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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Severe emphysema

deleted_user
deleted_user
My mother has severe emphysema/copd and is suppose to be on oxygen 24/7, however, she goes around without her oxygen all the time and seems to be fine. The doctors tell me that she has lived for many years and her body has gotten use to the amount of oxygen she is taking in but the lack of oxygen is harming her. When they put that little device on her finger to measure the oxygen in her blood when she isn't wearing her oxygen she is only at 78 and the doctor said if that was him or me right now we would be very sick but her body has gotten use to this. Can someone offer some advice on this because my mom thinks it is okay to walk around without her oxygen and only thinks she needs it if she gets dizzy. She does use her oxygen when she sleeps. Anyone with any personal experiences?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I imagine it is heartbreaking watching someone you care for deprive themselves of something that can help them.

Has the doctor told her important it is that she be on her oxygen? Is she embarassed to be wearing it? Does she find it uncomfortable or is she in denial about how serious her disease is?

If some of those things apply to your mom, please tell her that there are many others on this forum that have felt that way, too and wear oxygen regularly. Please let her know that she will feel even better than she feels now.

I wish I could offer help. Prehaps others would have some other suggestions.

Best to you!
BreatheEasy
BreatheEasy
Maybe if you got your mom to join Daily Strength, she would feel better knowing how many of us are out here, and in the same boat she is. I know I found DS a great source of comfort and support. If she realized how many of us have the same issues she does, and that we all also use the oxygen and whatever other meds/treatments the doctors tell us to do. Maybe that would help her to make the right choices. Good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
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