My dad died in 2019. Copd he didn’t make it to hospice. I wish he had. He had a horrible time in the hospital. Again I wish he had -had Hospice . I cared for dad in the end and mom (Alzheimer’s ) Back to dad. He was oxygen dependent and scared to death literally. He was the best patient ever. Finally his oxygen level dropped he fell and I insisted they keep him. I’m glad they did. He was 90. Dad took all of that that you spoke of. He was on high flow oxygen in the end. Rallied at night the next morning one lung had collapsed. The other one was perforated. He also had a heart attack. Daddy had a DNR so as soon as they took him off of everything, he passed away. I miss him and now I suffer from COPD. I hope not like he did.
I will only comment on this because of my firsthand experience with it. My wife had stage 4 COPD, among other things. after more than 3 times in 3 months of rushing her to the hospital while she was limp and blue, she refused to let me take her to the ER again. She passed in my arms at home. The end result of her constant struggling was inevitable, and she knew it. She was done fighting , and just wanted peace. I could not find it within myself to watch her suffering continue. I second guess myself everyday about honoring her decision. It was the hardest thing that I have ever done.
Please don’t second guess yourself; you honored your wife and she’s at peace. I live with COPD, emphysema and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In other words I drew the worst hand for lungs. I too prefer to die at home than in a hospital and hopefully made this extremely clear to my family. Sending you peace 🕊️
@@Crymeariver227 You are such an exceptional person.... sending me peace while I know what you are facing. your comment brought tears to my eyes. You are both kind and selfless. I will be praying for you and your family.
@@willaimrobinson9383 And you brought tears to mine. Thank you so much for your kindness and for your prayers; I always appreciate and welcome them. I also know what you endured both physically and emotionally as your wife’s caregiver; I know it was not easy for you, but you gave your wife the final, most perfect gift when she passed in your arms; she took all that love with her when she slipped away and began her journey home. Trust me, she’ll be there waiting for you when all your work here is done. 🙏
@chrtyo1 in the end the smokers has to decide for themselves. I gave up many times. Sometimes for a couple of years, but restarted. This last time it was the smoking ban that came into force where I live. I wasn't having anyone telling me where I could or couldn't smoke, but, 18 years ago was too late. I hope your loved person finds the will to stop.
My mom died of COPD and heart disease She quit smoking probably 40 years before she passed away My dad was still smoking and she was getting second hand smoke . In the car or on the porch or near her .He quit smoking 2 years before his death because developed emphysema.
I was literally just diagnosed with "minimal COPD" yesterday. After my pulmonary fitness test. I've never had shortness of breath, although I'm very wheezy. I am making a immediate changes to my lifestyle. I'm 62 years old, and I've been a smoker for 40 years. I think I've gone almost 7 hours now without a cigarette. My brain feels young. So I'm not ready to die. Thank you so much for sharing this today. Long time viewer, first time comment. ❤️
I'm proud of you! I've never smoked but I have always had to struggle with overeating. I'm only 4'7 and I have cerebral palsy so I have a very hard time moving and exercising. I'm no stranger to chronic conditions. I recommend pushing yourself literally and figuratively but never ever beat yourself up. You can only do your best and that will look different every day. Your life will change but you're still in charge at least on a human level. It might help to think of yourself as not sick but living with a new challenge. This is only one of many challenges you've already faced well. God's in charge and He is with you. I'll be praying for you and I know that you've taken your new diagnosis as a wake-up call so you're already one step in the right direction. It's still scary though so be gentle with yourself. Congratulations! Keep up the good work and know you're not alone.
You really, really can do this! Rooting for you and your success!! There are tools that might help you-meditation or hypnosis, for example. I used Chantix. It worked so well for me. Had my last cigarette June 17, 2008 after ~35 yrs of smoking 1- 2 packs a day. You CAN do this!! You are stronger than your dependence on tobacco and nicotine! 🥳👍
Even if you fall off the wagon, just quit smoking., and again and again, so you are not smoking more and more. Keep aiming for the goal of becoming free of the addiction. You already started the first step.
If you’re having exacerbations, demand the doctor test you for fungal pneumonia. Regular antibiotics won’t touch it. That’s what my dad had, they ignored the test results (it takes a few weeks), and only began giving him anti fungal medication because I noticed the positive test result in his charts. He would get better in the hospital prior to us knowing, as they give anti fungal medications in the hospital, but never send them home with anything but antibiotics. Wishing you all the best. ♥️
I was diagnosed 8 years ago with COPD and have been on oxygen 24/7. I was diagnosed after having pneumonia and then about two years in I had pneumonia again about 2 yrs in. The good thing is I have not had an exasperation for 4 yrs. I have a BiPAP machine & I use 4 Liters when sleeping, i’m on 2 L during the day and loss. I’m doing some kind of physical activity and then I turned it up to 3 L. I am a widow and live alone and I’m 72 years old, I still drive I take care of myself. I do have a cleaning lady, but I do some of the cleaning for myself and I also cook for myself. I’m sure in the future that will change, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
You sound like a very strong independent woman. I love that. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My dad has COPD and is oxygen dependent. It hurts my heart to see him struggling. I hope you have many more years and lots of joy in your life.
My grandma Bree died at the age of 94 in January of this year and this was a huge comfort. She’d been diagnosed with COPD in her late 70’s or early 80’s. Anyone experiencing COPD yourself or with a loved one, life doesn’t have to stop with the diagnosis. Bree was stalking her kids and grandkids on social media, sending emails, FaceTiming us, laughing, and making friends up until the last month of her life. I was with her two days before she passed, curled up on her back like a pill bug, and I heard her labored breathing (I don’t believe it was the death rattle, as she was still in and out of consciousness, and speaking with us), saw her gaping mouth, and learned she had started refusing to eat. I knew then that this was for sure the end, and was able to start processing, which was a huge help in my grieving process. She was so comfortable and smiley. This video was even more of a comfort ❤ thank you
My mom passed in September 2019. She had COPD after having been a smoker for the majority of her 87 years. She was on hospice for about six months. Thank you so much for all you do.
My mom passed away November 2019 from COPD and congested heart failure. She was on hospice and they were a help but there are things they did that I'm not happy about during her last moments. I feel they didn't communicate with me and didn't honor our requests. 😢
Julie -- I cannot thank you enough for your invaluable content. My mom is 95 and has very bad COPD, and yet still smokes a pack a day since she was 13. She also is nearly blind from dry Macular Degeneration, and eats about as much as a parakeet. Although she has dementia, she is the most loving person in the world, but unfortunately is all too aware that she is trapped in a failing body with no quick way out. She has a perfect small home with a beautiful back yard, and she likes hearing the birds and having me describe the flowers that are blooming. I never had children nor did my brothers, as we knew there was zero chance we could do as well caring for kids as our parents did. Anyway, caring for mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm thankful for the tireless support of my partner and his grown kids -- and two awesome neighbors. Thank you again for all you do, and thanks to everyone who posts their own stories in the comments section. With gratitude -- Lynn in Albuquerque
Just lost my mom June 11, 2024 to end stage copd. She was never a smoker, but her father, both husbands and some of her kids smoked around her. She made her own decision to come off the ventilator and have comfort care measures. I am so glad she was able to make that decision herself. I miss her so much. I have copd and try extra hard to take care of myself. I am not a smoker either.
Blessings to you all. I also have COPD. We are all going to die from something. 😢 But all that matters is that you made Jesus your Lord and Savior. Eternity ❤ is too long to be wrong.Love you all.
My mom just passed away yesterday from COPD. She was a heavy smoker but made it to 87. She was a fighter, she was on hospice for over a year. Her COPD was exactly as you described it…like a long stair step down. In the end, when she had episodes of not being able to breath, I was so thankful for hospice and their comfort meds. They helped her so much. Thanks to you Julie for sharing your knowledge, I was prepared, I recognized the stages of dying she was going through and watched her take her last breath. Very peacefully.
My dad died from COPD. The day before he died he informed me he had gone to dinner in Houston, TX....an 8 hour drive from where we were. I asked him how dinner was and he said "Great"! Lack of oxygen will make people hallucinate but I didn't recognize this sign at the time. The nice thing though were our last words, which I didn't know were going to be our last time to speak. We both said I love you to each other.
I’m 64 years old 3rd Stage Severe COPD Diagnosis 33 % Lung function. With Heart related issues. I just had a cardio version procedure to bring my atrial fibrillation under control. Two years ago I was able to walk up to 13 to 14 miles a day. Now, I’m barely able to get to my kitchen without oxygen. It’s my hopes and prayers that my heart gives out so I don’t suffer.
@@donaldmarks9639 my mum has this same stage she isnt allow oxygen at home as she still smokes if she can get it in. I know terrible. There saying her lungs are ok for now and she cannot hardly climb he stairs so I was wondering if it was her heart .
@@michellebroadway82, it’s quite the possibility. It’s known to be a fact that heart issues usually go hand in hand with someone that has COPD. I do a lot of reading on all the different issues I have. It’s good to be informed.
@@donaldmarks9639 mum can't eat big meals because the oxygen goes to her stomach and she can't even walk to her car from a restaurant after a meal . She slowly walks round the supermarket. It's awful to see I can't even understand why she never quit smoking when a doc told her to ten years ago . Her mother died of the same thing . Her COPD lungs have had everything but the big c. She has 33 percent lungs . And they have offered her morfene to open her lungs but she doesn't even take paracetamol so woant so that inhaler s make her cough so bad she can't get air. She's literally got no further treatment but a bypap machine on evening. I hope your ok ..do you smoke. I quit myself after 15 years I believe I av mild COPD .but given my warning looking at what mum and nanas position is. We all only here a short time and I don't think I'll miss fags I understand they wanna smoke can't figure out why wen can't breath. I wish you well in the future too this kind regards to you and thank you for responding
Got COPD since I was 17. The joys of parents smoking. Now 51 and I get really bad issues with phlegm. I am experiencing tough issues. Yet I have a very powerful vocals! I truly believe singing has helped through my years
Hi, my name is David and I paused the vid halfway thru to read some comments and read yours and I felt I wanted to say howdy to you and identify with you with the symptoms mentioned and the ones we know about not mentioned. I got it from Drilling/Blasting career, the Quartz dust that goes thru the 3M masks used and the dust that made it thru keeps damaging leaving areas that don't uptake O2 like copd. Identical in symptoms. 20 yrs with it now and just found out about pallative care and an assesment soon at home. I'm over due. Dang it! Ha ha. I went and waited too long cause I don't complain enough, that's a mouthfull. Are you on this type of care? And may I ask what you do during an average day?, I'm on the computer researching stuff and one special space simulation game, a-lot. It's a fun game. Star Citizen, it's like a science fiction space travel movie and all its dangers. Like I said just wanted to say hi and comunicate with the first other person with this also.
