End Stage COPD?

[Hazj25]

Hello, My dad is 69 and has stage 4 COPD, he was a smoker of 60 a day but he quit when he almost died due to getting pneumonia around 5 years ago. Since then he has struggled along but more recently we have noticed he is getting worse, since Christmas I have noticed he has lost weight gradually, he is more reliant on his oxygen (pretty much all the time) he is more tired, unable to walk anywhere including from the living room to the kitchen (a very short distance), and he hasn’t eaten in 10 days. When I saw him on Saturday he looked so drawn and skinny! I think it is part depression as my mum was recently diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer but I also worry he is at the end stages. We called 111 as we were so concerned who said it was normal and to drink water and take paracetamol and we phoned the doctor who also refused to come out and gave him some medication for oral thrush, this was diagnosed over the phone based on what we said! I am so worried and I just wondered if anyone had any advice as I didn’t really know where else to go! He doesn’t have carers as he refuses to have them. I’m grateful for any advice! Many thanks

[sassy59]

Hello Hazj25 how awful to see your dad so poorly and mum diagnosed with bowel cancer. What a lot to take in.

I think it’s disgraceful that nobody is prepared to actually see your dad rather than make a guess over the phone. Please insist a doctor see him or dial 999. He’s entitled to proper treatment regardless of what stage COPD he’s at.

I do hope things improve and I will be thinking of you all. Xxxxx

[Tia4209]

I agree with Sassy 59, call 999 your Dad needs a proper assessment.

[Hidden]

Hi I agree with the other replies that your Dad must be seen by someone. That’s ridiculous no one has come to help you. Bless your heart, as you have too much worry to deal with just now, without the professionals failing to assist. It’s their job !!!!

Good luck and 999 is the next step. Sending you a virtual hug 🤗 as sounds like you need one. Xxx

[astragal]

Hi Hazj25

As others have said your dad deserves to receive treatment. If there are other GP’s at the surgery it may be that one of them could visit. Or as already mentioned call an ambulance, it doesn’t seem fair he is not getting more help.

It sounds like a lot to manage, there should be more support for all of you.

Wishing you all the very best, look after yourself too.

Liz x

[powderpuff]

Hello Hazj25,

Definitely give 999 a call! Don’t feel bad about it as it’s a last resort & you’re Dad does need attention. There’s nothing normal about him not eating for 10 days & once in hospital he will be accessed.

His loss of appetite might well be due to depression or even due to Thrush in his mouth, whatever the cause, it can be helped.

[Daisy55]

Definitely a 999 call , I totally agree . He will then get the right treatment and can be given liquid food too . You can ask for a hospice referral too . I am so sorry your mum is ill too , it is hard to bear , keep strong . Sending love ❤️🤗

[Hacienda]

I agree with everyone, 999 and at least the Paramedics can be First to Treat him after you have told them about the Failure of Doctors, So Sorry that your Poor Mum has Cancer which will have made your poor Dad even worse, So Much for you to Take on without any Medical care. Be Strong for them Both Hun. Sending Loving wishes. xxxx

[ledge]

Oh my poor dear, what a worry for you. Yes, your dad does need better care than he is currently receiving. He needs a proper assessment of his condition. It looks like you are all soldering on and bearing such heavy loads all of this has to be taken into consideration. If he is being properly cared for regardless of what stage COPD he is at. Then there is one less weight for you all to carry. Ring 999, that way he will be assessed face to face and all things taken into consideration . Good luck

[Lol1944]

Do not hesitate. He is entitled to proper care. Ambulance now.

[Aingeful]

Absolutely nothing normal about not eating for 10 days!! This was one of my symtoms before becoming extremely ill with pneumonia! Does he have a temperature? He is likely to be severely dehydrated as well if not eating.He needs properly assessing. I ignored my symptoms and was hours away from severe sepsis when I was admitted to hospital finally.

[anng18]

Hi Haz,

How awful for you. My mother was in a similar state and I rung 999, as from experience I knew I was wasting my time dialing 111. Her Dr. did visit her and also called the ambulance services. In hospital, they checked her out properly and gave her the various boosts needed to enable her to come home again. Don't waste time and get your dad some help, whether he wants it or not.

Take care

[Lemon7]

If you are ever refused a visit or proper help in future say over the phone that you will be calling an ambulance, going to Aand E etc see if you get a better response! Hope you have managed to get the help you all need. Best wishes.

[Izb1]

Hi Hazj25, I cant add any more to the advice that you have been given in the wonderful replies you have received, you have alot to deal with and must be worried sick. I wanted to wish you well and add my support. Irene x

[Response]

So sorry you are all going through this.

This is why people end up having to go to A&E

If you have car why not just go to A&E straightaway, if your dad can't move, then an ambulance. Tell them his breathing is worse and losing tonnes of weight. Your GP would NEVER leave Prince Phillip like this so don't feel guilty.

Even if triage only say this is normal, you won't go through life wishing you had (like I do! - My dad lost weight etc and only got a blood test from the GP after 3 weeks . He died the day after ). I'm not saying that this is your dad's case, but I think getting proper attention will at least put all your minds at rest, get proper response, even or get medical high protein drinks.

[mogs302]

First thing to do is get your dad to use oxygen ALL THE TIME. His body needs building up, and only weeks of supplemental oxygen will do that. You don't know that he is at end stage. You must force him to use oxygen all the time until--and it will be at least 6 months--his organs have revived. He may also be anemic. Make sure he eats plenty of seafood--shrimp, mussels, oysters, for iron. Also any kind of liver. He is probably partly poorly because he isn't being medicated properly with oxygen.

[SussexH]

I think it best to call the local pulmonary team. They do home visits and have some influence for necessary treatment.

[Nicholatracy]

Please call his pulmonary team to assist him 🐞

[Ergendl]

Lots of good suggestions above. Just want to wish you all the strength you need as you support your Dad and Mum in their severe illnesses. Good luck with getting more help for your Dad.

[Hazj25]

UPDATE - Sorry everyone I wasn’t sure how to reply to you all in one go but I just wanted to say thank you for all your advice. Unfortunately my dad passed away on the 9th April.

Due to Covid19 the paramedics wouldn’t take him to a hospital and the hospice were not taking on new patients so he passed away at home, with myself, my mum and my brother beside him. After this post I contacted the doctor who came out and told him he had constipation, he was losing weight so quickly it’s was quite unbelievable so I do question if he had something else going on besides his COPD. By the time a doctor took it seriously and did bloods this was a week before he died, he got a referral to the hospital but they wouldn’t see until the pandemic was over and unfortunately it was too late. I fought for my dad as much as I could but he is no longer suffering. This group is wonderful and a great support network and I for one am glad it is available. Please all look after yourselves x