COPD360social welcomes new member Thorne Wittstruck who joins 59,202 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

COPD360Coach Brandon

COPD360Coach Brandon

The Lovexair Foundation has launched a survey which aims at understanding how patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals feel about the influence of new technologies and telehealth in medical consultations.

This large-scale project aims to determine how much virtual consultations have become a part of our everyday lives, and whether they are a replacement for or an addition to in-person medical appointments.

Please take a few minutes to complete and share your thoughts on the digital transformation of healthcare and assess how well it meets your expectations. This survey is open until April 30, 2024.

For patients/caregivers/family members:
https://www.lovexair.com/telehealth-patients/

For healthcare professionals:
https://www.lovexair.com/telehealth-hcp/

2 days ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF CommunicationsDid you know that shingles can lead to an increase in COPD symptoms? People with COPD are 41% more likely to be affected by the shingles (herpes zoster) virus. We want our community to be informed. Download our flyer to learn more about what can put you at risk for developing shingles, the symptoms, and prevention that can help protect you and those you care about from developing this painful condition. 


Click the link to download to learn more: https://copdf.co/shingles

1 hour ago

Fritz45

Fritz45answered the question Asthma/COPD overlap at 31

I actually live 20 minutes from National Jewish. I normally go in - another theory is purposed and we test for it and reconvene in 6 weeks. It's the "You might have this" and then the weeks of anxiety around that because they are all highly progressive …
das23David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question das23and 1 other also answered the question

3 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Plant-based Diet Decreases Risk of Developing Emphysema

New study shows nutritionally rich diet reduced incidence of chronic lung disease

MIAMI (April 25, 2024) - People with a history of smoking who follow a nutritionally rich, plant-centered diet have a reduced risk of developing radiographic emphysema later in life, regardless of smoking history, according to a new study. The study is published in the March 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

Emphysema is caused by irreversible damage to the air sacs in the lungs, which then limits the amount of oxygen transferred from the air to the blood and creates a feeling of shortness of breath. There are currently limited prevention strategies for those at high risk of developing emphysema.

3 hours ago

EvanofEarth

EvanofEarthHappy National DNA Day, genetically awesome friends. 

6 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Terra Thanadabouth

Welcome our newest COPD Foundation Captain!

I have been a respiratory therapist for 19 years and a pulmonary educator since 2021. This has allowed me to meet and work with people affected by COPD and their families on a daily basis. I have been impressed, and dismayed, by the impact COPD...

6 hours ago

Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (Assistant Director of Education)

Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (Assistant Director of Education)answered the question Just Breathe: Finding Your Breath During Stressful Times

Kristen's comment about visualization reminded me that pursed lip breathing and relaxation exercises aren't just for shortness of breath! These tools can help us anytime- especially if we are scared or stressed. I was reminded about an MRI test I had to …
GerrybKristen Willardjennifer nulphand 3 others also answered the question Gerryband 5 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Hi Kristen! You would have to add in an extra cup of quartered strawberries, or something you'd choose. I'm glad your strawberry patch is doing so well! Let us know how it comes out! Enjoy, and have a berry nice day! ๐Ÿ“...

6 hours ago

Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (Assistant Director of Education)

Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C (Assistant Director of Education)commented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

I'm excited about this recipe, Debbie! My back yard strawberry patch is starting to flower right now, so the berries will be here before we know it. Do you know if I can omit the rubarb if I don't have any?...

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ“STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CRISP๐Ÿ“3 cups quartered strawberries 1 cup sliced rhubarb 1/2 cup sugar1 tbsp. cornstarch 1/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp. white whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour, divided Zest of 1 orange-Save the fruit for another use!1 tsp....

10 hours ago

Cypruslady

Cypruslady

Hi I am knew, I have had COPD for 7 years, stage 3.  I am currently getting out of breath even walking from car park to supermarket.  I am going to apply for a blue badge in Cyprus.  A lot of info and running around is involved before they will advise if COPD is a valid disability for a blue badge.  Can anyone (In UK or US) advise if it is please.
I would be very grateful for help and thank you.