My Bio Mom died of COPD. She was so young only 68. She only had two kids. First me who she was forced to give up for adoption and my brother who died suddenly in a car crash at 21. She was never herself after that and fell into a depression. She smoked a lot and caught pneumonia Whig was so bad she could no longer lay flat and had to sleep in a chair. Like Nurse Julie says it got worse and worse when at the end she was in hospice. Watching her struggle I was able to quit smoking and am so relieved that I don’t have COPD.
Oh, that all COPD patients would embrace the fact that they’re not going to recover. My heart breaks every time I’m transporting a COPD patient to an ED, doing everything I can within my scope of practice to help them breathe all the while knowing that their end of life would be so much more comfortable if they would accept the help available to them from hospice care. Thank you for what you do everyday. Hospice nurses have my eternal respect.
My mother refused hospice care. She had some very wrong ideas about what hospice does. I tried to convince her to let them help but she wouldn't give in. Her end of life could have been so much better and at home instead of 3 days on a ventilator in a hospital. She made her own decision to come off the vent. I am grateful for that.
I was offered hospice care for COPD a year and a half ago after many 911 calls and hospital stays. I went home and live my life, sometimes it an intense struggle but sometimes there's a sort of remission where I can do things and enjoy my life. The only difference I know of that would change on hospice would be stronger prescriptions. I had a lung valve procedure a few years ago that partially worked. I realize I'll die sooner or later and am almost grateful that I had a heart attack because there's a chance my heart will suddenly stop instead of a slow COPD death.
Loss my dad 10 months ago. He suffered from COPD and was on high flow oxygen, steroids and inhalers. It’s exactly as Julie described. He would do okay for a while then something would happen and he would get worse, then medical intervention would bring him back again but not to the same level he was. He did not make it to Hospice and I was his caregiver. It was really tough watching the decline. Ultimately, the COPD was not listed as his cause of death, but an enlarged heart.
Wonderfully helpful video. I helped my mother as she died from COPD. For her it was pretty painless and we were able to control her breathing quite well. Mama just seemed to get more and more tired and slept more and more until she died. We used very, very little medication other than inhalers. Hospice was a great help as they encouraged us and helped us to do what was best for mama.
I want you to know that your videos are utterly incredible X We all need to be talking more about all of this and your channel does exactly that. ❤ The more you do these videos, the more people will understand what can happen.
my dad had COPD and CHF and had 27 runs to the hospital the year before he died. When I took my dad into my house he had 4 more runs to the hospital. At that time I asked the doctor how long does my dad have and he told me 4 months and thats when I asked him for Hospice care and of course they needed my dads agreement . My dad did agree to it and lived 2 months. He had O2 24 hours a day and was only able to walk to and from his bed to the living room. They gave Him an O2 machine and back up tanks just in case we lost power. His Hospice Nurse was the best, she would come and give him a kiss on his forehead and tell me to rest while she was there. When his time was up he was very relaxed and no more trouble breathing. He was at Peace. Miss that man every day
My grandfather just died in hospice of emphysema. Been living with him for the last two years and this video was very accurate. Hospice did a great job his final day keeping him comfortable.
I wish I would have found your channel sooner. My Mom recently passed away from COPD in March. She was on hospice for two weeks before she passed. Thank you so much for educating all of us.
Thank you. My mum has this and tells me she has less than five years. The lack of mobility around covid worsened her condition. I've saved the video and will revisit when the time comes.
My sister is going to go into hospice. End stage emphysema. She has already started with the air starvation. She's a retired nurse and put herself into a long term facility, last year. Your videos are a great service. I share them with her daughter in law.
Thank you Julie. My father is home and almost died March 10 2024 but he has rallied, however we have palliative care and an RN coming every 2 weeks. My mom and I are doing all his care including cleaning him, shaving him, laundering wet or soiled bed sheets and preparing meals. He also had dementia and we experience “Sun Downing” most days. You have been incredibly helping with all your video, we appreciate your help and will be purchasing your book ❤
My mom had COPD and went on hospice in January 2014. She was fairly comfortable at home on oxygen, but needed help with a lot of daily activities. She had had a GI bleed of unknown cause a year or so earlier and a hx of Afib with a pacemaker. I was overwhelmed taking care of her while trying to work from home. Not to complain, but caretakers be warned that emphysema makes people cranky. We asked about hospice in December 2013. Hospice started and they were fantastic. Great nurses and aides. Massage therapist, music therapist, and chaplain. I thought my mom had 6 months to a year. Then she got another GI bleed. I had the doctor order a transfusion because it wasn’t the condition that she was on hospice for. Unfortunately, the GI bleed never stopped and she died on February 14th. My situation was somewhat unique due to being alone with my mom (and not having a support network of my own), but I had the expected grief of my mom’s death and the unexpected grief of losing all of these wonderful people coming in to help. The hospice had a survivor’s grief group that I went to. I guess the thing to know is that those left behind go through a lot and there are resources that can help.
@JeanineMeier ty for sharing your info. I'm solely my mother's caretaker with final stage of dementia and have been with her from the beginning 2019. It's definitely had its challenges and I'm mentally and physically exhausted. All family has disappeared. Long story short my mother COPD as well, and I took her ciggs away roughly a year ago. I'm do everything for her and I will be checking into the resources you have mentioned. Good luck to your on the rest of your journey. Stay strong and ML ❤️🙏
God bless you Julie, my breathing improved on the second day I quit smoking, in 20 days I have not smoked cigarettes, I still hear an occasional strange noise, but it's nothing like it was when I was smoking regular, God bless you, thank you for the information that you make available, otherwise people wouldn't know
I must admit, I am not totally nicotine free, I am using nicotine patches, and smokeless tobacco, but I have accomplished what I wanted to, I am not smoking anymore
I wish I were strong enough to quit smoking. I’ve smoked a LOT since I was 12 years old. I don’t know life without cigarettes and I have never had the strength to quit even after seeing what lung cancer did to my parents. Nicotine is one hell of a drug!!!
Thank you for being here and making these videos. I watch them even though I don't have close family to be concerned about. But you've helped me be less afraid of my own death. You tell the truth about how it really is. You're fabulous. 😊
Thank you Julie for sharing this info with us . I am Stage 4 COPD and am going through pretty much everything you mentioned and yes it is scary . I'm at the point where i am having more bad than good days . On those bad days i wish and pray for God to end my suffering. There are days when the nebulizer medicine doesn't help much and there are those days that they work as they are supposed too. My Pulmonologist has me on 3 different nebulizer meds , daily prednisone , morphine , a rescue inhaler and O2 24/7. I'm also at the point i need help taking a shower but other things i am able to handle by taking my time doing them , like dressing and other bathroom stuff. I have done alot of reading on this disease and know its not going to be an easy one but having a good support team is a must . As a very independent person i am finally realizing that i can't do what i use to be able to do a year ago thanks to the help of a awesome therapist. Thanks to her i have finally come to terms with what i have done to myself and have excepted the responsibility.
Meditation has helped me enormously with the fear aspect, puff breathing forunexpected shortness. I joined a COPD FB group which has been invaluable for info, support and tips. Good luck 💕
@@mollybailes5161 Amen!! He has given me that peace that passes understanding!! My hope is in the Lord!! If you believe He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, you have Life eternally!! He is with you always and will never, no never leave you or forsake you!! He will hold you fast!! Praise Him!! 🙌❤️🙌🙏♥️🙏
Julie, I want to thank you for this video. My Father passed away 3 years ago this Aug and looking back (he was in a residential facility,) I see these processes. I wish I would have found you back then to understand what he was going through. I appreciate all of your videos and wanted to let you know.
I'm 68 now and quit smoking 12 years ago. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It took me a year or more to get over the cravings. I want to add that I did not start another nicotine habit like dipping etc. I'm completely nicotine free and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself and my family. I probably tried to stop 100 times over the years before I finally succeeded. Never give up folks, keep trying, it's hard but it can be done.
In 1983, my aunt died at 80 years old on a very hot day in a nursing home with no AC. We always understood she had emphysema from working with fabrics her whole life, plus living in a city with lots of soot and exhaust fumes coming into her apartment. I’m starting to think she may have had COPD. When I went to see her in the evening, she was actively dying. BUT she wasn’t medicated, she was in extreme distress, was conscious and she was TERRIFIED. Her mouth was clapping open & shut uncontrollably as she tried to breathe. Aunt Marie lingered like that for hours until she finally died around midnight. I’m glad to hear there are methods today to ease that discomfort and had my aunt died today, she wouldn’t have had such an awful passing.
@@debrasperling4053 thank you, Debra. Aunt Marie, I feel, is doing well and I sense her visiting me often. But her physical passing should not have been as difficult in modern times. A lesson for which all loved onea should be aware.
My Mom passed away in 2016 from COPD! I'm 63 & have had COPD for years. I'm on oxygen 24/7, nebulizer, prednisone, inhaler meds. Last year went code blue while trying to get to the hospital. I had hypoxia & pneumonia. Went to my pulmonary Dr. last week & going for another CT scan due to getting worse. I had enough of not being able to walk to the bathroom or taking a long shower because I can't breath!! This isn't living this is just existing! Hopefully, I'll be with my Mom & Dad soon!💔🕊😢
@@lifesabitch8012 I think this 🌎 is ondley a.valley of tears 😭 and I think if you have a happy childhood before you realise how hard this life for some people you are Lucky I hope I will not be reincarnated once was enough on the merry go round hope your copd improves I will off offer a special prayer 🙏 for you that god will keep you safe ann murphy ireland
My husband has COPD and this has been a constant worry for me as the disease progresses. This video helps me to feel better because I do not want to see my husband suffer. He is such a wonderful man and doesn't deserve that. Thank you Julie.
