I am a wife of a COPD sufferer

[1964BookLover]

I am taking care of my husband who has COPD. Any suggestions on dealing with swelling would be appreciated!! Any help please!

[sassy59]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I’m also the wife of a COPD sufferer but he doesn’t really have swelling as such. Is it water retention? Is he on a water tablet? He should maybe be seen by a doctor if at all possible. Not sure how things work in the United States.

Hoping your husband can get help. Do please stay in touch. Xxx

[1964BookLover in reply to sassy59]

thank you for replying Unfortunately we do not have a doctor or money to see one. We live in a small town of 800. He does not want to be stuck in a hospital over 100 miles away so we are trying home remedies. Using a natural water tablet but it seems to have stopped working. We are limiting his sodium intake and really watching what he eats. I am trying to provide home hospice care. I really have no family to talk to so I appreciate just venting. Thank you May you have a blessed day.

[sassy59 in reply to 1964BookLover]

Bless you both. Thinking of you. Xxx

[1964BookLover in reply to sassy59]

Thank you. Prayer is all that is getting us through this.

[pasquino in reply to 1964BookLover]

Hi book lover,

Look, I'm 73 years old and only have one lung, to make matters worse I have COPD and fibrosis and I also take oxygen therapy 24/7 (1 litre), so I know very well how your husband feels and how you feel trying to do something to help him.

In my case I was lucky because I have a doctor who tries to avoid medicines that are not strictly necessary, because they often cause shortness of breath.

I know it's difficult to exercise, but even a few steps taken every morning help; it can start with just 5 minutes and then increase the time, unfortunately this damned disease brings depression and then your husband will really have to make a great effort and feel close for his sake and your benefit from him.

I understand that you live in the USA, so the assistance is paid, but if not, try to take your husband to a hospital where they can thoroughly examine the problem and give him the appropriate treatment... I understand that your husband He doesn't want to, but it's for his good and yours.

I wish you and your husband all the best,

Pasquino

[1964BookLover in reply to pasquino]

Thank you and I appreciate all your advice. Wish we could trust doctors more and of course the cost is a big part of us not wanting to go.

[FrostGyre in reply to 1964BookLover]

Hello. What does he eat (and drink)?

[1964BookLover in reply to FrostGyre]

We have been limiting the sodium. Oatmeal, yogurt, avocado, tomato, squash, zucchini, bananas, oranges, salmon. We try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables but unfortunately our small grocery store also has a small produce section

[Spacecat1]

Have you mentioned swelling to your gp/practice nurse. My gp put me on furisomide 20mg every other day to help with swelling plus it helps me if I walk around.

[1964BookLover in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you for replying. We do not have a doctor. We are elderly and on medicaid but my husband does not want to go to a hospital over 100 miles away. We are trying home remedies and do appreciate your advice. Hope you have a good day!

[peege]

Raspberry leaf is diuretic as are dandelion. Make tea from raspberry leaves and put dandelion leaves in a salad with a nice dressing ...... that's if the swellings are water retention. If it is and if it's excessive it can be dangerous if it reaches the lungs. I understand you don't have a doctor but is there anyone, a nurse perhaps with a stethoscope who can have a regular listen to his lungs?

[1964BookLover in reply to peege]

Thank you for replying and advice. He is taking a water pill that contains cranberry and dandelion. How can you tell if it has reached the lungs? We have a stethoscope here at home.

[peege in reply to 1964BookLover]

I dont know of the sounds for water in lungs (I'm not a medic however I've heard some common sounds). If you have a stethoscope perhaps you could monitor once a day for any different ones in him. What an appallingly difficult situation to be in in 2024, I'm so sorry..........we're not supposed to give medical advice on here, we're just patients who have lung issues. Thinking of you.

[macnsyl in reply to 1964BookLover]

DO NOT RELY ON THE HOME REMIDYS> HE NEEDS FOXAMAX

[Caspiana]

Hello there. I am sorry to hear of your situation. Do you know why he is swelling? I swell a lot in summer. The doctors don't want me on water tablets so twice a day I lie down with my feet up and I never lie flat. I am sad to hear you don't have access to medical assistance. I don't understand the American medical system very well but I think such an advanced nation should be able to do better for its people. Being so far away from the nearest hospital I'd imagine they should at least have a traveling doctor to your area. I am truly sorry to read your post. Please keep us updated. Thinking of you both.

