COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Does this seem right?

deleted_user
deleted_user
My father is currently hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation. He has a lung infection, and this started a cycle of gas exchange problems - when I brought him to the ER, his C02 level was 135 (should be 35!) he is getting stabilized, and this doctor comes into his room and asks, 'so when can we get you out of here? Tomorrow?' There was no discussion about his condition - just that he wants to get him out. The previous day, the nurse told me that he still had the infection, and the C02, although reduced, was still an issue. Why would a doctor react like this? He made him feel like he was taking up space! I am so angry - there are no support groups in my area, and no one can give a straight answer on what we need to do to avoid repeated hospital visits. This is is 5th visit since September, and he's only seen the specialist once.

My father cannot climb stairs, and gets winded walking about. He is on oxygen 24/7, and takes 3 inhalers, prednizone, a nerve pill - you name it. I am at my wits end trying to work with a defunct care system that has no support for COPD. Sorry for the rant - I have no where to go.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You have probably hit the place to go for support. There are a lot of wonderful people here. I can not get on as much as I would like to, but there are exercises and other things that can help with his overall health. Most hospitals have a respiratory specialist-he and his group is the ones that bring the inhalation medications and walk him down the hall etc...-find out who this is and talk directly to him as well as tell the doctor you want copies of all the tests that were done as well as explanations of what they mean. If your Dad has already been let out-call and get an appointment with the respiratory specialist. Do your best to get as much information and explanations as possible and write them down. Then we have something to go on. Please remember we are not doctors but most of us are people that have copd and we can share experiences, exercises that help and give support. Also-just an add on:
I have been here for a while. I will give you some pointers; Most of the time people do not do the discussions. You can read other peoples journals-its a great way to get to know someone. Then you can figure out what you have in common. This site has helped me tremendously. I didnt know where to turn-scary. Let us know whats going on with you or your-write in the journal. There are some really super people on this site. We do our best to support each other-lot of great hearts here. Good Luck!
Ps When you send a hug or comment on someones journal-everyone can see if they look at that persons journal. When you send a message; only the person that you are sending it to sees it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Most area's espically hospitals that are trauma centers list top doc's in their field. I would encourage you to find a good specialist and get him an appointment.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks everyone - so much! I am feeling better already, and posted my first journal entry. This site is a blessing. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
My first Pulmno Dr overdosed me on theophelline.It's like speed-it brought on panic attacks and more. We are humans-all different and yet they treat us like a page in a textbook.It opens the lungs but I am a thin hyper person to start-then he wanted me to see a shrink-Frued was a opium addict and they go by his books?Just what we need a DR on dope.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with everyone here,however,I can add this: if you feel like something doesn't feel right, then trust your gut...you have to be proactive for your dad. everyone is correct...get the tests, get a pulmonologist and even at the hospitals, there are usually copd support groups. however, if your dad is able to go to a pulmonology rehab class, he will already feel he is not alone. good luck and please feel free to reach out ..
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