I have been watching your videos trying to educate myself and also not fall apart emotionally as my parents get closer to 80 and health declines. My dad has COPD and is oxygen dependent. I had to force myself to watch this video. Even though I have tears running down my face I’m very glad I watched this and I’m so grateful to you for making them. You’ve helped me in many ways and I thank you. 🙏
I have been on COPD for about 33 years. I am 65 years old. I have been losing my independence slowly. I am sending this video to my kids. I also bought your book to help me & my kiddos help me prepare for my passing. I will also be filling out my health care directive in the next week.
@@lorileighfischer4254 I love the outdoors including traveling and reading books, cooking, gardening and watching movies. I have a daughter though we lost her mom to brain tumor. What are your hobbies, which is your favorite memory?
@@lorileighfischer4254 I'm doing great and thanks for asking. I love the outdoors including traveling and reading books, cooking, gardening and watching movies and you?
thank you for sharing this valuable information. I wish someone, ANYONE, had educated my brother & I more with my moms COPD more than just the basics. it wouldve made the journey from start to finish less scary for all of us. she passed away 20yrs ago and still miss her terribly, we are thankful for every day we had with her.
My grandmother was on hospice for a week when she was diagnosed with Metastatic Lung Cancer. She already had COPD/Emphysema, and she needed to be hospitalized due to pneumonia and other health issues over the years. She was 77 when she finally quit smoking after five-and-a-half decades, and 91 when her doctor caught the “really bad” Lung Cancer way too late to treat it (and when she needed to go the ER due to severe pain in her shoulder, she had no idea that it was pain from Lung Cancer that had been spreading to her bones and liver for quite a while ). She was completely bedbound and on morphine in her final week, and she actually passed much more quickly than we expected. We were hoping that she would stay with us until New Year’s Eve of that year, and she went on Christmas Eve of that year.
My husband had copd, and he died while in hospice. But, he also had a very sick liver and numerous other issues. The last week he was in a coma...encephalopathy. I know he could hear us, but he could not respond. I miss him so much...he had such a huge laugh! It's been 6 years, which means I am 6 years closer to seeing him again. And then there will be no more death!❤
My mother in law has stage four COPD, she’s now on hospice. We’ve actually seen some improvement in her symptoms since starting hospice. She now doesn’t wait eight days to seek medical attention when she has a flare up. She just calls her nurse and they come right away. So glad we turned to hospice.
My oldest son has had diagnosed asthma since he was a year and a half old. (Sooner, probably, because diagnosis in the 80s was not that great.) We had it managed amazingly well (School, baseball, youth group meets) until 7th grade. I'll NEVER FORGET THAT PAINFUL WHINE, as his asthma attack/pneumonia was nearly fatal. He declined VERY QUICKLY. In the ICU, they wanted him placed on a Ventilator. My husband, his Dad, was trying to get to the hospital and was 5 hours away. I REFUSED, BECAUSE MY SON KNEW IT COULD BE THE END AND BEGGED me not to let them vent him. The Specialists were HORRIBLY PUSHY, and from a few slips, I could tell, not very good at the procedure, apparently. BUT IT IS A GREAT MONEY MAKER FOR ALL INVOLVED. My son, survived, and soon after, thrived. He is an amazing husband and father. Always follow your heart. ❤️💙Hospice helps take the pain, and fear out of death and allows some comfort, support and control.
My young partner (54 to my 62) has COPD as a complication of misdiagnosis of his DVT. As a young athlete in his 20's he started feeling short of breath and went to his doctor and was waved off by that doctor stating that he was too young for it to be anything serious and told him to exercise more. He did that but it didn't change anything. What was happening is his body kept making Pulmonary Embolisms that didn't kill him but went to his lungs until he had extensive scarring and lost 50% of his lung capacity. We have terrible insurance so he gets very little support just blood thinning drugs and INR testing. I don't know what his prognosis is because all this happened before we met but I am trying to learn what to notice and how to cope with the idea of what may come for him and his needs. Thank you for your work. It helps so much to know and to be able to plan for the inevitable and grieve it so I can be present for him when he becomes sicker.
My mother had severe copd. Hospice was such a blessing for her. Her anxiety was intense with worry about suffocating. In the end she was at peace after slipping into a coma after contracting sepsis from a horrible bedsore. She was on the gold standard of morphine as well. Through it all the hospice nurse was an angel.
I was my mother's caregiver until it got to be more than I was capable of and she had COPD. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
My mom had Pulmonary Fibrosis for about 15 years!! She was in Hospice at home but about a week before she died she was on 10L/O2/NC and she looked at me and said to turn her oxygen up and I told her it was at 10L and she said NO ITS NOT, I’ve been a nurse for 44 years so I know what her oxygen was on!! So called the Hospice nurse and they put her in In Patient Hospice and she died 3 days later!!! I did get your book after the fact but your videos are awesome!!! Thank you!!!!
Thank you Julie. I have watched your channel since discovering your content and have been suggesting it to others because of your straightforward, honest and most informative presentation. Educating ourselves for the end of life process makes a great deal of sense to me. Your endeavours to educate others is praiseworthy and your drive and determination (ie: your books) and work ethics are a testament in themselves. Personally, the recent passing of my father in law was made understandable and manageable for him and his extended family as my Debbie attended him to the last. We have already sent our congratulations to you on your deserved success but please accept them once again on your forum with our sincere wishes for continued blessings upon you.
My MIL passed from COPD. She went to the hospital thinking she would be there for a short time. She was told she had 6 months to live. She died within a week. She went from the hospital to a nursing home for hospice. It was the worst watching someone basically suffocate to death. Thankfully hospice gave her a peaceful transition but it was still terrible. My mom also has COPD as a very long time heavy smoker, but she is in denial so she doesnt treat it or see a doctor. How anyone can still smoke after knowing the horrible consequences will forever befuddle me. It is so horrific.
Let me help -- my mother just died [11/13/24 - 79 y.o.] from end-stage COPD and I'll give you one VERY important tip. A person gets weak from this condition and it is imperative that you do an assessment of your home to ensure there are no trip hazards. There is a 55% increased risk of older people falling with COPD than those without! My mother tripped over a mat in the kitchen and broke her femur which ultimately led to her death a couple of weeks later after doing everything they could to save her. Thanks Julie 💚
I just lost my dad, 11 July 2024. Full time carer with COPD, heart failure, diabetes, etc. was on 02 in the last 2 months. He was at home on his own but monitored via camera during the day when I was at work when he past. Nurse Jule, I have just found your channel and all I can say is that your information is so needed in the community. The more we can educate ourselves, the better prepared we are for when our loved ones transition to the other side. ❤
I lost my dad to COPD in 2019, on my daughter's 12th birthday actually, which was his only grandchild. He was only a mere 58 years old. I've been a nurse for nearly two decades and have worked with countless hospice patients. I haven't had too many experiences with them being all that "challenging" in their final days, maybe a handful or so. But my dad... oh, God bless his soul. It broke me. He was in so much horrific pain. He couldn't breathe, and prior to that, what we know that clearly contributed, at least in part, to his demise coming sooner rather than later was that he unfortunately fell and broke his hip while also having pneumonia at the same time. He was then hospitalized. Despite his hip initially not being fractured too severely, the hospital staff still had him walk on it, which caused it to break even further. That was bad news because he literally went from not necessarily needing surgery to definitely needing to have it in order to fix his hip. We all knew the very high risks of him being put under, the worst easily being that he wouldn't make it through the surgery as we knew he'd only have a 50/50 chance. Surgery was truly the last option any of us ever wanted, and we had counted our blessings for years that he never needed it. That was, until this time. So when we knew there was just no other option but to have it done (mind you, he was still battling pneumonia as well), we knew this might be our goodbye, and that was a very tough pill to swallow... all because of a fractured hip that could have been prevented from worsening due to neglectful hospital staff. Actually, that hospital released my dad a week later to go home, still having pneumonia and now, an even worse break. But due to his leg swelling, worsening pain, along with his fight with pneumonia still, we took him to a different hospital-one where he would never walk back out of. Although after spending nearly two months in this hospital, as the doctors and surgeons tried to put off the hip surgery as long as possible as my dad slipped into a coma, eventually, they had to just get it done. Praise God, my dad survived the surgery! But barely. Yes, while he successfully made it through surgery alive, he still ended up having two severe strokes during the procedure that left him bedridden for the rest of his life. Who knew that after all that trouble, he wouldn't even need that hip replacement after all? 😔 Granted, the strokes caused some cognitive issues along with other common stroke effects. As I said, after three-plus months in this hospital, despite going in completely lucid, per se, and essentially being his normal old self, the man who went in was not the same man who came out. We knew it was time. We placed him in hospice, knowing he wanted to return home. So that's where we took him. He didn't even make it two more weeks. But as I was saying, I've thankfully experienced very few patients who were as complicated at the end of life as my father. He was in excruciating pain. He received the maximum amount of comfort medications, including morphine, Ativan, and several others that should have rendered him unconscious, but my dear old dad was simply suffering too much. He remained awake until his very last breath. I've witnessed my fair share of terrible things in this world, but nothing has quite compared to the nightmare our family endured during my father's final months. Unbeknownst to me, my poor daughter witnessed far more than I would have liked. Had I known what would happen, I undoubtedly would have shielded her from much of it. This was her first significant loss, and she has had an excruciatingly difficult time. coping with her grief, even to this day. She hasn't celebrated a birthday since. It absolutely breaks my heart and makes me feel, as a mother, that I've failed her. Yes, she has received grief counseling and continues to see a therapist regularly. What else could I have done? 😭💔 She'll be turning 18 on her next birthday this April. She's come a long way since witnessing her father suffer at the young, innocent age of 11, only to turn 12 and learn that it was the day he took his final breath. I apologize for delving so deeply into this; I rarely discuss it. I suppose I just felt that someone could relate in some way. God bless you all. 🫶🏻🙏🏻
Wow this was extremely informative. My FIL is currently in hospice care in his final days with COPD and your tips here really brought some light into his position. Thanks a bunch for this. Very helpful.
