Posted by CarolCA on 5/14/2008, 9:52 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
67.164.118.40

I don't know how you are going to convince her but there is a possibility that if she were using the O2 she would not have this severe a fluid problem. I wonder if you could make a deal with her as I am sure she doesn't like having pampers on her legs that she at least give it a week to try and see how she feels and then if she still won't use it you can't force her to lose it. I think she will feel better enough that she will want to use it but they have to get that fluid off by whatever means they can first. Somehow you have got to maybe downplay the lung part and address the advantage of wearing the O2 for her heart. Since she has had bypass and now her heart is failing maybe concentrate on that part of it. Ask her as a favor to wear it for a week and see what happens but please get that fluid off before she has a heart attack.

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Posted by May on 5/14/2008, 7:18 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
24.96.90.185

Would she be interested in visiting this forum to meet others who are going through the same thing? Sometimes it takes listening to the experiences of others outside of the family and medical community for an idea to sink in. I met a few older people who are that way. They don't like being "told" what to do by their children, even though that's not what their children are really trying to convey. Does she live alone? I used to work in home health, though I'm not a nurse. Some agencies have cardiac programs where the nurse sets up a scale and computer that can record bp, weight gain, 02 sats, etc, and send it directly to the agency via telephone line. It's more interactive to get the patients involved in their own care. It is set up to go off at a certain time of the day and this allows the agency to keep track of the patient daily, whereas nursing visits usually cannot be performed daily. If the patient does not check in at the time set up, then the agency would call her home to check on her. If there is a problem with her 02 sats, bp, a significant weight gain, etc, then a nurse would arrange to come out if need be. Lots of times patients just forget to take their water pill and it could result in a weight gain. I would call the agency she is using now to see if they have this program. If not, maybe you can check around with the other home health agencies in your area. If she is on Medicare, you are allowed to choose the agency you want. If it's one of those Medicare replacement policies (Humana, etc), then you have to go with who they authorize. It's been my experience that with a patient's non-compliance and weeping legs that nurses will sometimes contact the doc in charge and recommend that the patient be hospitalized and then sometimes placed in rehab or skilled nursing. Again, it is still the patient's right to care and they can refuse, but at least those involved in the patient's care are doing the right thing by making the decision. Also, an agency can refuse to continue to see a patient if they are not following the doctor's orders for the care they are set out to do. Good luck. I hope you can convince her to help herself get well by following doc's orders.

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Posted by linda md on 5/14/2008, 7:05 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
66.16.157.202

I took my mom to see her internist this afternoon and they admitted her to the hospital for congestive heart failure. Her blood tests and CT scan indicate a major problem with her liver (not a drinker)and a problem with her kidneys and thyroid. She has gained 12 pounds in 4 days. Thank you all for your help and I am just a bit upset right now as she does not look well at all. She is very gray looking, bloated and struggling to breathe. Oh, they have her on 3 liters of o2 in the hospital and she is not refusing it. I will keep you all updated. Thanks again. Linda

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Posted by garyTX on 5/14/2008, 6:23 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
69.46.49.187

I don't know why your mom doesnt use supplement oxygen..Vanity ?? Think maybe if they are given enough positive information as to the benefits they may reconsider... What are the benefits of using the oxygen? Multiple studies have shown that using oxygen as prescribed leads to a longer life and improved quality of life. Some people feel dramatically different after they start using the oxygen. Less shortness of breath, increased stamina, better tolerance of activity, more restful sleep, improved memory, and clearer thinking are some of the immediate improvements experienced. Others may see little or no change in the way they feel. But whether you feel differently or not, using the oxygen is necessary and will result in the long-term benefits. When should I use it? Oxygen is not stored well by the body. In fact, once you quit using it, your blood levels will return to previous levels within minutes. For this reason, it is essential for you to use the oxygen at the times your oxygen level has been shown to be low. If you are low during activity you should wear it during activity. If you are low during sleep, wear it while you sleep. If you are low at rest, you should wear your oxygen continuously. What if I don't use it? Not using the oxygen as your doctor has prescribed will result in your blood oxygen level remaining low. This causes your entire body to be stressed, especially your heart. A low oxygen level increases the pressure inside your heart and with time can cause your heart to enlarge and work less efficiently, a condition known as cor pulmonale. As stated above, studies have shown that patients not using their oxygen do not live as long and have a decreased quality of life. Will I ever be able to quit using it? Some people with a reversible condition such as pneumonia will get better and no longer need to use oxygen. Conditions such as congestive heart failure, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are primarily irreversible and long-term use is often necessary. Oxygen should never be discontinued without testing showing that your blood oxygen level is adequate at rest, during sleep, and during activity. A0n important part of adapting to the use of oxygen is keeping a positive attitude. Don't dwell on the negative aspects but look at all the benefits mentioned above. It can help to increase your activity and improve your quality of life. In many ways it’s like getting your first pair of glasses. Sure they feel funny and make you look different, but now you can see to read and drive. If you have any more questions, always feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. STUDIES SHOW THAT USING OXYGEN AS PRESCRIBED WILL RESULT IN LONGER LIFE AND INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE. SAPSA

Link: http://sapsa.mu.nu/archives/028770.html

Posted by deb on 5/14/2008, 6:08 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
72.23.41.132

This is pretty much the same thing I am going through with my dad who is 77. He never uses his o2. All he ever says is I would rather live 5 years without it than 10 years with it. What is a person supposed to say to something like that. I guess when it's all said and done it is his choice. PARENTS!

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Posted by Helen-CO on 5/14/2008, 6:04 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
24.8.179.226

I went through the same thing with my mom. The health care professionals talked, threatened and cajoled, yet she refused 02. As a result, she wound up with dementia and had to be put in a nursing home, which broke my heart. But we as patients have a right to decline treatment, so ultimately the decision is hers. I pray she makes the right decision. She is lucky to have you for a daughter.

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Posted by Martha on 5/14/2008, 5:23 pm, in reply to "I Need Some Advice"
68.12.91.29

Maybe if you asked the doctor to tell her that oxygen is not addictive and explain to her in graphic detail what she is doing to her body, she would listen. Tell the doctor she isn't taking her meds. This isn't the time to respect her privacy concerning medical decisions. I don't know what else you can do. I'm really sorry for the position your mother is putting you in. I know it must be so frustrating and upsetting. Don't worry about venting...we all need to do it sometimes and we're happy to listen.

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