Cas xx 🙋‍♀️🐕

[1964BookLover in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for replying and your kind words. His legs do go down after he elevates them, but it only lasts til the next day. We think he has heart failure too, which is why he is swelling, I'm sure. Just trying to find remedies we can use at home. Thank you again.

[Chinadoll81 in reply to 1964BookLover]

So so sad to hear of your situation. I wish with all my heart I had an answer for you. I will remember you both in my prayers. Blessings and love xxxxx

[1964BookLover in reply to Chinadoll81]

Thank you. Prayers are helping us get through this. Take care yourself

[Dorris59 in reply to 1964BookLover]

Are there no charitable organisations or hospitals who you help you with the costs of medication or medical costs? He needs a proper diuretic and assessment by a Dr. I’m so sorry you’re in this position. Yes fluid can get on the lungs and will make his breathing more laboured, and he’ll be short of breath etc. My mother had COPD plus heart failure and her daily fluid intake hadto be limited. I think my mother’s was limited to 1 - 1.5 litres a day but I’ll ask my brother as I can’t quite remember. Everything had to be measured out. Maybe you can do a little of your own research from reputable sources on that. That total included soups, tea, coffee etc. Obviously when it’s hot we sweat more and drink more and can’t we can’t risk getting dehydrated so these patients need monitoring. You really need professional advice as things may differ for each individual and we aren’t medical experts. That’s what my mom had to do for her COPD & heart failure, but she’s not your husband, so he really does need to see the right professionals. It’s disgraceful that in such an advanced country like the USA, people are left to struggle like this.

[Alberta56]

best wishes. I hope somw of these suggestions are helpful.

[pasquino]

My 5 cents...tested on myself...

What's the best exercise for swollen legs?

Compression stockings work by gently squeezing the legs to help the blood return to the heart. The best time to put compression stockings on is first thing in the morning and remove them in the evening. Exercise-The most effective forms of exercise to help combat leg swelling are swimming, walking, and biking.

Is it OK to exercise with a swollen leg?

Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted. Using a cross trainer or treadmill has a number of advantages, or you can alternate a structured walk in the gym with walking outside.

Does exercise help remove fluid from legs?

Doing simple exercises can help reduce swelling in the lower limbs by helping the body pump fluids up from the feet and back into the center area of the body. Once the excess fluid is in the trunk of the body, it can be eliminated via urine.

Check on youtube also !

Good luck

Pasquino

[1964BookLover in reply to pasquino]

Thank you for your advice. I forgot to mention that he has so much trouble breathing he is on oxygen almost 24/7. He is trying to exercise but his breathlessness is getting worse too. HIs blood pressure is low, we check it every day. His urine output is only about 2 cups a day. We have been checking youtube and doing natural vitamins and food. Thank you again.

[Izb1]

Hi 1964BookLover and welcome to the site. I am sorry to hear your husband is having these problems with swelling in his legs but he really needs to see a doctor or pharmacist who can advise you. Is there any type of helpline over there that you could talk to. I am sorry that we cant advise on medical issues and heart failure is serious so please be careful. I cant imagine how you are managing being elderly and not being able to afford medicine or see a doctor is shocking. I wish you well and hope that you can get some help x

[Lupino]

Hello to you,

You have found a super forum here, and I do hope that eventually your husband will receive the right care and you as well, as you are a lovely carer.

Just to add on about the swollen legs. As the skin stretches and gets dry you could try using daily, if possible, a simple cream/ moisturiser. This helps protect the skin in case it is knocked and damaged, as it will be heal slowly beacause of the swelling. Keeping the legs elevated whenever sitting is good and also flexing the ankles to help the return circulation.

Lupino xx

[1964BookLover in reply to Lupino]

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate all the support, it does help.

[Cavmad]

Swelling of the stomach may be serious or just IBD or something worse. If it's in the legs thats due to the heart not being able to pump well enough. Is there a reason you would use fluid tablets? This may tax the kidneys unnecessarily and also stuff up electrolytes that isn't good for the heart. What about the blood pressure, how is that going? Even though it's a long way perhaps an accurate diagnosis is a good idea to enable you to handle it at home with confidence. I wish you luck and hugs. Do some serious research if you are attempting to treat without assistance

[1964BookLover in reply to Cavmad]

Thank you for replying. We have been researching for a year now. Forgot to mention we take his blood pressure everyday is it's usually 107/85. I do appreciate all the support. It really helps.