Very educational and informative video. Thank you so much for doing it. I cared for my Dad who had COPD, and he went to Heaven in 2019. The Hospice care team was absolutely incredible. An absolute Godsend. I am so thankful they were there to help out. I feel like my Dad got his final wish of passing away at home, largely in part to the Hospice care team. Caring for my Dad was not easy, but at the same time it was a blessing and privilege to care for one of the most extraordinary human beings to ever walk the planet. Sorry if I sound like I am rambling, but this video just spoke volumes to me. COPD is a devastating illness, no question to it. Thankfully there is a lot of advancements in this illness to allow people to live longer and healthier lives, with the right medical team in place. Thank you again for doing this video. May God Bless you always!
My uncle has it. He’s been on a plateau for a number of years. He’s at home, takes physical and speech therapy. A lot of talking is difficult, but he still goes out for short trips with his portable O2 tanks. He mows the lawn on the riding mower, goes out to church, goes out to eat at a nearby diner. My aunt has psoriatic arthritis and mobility issues, so they have a live-in LPN who assists them with cleaning, cooking, bathing, washing heavy bedding, etc. On days their nurse is off, their daughter who lives upstairs takes over. My uncle has already decided what he wants/does not want for end of life care, hospice in the home.
I ordered the book and love it, wish I had known about this sooner. I took care of my mother in 1982 she died of cancer and I didn’t know anything. I tried my best to keep her comfortable.
My darling dad passed from COPD at the age of 90. He was sharp as a tack and a brilliant mathematician. During the last few weeks of his life, he had a difficult time trying to write a check. It was heartbreaking to see him decline. He was also plagued with aspiration pneumonia.
My mom is in a long term care facility who is currently on Comfort Care with her COPD and other issues. She is only in her 60s and is on oxygen full time and requires a lift to move from bed to chair, full time catheter. Her care team says she is in bed much more often now. When she was put on comfort care recently I immediately came her because I knew you would have insight that would give knowledge and comfort. Thank you for what you do. ♡♡
Julie, you’re the best! I just received your book and am anxious to start reading. I am CoPD, also. Best wishes to All here and everywhere who deal with CoPD. Bless you all and Julie too❤
You are an angel for doing these videos and giving us such great info. I wish i had known about your channel before my husband passed in 2019. They said it was dementia , but he never forgot about me, my mum or sister, and our lovely collie Lucia...God bless you..❤
A longtime friend of mine just died of COPD on 6/20/24, he was 79. I knew him for almost 30 years. I visited him on the 18th and he seemed to think he would return home soon, but I was skeptical. He looked terrible. He wasn’t a pack-a-day smoker, more like a pack-a-week. But, he did so for 60 years. His lungs couldn’t supply enough oxygen to his body and he succumbed. His family was there when he passed. RIP A.C. Roberts.
My mother was in her early 40's when she was diagnosed with copd. She was a nurse and was completely disabled by the time she was 50 and told she only had 15 yrs to live. She smoked 3 packs a day up until she became disabled and on oxygen. She died at the age of 68 in a nursing home from sepsis from an unnoticed UTI. She wasn't very kind to her children, but we all tried to help care for her until we couldn't and had to put her in a nursing home the last 2 yrs of her life. It felt like she was in the active stages of dying for many years before her death. It was a roller coaster throughout those years, for sure!
My dad had COPD and said he felt as if he was drowning all the time. We would take his oxygen level on his finger and reassure him that it showed 98 percent but he still said it feels like he wasn’t getting any air. The doctor said that the oxygen level and other gas level in his lungs was off balance because of the disease and there was nothing to be done. This symptom was part of it. He was completely anxious most of the time and had panic attacks because he ‘wanted air’ I wasn’t able to see him the last 2 weeks before he passed and saw him the day before he died. But I only hope he was kept sedated most of the time.
I’ve had COPD for over 20 years. I’ve been to the emergency room twice and hospitalized for over a week the last time. The last time scared me so badly that I finally quit smoking, something I should have done long ago. I’ve also got Stage IV prostate cancer and Stage 3B Kidney Disease. Add diabetes into that along with neuropathy in both feet and calves and Charcot in both feet. I’m thinking about supplementing my life insurance by opening my cause of death to bookies and letting people bet. I swear if I had known that I would live this long I wouldn’t have treated my body like the playground at McDonalds. Thank you for these videos. With everything trying to kill me it’s comforting to be able to have someone explain to me in a nonemotional way what to expect.
" Be Prepared" (the Boy Scouts motto).. God luv ya gal...Your are my strength! Having been an oxygen HME technician for 26 years, it has been my experience that the majority of O2 patients are just plain, not compliant...In spite of any and ALL "pep talks"...It is hard to realize that in spite of your efforts, they are gonna do what they are gonna do...I wish I could have seen all of your videos 26 years ago. You are truly, an inspiration!
As a hospice social worker, I always educate that morphine CAN assist in breathing better. Once they take a dose, they understand and it’s not so scary! Love your videos! ❤
As a person that was diagnosed stage 3 of COPD I have been nervous how it will all end. Your knowledge and advice has given me peace of mind. The thought of gasping to breathe is scary. Thankfully I watched this. Thank you for giving me the tools to navigate through the process of dying with dignity ❤
I am so glad I found this video! I'm 31, but my father has been on oxygen and worsening COPD since his Covid infection in 2020. It's so so difficult for him and for the whole family adjusting to the constant care and recurring crises. Don't wish this disease on anyone. Please stop smoking and encourage your loved ones to stop, because no one wants to live like that when they're older- My dad can't work, drive, walk around the house freely, have a shower by himself or even lift nything up by himself because he lost pretty much all of his muscles and any movement worsens his breathing. Funnily enough he's been a doctor all his life, planned to work for much longer, but he only made it till 63 with much much difficulty. He will not have a peaceful retirement like he should. He's also extremely irritable, frustrated and agitated and while I understand it to some extent, it's very difficult to talk to him and generally deal with him. He's only 64 now and so much weaker than many 80-somethings who are still somewhat cpable of moving around and living by themselves. My personal goal in life is now to take care o myself as much as possible, walk a lot, move your body, eat healthily, very limited alcohol consumption and never ever smoke anything and to stay fit in my 70s. Don't have to live to a hundred. But a nice and comfortable old age is so precious. Anything you might catch, any virus any genetically transmitted disease that you can't control will only make you suffer more if you've been a smoker.
Julie, I just received my book and I'm already so appreciative of your knowledge and honesty. Thank you so much for explaining everything with ease and simplicity.
Thank you Nurse Julie. I have Pulmonary Fibrosis that has all the same symptoms & progress of COPD. This video is very helpful for me, eases my own fears & is valuable to my wife that will make decisions & provide care as the deterioration progresses.
I am in palliative care your video has helped me to understand xx thank you brilliant x do not stop we need you I am fortunate to have the hospice ❤ involved so well looked after hugs
My dear dad died of COPD in 2019 he never got to a hospice he had a heart attack at home he was bought back to life but passed away hours later in hospital I'm so glad he is out of pain but miss him so much 💔😭
I'm stage 3 COPD with severe emphysema. VA put in a stair glider and walk in shower for me. I only leave the house for appointments. Suffocation is my biggest fear. This video helped me a lot. Thank you, Julie, for your videos. Also I just received your book!
My sister died of COPD. When she was in Hospice for about a month before she died. The last 2 weeks she stopped eating, talking, except to ask for more morphine, & was in extreme pain. The hospice company only gave her very little morphine just like you would get in the hospital. I was under the impression that hospice could administer pain medications more often & at larger dosages since they are not as strictly regulated like doctor's & hospital's & are paid for helping a person to die as peacefully as possible.
This is probably the worst video I could be watching right now. I do have COPD. I have advanced COPD, so watching this was probably the biggest mistake I made. I had to stop 3 quarters thru the video. I am learning I'm more advanced than I thought.
I have COPD also. I almost didn’t watch this video. I am kind of glad I did. But as another person said I am more advanced than I thought. I need to go see my Pulmonologist. I haven’t seen him since a year ago when I went to the hospital in an ambulance because I couldn’t breathe. I also had stage four lung cancer but it is in remission. So I really need to make an appointment but it is so hard to go anywhere or take a shower. I also have drop foot and zero balance. I have gained over 80 pounds since I have been diagnosed with cancer. I sit all day every day in my chaise in my living room. I cook maybe two to three times a month. I make jewelry, watch TV, crochet and just recently have tried painting with watercolors. I sleep all the time. I fan asleep talking, writing and cannot wake up some days. My poor husband has to wheel me in a wheelchair out to our car and at the doctors offices. I only go to doctors or medical facilities. It just seems like I am getting worse faster now. I pray that I somehow stop progressing so quickly. Please pray for me and I send prayers your way. 🙏🏻😁
@@minniesmomma6374 it's a horrible feeling watching myself rapidly go downhill! I am so sorry you're going thru almost exactly what I described myself ...☹️😥😥 and the FEAR IS REAL
Im 52 and have had copd for atleast 10 years. The past few days i felt like i had bad flu. Anyway this brings me peace knowing they can manage pain and smothering. Than( you
Hey! I watch your TikTok lives and I’ve commented before-hospice nurse here as well! I actually am the coordinator for our Cardiac/COPD program-I LOVE this video.
Thank you for the information, i am a nurse with stage 3 copd. The health p 10:03 rofessson needs mych more education for people regarding this disease and many others
My husband died in 2009 from C O P D he had half right lung removed a year before that.one time he jumped out of his hospital bed and said he had to do number two.i had no one to help me.just me.he worked with his hands a lot before he died.i ask the hospice nurse why he was doing that.she told me he had unfinished work he needed to get done.and three weeks before he died his sugar had dropped in the 30s we gave him a. Pop and got his sugar back up.his stay in a coma for three week I move my couch next to his bed so I could be closer to him.the day he passed away I had friend to come over and see him and I.he sit straight up in the bed she stay with him until I went and got my son.we live close one house between use we talk to him and I watched his eyes turn black and he laid down and went to sleep.
