ask: What are the final stages of enphesema and copd?
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Anonymous
October 11, 2010 - 5:03am
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Hi Anon
Thanks for your question and welcome!
May I ask if this question is for you or someone you know? Can you tell us a little more about your (or their) situation? For example, their other health issues, age, are they living at home/nursing home? We will then have a better idea of where we are as often times when we get more information down the line, it changes our original guidance.
In the meantime, check out our Emphysema and COPD page here: http://www.empowher.com/condition/emphysema
I hope to hear back from you soon!
Best,
October 11, 2010 - 11:50am~Susan
This Comment
My husband. 63 yrs. copd, emphesema, congestive heart failure. 50 yr smoker. Still at home. Golfing 9 holes twice a week with a cart. Bowling, but just got a lighter ball. Struggles always to breathe. Sleeps sitting up. Only steamy hot water helps the congestion. Not on oxygen. Has a wracking constant cough and a hard time spitting up sputum. Regular weight 150, down to 116
October 12, 2010 - 8:19amHi Anon
Thanks for the update, it's good to hear from you again.
It sounds like your husband is still pretty active. People with emphysema always struggle for breath and often are on oxygen. Is he willing to go on oxygen? This will ease his discomfort significantly.
Your husband is still relatively young but as you know, being a 50 year smoker at 63 is going to cause a lot of damage to his respiratory system. Is he still smoking? His weight loss is also huge - and due to his conditions too.
The end stages of his conditions are quite difficult to deal with, for the patient and their families. His breathing will become even more difficult which is why oxygen is a good idea. Medications can help with his pain and discomfort.
Are you planning for him to remain home? If you can, that's a good idea although hospice care is a very compassionate option. Hospice can also come to the home.
Have you (and he) been told his prognosis? He may live for years longer, depending on how severe his condition is. Has he been told he is terminal?
The ending stage is all about keeping the person comfortable and emotionally well. Having a plan is a great idea. Do you have a plan of care set up for him?
I hope to hear more from you soon so I can get more of an idea of where he is medically and what his doctors have said. Hang in there and know that we're here for you both, as you will also need a lot of support. I look forward to your response.
October 13, 2010 - 11:15amBest,
~Susan