last stage of copd

my husband is 48 and is in the last stage of copd and has been in the hospital 4 times and is on oxygen 24/7 and now he is really getting where he can't do any thing for his self. he tries so hard it is like he push's his self and then it makes it worse. he just told me that he is coughing up big chunk's of blood and i can't get him to go back to the doctor because the doctor told him that there is nothing else they could do for him. and maybe that is true because he is on all the breathing meds. that they have. but i need to know is there some one out there that can help me figure out what to now?

[National Jewish Health]

I am very sorry to hear of your husband's condition, especially at age 48.  There is a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that results in emphysema at a young age.  You should ask his doctors to test him for this condition; it is a blood test.  If he has this condition, it may be too late for him, but if you have any children or if he has any siblings who might also have inherited it, it would be extremely important for all of them to know that they might be at risk for severe emphysema.  You might want to call the Alpha-1 Foundation [phone] for more information about this disease.

There are a number of possible causes of coughing up blood.  Some of these are infectious, for example tuberculosis (TB) that would put you in danger, so you definitely should work with his doctor to determine the cause of the bleeding.  Do not delay.

Good luck.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

GOD BLESS  you and him so sorry life throws curves at us. i pray ya lean on him and he walks ya throught this.

[zodiacqueen]

If your husband is coughing up blood, a doctor can most definitely do something to treat that!!!  Coughing up blood is NOT typical of COPD, but can happen with an infection.

Best wishes to you both!