The biggest misunderstanding in our family came from the use of morphine. Many think the morphine is killing the patient, when in fact they are already dying, and the morphine is making it easier for them to breathe. This is what I learned from our local hospice counselor. My mother I believe suffered unnecessarily, because those caring for her withheld the extra dose of morphine, prescribed by the hospice nurse. The reason given was that she was unable to swallow, that she was basically unconscious but "struggling." I wasn't there but my understanding from our local hospice is that the morpine can be administered by mouth in a dropper, and it will absorb into the body. Just want to share this in case others here have a fear of using morphine. Please have this discussion with your hospice nurse.
My husband was diagnosed with COPD and was diagnosed a few years later with non-small cell lung cancer. It was stage 4. That's when hospice entered our lives. The cancer metastasized quickly and he lived only two months. He had a lot of pain, but died a peaceful death.
My dad died in 2019. Copd he didn’t make it to hospice. I wish he had. He had a horrible time in the hospital. Again I wish he had -had Hospice . I cared for dad in the end and mom (Alzheimer’s ) Back to dad. He was oxygen dependent and scared to death literally. He was the best patient ever. Finally his oxygen level dropped he fell and I insisted they keep him. I’m glad they did. He was 90. Dad took all of that that you spoke of. He was on high flow oxygen in the end. Rallied at night the next morning one lung had collapsed. The other one was perforated. He also had a heart attack. Daddy had a DNR so as soon as they took him off of everything, he passed away. I miss him and now I suffer from COPD. I hope not like he did.
❤
Bless you my dear
So sorry for your loss.
I'm very sorry for your loss!
I lost my dad and my aunt similarly.
I hope that YOUR struggle with COPD etc isn't harsh...
I'm so sorry for your hospital experience with your dad...Stay strong❤
I will only comment on this because of my firsthand experience with it. My wife had stage 4 COPD, among other things. after more than 3 times in 3 months of rushing her to the hospital while she was limp and blue, she refused to let me take her to the ER again. She passed in my arms at home. The end result of her constant struggling was inevitable, and she knew it. She was done fighting , and just wanted peace. I could not find it within myself to watch her suffering continue. I second guess myself everyday about honoring her decision. It was the hardest thing that I have ever done.
Please don’t second guess yourself; you honored your wife and she’s at peace. I live with COPD, emphysema and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In other words I drew the worst hand for lungs. I too prefer to die at home than in a hospital and hopefully made this extremely clear to my family. Sending you peace 🕊️
@@Crymeariver227 You are such an exceptional person.... sending me peace while I know what you are facing. your comment brought tears to my eyes. You are both kind and selfless. I will be praying for you and your family.
@@willaimrobinson9383 And you brought tears to mine. Thank you so much for your kindness and for your prayers; I always appreciate and welcome them.
I also know what you endured both physically and emotionally as your wife’s caregiver; I know it was not easy for you, but you gave your wife the final, most perfect gift when she passed in your arms; she took all that love with her when she slipped away and began her journey home. Trust me, she’ll be there waiting for you when all your work here is done. 🙏
So many of us second guess ourselves with end of life decisions. You granted her last wish. I think you gave her peace!
Sometimes the hardest thing we have to do is to do the right thing
I have COPD. i gave up smoking 15 years before I was diagnosed. Please don't start smoking
I never have and i don't plan too.
What is the thing I can say to that loved one to make them at least think about stopping?
@chrtyo1 in the end the smokers has to decide for themselves. I gave up many times. Sometimes for a couple of years, but restarted. This last time it was the smoking ban that came into force where I live. I wasn't having anyone telling me where I could or couldn't smoke, but, 18 years ago was too late.
I hope your loved person finds the will to stop.
My husband was diagnosed last year he still is smoking hes only 52 till sept😢
My mom died of COPD and heart disease She quit smoking probably 40 years before she passed away My dad was still smoking and she was getting second hand smoke . In the car or on the porch or near her .He quit smoking 2 years before his death because developed emphysema.
I was literally just diagnosed with "minimal COPD" yesterday. After my pulmonary fitness test.
I've never had shortness of breath, although I'm very wheezy.
I am making a immediate changes to my lifestyle. I'm 62 years old, and I've been a smoker for 40 years.
I think I've gone almost 7 hours now without a cigarette.
My brain feels young. So I'm not ready to die.
Thank you so much for sharing this today.
Long time viewer, first time comment. ❤️
You can do it! Please! Sending you much hugs and support.
I'm proud of you! I've never smoked but I have always had to struggle with overeating. I'm only 4'7 and I have cerebral palsy so I have a very hard time moving and exercising. I'm no stranger to chronic conditions. I recommend pushing yourself literally and figuratively but never ever beat yourself up. You can only do your best and that will look different every day. Your life will change but you're still in charge at least on a human level. It might help to think of yourself as not sick but living with a new challenge. This is only one of many challenges you've already faced well. God's in charge and He is with you. I'll be praying for you and I know that you've taken your new diagnosis as a wake-up call so you're already one step in the right direction. It's still scary though so be gentle with yourself.
Congratulations! Keep up the good work and know you're not alone.
Well done 7days! Yay 🙌
You really, really can do this! Rooting for you and your success!! There are tools that might help you-meditation or hypnosis, for example. I used Chantix. It worked so well for me. Had my last cigarette June 17, 2008 after ~35 yrs of smoking 1- 2 packs a day. You CAN do this!! You are stronger than your dependence on tobacco and nicotine! 🥳👍
Even if you fall off the wagon, just quit smoking., and again and again, so you are not smoking more and more.
Keep aiming for the goal of becoming free of the addiction.
You already started the first step.
Being stage 3 COPD and on the sharp knife-edge of stage 4, this episode means a LOT to me - thank you!
If you’re having exacerbations, demand the doctor test you for fungal pneumonia. Regular antibiotics won’t touch it. That’s what my dad had, they ignored the test results (it takes a few weeks), and only began giving him anti fungal medication because I noticed the positive test result in his charts. He would get better in the hospital prior to us knowing, as they give anti fungal medications in the hospital, but never send them home with anything but antibiotics.
Wishing you all the best. ♥️
@@Ragdollz thankyou x
I was diagnosed 8 years ago with COPD and have been on oxygen 24/7. I was diagnosed after having pneumonia and then about two years in I had pneumonia again about 2 yrs in. The good thing is I have not had an exasperation for 4 yrs. I have a BiPAP machine & I use 4 Liters when sleeping, i’m on 2 L during the day and loss. I’m doing some kind of physical activity and then I turned it up to 3 L. I am a widow and live alone and I’m 72 years old, I still drive I take care of myself. I do have a cleaning lady, but I do some of the cleaning for myself and I also cook for myself. I’m sure in the future that will change, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
My mother kept on getting infections, and a cold would turn into a lung infection very quickly.
❤️
You sound like a very strong independent woman. I love that. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My dad has COPD and is oxygen dependent. It hurts my heart to see him struggling. I hope you have many more years and lots of joy in your life.
My grandma Bree died at the age of 94 in January of this year and this was a huge comfort. She’d been diagnosed with COPD in her late 70’s or early 80’s.
Anyone experiencing COPD yourself or with a loved one, life doesn’t have to stop with the diagnosis. Bree was stalking her kids and grandkids on social media, sending emails, FaceTiming us, laughing, and making friends up until the last month of her life.
I was with her two days before she passed, curled up on her back like a pill bug, and I heard her labored breathing (I don’t believe it was the death rattle, as she was still in and out of consciousness, and speaking with us), saw her gaping mouth, and learned she had started refusing to eat. I knew then that this was for sure the end, and was able to start processing, which was a huge help in my grieving process.
She was so comfortable and smiley.
This video was even more of a comfort ❤ thank you
My mom passed in September 2019. She had COPD after having been a smoker for the majority of her 87 years. She was on hospice for about six months. Thank you so much for all you do.
My mom passed away November 2019 from COPD and congested heart failure. She was on hospice and they were a help but there are things they did that I'm not happy about during her last moments. I feel they didn't communicate with me and didn't honor our requests. 😢
@@jeannelanctot9212 I’m so sorry that happened to you. I wish you comfort and peace.
Julie -- I cannot thank you enough for your invaluable content. My mom is 95 and has very bad COPD, and yet still smokes a pack a day since she was 13. She also is nearly blind from dry Macular Degeneration, and eats about as much as a parakeet. Although she has dementia, she is the most loving person in the world, but unfortunately is all too aware that she is trapped in a failing body with no quick way out. She has a perfect small home with a beautiful back yard, and she likes hearing the birds and having me describe the flowers that are blooming. I never had children nor did my brothers, as we knew there was zero chance we could do as well caring for kids as our parents did. Anyway, caring for mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm thankful for the tireless support of my partner and his grown kids -- and two awesome neighbors. Thank you again for all you do, and thanks to everyone who posts their own stories in the comments section. With gratitude -- Lynn in Albuquerque
You are the best daughter ever! ❤️ GOD BLESS you for being there for your Mom! ❤️ Lynn you will be blessed ❤️
Just lost my mom June 11, 2024 to end stage copd. She was never a smoker, but her father, both husbands and some of her kids smoked around her.
She made her own decision to come off the ventilator and have comfort care measures. I am so glad she was able to make that decision herself. I miss her so much.
I have copd and try extra hard to take care of myself. I am not a smoker either.
Blessings to you all. I also have COPD. We are all going to die from something. 😢 But all that matters is that you made Jesus your Lord and Savior. Eternity ❤ is too long to be wrong.Love you all.
❤Amen
@@marciwilliams2610 Absolutely and Amen!
Much love!!❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely so.
@@marciwilliams2610 I'm with you. Turn to Christ now, don't wait!
My mom just passed away yesterday from COPD. She was a heavy smoker but made it to 87. She was a fighter, she was on hospice for over a year. Her COPD was exactly as you described it…like a long stair step down. In the end, when she had episodes of not being able to breath, I was so thankful for hospice and their comfort meds. They helped her so much. Thanks to you Julie for sharing your knowledge, I was prepared, I recognized the stages of dying she was going through and watched her take her last breath. Very peacefully.
