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...
My husband was told 6 years ago he had emphysema and COPD. Since January he has been hospitalized 2 times, on steroids bursts 5 other times and was put n O2 24/7 at 3 liters in rest and 5 walking. In the past month he has gone down fast. He is no longer able to bend over due to lack of air, He can't sleep in bed because when he does he quits breathing almost as soon as his head hits the pillow. He has even less energy . We were at the dr's yesterday andhe told him "at this point of your life you need to think about a living will. YOu are very fragile" He has quit smoking as of June 17 2001. That day he had a heart attack, stroke. respirtory failure and broke his ankle. He also has diabetes, RSD arthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesteral. We were told he has poartially collapsed lungs on both sides
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The pulmonologist had him in the hospital 2 weeks ago said it has to do with his weight and nothing they can do but it diffently affects his breathing, I find it hard to beleive he went down that fast in 3 weeks without something else going on. Maybe I am just in debial myself. His GP thought he had pnemothorax but all the test came back ok. I honestly dont knwo his lung capacity I wasnt there when it was done and he doesnt remember what it was. (MEN) I sent my son with him that day since I have to work to keep our insurance.
deleted_user
Get him to the another pulmonologist pronto or just take him to the e.r. and ask questions. If they don't give you answers keep asking ...It just sounds to me like they should be doing more! I hope he sees a pulmonologist..if not and you can't find a good one go to one of the mayo clinics...they are great and extremely thorough! Blessings to you!
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Pleas get copies of all test results and correspondence the pulmonogist sends to your primary doctor. This will arm you with more information than you can imagine. Just ask for this. They will have you sign a release and give you the reports. Keep your chin up.
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I have been is Hosp 8 time in past year, and I am considering to to National Jewish Hosp in Denver they are rated Number 1 Respiratory Hosp in US
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We were back at the ER today. Since hubby has a DNR order on file they are hesitant to do anything. Very upsetting that in this day and age they can't find something better for COPD and Emphysema. He is determined to keep going as much as possible but we also know he has alot of limits. Hopefully this new med they gave him today for his nebulizer will work its atrovent. I have tried it in the past for asthma and find it gives me heartburn any one else have problems with it?
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Today is a better day. The atrovent is working great. Erv woke up in the night and took a treatment. This time he went back to sleep YEAH!!!!!
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pkm, I was having trouble sleeping and I started useing those breath right strips it helped me to breath better. I too have COPD and I am on oxygen 24/7 at 4 litters all the time. I was told 11 years ago I had only 50%lung capacity . I do what I can and leanred my limits and wash my hands often and stay away from crowds and go out only when weather permits me to. I pray God will guide you every step of your journey. Love and hugs to you. Frieda
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