Posted by linda md on 5/14/2008, 4:00 pm
66.16.157.202
I need to ask for some help in dealing with my mom. She is a cardiac patient, who refuses to believe she also has a lung problem. She has been diagnosed with COPD and plays it down. She has been admitted several times for heart failure and was put on supplemental o2. This last hospitalization resulted in her being sent home with supplemental o2. She is staying with us for the next two weeks and did not bring her concentrator or walk about 02. When we questioned her as to why she did not bring it, she said she doesn't need it. She has fluid build up so bad that her legs are weeping. She has a nurse coming to our home to check her bandages, etc. There is so much fluid, they had to purchase infant Pampers and wrap them around the legs. She has sores and I feel so sorry that she has to go through this, but I am trying to tell her that she should use the o2 to help her heart (history of triple bypass and pacemaker). She said she is worried "to give in to it" or "she will become addicted". I honestly do not know where she is coming from saying these things. I am on supplemental o2 and she told me that I gave into it and that is why I am on it. I need to tough it out. I said I would have had a heart attack by this time if I didn't use it. It is like I am playing a game with her and I really resent being told I am weak or need to toughen up. I am 57 and diagnosed with severe COPD and my mom is 77. She is not senile.
Her nurse came yesterday and I questioned her as to why no one is insisting she wear the o2 like it is scripted. She said your mom said she is fine. I got my pulse oxymeter and she was happy to walk her around. Sure enough, she dropped to the low 80's immediately. The nurse told her she needs the o2 and not to do without it. She is prescribed Spiriva and she doesn't take it as she said it doesn't help. She told her doctor it isn't working and she scripted it for twice a day thinking she is taking it, when in reality, she isn't.
I love my mother dearly and I would do everything I can to see that she gets the care she needs. I have tried talking with her and telling her how I want her to be here for a long time, but she still resists wearing the o2, even in the house.
Sorry this is so long, but I guess I am also venting a bit. Thanks for listening and any advice is appreciated.
Linda
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