@@scampbell424 I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️
My dad died from COPD. The day before he died he informed me he had gone to dinner in Houston, TX....an 8 hour drive from where we were. I asked him how dinner was and he said "Great"! Lack of oxygen will make people hallucinate but I didn't recognize this sign at the time. The nice thing though were our last words, which I didn't know were going to be our last time to speak. We both said I love you to each other.
I’m 64 years old 3rd Stage Severe COPD Diagnosis 33 % Lung function. With Heart related issues. I just had a cardio version procedure to bring my atrial fibrillation under control. Two years ago I was able to walk up to 13 to 14 miles a day. Now, I’m barely able to get to my kitchen without oxygen. It’s my hopes and prayers that my heart gives out so I don’t suffer.
I’ll pray 🙏 for that for you❤️
@@donaldmarks9639 my mum has this same stage she isnt allow oxygen at home as she still smokes if she can get it in. I know terrible. There saying her lungs are ok for now and she cannot hardly climb he stairs so I was wondering if it was her heart .
@@michellebroadway82, it’s quite the possibility. It’s known to be a fact that heart issues usually go hand in hand with someone that has COPD. I do a lot of reading on all the different issues I have. It’s good to be informed.
@@donaldmarks9639 mum can't eat big meals because the oxygen goes to her stomach and she can't even walk to her car from a restaurant after a meal . She slowly walks round the supermarket. It's awful to see I can't even understand why she never quit smoking when a doc told her to ten years ago . Her mother died of the same thing . Her COPD lungs have had everything but the big c. She has 33 percent lungs . And they have offered her morfene to open her lungs but she doesn't even take paracetamol so woant so that inhaler s make her cough so bad she can't get air. She's literally got no further treatment but a bypap machine on evening. I hope your ok ..do you smoke. I quit myself after 15 years I believe I av mild COPD .but given my warning looking at what mum and nanas position is. We all only here a short time and I don't think I'll miss fags I understand they wanna smoke can't figure out why wen can't breath. I wish you well in the future too this kind regards to you and thank you for responding
Got COPD since I was 17. The joys of parents smoking. Now 51 and I get really bad issues with phlegm. I am experiencing tough issues. Yet I have a very powerful vocals! I truly believe singing has helped through my years
Nu au cum sa ai bpoc de la ani aia majoritatea murim pana la 6 ani
Hi, my name is David and I paused the vid halfway thru to read some comments and read yours and I felt I wanted to say howdy to you and identify with you with the symptoms mentioned and the ones we know about not mentioned. I got it from Drilling/Blasting career, the Quartz dust that goes thru the 3M masks used and the dust that made it thru keeps damaging leaving areas that don't uptake O2 like copd. Identical in symptoms. 20 yrs with it now and just found out about pallative care and an assesment soon at home.
I'm over due. Dang it! Ha ha. I went and waited too long cause I don't complain enough, that's a mouthfull.
Are you on this type of care? And may I ask what you do during an average day?, I'm on the computer researching stuff and one special space simulation game, a-lot. It's a fun game.
Star Citizen, it's like a science fiction space travel movie and all its dangers. Like I said just wanted to say hi and comunicate with the first other person with this also.
My Bio Mom died of COPD. She was so young only 68. She only had two kids. First me who she was forced to give up for adoption and my brother who died suddenly in a car crash at 21. She was never herself after that and fell into a depression. She smoked a lot and caught pneumonia Whig was so bad she could no longer lay flat and had to sleep in a chair. Like Nurse Julie says it got worse and worse when at the end she was in hospice. Watching her struggle I was able to quit smoking and am so relieved that I don’t have COPD.
Oh, that all COPD patients would embrace the fact that they’re not going to recover. My heart breaks every time I’m transporting a COPD patient to an ED, doing everything I can within my scope of practice to help them breathe all the while knowing that their end of life would be so much more comfortable if they would accept the help available to them from hospice care. Thank you for what you do everyday. Hospice nurses have my eternal respect.
My mother refused hospice care. She had some very wrong ideas about what hospice does. I tried to convince her to let them help but she wouldn't give in. Her end of life could have been so much better and at home instead of 3 days on a ventilator in a hospital. She made her own decision to come off the vent. I am grateful for that.
I was offered hospice care for COPD a year and a half ago after many 911 calls and hospital stays. I went home and live my life, sometimes it an intense struggle but sometimes there's a sort of remission where I can do things and enjoy my life. The only difference I know of that would change on hospice would be stronger prescriptions. I had a lung valve procedure a few years ago that partially worked. I realize I'll die sooner or later and am almost grateful that I had a heart attack because there's a chance my heart will suddenly stop instead of a slow COPD death.
Loss my dad 10 months ago. He suffered from COPD and was on high flow oxygen, steroids and inhalers. It’s exactly as Julie described. He would do okay for a while then something would happen and he would get worse, then medical intervention would bring him back again but not to the same level he was. He did not make it to Hospice and I was his caregiver. It was really tough watching the decline. Ultimately, the COPD was not listed as his cause of death, but an enlarged heart.
I can’t believe you just posted this. My grandpa (who has COPD) came home from the hospital and started Hospice care TODAY.
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderfully helpful video. I helped my mother as she died from COPD. For her it was pretty painless and we were able to control her breathing quite well. Mama just seemed to get more and more tired and slept more and more until she died. We used very, very little medication other than inhalers. Hospice was a great help as they encouraged us and helped us to do what was best for mama.
I want you to know that your videos are utterly incredible X
We all need to be talking more about all of this and your channel does exactly that. ❤
The more you do these videos, the more people will understand what can happen.
my dad had COPD and CHF and had 27 runs to the hospital the year before he died. When I took my dad into my house he had 4 more runs to the hospital. At that time I asked the doctor how long does my dad have and he told me 4 months and thats when I asked him for Hospice care and of course they needed my dads agreement . My dad did agree to it and lived 2 months. He had O2 24 hours a day and was only able to walk to and from his bed to the living room. They gave Him an O2 machine and back up tanks just in case we lost power. His Hospice Nurse was the best, she would come and give him a kiss on his forehead and tell me to rest while she was there. When his time was up he was very relaxed and no more trouble breathing. He was at Peace. Miss that man every day
My grandfather just died in hospice of emphysema. Been living with him for the last two years and this video was very accurate. Hospice did a great job his final day keeping him comfortable.
My mom died from emphysema. She was on Hospice. Lifelong smoker. 😝
I wish I would have found your channel sooner. My Mom recently passed away from COPD in March. She was on hospice for two weeks before she passed. Thank you so much for educating all of us.
Thank you. My mum has this and tells me she has less than five years. The lack of mobility around covid worsened her condition. I've saved the video and will revisit when the time comes.
My dad had COPD. It was horrible at the end. He couldn’t move at all without struggling to breathe. He had hospice and was on oxygen 24/7
My sister is going to go into hospice. End stage emphysema. She has already started with the air starvation. She's a retired nurse and put herself into a long term facility, last year.
Your videos are a great service. I share them with her daughter in law.
Thankyou for this, my best friend is at the end stage of her battle with COPD
Thank you Julie. My father is home and almost died March 10 2024 but he has rallied, however we have palliative care and an RN coming every 2 weeks. My mom and I are doing all his care including cleaning him, shaving him, laundering wet or soiled bed sheets and preparing meals. He also had dementia and we experience “Sun Downing” most days. You have been incredibly helping with all your video, we appreciate your help and will be purchasing your book ❤
My mom had COPD and went on hospice in January 2014. She was fairly comfortable at home on oxygen, but needed help with a lot of daily activities. She had had a GI bleed of unknown cause a year or so earlier and a hx of Afib with a pacemaker. I was overwhelmed taking care of her while trying to work from home. Not to complain, but caretakers be warned that emphysema makes people cranky.
We asked about hospice in December 2013. Hospice started and they were fantastic. Great nurses and aides. Massage therapist, music therapist, and chaplain. I thought my mom had 6 months to a year. Then she got another GI bleed. I had the doctor order a transfusion because it wasn’t the condition that she was on hospice for. Unfortunately, the GI bleed never stopped and she died on February 14th.
My situation was somewhat unique due to being alone with my mom (and not having a support network of my own), but I had the expected grief of my mom’s death and the unexpected grief of losing all of these wonderful people coming in to help. The hospice had a survivor’s grief group that I went to. I guess the thing to know is that those left behind go through a lot and there are resources that can help.
Beautiful, all about pure love. Sending you so much love.🌿💞
@JeanineMeier ty for sharing your info. I'm solely my mother's caretaker with final stage of dementia and have been with her from the beginning 2019. It's definitely had its challenges and I'm mentally and physically exhausted. All family has disappeared. Long story short my mother COPD as well, and I took her ciggs away roughly a year ago. I'm do everything for her and I will be checking into the resources you have mentioned. Good luck to your on the rest of your journey. Stay strong and ML ❤️🙏
God bless you Julie, my breathing improved on the second day I quit smoking, in 20 days I have not smoked cigarettes, I still hear an occasional strange noise, but it's nothing like it was when I was smoking regular, God bless you, thank you for the information that you make available, otherwise people wouldn't know
Well done for giving up ❤
I must admit, I am not totally nicotine free, I am using nicotine patches, and smokeless tobacco, but I have accomplished what I wanted to, I am not smoking anymore
@@NormanChester882 your doing so much better than I am .. I am smoking 20 per day
Great job! I am going to quit soon. Probably on a Monday. Or maybe never. I figure I will end up quitting one way or another someday! 🤷
I wish I were strong enough to quit smoking. I’ve smoked a LOT since I was 12 years old. I don’t know life without cigarettes and I have never had the strength to quit even after seeing what lung cancer did to my parents. Nicotine is one hell of a drug!!!
Thank you for being here and making these videos. I watch them even though I don't have close family to be concerned about. But you've helped me be less afraid of my own death. You tell the truth about how it really is. You're fabulous. 😊
Thank you Julie for sharing this info with us . I am Stage 4 COPD and am going through pretty much everything you mentioned and yes it is scary . I'm at the point where i am having more bad than good days . On those bad days i wish and pray for God to end my suffering. There are days when the nebulizer medicine doesn't help much and there are those days that they work as they are supposed too. My Pulmonologist has me on 3 different nebulizer meds , daily prednisone , morphine , a rescue inhaler and O2 24/7. I'm also at the point i need help taking a shower but other things i am able to handle by taking my time doing them , like dressing and other bathroom stuff. I have done alot of reading on this disease and know its not going to be an easy one but having a good support team is a must . As a very independent person i am finally realizing that i can't do what i use to be able to do a year ago thanks to the help of a awesome therapist. Thanks to her i have finally come to terms with what i have done to myself and have excepted the responsibility.
