Yes it is scary. I dislike the word hospice but their mission is to make you comfortable. They can keep you comfortable and provide RT support oxygen meds and nurses. Please reach out to them (24/7). Huge hugs to you...and on a bright note told to me by hospice nurse "end stage can be many years.You can live a long time"

Hi, @A MyCOPDTeam Member -

I went through much the same with my Mom.

You’ve been given a lot of good advice about hospice care, but if you’re not ready for that, how about checking into Palliative care via your nearest hospital / better breathers club for resources.

My doc told me he was out of options for me in 2014, and I went on disability in 2015 with an expectation that I was at end of life and would pass at some point in the subsequent 3-5 years…

The pulmonologist said there wasn’t a date stamp on my foot, so it wasn’t set in stone- but those are some mighty sobering pieces of information to hear.

I tell you all of that because it’s been 10 years since my doc was out of options and 9 years since I went on disability. Yet, I’m still here.

If you haven’t read the book, Being Mortal, by Atul Gawende, it may give you things to consider and think about for remaining in your own home and as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Please look into your community resources to see if they have any options for you to stay where you are or if it’s time to consider downsizing your life and moving closer to services.

It’s your call. No one can make your choices for you, but the sooner you figure out your options, the more in control of your situation you may feel.

Age and infirmity comes to us all. You control whether or not your next few decisions are going to make your journey a happy one, a tolerated one, or a frightened and frustrated one.

I was with my Mom through her hospice journey, and like our friend @A MyCOPDTeam Member who left us after many years of fighting, you can control what you will and will not accept. You just have to be ornery enough to fight vs quitting on yourself.

In Mom’s case, she willed herself to death over 5 very short days. We got suits for grandsons for her funeral service. She had her hair done. She played a final game of Scrabble with me on a Friday night, and laid down on the couch for a nap, never to get up again.

Mom passed on a sunny April morning, and her suffering was at an end.

That was April 29, 2005, and I know she is at peace.

Take care of you.

Wednesday, 30-OCT-24

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A MyCOPDT...

A MyCOPDT...

I am so sorry that you had to go through that, it is very scary especially when you are alone. I do trust in God and know that he is with me no matter what is going on. And that gives me a lot of comfort knowing that he is right there. I do believe hospice would be your best bet, and doesn't mean that is your end of life but they are there to help you , they can help with your meds and also just give you company so that you're not alone all the time.
Sending lots of love and prayers.

Doris, have you had a second opinion on your condition? I was told by a pulmonologist that I had a very bad case of emphysema, which scared the you know what out of me, and caused a lot of anxiety. As luck would have it, I moved to a new area, and got a new pulmonologist. He examined me heart beat breathing etc. and asked who told you you had a bad case? He said I do have emphysema, but it is not a bad case at all. Take this (different) medication and see how that works. That was 6 years ago, and I am doing quite well, can't run and jump with my grandkids, but most folks my age can't either. I wish you well my friend.

by using hospice you have access to medical team that comes to you !