Hi COPD community,
Two weeks ago I attended my mothers house where I found her blue in the lips and hands. She was complaining of a headache and was drowsy. I was concerned about her oxygen levels, so I attended a pharmacy and purchased a oximeter. I then tested her, with oxygen levels reading 55-58. I called an ambulance and she was transported to emergency.
Later that evening I received a call from ED to attend as they believed she would die that evening. They placed her on antibiotics and pumped high flow oxygen into her as she was unconscious and retaining Co2.
I said my final farewells, however, hours later she managed to stabilise and pull through. After a week long stay in the ward she was discharged and returned home. No surprise, home to smoke more cigarettes.
Noting she is Stage 4 with very severe emphysema I am at my wits end about the unpredictable nature of this disease.
She was only admitted 4 weeks earlier due to acute decompensated heart failure. During this visit, the doctors mentioned palliative care options as she likely has months to live.
Despite this during her recent visit for which she was almost palliated, her treating doctor didn’t really provide any outlook guidance or short term prognosis. Post discharge she thinks she can climb Mount Everest and has been dismissive of previous discussions regarding palliative care and morphine treatments.
As her primary carer, I manage my support to her around my business and work. However the unpredictable nature of this disease has me borderline depressed.
I feel completely helpless as she takes no advice about her living environment and continues to smoke.
I am unsure what to do or if her prognosis / outlook is realistic.
Given her rapid deterioration over the last 12 months, including FEV1 <21, BMI approx 16/17, Co2 retention, osteoporosis, anxiety, heart failure ect, I am unsure of whether it is best I move with her noting she could realistically pass in the next few months. Or whether this is likely to go on for years.
Any guidance is sincerely appreciated.