Time left to live
Yesterday I was told by a clinician consultant that my mother only has months left to live due to end stage copd.
It left me a bit shocked as I wasn't aware it would be so soon. She was only sitting in front of me yesterday eating crisps and talking albeit it very tired.
Her oxygen levels are around 82-84 and when she stands they drop to around 70%.
Shes getting over pnumonia and they said they hope to discharge her with oxygen but expect her to return to hospital soon after.
Has anyone else been given a timescale for a family member?
Everything I read suggests that's a very hard thing to do with COPD.
The only time I have heard of a time line being given is the last few days when the body has already started to shut down. It truly might be best to ask the doctor why he/she thinks this. Never hurts to ask to get those answer you seek. Have they mentioned getting your mom any kind of home care assistance? Say like a home health care Nurse, Palliative care or Hospice? That would be something you could check in to also. Sending you and your my hugs.
has given you some good advice, . There might be something about your mother's current condition that has factored into her doctor's assessment. It's more than okay to reach out and ask for more information. My heart goes out to you Please know we are here for you whenever you need support or a place to vent. Sending the very best of wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member) why hasn't anyone made a mask to breath hot steam for copd
hot steam loosens air ways and other things can be added to the water to lessen lung inflammation,
oxygen does not make sense , all that oxygen does is makes it so the lungs dont inflame,
breathing hot steam makes more sense,
Hi jane, and thanks for your comment - it's a good one!! Let me see if I can address your concerns.
As it turns out, in the hospital setting (which also can be used at home), we provide 'cool mist' for patients who benefit from it. The mask that is used for the delivery of this mist, either with oxygen or compressed air, is called an aerosol mask. For patients who do not do well with an aerosol mask, there is an alternative. This is known as the face tent. It is similar to the aerosol mask style, but it has an open top (for patients who feel 'enclosed' by the mask). For patients who do better using heated aerosols, heaters can be adapted to the nebulizer device providing the mist.
Do you think this is something that you would benefit from?
Leon L (author/moderator)
I'm so sorry to hear this. But, as others have said, it's very difficult to predict a time frame with COPD. Perhaps as was mentioned there is something you're not being told. On the other hand, it's possible this person was just giving their opinion. I hope your mom will get home from the hospital soon and be well enough to enjoy each day. Try not to dwell on what might be but instead concentrate on what is.
Best,
Lyn (COPD.net moderator)
