COPD

[Sallyhoad]

How do you know when it’s the end of life for COPD?

[BronchyBronwen]

Sally, have just looked at some of your posts - 5 months ago or so, etc. Does your hospital have a Transforming End of Life Care (TEOLC) Board/Policy? Major and/or community hospitals should have one, and these can be really excellent. You must be worn out with the worry, but it would be really worthwhile to try to establish if there's one at the hospital treating your father. Maybe just by calling hospital and saying you want to speak to someone on the End of Life Care Team? Or google the hospital website and see what's either there or on websites of other hospitals locally which may collaborate? I really hope this helps. Keep us posted.

[Maverick2]

Stable COPD and Asthma do not end life. it's the Asthma and COPD exacerbation that kills. In a sense, it is random and non-predictable event. if you can manage to keep the exacerbation in check, you can live as long as you want.

[sassy59]

Hello Sally, it’s really hard to answer that question. I understand your dad is very poorly but he could well go on for some time to come. As BronchyBronwen suggests, see what the hospital has to offer.

It’s all such a worry for you but I hope you get any help you need. Thinking of you. Xxxx

[Ergendl]

My late husband Bob, who died because of the complications of COPD and peripheral vascular disease in 2003, actually died of a heart attack, not the COPD itself. He had had many exacerbations but was still able to carry on , using his nebuliser and other meds and getting about on a mobility scooter. My GP told me he might die at any time in 1997, but he still had a will to live and things to live for. He died when he ran out of things to live for.

[katieoxo60]

THink all these replies are true of the position COPD sufferers are in. Best way to see it is to live each day best you can , with your father. No one knows and many people die from something different to their chronic illness. You need to take care of yourself too so you have the strength to help your father. Every best wish for more happy moments with your father leaving lasting memories.

[ninelives]

Thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and hearts .

[Hummingbird2]

When I was diagnosed with COPD 2013 my Doctor told me you won't die of COPD it will be something else that takes you.

[Will57]

Hi I was rushed to hospital May 2019 (5th time in17 months) with pneumonia and extreme CO2 retention and my wife was informed not to expect my leaving the hospital and expect end of life, well as you can see i made it out but back in again on boxing day and then lucky enough to have an operation in Royal Papworth last February where my lower left lung was removed. My point in all this is that don't give up