[bebop]

My husband has had copd for a few years. Saturday night I had to take him to the er with shortness of breath. Of course they ran and ekg and immediately repeated it. Next thing I know they have him on a full monitor. respirations were at 40 and his heart rate was running around 100 while on the monitor so they admitted him saying he has congestive heart failure! I am thinking what else??? I am having a really hard time processing all this. I have had my share of frustrations with him but I do love him and trying really hard to protect him. I feel confused and honestly anxiety is out of whack too. Anyone going thru this? or have been thru it?

[gayleggg]

My mother went through this. COPD is a tough disease as I'm sure you know by now. Congestive heart failure is very serious, but my mother had it and pulled through. You might want to do a search on the internet to find the cause. I think the two are connected at least in my mom's case it was. I can certainly understand you are scared and anxious. Try to stay calm until the doctor's have time to assess the situation. Good luck to you and your husband.
Gayle

[bebop]

we know it is caused by the copd. he is on lasix now for the chf. he seems to have really gone downhill in just a few days though and I admitt I am worried and now wonder how long I have with him.

[gayleggg]

Try not to think to far in advance, it only creates anxiety. Try to stay with him in the moment. Sorry to hear he has gone downhill. Hope he is better soon.
Gayle

[bebop]

gaylegg much easier said than done. lol I wish I could get it off my mind easier. He quit his job today due to this so I now will start the disability claim and hope it comes thru soon.

[gayleggg]

Wow! Quitting his job is a big step. You must be very unsettled and anxious. That's a shame that it is that serious. I'm sorry that it wasn't better news. Wishing well and hoping he recovers soon and be able to go home. wishing you the best with the disability.
Gayle

[bebop]

thanks hon. both drs said the fumes he works in is not good for either condition. If we can manage his heart rate it might be a little easier for him to breathe. I feel horrible for him and me not knowing what is in our future or how much of one we actually have. I want the best quality of life for him. I admit I am scared.

[ECHOES]

How is your husband doing, bebop? How are you doing? I hope you have some support during this scary and stressful time. Thinking of you and your H

[Perna]

I'm glad you caught the fume issues and hope he is getting stronger now. I know with my asthma I am allergic to my cats (just came back from 2 weeks away from them when I was almost perfect and immediately went into needing my inhaler more) and having a heck of a time, trying to think what to do about that (they're too old to be adopted, I've tried everyone I can find to ask to take one or both) and will have to do something about that soon as my age is getting in the way, too.

My grandmother had copd, had been a 3 pack a day smoker, and lived to her mid-80's and that was back in the 70's before they had so much better meds and procedures to help.