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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Expert Forum)
COPD
Answered by
MN
This forum is for questions and support regarding COPD, coughing/wheezing, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung infections, pollution, smoking, treatment for COPD, and what causes COPD.
COPD
by mimifinn, Jul 04, 2008 05:38PM
The Doctors diagnosed that the bottom 1/3 of both lungs are "gone" due to COPD. She is 5'6" and weighs 89 lbs. She has suffered broken hip due to fracured femur. She has had scoliosis all her life. She has osteoporsis. She has had colitis and c.diff for two months. cdiff is currently "under control. She was admitted to hospice and is now being dismissed because of her last treament. Is my mother probably dying. Based on the COPD stage and what that is, I don't know, will she be around very much longer? Thank you, Mimi
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Jul 09, 2008 05:22PM
, Jul 09, 2008 05:22PM
We regret that we cannot answer your question directly, without more specific information about your mother's lung function impairment; that is, a measure of the severity of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and whether it is associated with low blood oxygen levels. The scoliosis would probably also reduce her lung function and result in a reduced exercise capacity.
Your description suggests that the colitis and c. diff has resolved but her weight of 89 pounds at a height of 66 inches, maybe taller were it not for the scoliosis, strongly suggests that she has serious malnutrition, related to the colitis to some degree, and a factor that predisposes to osteoporosis, with an increased risk of fracture. This degree of malnutrition, itself, poses another threat to life and a poor prognosis.
She should be evaluated and treated by a nutritionist and also receive treatment for osteoporosis.
You should discuss your question, "Is my mother probably dying", with her doctor and the hospice doctor who can take their observations of the sum of her illnesses into account, and provide a rough estimate of how much longer she has to live.
Your description suggests that the colitis and c. diff has resolved but her weight of 89 pounds at a height of 66 inches, maybe taller were it not for the scoliosis, strongly suggests that she has serious malnutrition, related to the colitis to some degree, and a factor that predisposes to osteoporosis, with an increased risk of fracture. This degree of malnutrition, itself, poses another threat to life and a poor prognosis.
She should be evaluated and treated by a nutritionist and also receive treatment for osteoporosis.
You should discuss your question, "Is my mother probably dying", with her doctor and the hospice doctor who can take their observations of the sum of her illnesses into account, and provide a rough estimate of how much longer she has to live.
Member Comments (2)
by lillybell, Jul 08, 2008 10:28AM
To: Medical professionals
My Mother was just recently diagnosed with COPD. She had bacterial phuemonia 4 years ago. The bottom 1/3 of both lungs are diseased. She weighs 80 pounds and is 5 feet six inches. Her hemoglobin is low not sure the tech on that. Can you tell me based on this info how long she may have had copd?
