Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Final Stage Emphysema
Answered by
Make An Appointment
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.

Final Stage Emphysema

by Dndylions, Sep 10, 2006 12:00AM
My father is 91 years old and last October was diagnosed with final stage emphysema.  He can barely walk and often loses his balance and falls.  He also uses oxygen all night to sleep and needs assistance for bathing.  He sleeps constantly for lack of oxygen.  How much longer do you think he has?  How long does someone live in this final stage?  Please don't ask me to ask his doctor as my mother has blocked us out and, according to her, his lungs are clear and he is getting better.  At what point should we finally make her deal with her denial?

by National Jewish, Sep 20, 2006 12:00AM
Your description suggests a time frame of 6 months or less.  However you should ask your father’s doctor as he/she is in the best position to make an “educated guess”.

Your second question is harder.  Your mother's denial may be a reasonable way for her to cope with what is happening.  You have no obligation to "make her deal with it."  You should also ask yourself if your desire to "make her deal with her denial" is to make this situation easier for you.
Member Comments (1)

by victorss, Sep 03, 2008 11:52PM
A related discussion, mother has decided to go off of oxygen was started.
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
H1N1 and Our Pets
Nov 05 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
In the ER: A Unicorn's Journey
Nov 03 by Jon Geller, D.V.M.
Doctors Resign Over Coca-Cola Fundi...
Nov 03 by Adam Tanase, D.C.