how much time do I have

[katie256]

Point blank, how much time do I have.  I am 53 years old, 7 years ago was told by a Pulmonary Specialist that I had Chronic Bronchitis after my first Pulmonary Function test.  Have spent the last 2 years in and out of the hospital with exacerbations and on oxygen.  Went through Pulmonary Rehab.  Finally, on December 30th went to ER thinking I was having another Heart attack (first was 6 years ago) so my Cardiologist was called.  He was the one that told me I had stage 4 Emphysema.  He also put me in touch with Hospice.  Oddly enough, I have developed a peace over the truthfulness of my diagnosis, lung capacity test was at 26 % last year and I have had 4 major exacerbation's since then, all believing I just had bronchitis. The problem is now with my kids and husband.  My daughter is expecting her first child in April, she keeps asking if I am going to be dead the next month.  My son, only knows of the new diagnosis, but not much has been explained to him since he just recently had surgery and is still recovering.  My husband is now full of promises, like keeping the house vacuum, something I am incapable of without extreme exhaustion and yet never follows through, so I am constantly picking cat hair off of my cannula s.  So stage 4, can't wear a bra because of the chest pain, involved in Hospice lung capacity of less than 26%, someone out there had a loved one in the same condition?  How long did they live?  I'm so tired of saying "I can't answer that question."

[ninammam]

I am so sorry Katie, hang in there as long as you can, don't worry so much about how long, just try and get the most out of EVERY day.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament mam, but it is difficult to predict. You could now focus on oxygen supplementation, limiting your physical activities and avoiding/ controlling any respiratory infections. Also, keep up with respiratory exercises.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.