Copd/emphysema

So sorry about your husband's condition. I work in health care and have cared for many people with COPD. You're probably already doing most of the following, but my suggestions are:
1) Get a pulmonologist (lung specialist) and keep regular appointments.
2) If he smokes and wants to quit, he should try the new medicine Chantix (helps stop cravings)
3) Home oxygen if needed
4) Pulmonary rehab might help him get stronger physically... and more important, might help him feel/act more independent and able. Contact the Cardinal Hill Rehab Hosp for info about their inpt and outpt programs
5) He sounds depressed. Sometimes meds can help that.
6) This is a hard one but necessary: Have a plan with your husband for his wishes regarding intubation (going on a ventilator). Some people in his condition say, "If I get that sick, just make me comfortable and let me go" while others say "Give the ventilator a try; if I can't come off it after X days then withdraw it" and others say "I want to live no matter what, even if it means staying on a ventilator in a nursing home." The important thing is that he puts some thought into it so you're not stuck with the hardship of choosing for him, if he becomes too sick to choose for himself.

Best wishes. You sound like a very caring person.
J.

My mother just passed away 2 weeks ago. She had lung cancer, copd, emphysema, and asthma. She was on oxygen for about 4 years or so, and we found out about the cancer a year ago. She did very well for the first 3 years. She would go shopping, and go out to eat with us. She got to where she said she didn't feel well, and when she stopped doing so much, her health deteariated fast. She was no longer able to do too much at a time and she couldn't even walk around in the stores. It was harder for us as children to watch her not do so much than it was for her. She seemed to lose her desire for things. From what I have seen, he needs to keep doing for himself as long as he can. I know also he probably feels like it is hopeless. My mom did. He just needs to keep his chin up and don't give up.

My mom has had COPD for about 12 years. It was pretty mild until about 3 years ago and didn't really hinder her at all. She just had to stop to take breaks to catch her breath when walking for any distance. About 3 years ago she was undergoing her 2nd round of chemo (lymphoma diagnosed 5 years ago, did chemo she was in remission for a year then it came back so she did chemo again) and landed in the hospital with a serious (very near death) infection in her throat/lungs. Because of that, he COPD took a nose-dive and she's been on oxygen 24/7 ever since. (Oh yeah... she participated in a study of a new drug and has been cancer-free for 2 years now. yay!)

Did COPD slow her down? Yes. Did it stop her? Hardly. Even with oxygen, she flew out to visit us a few times in CA. We moved back to Indiana a couple years ago so no more cross country flihts for her. This weekend her and dad drove to Canada to visit relatives. Memorial Day weekend they were camping with us and my sister's family at a lake near Peru, IN. They come down to Indy to visit us at least once a month. She still does most of the gardening and yardwork and loves to mow the yard. (riding mower since they have 3 acres to mow). She has a portable oxygen tank and boys does it travel! I guess she has the opposite view of your husband -- she's out to prove to everyone that she can still do alot and is still independent. She wants to do stuff with her grandkids and is looking forward to the newest grandbaby (I'm pregnant and due at the end of summer).

She's still taking daily meds to keep cancer at bay (it'll probably come back if she stops), has severe COPD/emphysema (not sure what stage), has allergies, asthma and chronic bronchitis. Everyone would understand if she did just sit around not doing anything, but she tries to do as much as she can and refuses to be 100% dependent on other people. My dad is always telling her to slow down and take it easy. Her docs told her at the begining that alot of her recovery/treatment would depend on her attitude and she took it to heart. She hasn't gotten worse in 3 years... not better, but not worse. Good luck with your husband... maybe he'll read this and discover that others in his condition can still do quite a lot and not give up.

R.,
My father had COPD, and I can totally relate to what you are going through. I hope that you are getting the support that you need to help you deal. Please let me know if you need a shoulder to lean on. I know it can be tough.

S.

My mother, 64, just had an episode from what the doctors keep saying is COPD. My mother has smoked since she was 16 years old and just keeps on puffing. She keeps telling the doctor that she does not have COPD. She keeps telling him that she has asthma and allergies. Her oxygen level took a dive to 91 3 days ago and as of this morning back at the doctor she is back up to 96. All of this is greek to me so I am being very adamant that she go to a specialist and see what really needs to be done. I am also very concerned about her recent weight loss.

I am just amazed at how I just logged in to my email to see what was posted today and all three postings were three topics that are so prevalent in my life right now. This is just what I needed today!

My prayers are with you both who posted and if anyone knows of any good sites on the web that can offer some good information about COPD please send them my way. I need all the information I can get.

Thanks!
T.

R.,
I said a little prayer for you and your family. My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray that you all grow together as a happy, healthy family.

C. B

Kudos to you for taking care of him and still handling life! Hang in there and keep your head up, I have not had to deal with something like that but life itself is hard on its own so I just wanted to say I admire you for doing what you do!