Have been to see the chest consultant with my Dad .

[sam29]

He asked lots of questions and listened to my dads chest for what seemed like ages.He collected a sputum sample, but said he does not think my dad has a chest infection and he does not think the antibiotics or steroids will help .That what he is experiencing is his natural copd progression.He sent him for an xray and bloods and urine sample and will get back to us with the results .He said if nothong shows up on the xray he will arrange a ct scan for within the next 2 weeks.He wants him to try a nebuliser again as well.My dad looked dreadful at the hospital, he changed his mind and refused a wheelchair once we was there.The 5 minute walk with his stick took at least 20mins as we took it really slow for him, but he kept losing his balance ,i was standing so near him just so he wouldnt fall and he was exhausted and sweating and kept losing his temper.The consultant said the pain was to high up to be his kidneys .I told him that my dad had gone from 9stone4 to 7.11 in the last 2 months ,he has put on nearly a stone in 10 days with the steroids ! he is 8 stone 8 now ,but the steroids stop completely on monday so hopefully he will keep the weight on.We have another appointment with him in 4 weeks .Ive come away feeling abit empty really ,dont know why .I suppose you just want the hospital to make it all better .When infact theres not alot that can be done.Or even if they had said it was a chest infection, then at least we could treat it and make him a little better.

[hufferpuffer]

How lucky is your Dad to have you! he can thank his lucky stars for being your Dad,you love him to bits that's for sure, and that love is the best 'get better thing' you could ever do for him. Next time tell him to behave and get in the damn chair! I remember when my Mum got that bad and she bought a chair,well she was off!,straight down to the club for a drink with her mates! It's a fact that depression goes hand in hand with c.o.p.d,and perhaps he should consider asking the doctor for a little help in that direction.Wishing you all the very best,hufferpuffer.x