. Well done for quitting smoking and drinking.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

3 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

3 days ago

JamesCC58

JamesCC58

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

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.