Hi, I just want to say I am so happy that this community exists it’s been very helpful to read all the info and see other people’s journeys.
My dad is 74, diagnosed with moderate Emphysema last year, in June ended up having a heart attack and a stent place, had a stoke, which caused aspiration pneumonia all at the same time, also ending up with a pe, 11 days in ICU, signed himself up for hospice to go home. Went home with 6l oxygen. He got better after a few months, stoped using oxygen and graduated hospice in November.
We started going to all the Doctors again and they all seem to think he’s doing great. My dad begs to differ. His shortness of breath is pretty bad. He had to take time to catch his breath after walking to the bathroom. He does so breathing exercises but I don’t think he’s does them right. He started exercising, very short walks and using a cubi peddler. He does not want to go to doctors anymore, thinks they are a waste of time and they cost too much. I think he’s severely depressed. He’s an old Vietnam vet, a marine, a Scandinavian, which all equal very stubborn. He is very fatigued. I am his only child and I can usually talk him into things but its always a struggle.
The pulmonologist said that he thinks that dad’s SOB is due to muscle loss, and he advised more exercise. I asked about pulmonary rehab and he said that could be an option but to try you tube videos at home.
We have a follow up appointment for in May. My questions are:
What is your advice for my dad?
what should I ask the doctor in May?
Do you have any similar experiences?
How do I stop obsessing about this?
Thanks so much everyone, I appreciate you all.