He can’t breathe
How do I explain to the nurses and doctors that even though his O2 levels are high with supplemental oxygen, he still feels like he can’t breathe? I’m reading that there are things they can give him so he doesn’t feel like he’s suffocating, but he feels that way, and the answer he keeps getting is “You’re stable. Your O2 sats are fine.” That doesn’t help someone panicked because they feel like they can’t breathe. This is his 3rd hospital visit, he lives on supplemental O2, nebulizers, inhalers, PT in the home. Has had months of PT teaching him how to breathe correctly. He currently was put on antibiotics in the hospital last night but still feels like he can’t breathe. I told them anti-anxiety meds would probably be warranted at this point but they don’t want to depress his breathing. But he already feels like he’s suffocating!!! What can they do other than what’s being done to stop that feeling?
Thank you for bringing this topic up,
Your dad is very fortunate to have you on his side. As a respiratory therapist, I see people like your dad regularly. You’re absolutely right—oxygen levels alone aren’t the only way to determine how someone is feeling. They are just one of many factors. I am sure your dad has a respiratory therapist. This person may be a good one to talk to about this. If the nurse and doctor aren't convinced your dad is needs additional help and support, perhaps the respiratory therapist can advocate on your behalf. I would certainly do this if I were there with you.
That said, some doctors hesitate to give anxiety medicines, fearing they might affect breathing. But there are safe ways to use them. I’ve seen them work well for many patients in similar situations. Or there are other options too. Another option is BiPAP -- as it can help make each breath come in easier. These are just some ideas. How is your dad doing today? How are you doing? John. community moderator.Thanks so much for replying! He’s not doing well at all. His hemoglobin dropped to 5 so he’s getting a blood transfusion. They put him on the BiPap, and had to put a sitter with him because he keeps taking it off. I just flew in and arrived at the hospital an hour ago. This nurse is more knowledgeable than any of the other folks he’s had. She explained that if his blood gases are off then he won’t feel like he can breathe, even though his sats are fine. No one else has recognized this, so I’m grateful. He doesn’t have a respiratory therapist in-home. I’ve tried getting him one but they don’t do in-home respiratory therapy. It took me almost 6 months to get him in with a pulmonary specialist, but he only saw him once. I asked them for a pulmonary consult at the hospital; I think that’s when they checked his blood gases.
If he’s not better after the transfusion then I think we are going to put him on hospice. We had been hoping for a zephyr valve implant, but not sure that’s in the cards. Again, thank you so much for your response.
Hi
. I am tagging here so he sees your response. You certainly have a lot on your shoulders. I hope your father eventually learns to keep the BiPAP on and that the transfusion is successful. I have had nothing but good experiences with hospice. The hospice guidelines have changed in recent years, so it might be worth considering either hospice or pallative care, regardless. Pallative care can reduce his trips to the doctor by providing many services at home or virtually. Keep us posted if you don't mind. We will be thinking of you both. - Lori (Team Member) 
Hi there -- just wanted to check in since I've been following this conversation and it's been a few days. How is dad doing? Just as importantly, how are *you* doing? I'm sure this is a heavy weight on your shoulders. Feel free to reach out anytime.
I know you're probably busy and scrambling to learn everything you can. When you have a minute, we have a popular article that explains the issue of feeling short of breath even though "the sats are fine" ... it's such a common problem and one of the most frequent questions we get here in the community.https://copd.net/clinical/breathlessness-vs-oxygen-saturation
I am sending you and Dad all of my best wishes and support. Keep taking good care of yourself, okay? -Melissa, team member
