Hello. My dad has COPD and has been oxygen dependent 24/7 for about 2-3 years now.
The last few days, his sats have been dropping to 58 and sitting in the early 80’s. He doesn’t want to get up and is constantly sleeping. As soon as he sits up or moves, the sats drop.
The respiratory nurses were called Wednesday and said they would come Monday after the bank holiday weekend.
He doesn’t want to go to hospital. But, I wanted to know, is this all normal? Does this mean anything?
He doesn’t want to see anyone and just wants to sleep.
Written by
Sallyhoad
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I remember your posts from about two years ago. I would imagine your dad has had a very long, hard road and is pretty exhausted. It is very normal for extremely ill people not to want to get up, see people and just sleep. He is probably retaining carbon dioxide which would make him drowsy. I would not force him to eat or do anything he doesn't want to. It's all about what he wants at this stage. I would also inform the nurses as soon as possible and if he is in distress to call for medical help. Is he under hospice care?
I went through this with my dad too and a number of family members. His comfort is the most important thing. Speak softly to him and remind him of all the happy times.
It would not be normal for a healthy person Sally, but for someone who has been as ill as your dad for so long I don't think it is unusual or unexpected. Your dad may be slowly approaching the next leg of his journey.
No it’s not normal. If you are desiring a definitive answer as to how long he will live in this condition it’s not possible to give you an accurate one. He is retaining carbon dioxide. Sats obviously are very low. Can it be corrected by reducing his carbon dioxide? I don’t know. I’ve known some that were in the 47 oxygen level recover and live a few more years. Their quality of life was quite poor. It’s an awful situation to be in. I do understand this. I agree with Cas. Focus on comfort. Don’t worry about food and drink unless he asks for it.
Is that with oxygen? My dad has been on oxygen 24/7 for a few years now. I don’t understand how they have just suddenly dropped so significantly. I don’t mean to be blunt or ask silly questions.
His wife said the respiratory nurses didn’t seem concerned when she called them Wednesday. I was just concerned that obviously now it’s been days, not just a few hours. I did ask him to call someone but he is insistent that he doesn’t want to go into hospital.
He seems to want minimum involvement from outside now and I can understand that. There comes a point when you just don't want any more prodding. The respiratory nurses must know his full medical history but I suggest his wife call them and I urge you see him as soon as you are able.
Hi there I appreciate your concern and feel maybe you need to speak to the hospice care team for advice on his deterioration. unfortunately at bank holidays it is hard to get advice. Follow your gut instinct , speaking from experience those nearest to the person can usually sense when something is wrong. I have lost two close relatives to lung disease in the past eighteen months so speak from experience , there are no hard and fast rules, but your Dads action is not unusual but he may just have an infection. What about trying 111 as it is a long weekend without services. Families concerns do still have to be addressed too every best wish. Do try to spend some time with him as suggested by Caspiana, it will leave you feeling better that you were there for him.
He was slightly better yesterday. His sats were sitting at 80. He managed to sit in the chair. However, today is another bad day. He is exhausted and asleep. His sats are sitting at 70, just below at times. I don’t know what to do. Or what to think.
In these cases paramedics won't take him into hospital against his wishes and it helps you to talk the same with hospice staff they will still advise and can often be more knowledgeable about these symptoms . It is usual to be very tired when the illness gets worse and weaker of course Hope that helps.
Please spend the with your dad and phone 111 to get some advice itay well be that he has an infection and needs treatment. Please keep us updated and rember we are all here for you. Thinking of you, your dad and family have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻
He was slightly better yesterday. His sats were sitting at 80. He managed to sit in the chair. However, today is another bad day. He is exhausted and asleep. His sats are sitting at 70, just below at times. I don’t know what to do. Or what to think.
Yes. His time has cum maybe but should be having palitive care . Try ring ii111. Explain. He has a right to die at home peacefully. Sorry. I live alone. And refuse go to sorry. Dirty. Grotty hospital . Have gorgeous Nigerian carers . Not afraid find me dead I spent a lot my life. Working. In Africa . But you need. Care .i nursed my mother when 18 I am 72. Now lovey doc came by most nights .told me what do . In the end I believe she just given. Bit more morphine . She had a friend. Country lady. We laid her out . Made room flowers & candles many people came that night till undertaker morning . Death a bit Nono subject. This country .my heart with you .rgs
Hi Sally sorry to hear about your dad I suffer from serve copd broncechtisis emphysema respiratory type 2 asthma odimia and pseudomnas I'm on oxygen nebulizer and bipeb machine everyday for copd patients it should be 88-92 but for your dad consider the age and no movement his stats are very low I would like to say or advise to take him to hospital where he should get right care or talk to your consultant cause your oxygen might needs to be up then what it is know. I hope thing's work out for him good luck. I'm foxy79
He was slightly better yesterday. His sats were sitting at 80. He managed to sit in the chair. However, today is another bad day. He is exhausted and asleep. His sats are sitting at 70, just below at times. I don’t know what to do. Or what to think.
Hi Sally Try not to much of oxymeter they aren't accurate always and sitting down Sat should always be above 80 or more as I said please go to a consultant and seek advice please
Hold his hand. Talk of good memories and take time to just be together. Sadly we will all reach this point when are bodys just say no more. Try and get advice from the palutive care team so he can be as comftorble as posable. But remember to make time for yourself as this is a very emotional time for you and your family.Take care of your your self too
He was slightly better yesterday. His sats were sitting at 80. He managed to sit in the chair. However, today is another bad day. He is exhausted and asleep. His sats are sitting at 70, just below at times. I don’t know what to do. Or what to think.
I think you need to talk to the palutive care team and see what they think and in the mean time just be a daughter to your Dad keep him company ect if it is time for his jorney to end the time you spend with him will make it easier for you both x
Have u seen yr father since he has deteriorated?as advised above,u should.perhaps u can decide then,what to do nxt as he should have some kind of care/nursing input so he can avoid complications frm current condition which will also help his wife
He was slightly better yesterday. His sats were sitting at 80. He managed to sit in the chair. However, today is another bad day. He is exhausted and asleep. His sats are sitting at 70, just below at times. I don’t know what to do. Or what to think.
I was extremely short of breath and constantly tired due to my Emphysema, I was introduced to Natural Herbs Center and their COPD Ayurveda Protocol. I started on the COPD Treatment last year, my symptoms gradually diminished including my shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue. Reach them at naturalherbscentre. com. I know I'll get negative comments but I’m sharing this perhaps someone is also looking at genuine alternative treatment. I can vouch for this Ayurvedic treatments but you still need to decide what works best for you. Sending prayers
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