Scared to Death for him

[Scaredwife]

My husband has Stage 4 COPD, he is on full tome oxygen #2 , he still can get dressed etc on his own but struggles to breath most time. He says its not bad but I know it is. We have been married 38 years, he has his social security and I gave small income from part time job, I am 56 and scared to death of loosing him. I dont know how to deal with all this, bills, etc. I pray alot but have very little support. Wanted to be connected with peole who understand and what to expect.

[Jocopd]

#1 Turn up the oxygen. Try level 3 so he can breath better. Get an oximeter - walmart has them for $12 or Amazon or if he is VA then he should get one free. Its a device that goes on his finger tip to measure his oxygen level. Try to keep the reading above 90. Below 88-85 and there is risk of damaging organs so you can see the idea is to keep that reading above those numbers.

#2 Has he done pulmonary rehab? In many areas this is offered but you have to have doctors orders to go. See if he can get into that. One usually goes twice a week and it teaches you how to do simple muscle strengthening exercises to breath easier and how to breath with copd. Most people rush thru the whole program as a way to get thru it but take time and learn it. It will help him live longer.

#3 get rid of unnecessary expenses. Even little things like getting rid of the $15 a year membership to some organization will help - after all what benefit are you getting from it? Ditch the cable for the tv - I did over 10 years ago and have just been using an old rabbits ears. All tv stations are required to broadcast over the air. Costs nothing and I figure I have saved $200 a month x 10 years. As you can see there are tons of ways to cut costs.

[Sandra1944]

Good advise, from Jocopd below. But he should not turn up the oxygen with out the Dr,s advise.

[jamprce in reply to Sandra1944]

That's correct Sandra. My mother turned her oxygen up and got carbon dioxide poison in her body. Every person is different. Please, seek doctors advice

[Titchel]

Hi scaredwife my partner was diagnosed with emphysema last week. I'm so scared and worrying myself to death about what I'll do if anything does happen to him. I know how u feel

[Scaredwife in reply to Titchel]

What is his lung capacity, how are you dealing with it. I am overwhelmed with concern can't hardly handle day after day. How old are you.

[Titchel in reply to Scaredwife]

They said his lungs were functioning at 52% and that he had emphysema at his appointment. He has another appointment next month. It seems an awfully long time to wait. I'm 40 and he's 50. I can't eat and keep having nightmares that he's died it's awful. I moved to his home town 5 years ago and have no one to talk to thst understand my worries.

[Scaredwife in reply to Titchel]

If ge does what hes suppose to he could do well for many years. My husband was like that in 2014. I worried then but now really worry as ge us on full time oxygen and much worse. I dont gave nightmares but i dont sleep. It is very hard but helps to have someone to talk to.

[Titchel in reply to Scaredwife]

If u ever need someone to talk to. I'm here xxx

[Scaredwife in reply to Titchel]

Thank you it helps to know people are there. This has been so hard on me. I dobt know how to deal with him being sick and worry is consuming me. Any words of encouragement.