Caring for mom
It’s 1:16 am and I’m writing this after finishing the household chores my mom once was able to do for herself. My visits are frequent these days, notwithstanding the three hour drive. I am so sad to see her in this state. Simple things like walking to the bathroom cause her to gasp for air. So, I’m here looking for help and encouragement while feeling helpless.
To my knowledge, my mom’s COPD was never labeled with a stage. She has very little trouble breathing while stationary. She cannot catch her breath when doing normal things around the house anymore. She has a PCP who does not offer great direction. She was referred to a pulmonologist whose first available appointment was 5 months out. She ended up seeing a nurse practitioner who apparently thought she was doing alright—which is far from reality. She is on inhalers, nebulizer treatments, and 2L of oxygen around the clock.
I am looking for a true specialist that treats her with more urgency and takes the time to create a plan for her that increases her quality of life. We are located in Michigan and are willing to travel for the right specialist.
Please, if anyone has any suggestions, please share. I am also curious about treatment options that I should ask her doctors about. I am not confident that her medical providers have explored everything that could benefit her.
Thank you.
I feel for you and your mom, been in your shoes and now just trying to survive myself and hubby. From my family in MI the health care system is falling hard, more PA, MA and NPA then Docs especially in the more rural areas and care for folks is not good. My sister in MI is now switching Pulm, Spec due to retirement of him. His office immediately suggested for her to hook up with UofM Medical Center. It's a one stop shop so to speak for those with chronic and multiple issues with all the staffing you should need. If worse comes to worse waiting, well take the drive to it's ER that should get the ball rolling a little faster (drastic as it sounds, sometimes we have to do what we have to do). As for mom not being able to care or do misc chores, try to get her at least move around from room to room helping you if possible or just keep her moving, it's important for exercise. Lifting weights while sitting and just some misc little leg movements while in a chair. Weights to use could be as simple as a 1 lb bag of dryed beans or even a can of veggies, just to work those arm and chest muscles to build them back up, which will help ease her breathing a little too hopefully. Do you/she have a pulse oximeter? They are pretty in expensive and can be used while she is walking to see how bad her O2 levels are in movement. Thus giving you more information for the doctors are you are able to get her in. I wish you and your mom so much luck with your adventure, please reach out if needed, there is always someone here to listen. 
, unfortunately, we cannot recommend specific specialists over the internet (for your safety!) so I would recommend asking for a referral to another pulmonologist from her GP, or to see if they at least can help get her an appointment sooner. If that doesn't help, some insurance providers keep a list of specialists that are covered by their plans in your area that might be helpful. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member).
