Hope everyone is ok, had the doctor out today to give my dad a once over (he's been coughing more the past couple of days). Anyway he comes out puts the oximeter on his finger and his o2 is 85. He then taps his back with his 2 index fingers and listens with his stethoscope.
He said that his chest is clear but asked to see the list of medication he's on. Within seconds he says I need to withdraw 2 of your medicines.
He's not to take co-dydramol anymore and hes not to take his sleeping tablets or any sleepers under any circumstances. He then told my father that it will cause respiratory failure and starve his brain of oxygen whilst he sleeps said he'll remove them from the surgery. Then left leaving my poor father in hell of a state.
Has anyone been in this position?
Love and light x
Written by
Melissa87
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Sleeping pills and painkillers depress the respiratory system so are not advisable for anyone whose breathing is already compromised. Having said that, it sounds horrendous to me that any GP would treat a patient that way. Does yor father have a lung condition? Can your father see another GP at the surgery? Or maybe you and he should be asking for a referral to see a specialist at your local hospital? Good luck.
He does have end stage copd and has been hospitalised twice in the last 4 months with pneumonia. He's on 1 litre of oxygen thought the day and uses a bipap machine at night. He has carbon dioxide retention and sleep apnea. The doctor was literally was at the house for 5 minutes. He's been taking co dydramol for years as he says paracetamol aren't strong enough. The sleeping tablets are allergy tablets but do help you drop off to sleep.
There was no mention of been weaned off or having something else in place. I'll be ringing the surgery Monday morning and requesting his own doctor calls out to see him.
Sorry that your Dad, bless him, sounds so poorly but I do think the visiting Doctor just went by the book so to speak and took away any dangers of your Dad having more problems with breathing ( with those particular pills. ) First thing in the morning, contact his regular Doctor and request a home visit. Poor Dad it's not a nice time for him and it's a worrying time for you also I'd imagine. Take care.
Sorry to hear your dad still so unwell.The Doctor did sound a bit harsh,but was correct in what he said,they do depress the respiratory system,however being in the last stages,does one worry about that,if it brings him some relief??
Do get in contact with his regular Doctor,& see what he has to say!
I too have severe COPD and am on 1 litre oxygen and also a CO2 retainer so use a bi-pap machine . I also have severe insomnia: Maybe connected to oxygen levels dropping?. But I have been prescribed sleeping pills and take them when I am desperate for sleep. I think you need to seek advice from a lung specialist.
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