75y/o grandad and COPD.

Hello Zibbidy,

I have COPD and I'm still learning about it myself. My test show that working with only 30% capacity, yet because my blood oxygen reading is not low enough, I don't qualify for oxygen. Britain/America, I believe that we are subject to what the system allows. Dr's.are forced to work within the guidelines/restrictions or risk being  a rogue. They can prescribe oxygen, but will tell you that you will have to pay 100% of the cost as the system will not cover it.

Your Grandfather is lucky that you care enough to show this much concern for him. He may not ask, but I can tell you he is most grateful for help with his laundry, housekeeping, transportation to Dr appointments and food supply trips. He may not require more than a few hours a week, but any help is ever so much a blessing.

Keep learning. Ask Questions. Come back and tell us of your experiences, please.

All the best to you and your Grandfather. . 

Hi Zibbidy

Your granddad may have more than one lung disease going on. I hate to say it but if so many specialists are debating, not a soul here can offer up anything except wild guesses. Be prepared to be told that the bird must go. They may say ditto on the cats especially if there's a litter box in the house. If there's not a litter box, there are steps you can take that will resolve most dander issues.

Be prepared, tho. Docs may say that the animals no longer matter, or Granddad may say that life isn't worth it without them. Whatever you do, don't remove them against his will as it might break his heart. If your grandmother was alive when any or all animals were acquired, giving them up will feel to him as if his beloved wife died all over again.

Get him out of the house for a day & get the entire place scoured with non-offending (lungs) cleaners. Do the pillows drapes carpets bed coverings. I'm not saying he's not a great cleaner, just that dander & dust mites may've taken hold since his wife passed.

My significant other lived many years at 24% lung function, tho DXed at a younger age. It was probably 6 years afterward before he was put on O2, and tgem ONLY because he was high stroke risk. He lived 7 more years after going on oxygen, then passed a few months shy of 72, from hardened arteries!

I have COPD & bronchiectasis.

I am 85 and was diagnosed 5 years ago...but had not needed or requested oxygen until 2 months ago. I live in the states and the pulmonary doctor takes biopsy runs tests to determine for sure. Sounds like he should be on oxygen. So sorry your grandfather is in such difficulty. It is so hard for him and you. You should demand some treatment now...I know he suffers. I send prayers and comfort to you and your grand dad, Keep your spirits up..be of good courage. 

If you go to the British Lung Foundation website there is a massive amount of information for self education purposes. BLF also have a helpline you could ask for an information pack to be sent.   Also if you can attend the PR course with your grandfather, you will learn a lot on that course.  You can also check out you tube and just search COPD education.  The British Thoracic website is also very informative about COPD treatment etc.  The main things to learn (which the PR course covers) is how to keep well and improve lung function and slow down progress.

You might also want to read the pinned post called Tips + know the difference,