It has been a tough six and a half months. In September, my dad died unexpectedly and suddenly.

This weekend my mom went to the doctor for the first time in 12 million years, and she was diagnosed with emphysema at the severe stage. She has been smoking for about 50 years. She smokes between two and two and a half packs per day. The doctor also found a white infiltration on her lung, but he does not think it is cancer. She had a CT scan-- we are waiting for the results. Her blood pressure was extremely high-- 180/110.

My mother has a lot of psychological problems. I called her doctor today to get a clear answer for what is going on here. He said that she needs to stop smoking immediately... that she can cut down over a week, but then needs to stop. He said that if she doesn't stop, she will eventually become oxygen dependent or have a heart attack.

My mom says how hard it is to quit. I know that. I completely understand that. But it's like she doesn't realize how grave the situation is. I told her what the doctor said. I told her how this is different than someone who just chooses to stop smoking and might decrease the cigarettes over a period of months.

She doesn't do much for herself so I managed to come up with six therapist referrals today while I'm at work. She needs to get into therapy.

Does anyone have any personal experience with emphysema? Have you dealt with someone who has it?

[shezbut]

(((hugs))) pinksoil!!

I haven't known anyone personally, but I have cared for those with emphysema (if that makes any sense). I'm a CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant. I have seen many go downhill and it is hard and painful.

They often have trouble breathing deeply. It makes them cough very productively, which scares the heck out of them! Understandably so though...it's not fun at all Even with an oxygen tank, and scheduled lung medicines, their oxygen level is right around 89-91. (A normal person is at 90-100, closer to 100 though.)

It is very hard. My technique would depend upon her personality. Some people are straightforward, give it to her straight if that's her case. She's going to die very soon if she does not cooperate immediately. If your mom is nervous and standoffish, present the facts very slowly and gently. Assure her throughout that you love her very much and don't want her to suffer - that's your #1 priority. But you will be there for her throughout her struggle of giving up smoking after so many years. Pick a new thing that you two have always kind of expressed some interest in trying (or checking out) ~ a new thing for her to put her energy and thoughts into. Just a thought.

Very best wishes to you and your family!!
Shez

[nightbird]

(((pinksoil)))

It has been a difficult time for you, no doubt, and I hope that you are feeling better very soon...

Your Mom might try the patch, as it takes care of the withdrawl, and that takes the nicotine dose down lower in her body, gradually, so she can focus on the other aspects of not smoking, like using her hands... keeping them busy, so a hobby may come in handy there, or playing with cards, sewing, whatever she likes.

Some people chew gum, or chew on real licorice sticks, not the candy, but if they want the sugar or sugar-free stuff, then lolli pops and lifesavers and the like can help.

They even have programs for people who quit smoking, where she can learn what others did to kick the habit and visualize a life without smoking.

You like BellaRuth, well, she has tapes for that too!!!

I wish your mother success, and peace for you....

To Health and Well-Being,
Night
xoxo

[Rhapsody]

Strangely both my mother and my mother-in-law have a bad case of Emphysema... one was a smoker for 30 plus years while the other one never smoked a day in her life... and now both are on oxygen and use a c-pap at night for breathing difficulties... it is hard to see them suffer so.