I have COPD and Emphysema 😭 Sometimes, I am so scared when I cannot breathe.
❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Meditation has helped me enormously with the fear aspect, puff breathing forunexpected shortness. I joined a COPD FB group which has been invaluable for info, support and tips. Good luck 💕
Talk to Jesus. He's the only one that can give you peace. 💜
@@mollybailes5161 Amen!! He has given me that peace that passes understanding!! My hope is in the Lord!! If you believe He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, you have Life eternally!! He is with you always and will never, no never leave you or forsake you!! He will hold you fast!! Praise Him!! 🙌❤️🙌🙏♥️🙏
I also have copd and it is scary when you cannot breathe and get your breath properly.
Julie, I want to thank you for this video. My Father passed away 3 years ago this Aug and looking back (he was in a residential facility,) I see these processes. I wish I would have found you back then to understand what he was going through. I appreciate all of your videos and wanted to let you know.
I'm 68 now and quit smoking 12 years ago. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It took me a year or more to get over the cravings. I want to add that I did not start another nicotine habit like dipping etc. I'm completely nicotine free and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself and my family. I probably tried to stop 100 times over the years before I finally succeeded. Never give up folks, keep trying, it's hard but it can be done.
In 1983, my aunt died at 80 years old on a very hot day in a nursing home with no AC. We always understood she had emphysema from working with fabrics her whole life, plus living in a city with lots of soot and exhaust fumes coming into her apartment. I’m starting to think she may have had COPD. When I went to see her in the evening, she was actively dying. BUT she wasn’t medicated, she was in extreme distress, was conscious and she was TERRIFIED. Her mouth was clapping open & shut uncontrollably as she tried to breathe. Aunt Marie lingered like that for hours until she finally died around midnight. I’m glad to hear there are methods today to ease that discomfort and had my aunt died today, she wouldn’t have had such an awful passing.
I feel my dad was the same I was nog prepared to see him like that they didn’t tell us he was actively dying they just said he was critical 💔
@@annmariesweeney2222oh so sad and so hard not only on the dying person but also on those who witnessed it.
@@nwcassidyfineart just wanted to say I’m so sorry for such a sad passing.
@@debrasperling4053 thank you, Debra. 🕊️
@@debrasperling4053 thank you, Debra. Aunt Marie, I feel, is doing well and I sense her visiting me often. But her physical passing should not have been as difficult in modern times. A lesson for which all loved onea should be aware.
One medical issue mom had was copd. She died in hospice...best place she needed to be. Staff was phenomenal. 👍to all hospice personnel. ❤
Hi Carol, how's your day going with you?
My Mom passed away in 2016 from COPD! I'm 63 & have had COPD for years. I'm on oxygen 24/7, nebulizer, prednisone, inhaler meds. Last year went code blue while trying to get to the hospital. I had hypoxia & pneumonia. Went to my pulmonary Dr. last week & going for another CT scan due to getting worse. I had enough of not being able to walk to the bathroom or taking a long shower because I can't breath!! This isn't living this is just existing! Hopefully, I'll be with my Mom & Dad soon!💔🕊😢
@@lifesabitch8012 I think this 🌎 is ondley a.valley of tears 😭 and I think if you have a happy childhood before you realise how hard this life for some people you are Lucky I hope I will not be reincarnated once was enough on the merry go round hope your copd improves I will off offer a special prayer 🙏 for you that god will keep you safe ann murphy ireland
My husband has COPD and this has been a constant worry for me as the disease progresses. This video helps me to feel better because I do not want to see my husband suffer. He is such a wonderful man and doesn't deserve that. Thank you Julie.
Hi Beth, how's your day going with you?
I have been watching your videos trying to educate myself and also not fall apart emotionally as my parents get closer to 80 and health declines. My dad has COPD and is oxygen dependent. I had to force myself to watch this video. Even though I have tears running down my face I’m very glad I watched this and I’m so grateful to you for making them. You’ve helped me in many ways and I thank you. 🙏
Same here.
I have been on COPD for about 33 years. I am 65 years old. I have been losing my independence slowly. I am sending this video to my kids. I also bought your book to help me & my kiddos help me prepare for my passing. I will also be filling out my health care directive in the next week.
Hi Lori, how's your day going with you?
@@lorileighfischer4254 thanks for the thumbs up, how are you spending your spare time?
@@Paulohlsson7 as much time with my grandkiddos as possible. How about you?
@@lorileighfischer4254 I love the outdoors including traveling and reading books, cooking, gardening and watching movies. I have a daughter though we lost her mom to brain tumor. What are your hobbies, which is your favorite memory?
@@lorileighfischer4254 I'm doing great and thanks for asking. I love the outdoors including traveling and reading books, cooking, gardening and watching movies and you?
thank you for sharing this valuable information. I wish someone, ANYONE, had educated my brother & I more with my moms COPD more than just the basics. it wouldve made the journey from start to finish less scary for all of us. she passed away 20yrs ago and still miss her terribly, we are thankful for every day we had with her.
My grandmother was on hospice for a week when she was diagnosed with Metastatic Lung Cancer. She already had COPD/Emphysema, and she needed to be hospitalized due to pneumonia and other health issues over the years. She was 77 when she finally quit smoking after five-and-a-half decades, and 91 when her doctor caught the “really bad” Lung Cancer way too late to treat it (and when she needed to go the ER due to severe pain in her shoulder, she had no idea that it was pain from Lung Cancer that had been spreading to her bones and liver for quite a while ). She was completely bedbound and on morphine in her final week, and she actually passed much more quickly than we expected. We were hoping that she would stay with us until New Year’s Eve of that year, and she went on Christmas Eve of that year.
My husband had copd, and he died while in hospice. But, he also had a very sick liver and numerous other issues. The last week he was in a coma...encephalopathy. I know he could hear us, but he could not respond. I miss him so much...he had such a huge laugh! It's been 6 years, which means I am 6 years closer to seeing him again. And then there will be no more death!❤
Hi Sandy, how's your day going with you?
My mother in law has stage four COPD, she’s now on hospice. We’ve actually seen some improvement in her symptoms since starting hospice. She now doesn’t wait eight days to seek medical attention when she has a flare up. She just calls her nurse and they come right away. So glad we turned to hospice.
My oldest son has had diagnosed asthma since he was a year and a half old. (Sooner, probably, because diagnosis in the 80s was not that great.) We had it managed amazingly well (School, baseball, youth group meets) until 7th grade. I'll NEVER FORGET THAT PAINFUL WHINE, as his asthma attack/pneumonia was nearly fatal. He declined VERY QUICKLY. In the ICU, they wanted him placed on a Ventilator. My husband, his Dad, was trying to get to the hospital and was 5 hours away. I REFUSED, BECAUSE MY SON KNEW IT COULD BE THE END AND BEGGED me not to let them vent him. The Specialists were HORRIBLY PUSHY, and from a few slips, I could tell, not very good at the procedure, apparently. BUT IT IS A GREAT MONEY MAKER FOR ALL INVOLVED. My son, survived, and soon after, thrived. He is an amazing husband and father. Always follow your heart. ❤️💙Hospice helps take the pain, and fear out of death and allows some comfort, support and control.
My young partner (54 to my 62) has COPD as a complication of misdiagnosis of his DVT. As a young athlete in his 20's he started feeling short of breath and went to his doctor and was waved off by that doctor stating that he was too young for it to be anything serious and told him to exercise more. He did that but it didn't change anything.
What was happening is his body kept making Pulmonary Embolisms that didn't kill him but went to his lungs until he had extensive scarring and lost 50% of his lung capacity. We have terrible insurance so he gets very little support just blood thinning drugs and INR testing. I don't know what his prognosis is because all this happened before we met but I am trying to learn what to notice and how to cope with the idea of what may come for him and his needs. Thank you for your work. It helps so much to know and to be able to plan for the inevitable and grieve it so I can be present for him when he becomes sicker.
How's your day going with you?
My mother had severe copd. Hospice was such a blessing for her. Her anxiety was intense with worry about suffocating. In the end she was at peace after slipping into a coma after contracting sepsis from a horrible bedsore. She was on the gold standard of morphine as well. Through it all the hospice nurse was an angel.
I was my mother's caregiver until it got to be more than I was capable of and she had COPD. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
My mom had Pulmonary Fibrosis for about 15 years!! She was in Hospice at home but about a week before she died she was on 10L/O2/NC and she looked at me and said to turn her oxygen up and I told her it was at 10L and she said NO ITS NOT, I’ve been a nurse for 44 years so I know what her oxygen was on!! So called the Hospice nurse and they put her in In Patient Hospice and she died 3 days later!!! I did get your book after the fact but your videos are awesome!!! Thank you!!!!
Hi Jan, how's your day going with you?
Thank you Julie. I have watched your channel since discovering your content and have been suggesting it to others because of your straightforward, honest and most informative presentation. Educating ourselves for the end of life process makes a great deal of sense to me. Your endeavours to educate others is praiseworthy and your drive and determination (ie: your books) and work ethics are a testament in themselves. Personally, the recent passing of my father in law was made understandable and manageable for him and his extended family as my Debbie attended him to the last. We have already sent our congratulations to you on your deserved success but please accept them once again on your forum with our sincere wishes for continued blessings upon you.
My MIL passed from COPD. She went to the hospital thinking she would be there for a short time. She was told she had 6 months to live. She died within a week. She went from the hospital to a nursing home for hospice. It was the worst watching someone basically suffocate to death. Thankfully hospice gave her a peaceful transition but it was still terrible. My mom also has COPD as a very long time heavy smoker, but she is in denial so she doesnt treat it or see a doctor. How anyone can still smoke after knowing the horrible consequences will forever befuddle me. It is so horrific.
