Hi, my name is Jen. I take care of my husband, he has severe COPD. His last lung function test shows he is at 16%. He is a carbon dioxide retainer. He has been intubated twice in the last month. This last time, his carbon dioxide level was 116! I can't get him to wear his bi pap and I can't get him to stop smoking. I am struggling to deal with this. How low can a person's lung function get? How high can someone's carbon dioxide get? I ask the pulmonologist and get told "not much" That doesn't tell me much. His base line carbon dioxide level is 70. He is constantly on 3 L of oxygen at all times. His saturation drops into the 50's. I need to know what to expect. I don't expect to be told he's going to die on this date at this time, but a rough idea of what to expect might lessen some anxiety. Any answers or advice would be appreciated.