Mom's pulmonologist visit

[Wise]

My mother had her appointment with the pulmonologist yesterday. He told her she has severe emphysema and needs to be on oxygen all the time. She has fought the oxygen thing for a while now, but after he told her oxygen was 67 yesterday morning she is now more agreeable. He said she would have another heart attack or stroke if her oxygen stayed that low. I'm shocked her oxygen was that low, but I'm so glad that she's now using the oxygen. She previously only used it at night. He also put her on advair and another med to replace her inhalers. She quit her Kroger cashier job as of today. She just doesn't want to wear oxygen while she's checking out customers. She doesn't want to stay home, but she doesn't have any choice. Please pray for her that she doesn't get very depressed and that she'll take up some interests to help keep her occupied.

I'm buying her a small light weight vacuum cleaner today that is so easy to use. She used mine last night for a few minutes and got so out of breathe. She can only do that for a few minutes at a time. Of course, I would do all of that for her, but she doesn't want me to. She can't hardly use a broom or a mop because it requires to much strenght. This vacuum cleaner glides very easily over her hard floors and rugs.

So far her arrythmia problem is at bay, so that's good. Thanks for your prayers for her.

Wise

 

[Mary]

My goodness, Wise,
67 sat is really low!
I'm glad she's going on the oxygen full time. I bet she will quickly feel better.
Thanks for the update!
Mary

 

[Ross]

I'm surprised she remains conscious with a sat of 67. Heck, let me hit 79 or 80 and I'm panicking. I can certainly relate to not wanting to wear the darn cannula in public, but if ya gotta do it, you gotta do it. I can get by maybe 10 minutes or so without, but no longer then that. Vacuuming--Why hasn't someone invented the self propelled Vacuum yet? I could use that as well as you mom and we could use carpet cleaners too.

Where are all the engineers? Come on guys, opportunity knocks!

 

[Karlynn]

Wise, I'm thinking she'll feel much improved when she starts on the oxygen.

There used to be self-propelled vaccuums, but I haven't seen any in quite a while.

 

[Wise]

About the oxygen of level of 67, now that scared me. I thought to myself, you can't live long at that level. Right?

Hey, Ross, I like the self-propelled idea.

Mom is going to get oxygen she can carry with her to grocery shop. Atleast she'll do that. I don't think it would bother me to work in public and wear oxygen, but then I'm not the one having to wear it. Right now it doesn't sound like she needs to be working. I understand the feeling though.

 

[Ross]

Wise, she'd virtually have to have a concentrator at work running off their power. The tanks only last between 3 and 6 hours depending on what her prescribed liter flow is. I'm at 4 lpm and mine only last about 3 hours.

Just got to thinking, once she gets used to the idea, share some of Nancy's Short of Breath cartoons with her. She won't find it funny right now, but after being on the O2 for a while, she'll laugh her butt off because they are dead on and funny.

 

[Wise]

Wise, she'd virtually have to have a concentrator at work running off their power. The tanks only last between 3 and 6 hours depending on what her prescribed liter flow is. I'm at 4 lpm and mine only last about 3 hours.

Oh that is a problem. I'm glad she's not pressing the work issue then.

 

[Nancy]

There IS a self=propelled vacuum cleaner on the market. Google Roomba and you see it. It's been on the market for several years, so there's a track record. I think Home Shopping Network carries it and sometimes has it on special. I'm seriously thinking about getting one.

 

[Georgia]

Self-propelled vac: Roomba

Self-propelled vac: Roomba

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/search/searc...GAIN&rdr=1&cm_mmc=PaidSearch*Google*NA*roomba

 

[Nancy]

Joe just went on nightime oxygen, he's lucky, so far, only that. Was going into the 80s while sleeping.

 

[Ross]

There IS a self=propelled vacuum cleaner on the market. Google Roomba and you see it. It's been on the market for several years, so there's a track record. I think Home Shopping Network carries it and sometimes has it on special. I'm seriously thinking about getting one.

Oh I know those exist, but I want a witch style cleaner that is self propelled. I have a Hoover that if I set deep enough, it will drag itself across the floor, but drawing it back is a bummer.

 

[Cooker]

Wise,

Your Mom will be in my prayers.

 

[hensylee]

Wise, there probably is a group where you live that helps ill people with many things. Housekeeping, meals, transportation to/from most anywhere at a small cost or none, helping with shopping. Ours is called Council on Aging. Most places have one. She could probably get housekeeping help and not have to vacuum herself. Tell her to sit down to vac if she has a chair that rolls (like a secretary or computer chair) and that would help if she really wants to vac. Mother used to use a stool at the stove and sink because she didn't want to give that part of her life up. She was very old and quite crippled. Give your mom a hug from me.

 

[Wise]

Wise, there probably is a group where you live that helps ill people with many things. Housekeeping, meals, transportation to/from most anywhere at a small cost or none, helping with shopping. Ours is called Council on Aging. Most places have one. She could probably get housekeeping help and not have to vacuum herself. Tell her to sit down to vac if she has a chair that rolls (like a secretary or computer chair) and that would help if she really wants to vac. Mother used to use a stool at the stove and sink because she didn't want to give that part of her life up. She was very old and quite crippled. Give your mom a hug from me.

You're a sweet lady. I will give my mother that hug.

Actually, she realized last night that she could sit in a chair and vacuum. As far as getting help, that's an excellent idea. I don't think she'll do that quite yet, but I will bring it up when I think she'll accept hearing it. Thanks

 

[hensylee]

I have some housekeeping help. A lady comes twice a month for one hour each time. She vacuums, sweeps, mops, dusts the areas that I, personally, use (she's fast). Others receive services according to their needs. Really ill people get full housekeeping. I am not really bad so I just get the one hour. They should come to your mom and get her in their records - they take an evaluation and put her in their files so that when she's ready for their services, they already have her info, will come out to see just what she needs and will provide accordingly. I did mine registration when I was 55 - and used it when I first got sick with heart. Ours is at no cost, but I give a donation.

I know your mom isn't ready for anything like the above just now, but put the idea in your own head for future reference.