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, folks!
Thought for today: Be a patient patient. Some things take time, such as waiting to see if a medication is working for you, or waiting to hear test results. Try to focus on other things. Pass the time in a constructive way. This can help you to avoid stress. 
Have an awesomely wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

14 hours ago

JeanO53

JeanO53answered the question Dry lips and nose

I also used Ayer saline nasal spray and gel for my dry nose. There are a variety of lip balms without a petroleum base, made instead with beeswax, shea butter or coconut oil. Iโ€™ve continued to use Neosporine overnight on my lips. It is white petroleum, …
Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State CaptainProfessionally Patient also answered the question Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

19 hours ago

Dorisa

Dorisaasked the question: Dry lips and nose

Hi , Iโ€™m desperate need of help , my in side of my nose is so sore I have sores and my lips are litterly scabbed on top because I donโ€™t know what I can use on them . My pharmacy has nothing to give me because everything is petroleum based โ€ฆplease help …

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โšช๏ธWHITE BEAN AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO GNOCCHIโšช๏ธ"A great source of vitamins C and K."1/2 cup sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 2 tbsp. oil from the jar, divided One 16-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchiOne 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainIt's Wonderful Wednesday! Wishing everyone a happy, productive, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

MarylandMama20

MarylandMama20

Hi there, friends. As a momma of a little girl, I was wondering what will happen when my baby is sick. She is only four, so I see lots of colds in our future. This year of preschool has been tough in and of itself. I am also newly diagnosed and navigating what life will look like. I just canโ€™t imagine having to isolate from her due to my condition. I canโ€™t imagine how that would make her feelโ€ฆ if she gets sick, am I expected to stay away from her as to not make my COPD worse? 

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Jean IA State CaptainI think you need to have a good discussion with your pulmonologist about how you can work with your daughter and still protect yourself.  You're not the first person who's been faced with this and you won't be the last, so be sure to ask any and all questions.  I suspect you need to talk with both your pulmo and your PCP; maybe even get them to talk together so they know how that can work together for the best treatment for both you and your kids.  I'd suggest that you invest in some good masks especially for you and that you wear them, so your daughter gets used to them.  I'd also make sure she has handwashing 101 down pat and can do it any time, day or night.  She's old enough to understand that dirty hands and germs can make you really sick and we have to wash hands to be sure that doesn't happen.1 day ago
  • MarylandMama20Thank you. I have a lot to learn. Meeting with them tomorrow. On my list to ask.  Was wondering how others may have navigated similar situations. Appreciate your response.  1 day ago
  • Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Public Outreach and Education)I agree with Jean. There are a lot of variables that can play into this. Full isolation is probably a bit of an extreme measure at this point, but it will really depend on any other health concerns. It would also be worthwhile to keep an eye on her lung health as well...there are a few different lung issues that have genetic/inherited components, and if it seems like she's getting sick a lot (even for a kiddo), that could be a sign.1 day ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Terrific Tuesday! 
Today is a good day to count your Blessings. Be happy for everything you have, and everyone you have in your life! 
We are taking our Boxer Hazel Madeline to the vet this morning for her annual checkup and shots. Looking forward to getting this done! 
Have a wonderful day, filled with positive thoughts, and big smiles! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Sadly, 2 more friends have gone to the next realm.  One is a friend of Hโ€™s and one is a guy who had been attending my support group meetings for years, Alvin. Just spoke to his wife. He was a very nice guy and will be missed. 

2 days ago

MarylandMama20

MarylandMama20

Hi there, new friends,
Looking for some helpโ€ฆ.
I am seeing an interventional pulmonologists via televisit Wednesday. I think mostly to discuss the nodules found on my CT Scan ( There is a 5 mm right middle lobe fissural nodule & There is a 4 mm left lower lobe nodule). I was just diagnosed with moderate COPD last week at 44.  How should I be preparing myself for this visit, are there specific questions I should be asking? 


I wish it was an in person meeting as I run very anxious. Since my diagnosis, I have found myself preparing for the worst, especially when it comes to these nodules as nodules are more common over 50. 


Also, no one has taken blood work from me through all this. I had an alpha1 test done but am still awaiting results, but outside of that finger stickโ€ฆ nada. Is this normal? 


Once again, I look to the experiences of my new COPD fam to guide me. Please feel feee to share any experience with me that you think will assist me with this appt. 


