COPD

[beth0404]

My father is 66 yrs old and was diagnosed with COPD about 15 years ago. He continues to smoke about 3 packs a day. He has been in with the doctor (twice) for his oxygen saturation which was at 85% and the doctor prescribed him prednisone. This has happened in a two week period. He now has nebulizer and oxygen. Along with this he is producing too many red blood cells and needs to have a pint drained every couple of weeks. I saw him the other day, after about a year, and he has lost tremondous amts of weight. Except for his stomach area which is equivalent to a pregnant woman. He is also fighting Diabetes and Sleep Apnea. His shins are discolored down to the feet. He will not tell you what his doctor is saying. Anyone out there that has had experience with the end stage of COPD that can tell me if he is looking at the end of his battle, or is this just another bump in the road for him. I would greathly appreciate anything that anyone can tell me. Thank you.