[Nula2]

Hi Booklover🙋‍♀️. What a worry for you both. Not sure if you have pharmacies where you are but if you do maybe speak to your local one see if they can help ❤️xxx

[1964BookLover in reply to Nula2]

Thank you, we will ask.

[Anna1025]

Hello BookLover. I'm in the US also. Where do you live?

[1964BookLover in reply to Anna1025]

We live in rural Colorado. Where are you? I do wish the United States had a better medical system.

[Anna1025 in reply to 1964BookLover]

I'm in East Texas. Sorry I'm not closer. It sounds like your husband has just given up. If he would go to a doctor, even if you have to ask someone to drive you 100 miles, they could probably make his life more comfortable if nothing else. If you don't have a friend that can do that, area churches have people that would be happy to drive you. I do understand the depression that comes with being ill as I fight that all the time. And, the pharmacist told me none of that over-the-counter stuff helps any with water retention. He needs to see a doctor. Not only is he suffering, but he is also putting you through hell trying to figure out how to help him. I wish you the best and hope he will agree to see a doctor. If he's on medicaid it shouldn't cost you out of pocket money. Take care.

[1964BookLover in reply to Anna1025]

Thank you so much for your kind words. We have thought already about everything you have said. He is on medicare but when we looked at the manual we got depressed because it looks like they do not cover hardly anything. We are trying a natural diuretic. He really hates hospitals but we do have a center (kinda) here. We were gonna go today, but it's Saturday and he doesn't think a full staff will be there. We are gonna try massage this weekend and go first thing Monday morning. I really appreciate everyone being so kind and supportive. This has really helped me. Thank you again.

[Anna1025 in reply to 1964BookLover]

So glad he's going to see someone. For BOTH your sakes! Hope they can help him.

[jackdup]

Could you not check with a pharmacy and see if there is any over the counter medication that could help. Is you closest doctor 100 mikes away? They won’t necessarily put him in the hospital but I understand your apprehension.

[Anniebeen]

Your husband should drink a lot of water - and then drink more. If your body is not receiving water it will hoard the water it does have! Also, he should "write" the alphabet with his feet as often as possible. It is painless and can be done just about anywhere. That will help with swollen ankles. Good luck to both of you!

[1964BookLover in reply to Anniebeen]

Thank you for your advice. We have heard not to drink water then to drink water! So I get so confused. I appreciate your support. May you be blessed as well.

[peege in reply to 1964BookLover]

You could look up the names of diuretics used in US then look up the patient leaflet details, here in UK we get the leaflets in the box of medication. They've loads of information and usually say drink plenty if fluids with them. One of the dangers of the legs swelling is that the skin stretches, splits then leaks fluid. This is when infection sets in. Perhaps you could look up cellulitis & how to avoid it &/or treat it.

Good idea of Anna1025 to ask churches for assistance in getting to a medical centre for help, if hubby's near the end at least you'll know so able to make a choice of staying or going home for his last days or weeks. Good luck Booklover ××

[1964BookLover in reply to peege]

Thank you. I just want to say Thank you to all of you for your support. What makes this really hard is our 40th anniversary is February 7.

[2023AFibber]

Fluids, not just water is important to get rid of fluid retention, I went thru terrible swelling w some of my heart meds. Dr said water w half Gator Aid for electrolytes. I have COPD and understand the exercise pronlem but even a few steps every hour to prevent clots.. Ankle pumps too will help. Coffee is a diuretic also has something it similar to albutetol, learned that from my RT sister. Will keep u in my prayers,

[1964BookLover in reply to 2023AFibber]

Thank you for your advice. I appreciate all your help and prayers.

[JigsawAddict]

My heart goes out to you. I've had a look online and there's the American Lung Association. They have an helpline (I think that they have a livechat or you can email them). I hope that they'd be able to help you with medical advice and with supporting you with being able to access healthcare.

Here's the link:

lung.org/help-support

lung.org/lung-health-diseas...

I hope that they will be able to help you with supporting your husband and have practical advice so that you will be able to access medical support for your husband. There's also a page about financial assistance. I don't know if there's anything that would be helpful for you. I've attached the link for this:

lung.org/help-support/finan...

lung.org/help-support/lung-...

You are both in my prayers. Sending you both my best wishes x