WATCHING MY FUTURE

[2manycigs]

Hi my first ever post im 56 ys old have stage 3 copd and struggle with everyday tasks so frustrating

Im currently living with my parents to help for them my mum is bed ridden with ms has careres visit 4 times a day for her personal care and 6 weeks ago my dad came home from hospital with end stage copd he has palliative care for end of life

Watching him gasp for breath and sound luke he is drowing is horrendos. IM WATCHING MY FUTURE has anyone had to care for someone with the same illness as themselfs HOW TO COPE

[Hidden]

I am very sorry for your situation. Try stay brave and positive. Life is hard and throws some really horrible stuff at us. I hope you have all the help you need to make life comfortable for you and your parents. Talk on here. Theres always someone who will answer you.

[2manycigs in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply its nice to know people out there to talk to

[Hidden]

That is very very difficult for you, but it sometimes helps to have friendly folk to talk to and you will find that here. Welcome to the forum.

[2manycigs]

Thank you its great to hear from people other than medical people they see this all of the time but they dont live with it i dont think they understand how hard it is although they think they do.

[Corin1950]

Hi 2manycigs

I really feel for you in your situation as my husband has severe COPD/Emphysema and I had to watch him battling in intensive care in hospital in Switzerland recently with a viral infection. Seeing him gasping for breath was horrendous. Fortunately he has received excellent care and is improving day by day although still very weak and in hospital. I do not have COPD but at stage 3 at 56 years there's a lot you can do to slow the progression of your condition . There's lots of good advice on here about eating well, exercising, attending pulmonary rehab classes. You do not need to become like your father if you follow the advice on here. You are very kind and thoughtful to take care of your parents in what must be a very difficult situation and I wish you and them the very best .

Take care of yourself

Corin

[Hidden]

welcome to the group.its good your helping your parents.

[docmel]

Yes I cared for my mother and I was a registered nurse and actually cared for several elderly folks with respiratory problems. Your story isn’t their story no two people are exactly identical. Coping with watching a love one slowly suffocate is very hard did it with my mom even knew exactly when to send my nieces out so they didn’t have to see the very last gasp. My nursing side allows me to separate, but I dealt with it days later and cried my eyes out to my husband . I hope you have a friend or significant other that can hold you as you go through all this. It is one of the hardest things in the world losing a loved one. Many blessing to you on the road ahead.

[2manycigs]

I want to thank every one for their kind words and support

[Ergendl]

Yes, I cared for my previous husband through severe COPD. He did not give up smoking and was very inactive and died of heart failure caused by his condition and lifestyle. I don't smoke, stay active and eat healthily, and avoid infections, and follow the tips on this site. That's kept me at the same moderate level since diagnosis in 2015.