kimmek Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Hi all Is there anyone here that is also dealing with end stage COPD (emphezema) as well as lung cancer? If so I would really like to chat with you..I truly believe that this is going to be what gets Mom inthe end. She is just declining everyday as far as her breathing goes. I know this is to be expected but there as do be things we can do to help her have better days. Also are there pulmonoligists that deal specifically with COPD rather than general breathing troubles? As would most children I would travel to the ends of the earth to get my mom the treatment that could possibly help her quality of life. I just dont know where else to turn. We were told yesterday after yet another "emergency" trip to the pulmo's that the last time we went in she was not Acute and therefor ws wasting the doc's time and he had a nurse evaluate her yesterday and make the decision that this was not an emergency before he would see her. Needless to say he did not see her. I know this is a bad disease and I do not expect anyone to CURE her, but I do at least expect the doctors to care for her and respect her. I do know know what symptoms constitute and emergency as to me if you cannot breath, thats an emergency. Apparantly not. I was so upset when we left there yesterday, I want a new doc, but there are just so many in this town (we have seen them all at one time or another)but we are supposedly seeing the best group there is. HA. I just dont know where to turn next. any ideas? Thank you Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Kim, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with doctors like that. It's truly a shame considering everything you and your mom are already having to go through. I know you will find one that cares- Keep searching. Ask for a recommendation from the onc. I agree with you, if you can't breathe it's an emergency. I wouldn't hesitate to go--please don't let the pulmonologist make you gun-shy about going if you feel it's necessary. Those docs are there to help you. Frankly, I would have to give that particular pulmonologist a little piece of my mind. I can't believe he would deny seeing a patient!!!! That blows me away. GOD BLESS!!!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Well I think if you re-read your post you've answered yourself. She was treated shabbily and not being able to breath is the scariest thing I can think of. She deserves to be respected and cared for. If it's not possible to find her another pulmonologist have you considered contacting her GP instead when she's having trouble? If she has a good GP he may see her in an emergency. I think a lot of times we go straight to the specialist when the GP would do. When we have experienced problems with doctors I have discussed it with our primary physician-- maybe he can help you identify a new pulmonologist. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Sorry things are going so rough right now. I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers. By all means, please find a doctor that will treat your mom with the respect and dignity she deserves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Kim, I'm sorry your mom is going through so much right now, I think you should try a new doctor..Nothing else matters when you cant breath, your poor mom should not have to deal with any of that nonsence from those uncaring doctors.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted October 5, 2005 Share Posted October 5, 2005 Not breathing is definitely an emergency and she was treated very badly by that doctor. If in the future you need to take her to say, an emergency room, which I hope you don't, but if you do, tell them that she has chest pains and then she will be seen by a doctor right away. I was told this by my nephew who is a Director of a prominent emergency room in Florida. He told me it is a sure fire way to be seen pronto by a doctor. Yeah, it's a little sneaky, but afterall, it is an emergency. I hope your Mom feels better soon. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted October 6, 2005 Share Posted October 6, 2005 I agree 100% with Joanie, you have to be a step ahead of these kinds of people. Not being able to breathe IS an emergency. Good luck Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted October 6, 2005 Share Posted October 6, 2005 Kim, Words can't even express how ticked I would be if someone treated my mom that way. I feel for you, having to deal with that on top of your mom's medical concerns. Luckily for her, you seem to be a powerful advocate for her. My mom has COPD as well, but she is not near end stage. I wish I could offer more help. I know that sometimes it is almost frustrating, trying to determine which symptoms are COPD / emphysema related, and which are the cancer. I hope this gets better for you. Your mom is lucky to have you there, helping her out. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kim Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 Kim, What meds is your mom taking for her COPD? Maybe she needs a different combination of meds. Sometimes it is really hard to distinguish the symptoms between the two. Just try to keep her away from sick people, but of course you know that! Does she have a problem with secretions, getting them coughed up. That process can really wear a COPDer out. Does she have a Flutter or Accapella to help her with clearing secretions? Sometimes those things can make it a little easier to get the stuff out. I'm so sorry you mom has to deal with these two diseases at the same time; just having one is a handful. Does she take anything for nerves because sometime just being able to relax a little can help relax the airways some. I hope she can find some relief soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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