Empysema and prednisone treatment

[schevez]

My mom is 81 years old and has emphysema.  She has recently been put on O2 24/7.  She is only seeing a RT who put her on 100mg of prednisone a day and then went on vacation for 2 weeks.  We can't get her in to see a doctor.  She is in pain and taking vicadin.  I have only talked on the phone and have not seen her.  She tells me her feet and ankles are swelled and now her face is doing the same.  She went to the ER last week and they mistreated her again and administered some meds that were not supposed to be compatible with her prescriptions.  Is her dosaage of prednisone extreme and are there any other treatments that we can try?  Should she be having pain that is unexplained?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[National Jewish]

Your mom’s dosage of 100 mg of prednisone a day is a high dose.  The swelling of her feet, ankles, and face could be due to fluid retention caused by the prednisone.  Your mom needs to be thoroughly examined to know what other treatments you can try and to find the cause of her pain.  Pain is not a symptom of emphysema.

The newest medicine used to treat emphysema is Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder).  This would replace Atrovent® Inhalation Aerosol (ipratropium bromide) and Combivent® Inhalation Aerosol (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate).  Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) lessens shortness of breath, keeps emphysema from flaring up, and lessens hospitalizations due to emphysema.

[Frannyj]

I couldn't help respond to your dilemma.  I've been on prednisone treatments several times, it is a very dangerous drug.  You usually begin on high doses for about 5 days (the most I've ever been on at one time is 40 mgs) then you gradually decrease your dosages ex: right now I began with 25 mg x 5 days, then 20 x 5 days, then 15mg x 5 days until you've eventually taken your last dose of 5 mg for 5 days and then your done.  This is nothing to play with.  I broke my foot, just walking across the floor due to that medicine, it can make your bones weak.  You swell so much it hurts, I bruise very easily.  If you don't get a hold of your dr. I would if I were you begin to cut the dosage down.  I cannot believe someone put her on so much and for how long, I would not let this go to long.  I am not a nurse but I have worked in and around the medical office/hospital since I was 17 and I'm quit it just 3 yrs ago. I'm 40 in November.  I know it's not to be long term.. Did you really say 100 mg?  This page does'nt show me what you wrote and my memory stinks!  Don't delay I would get a dr. involved immediately.

[Frannyj]

I just wanted to say this only my opinion and my experience, I read the warning, I am not a medical dr. but I hope you read this forum and get her in somewhere.  Good Luck to you.

[schevez]

yes, I said 100mg.  She is being cut to 75mg and now to 50mg.  She was told by the therapist that the pain is from chronic bronchitis a result from the emphysema.  She was also told that she is on her last stage and hospice is her next choice.  This comment is to an 81 year old woman who still does all the cooking and laundry for two and manages to get to a store at least three times weekly.  When she measures her blowing ability in the morning it is usually between 200 and 250.  This is much lower in the evening.  My mom sleeps between three and four hours at night and naps in the day.  She bruises very easily and has broken bones.  She is very careful, but refuses to give in to a wheelchair and will use a cane on occasion.  She was also told that they will not give prednisone again as she showed no improvement when on it again.  Any help?

[r3dhorse]

im not sure if this is right but i remember reading somewhere that opiots can make breathing more shallow or more difficult. probably not a good idea for a woman in her condition.

r3dhorse