COPD extreme breathlessness

[caroash]

Hi I'm asking for advise on behalf of my father in law he has COPD and a heart valve problem too. He came to our house yesterday for a barbeque in the garden.I was shocked to see how much he had deteriorated since I last saw him.My mother in law said they are done with doctors as noone helping him any more.Hes on certain drugs and has his own small cans of oxygen and a nebuliser,She was told that he's borderline for oxygen,he's 75. But at one point he got up out of his chair with help and was leaning forward gasping for breath.I was really worried,I understand that recently it's been telephone consultations due to Covid,but he does seem neglected.I can't believe that someone can be left in this way.I think he needs different care/ treatment.Has anyone on here any advise,this would be gratefully received.

[Feelingblessed2013]

We are not doctors so we can't diagnose. I can say that I think your mother in law should find a new doctor for her husband. Maybe someone willing to do a face to face visit depending on where you live. I am in Western NY in the US, we are currently given a choice of video or in person visits. Do you know if he has been to an emergency room or urgent care? That avenue might not be a bad idea.

[caroash in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Hi thanks for your reply we're in the UK so he has a General Practitioner and then lately has been having 6 monthly telephone consultations ,but was with a nurse this time not a consultant. The problem is she has to start from scratch when telling them anything,he's had recent blood tests.I also noticed his inner eyelids very yellow I think it is an Indication of high lipids or cholesterol.Hes frightened of hospitals too which doesn't help.

[R2B_John Moderator]

Well, to be blunt, if he is done with doctors, it will be difficult for him to "get better". At the very very least, he should have a pulse oximeter to check his blood oxygen. Medically, supplemental oxygen is needed at 88% or below. Many doctors prefer their patients keep it over 90%. Not being sure if "done with doctors" is his decision or your mother-in-law's, some things to keep in mind:

- Doctors can only do as much as current science dictates. If he is already on the medications that are needed and there aren't any newer/better ones, then the doctor is unable to prescribe what doesn't exist.

- Heart issues are also pulmonary and often go hand in hand with COPD. When he did go to doctors, I would hope he had both a pulmonologist as well as a cardiologist. Even though both pulmonary related, each one is trained in his/her own specialty.

- If medical care is refused going forward, prescriptions cannot be renewed including oxygen. This will only make matters worse. Often, we feel our medications are not helping, only to discover how much worse we get if we stop taking them.

Finally, and I have no idea what the family dynamics are, but if the wife is the one refusing treatment, but he would willingly go,,,, well, that is an entirely different can of worms so to speak. You may need an intervention.

I am not a clinician at all, but I don't see how refusing to see doctors could possibly help,,,,but I do clearly see how it could lead to him getting worse.

Best of luck!! Keep us posted.

[caroash in reply to R2B_John]

Hi thanks for your reply I'm in UK,I don't think he has seen a pulmonologist,but has seen a cardiologist.I think my mother in law communicates for him, but said she had got so frustrated.But I agree you can't give up on doctors ,they need to find a new one and have some continuing of care. I'll pass on the info regarding the oxygen thanks for your help.

[R2B_John Moderator in reply to caroash]

My pleasure. Again, I am not a doctor. Is it possible for you or your husband to go with them to an appointment? That might help in the understanding of what is being said and how to react/interpret. Good luck!!

[caroash in reply to R2B_John]

That's a good idea and if I go will be less emotional about things,my mother in law can be a bit confrontational and grumpy too🙄

[R2B_John Moderator in reply to caroash]

Indeed!! Go as a concerned caregiver, not as an emotionally attached person. Ask questions as well!

[Bluenotes]

Could have been smoke from the barbecue, or the pollen count is quite high , either could affect his breathing . Just a thought . !

[caroash in reply to Bluenotes]

Hi yes you could be right,also talking and eating, generally expending energy.I also noticed he'd put on more weight which I'm sure hasn't helped