I thank you all in advance, and am sending all the hugs. Hope you all had a lovely start to your week. Xxxxx ๐Ÿ’›

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments17 comment(s)
  • MarylandMama20Jean IA State Captainโ€‹ thank you so much for typing that all out for me twice. Youโ€™re just so sweet. And, thank you for the reassurance. 20 years of kicking butt is so beast! I admire you very much and your positive outlook and attitude. I aspire to be more like you. I hope youโ€™re right and my case can be as yours and nothing to worry on. I appreciate your kindness. And, I really appreciate that you took the time to type that out twice. 1 day ago
  • MarylandMama20DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainโ€‹ oh! ๐Ÿ˜ญ thank you for saying that. I was just saying to my husband how I donโ€™t know if Iโ€™ll ever be able to relax and be happy again, I just feel so scared. I really needed to hear that, Debbie. Happy to see that new phone isnโ€™t giving ya too much trouble. Getting a new device can sometimes be quite the chore. I used to work at a verizon store myself many many moons ago. 1 day ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainWhen my gardens start to flourish, I'll post some pictures! Plants give me something positive to focus on! I always keep busy. I don't have time to think about negative things. I love to accomplish things! Crossing things off my To Do list makes me happy! ๐Ÿ˜€1 day ago
Kandy State Captain of South Dakota

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota answered the question COPD and Blood Pressure?

So true. Sometimes take it right away then wait a bit and take it again. End of appt might be better depending on news you get!!
HeucheraSedona7Janina Kand 1 other also answered the question Heucheraand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

QUICK LENTIL SALMON SALAD3/4 cup brown lentils1/2 cup chopped red onion1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced1/2 tsp. salt1/4 cup olive oil 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar 3/4 tsp. dried thyme1/4 tsp. pepperOne 15-ounce can salmon, drained...

3 days ago

MariaC

MariaC

Hello! This is my first post. I have been looking around on here and trying to figure some things out on the 360 social. I was just diagnosed with COPD in January. I always said I would never quit smoking but it has been almost 7 weeks now since a cigarette. I am on a patch and doing great.***
My MAIN question 
My hands and MOSTLY feet tingle and are cold a lot. My PCP says it could possibly be neuropathy (tests ordered)but she is not sure because it only started when I had a 6 night stay in the hospital less than a month ago for a episode with my lungs. (exasperation ?)I say to my daughter my feet hurt, all the time ha ha. They do not really hurt but they tingle tingle tingle while sitting anyways. When I am walking I may just not notice the tingle. 
Anyone else experience feet tingles? 
Thanks in advance. I hope everyone has a great evening. :)

3 days ago

Tg10

Tg10

Good afternoon, just seen the pulmo.  He tried me on low dose morphine for 3 weeks.  No fix.  I told him i felt ill for 4 days, shaking, sweating, etc. I coughed up a scab like phlegm.  Very small amount.  I told him.  He wasn't surprised.  He's still on non asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis.  I'm in steroid inhaler and nose spray. Still coughing though.  I don't know what's next.  He said during my scope my bronchial looked inflamed from cough.  Eosinophilic count was high.  I'm still at the same condition as 4 years ago.  No change.  Next visit in July.  Maybe oral steroids? 

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainEARTH DAY 2024, a day for everyone to do their part! ๐ŸŒŽ

3 days ago

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota

Kandy State Captain of South Dakota Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations. The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Having a few friends over for coffee? Why not bake this loaf of goodness to serve with the coffee?! โ—ฝDATE NUT BREADโ—ฝ1 cup chopped dates1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup boiling water4 tbsp. melted butter 1 cup sugar1 large egg, at room temperature 1...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Let's talk about dates! Dates are commonly referred to as "nature's candy" because they release a sweet and deep, rich caramel flavor when eaten. Dates are packed with polyphenol, which may help prevent vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis,...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

 ๐ŸŒŽ HAPPY EARTH DAY 2024! ๐ŸŒŽ
This year our goal is to eliminate plastics! What will you do to eliminate plastics?
Stop buying bottled water. Buy a water filtration system or pitcher.
Stop using plastic wrap. Buy reusable, strecthable bowl covers.
Stop using plastic disposable drinking straws. 
Stop using plastic shopping bags.
Buy a stainless steel water bottle. 
Buy stainless steel drinking straws and a straw cleaning brush.
Buy and carry reusable shopping totes.

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.