Need advice
Relative was diagnosed 5year ago with COPD after suffering from pneumonia. Started with oxygen at home for night time and a few hours during the day when needed. Now on 24/7 the last 3 years. Always seems out of breath and struggling for air, even on oxygen. Walking is a struggle and is housebound a lot.
Was complaining with low energy the last few months and got worse recently, along with swollen legs, so they went to doctors. Sent to ER as oxygen test on finger was very low.
Relative is 83 and suffering with lung infection and fluid on legs which has cleared since admission 1 week ago. Infection is still there.
A doctor asked my relative if they would like to be revived if needed and relative said no. Relative has been vomiting the last few days and told us there has been scans and bloods taking but haven’t heard anything back as it was the weekend this began.
I am so afraid of what’s to happen but I need to know what can happen. I feel they’re not going to get better and I am not a negative person, just scared, and would like to help myself and other family members a little prepared. As no one is asking anything.
What questions should be asked to the doctor? Relative only had 40% lung capacity before this visit. Am I right is thinking it will be lower after the lung infection clears?
Hi
. My heart goes out to you. This is such a difficult situation. My father didn't have COPD, but he had frequent bouts of pneumonia with a lessening ability to cough anything up due to late stage MS as he aged. He was 88 when he died. Not treating the pneumonia that last time took a huge emotional and physical toll on me, but I had to constantly remind myself that I was doing this for him, not for me. Life on a ventilator with an infection and no chance of recovery would have been unbearable for him. In-hospital hospice was a godsend. They made sure he was comfortable and that mucus was cleared from his throat and sinuses whenever it built up. They were good to me as well.
Hopefully, your relative will recover and have many more good days ahead. Only time will tell whether their lung capacity returns to previous levels. Once you get those tests results, you will have a better idea of the treatment choices. Since your relative has chosen not to be revived should anything happen, now would be a good time to talk with your relative about hospice and ask the doctor when hospice might be appropriate. Hospice is no longer only for people who are near death. Nowadays, they also offer services based on a combination of symptoms, including frequent hospitalizations, comprimised activities of daily life, etc. The emotional support and guidance they can provide is invaluable.
We are not medical experts, but, with my father's infections, I was constantly asking about next steps -- stronger antibiotics, IV antibiotics, etc. It might give you both peace of mind to know what actions the doctor will take if the infection doesn't clear and when that action will be taken. It did for me.
I hope this helps and that others chime in with more suggestions. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Sending lots and lots of healing energy your way. - Lori (Team Member)
