Stages of Emphysema

[skwirly]

My Mom was recently diagnosed with Emphysema, 3 weeks to be exact.  Starting off as bronchitis, that turned bad.  She has been in the hospital 3 times since then complaining about breathlessnes.  She is scared, doesn't want to be around anyone, she gets worked up very easily, and can not do her noraml everday things, as it exhausts her now.

She has been taking steriods, a small dose of relaxants, and ventolin when she needs it.  I very consoling to her and told her that she needs to take her time now to do things and not to over do herself.  She is 53yr old, me 32 and I will do everything in my power to help her and she knows this, but she will do it regardless because no-one is there to stop her.  She has always been very active, as far as housework and outside in the yard.  She just is having a real hardtime because her system took a double hit to the system, one because she smoked and two because the bronchitis got real bad before she went to see the doctor.

The first time (3weeks ago) is the first she was told about this condition.  How come it seems so rough for her.  Is her life expectancy questionable, since she is taking medications to help.

I'm afraid to ask anyone, how long will she have becasue it's probably unknown and I want to enjoy every single moment with her.

Many Thanks to All that maybe able to address this...
God Bless all of you who are afflicted.
Sandy

[National Jewish]

It is very uncommon for persons with emphysema to have a sudden onset of shortness of breath.  Usually one develops progressive shortness of breath over years, not weeks or days.  I would ask her doctors to be sure that there is not another cause of her shortness of breath.

Emphysema is commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  COPD is a treatable disease.  Low oxygen levels are common with COPD.  Shortness of breath can occur with low oxygen levels.

Life expectance for people with COPD is usually measured in years.  This is related to how affected her lung function tests are.

Finally, her current problem is most likely due to acute bronchitis.  This can occur in addition to having COPD.  If that is the case, she should experience good relief of shortness of breath when the bronchitis resolves.  This is similar to someone recovering from pneumonia.

Avoiding cigarette smoking in the future may help to slow the progression of your mom’s COPD.  Pulmonary rehabilitation may help to lessen her shortness of breath.  This is a program of aerobic exercise done on a regular basis.  Some programs will also include education about COPD and nutrition.

[starion]

There's LOTS of good info about emphysema out there.  If mom still smokes, she needs to QUIT.  She can get help from the docs and the family & friends, but it's up to her.
You're right that she needs to learn to pace herself and maximize her health.  It is also very helpful to learn as much as she and you can about emphysema.
A very good source of information is www.NationalJewish.org, particularly their MedFacts and Understanding series, as well as their LungFacts.  In addition, your local branch of the American Lung Association can send you and her materials about emphysema and COPD, as well as tell her about support groups in her area.  There are also several internet LISTS, FORUMS and Bulletin Boards about emphysema and COPD that you and/or she may join.  You can find them by searching www.google.com or other search engine.
With proper management, folks can live long, full and active lives with emphysema.  Best of luck to you and your mom!
Aloha,
Starion

[JanThom]

A related discussion, I Have Emphysema And Have Recently Been Prescribed was started.