emphysema prognosis

[Joeycim]

My mom has severe emphysema, and has been on continuous O2  for 2 years, delivered through nasal cannula  at 3L.  She is s/p CVA, CHF, and mild MI.  She also has chronic pancreatitis (s/p alcoholism)and HTN.  She still smokes about a pack of cigarettes per/day.  When on  O2 her sats can be as high as 98%.  When off of O2, she can go into the 70s.  She is constantly using "pursed lip breathing", has a chronic, productive cough, and a barreled chest.  She has lost about 16 lbs in the past 7 months, aand has much less energy than ever.  She is 76 years old.  No one has ever given us a prognosis.  Does she have several years left, or several months.  She does not intend to quit smoking.

[Joeycim]

Will my mom's doctor talk with me about her condition?  With HIPPA, I wasn't sure what he could tell me.  And no, she is only on a Pulmacare (hic) inhaler.  I don't know if her treatment is less aggressive because of her code level--she's not DNR, but she is cardiac meds only.  I'm a pediatric nurse, and don't know a lot about adult medicine--let alone geriatrics.  Wasn't sure if she was at the point where they were just keeping her comfortable.  They are fairly liberal with Ativan for her"nerves" and she take a perscription "sleeping pill" as well. Do  either of those cause respiratory depression?

[RRTDave]

You'll need to talk with your healthcare provider for their opinion. I assume your mother is also taking Duoneb nebulizer treatments in addition to advair and/or spirva inhalers? You may not be aware that emphysema is now classified as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). A safety concern would be not smoking with the cannula on, which some former burn patients have tried.
Good Luck.