There is a big difference between being told you are in Stage Four of COPD and being told that because they had a hard time weaning you off a ventilator, they might not be able to do it the next time. In the second situation, you are being given a heads up that could lead you to several courses of action. The first might be to work very hard to be sure you catch any problems early so you don't get sick enough to have to go to the hospital in the first place. It's not fool-proof and there are things you can't control, but it's still worth the effort. The second would be to consider whether you want them to put you on a ventilator at all should you have to go to the hospital and a ventilator is required for you to live. Many people have made specific decisions regarding what they want if a ventilator is required. Personally, if there's a good chance I can come off the vent and have a reasonable quality of life, then by all means, do it. If there's not much chance, don't waste the resources. I've also made it clear to my kids that if it turns out they made the wrong decision, I don't intend to come back to haunt them!

Yes stage 4 is the last stage and that is the stage I am at, I had to be out on the ventilator again and they had a hard time getting me off, the Dr said that next time will more than likely be my last... So it would be great if they could find a drug that would really help.
To all my fellow copders I hope you all are having a good day. Hugs to all

@A MyCOPDTeam Member first of all, I would change doctors....he does not know when likely it will be anyone's last!!!!!!! I have never had a doctor say anything of the kind to me, he is acting like it is a death sentence, which it is NOT @A MyCOPDTeam Member know of people that have lived for years in the last stage as you guys are calling it....I don't call it that, it is just another stage and we have to try a little harder....Praying for you two and eat well, exercise and take your meds etc and you will do fine.....love and God bless....

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A MyCOPDT...

A MyCOPDT...

My family was faced with this decision just 3 weeks ago. Spouse and I have talked this thru and neither of us wants life support. I wear DNR bracelet in the hosp. But during a procedure to cauterize bleeding, my respiration stopped. Doc ran to husband for permission to use respirator, assuring him that they would wean me off ASAP. He was not able to say no. I woke up with the resp and was confused and upset. But it was just a few days. I have been home now for 2 weeks and am recovering slow and steady. He made the right call.

If I can not live I do not want to exist . I want some quality of life and not be on a ventilator with no chance of getting off . If I need a scooter and 02 to get around fine. If I am bedridden there i still joy to be found , if I have to be hooked up to machines I would rather let nature take it's course. The party has to end sometime. That is me and may not be right for anyone else .I was on a ventilator years ago when I arrested with a severe asthma attack and it was horrible. It felt as if my lungs would explode every time it inhaled for me .