COPD

[moon_goddess]

I know this may seem morbid to some people, but I really need some answers! My dad has severe COPD, is only 53, and in very poor health. I want to be prepared for when the time comes to make any medical decisions. I am an only child, so everything is going to be left up to me. My dad won't talk much about his wishes. Is it going to be painful for him? How much pain is he going to have to suffer through? When it comes to end-of-life, what is he going to be going through? I'm looking for answers, but so far have found none. PLEASE HELP!!!!

[lynn77]

Dear moon_goddess,
I don't know much more than what I have read on this site about COPD (http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/copd/). But, I can offer some support.

I think as hard as it may be, you need to talk to your dad. Be honest. Let him know you really want to hear what his thoughts are on the decisions that you may face in the future.

Also, get to know his doctor(s). They will be able to answer your medical questions about the condition of your father. Always be your own advocate and do your own research, get second opinions, etc. And in the end, just follow your heart and know that you are doing everything you can to help your dad.

Best of luck!

[JimBaber]

I know this may seem morbid to some people, but I really need some answers! My dad has severe COPD, is only 53, and in very poor health. I want to be prepared for when the time comes to make any medical decisions. I am an only child, so everything is going to be left up to me. My dad won't talk much about his wishes. Is it going to be painful for him? How much pain is he going to have to suffer through? When it comes to end-of-life, what is he going to be going through? I'm looking for answers, but so far have found none. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Jim replies,
I have to say that I went through that with my mother in 1979. I was the oldest but I really see where you are coming from. When you say he is in very poor health, I can only think of where I was in 1993 when I was diagnosed in terminal stage IV COPD and my doctor only gave me 2-3 months to live after a collapsed lung. By March of 1994 I had suffered 7 more of those collapses. At that point the surgeons told us my only chance was removal of the worst of the lung tissue. I agreed to the very dangerous surgery out of desperation. It worked, and there was still years of recovery ahead, but I was able to go back to work where I finally retired 6 years later.

Now, I am still in terminal stage IV COPD, but I feel better than I did in the 1980s. I am exercising regularly and that makes a large difference, for the first time in my life I am a "gym rat 3 days a week" for 2 hours of hard work. My friends have a hard time believing that at 70, I am doing things I could not do at 55.

NOTE: remember I was given 2-3 months to live 14 years ago

Keep your dad moving as much as he can, if he is on Oxygen, turn it up when he is active, I do and it works. Most pulmonary doctors will agree, and if your dad is not seeing a Pulmonolgist, he should be, and get him into Pulmonary Rehabilitation, go with him, a lot of your questions will be answered there and it will help him meet his own fears. I know it helped me to make plans with my family!