Let me help -- my mother just died [11/13/24 - 79 y.o.] from end-stage COPD and I'll give you one VERY important tip. A person gets weak from this condition and it is imperative that you do an assessment of your home to ensure there are no trip hazards. There is a 55% increased risk of older people falling with COPD than those without! My mother tripped over a mat in the kitchen and broke her femur which ultimately led to her death a couple of weeks later after doing everything they could to save her. Thanks Julie 💚
I just lost my dad, 11 July 2024. Full time carer with COPD, heart failure, diabetes, etc. was on 02 in the last 2 months. He was at home on his own but monitored via camera during the day when I was at work when he past. Nurse Jule, I have just found your channel and all I can say is that your information is so needed in the community. The more we can educate ourselves, the better prepared we are for when our loved ones transition to the other side. ❤
I lost my dad to COPD in 2019, on my daughter's 12th birthday actually, which was his only grandchild.
He was only a mere 58 years old.
I've been a nurse for nearly two decades and have worked with countless hospice patients. I haven't had too many experiences with them being all that "challenging" in their final days, maybe a handful or so.
But my dad... oh, God bless his soul. It broke me. He was in so much horrific pain. He couldn't breathe, and prior to that, what we know that clearly contributed, at least in part, to his demise coming sooner rather than later was that he unfortunately fell and broke his hip while also having pneumonia at the same time. He was then hospitalized. Despite his hip initially not being fractured too severely, the hospital staff still had him walk on it, which caused it to break even further. That was bad news because he literally went from not necessarily needing surgery to definitely needing to have it in order to fix his hip. We all knew the very high risks of him being put under, the worst easily being that he wouldn't make it through the surgery as we knew he'd only have a 50/50 chance. Surgery was truly the last option any of us ever wanted, and we had counted our blessings for years that he never needed it. That was, until this time.
So when we knew there was just no other option but to have it done (mind you, he was still battling pneumonia as well), we knew this might be our goodbye, and that was a very tough pill to swallow... all because of a fractured hip that could have been prevented from worsening due to neglectful hospital staff. Actually, that hospital released my dad a week later to go home, still having pneumonia and now, an even worse break. But due to his leg swelling, worsening pain, along with his fight with pneumonia still, we took him to a different hospital-one where he would never walk back out of. Although after spending nearly two months in this hospital, as the doctors and surgeons tried to put off the hip surgery as long as possible as my dad slipped into a coma, eventually, they had to just get it done.
Praise God, my dad survived the surgery! But barely. Yes, while he successfully made it through surgery alive, he still ended up having two severe strokes during the procedure that left him bedridden for the rest of his life. Who knew that after all that trouble, he wouldn't even need that hip replacement after all? 😔 Granted, the strokes caused some cognitive issues along with other common stroke effects.
As I said, after three-plus months in this hospital, despite going in completely lucid, per se, and essentially being his normal old self, the man who went in was not the same man who came out.
We knew it was time. We placed him in hospice, knowing he wanted to return home. So that's where we took him. He didn't even make it two more weeks. But as I was saying, I've thankfully experienced very few patients who were as complicated at the end of life as my father. He was in excruciating pain. He received the maximum amount of comfort medications, including morphine, Ativan, and several others that should have rendered him unconscious, but my dear old dad was simply suffering too much.
He remained awake until his very last breath. I've witnessed my fair share of terrible things in this world, but nothing has quite compared to the nightmare our family endured during my father's final months. Unbeknownst to me, my poor daughter witnessed far more than I would have liked. Had I known what would happen, I undoubtedly would have shielded her from much of it. This was her first significant loss, and she has had an excruciatingly difficult time. coping with her grief, even to this day. She hasn't celebrated a birthday since. It absolutely breaks my heart and makes me feel, as a mother, that I've failed her. Yes, she has received grief counseling and continues to see a therapist regularly. What else could I have done? 😭💔 She'll be turning 18 on her next birthday this April. She's come a long way since witnessing her father suffer at the young, innocent age of 11, only to turn 12 and learn that it was the day he took his final breath.
I apologize for delving so deeply into this; I rarely discuss it. I suppose I just felt that someone could relate in some way. God bless you all. 🫶🏻🙏🏻
Wow this was extremely informative. My FIL is currently in hospice care in his final days with COPD and your tips here really brought some light into his position. Thanks a bunch for this. Very helpful.
Very educational and informative video. Thank you so much for doing it. I cared for my Dad who had COPD, and he went to Heaven in 2019. The Hospice care team was absolutely incredible. An absolute Godsend. I am so thankful they were there to help out. I feel like my Dad got his final wish of passing away at home, largely in part to the Hospice care team. Caring for my Dad was not easy, but at the same time it was a blessing and privilege to care for one of the most extraordinary human beings to ever walk the planet. Sorry if I sound like I am rambling, but this video just spoke volumes to me. COPD is a devastating illness, no question to it. Thankfully there is a lot of advancements in this illness to allow people to live longer and healthier lives, with the right medical team in place. Thank you again for doing this video. May God Bless you always!
Thank you for being such a great “teacher!”… you give excellent examples!
My uncle has it. He’s been on a plateau for a number of years. He’s at home, takes physical and speech therapy. A lot of talking is difficult, but he still goes out for short trips with his portable O2 tanks. He mows the lawn on the riding mower, goes out to church, goes out to eat at a nearby diner. My aunt has psoriatic arthritis and mobility issues, so they have a live-in LPN who assists them with cleaning, cooking, bathing, washing heavy bedding, etc. On days their nurse is off, their daughter who lives upstairs takes over. My uncle has already decided what he wants/does not want for end of life care, hospice in the home.
I ordered the book and love it, wish I had known about this sooner. I took care of my mother in 1982 she died of cancer and I didn’t know anything. I tried my best to keep her comfortable.
My darling dad passed from COPD at the age of 90. He was sharp as a tack and a brilliant mathematician. During the last few weeks of his life, he had a difficult time trying to write a check. It was heartbreaking to see him decline. He was also plagued with aspiration pneumonia.
My mom is in a long term care facility who is currently on Comfort Care with her COPD and other issues. She is only in her 60s and is on oxygen full time and requires a lift to move from bed to chair, full time catheter. Her care team says she is in bed much more often now.
When she was put on comfort care recently I immediately came her because I knew you would have insight that would give knowledge and comfort. Thank you for what you do. ♡♡
Julie, you’re the best! I just received your book and am anxious to start reading. I am CoPD, also. Best wishes to All here and everywhere who deal with CoPD. Bless you all and Julie too❤
You are an angel for doing these videos and giving us such great info. I wish i had known about your channel before my husband passed in 2019. They said it was dementia , but he never forgot about me, my mum or sister, and our lovely collie Lucia...God bless you..❤
Ty for your channel. My mother in law is on hospice now. Not copd
A longtime friend of mine just died of COPD on 6/20/24, he was 79. I knew him for almost 30 years. I visited him on the 18th and he seemed to think he would return home soon, but I was skeptical. He looked terrible. He wasn’t a pack-a-day smoker, more like a pack-a-week. But, he did so for 60 years. His lungs couldn’t supply enough oxygen to his body and he succumbed. His family was there when he passed. RIP A.C. Roberts.
My mother was in her early 40's when she was diagnosed with copd. She was a nurse and was completely disabled by the time she was 50 and told she only had 15 yrs to live. She smoked 3 packs a day up until she became disabled and on oxygen. She died at the age of 68 in a nursing home from sepsis from an unnoticed UTI. She wasn't very kind to her children, but we all tried to help care for her until we couldn't and had to put her in a nursing home the last 2 yrs of her life. It felt like she was in the active stages of dying for many years before her death. It was a roller coaster throughout those years, for sure!
My dad had COPD and said he felt as if he was drowning all the time. We would take his oxygen level on his finger and reassure him that it showed 98 percent but he still said it feels like he wasn’t getting any air. The doctor said that the oxygen level and other gas level in his lungs was off balance because of the disease and there was nothing to be done. This symptom was part of it. He was completely anxious most of the time and had panic attacks because he ‘wanted air’ I wasn’t able to see him the last 2 weeks before he passed and saw him the day before he died. But I only hope he was kept sedated most of the time.
I’ve had COPD for over 20 years. I’ve been to the emergency room twice and hospitalized for over a week the last time. The last time scared me so badly that I finally quit smoking, something I should have done long ago. I’ve also got Stage IV prostate cancer and Stage 3B Kidney Disease. Add diabetes into that along with neuropathy in both feet and calves and Charcot in both feet. I’m thinking about supplementing my life insurance by opening my cause of death to bookies and letting people bet. I swear if I had known that I would live this long I wouldn’t have treated my body like the playground at McDonalds.
Thank you for these videos. With everything trying to kill me it’s comforting to be able to have someone explain to me in a nonemotional way what to expect.
I bought her book, Nothing to Fear. Excellent.
" Be Prepared" (the Boy Scouts motto).. God luv ya gal...Your are my strength! Having been an oxygen HME technician for 26 years, it has been my experience that the majority of O2 patients are just plain, not compliant...In spite of any and ALL "pep talks"...It is hard to realize that in spite of your efforts, they are gonna do what they are gonna do...I wish I could have seen all of your videos 26 years ago. You are truly, an inspiration!
As a hospice social worker, I always educate that morphine CAN assist in breathing better. Once they take a dose, they understand and it’s not so scary! Love your videos! ❤
As a person that was diagnosed stage 3 of COPD I have been nervous how it will all end. Your knowledge and advice has given me peace of mind. The thought of gasping to breathe is scary. Thankfully I watched this. Thank you for giving me the tools to navigate through the process of dying with dignity ❤
I am so glad I found this video! I'm 31, but my father has been on oxygen and worsening COPD since his Covid infection in 2020. It's so so difficult for him and for the whole family adjusting to the constant care and recurring crises. Don't wish this disease on anyone. Please stop smoking and encourage your loved ones to stop, because no one wants to live like that when they're older- My dad can't work, drive, walk around the house freely, have a shower by himself or even lift nything up by himself because he lost pretty much all of his muscles and any movement worsens his breathing. Funnily enough he's been a doctor all his life, planned to work for much longer, but he only made it till 63 with much much difficulty. He will not have a peaceful retirement like he should. He's also extremely irritable, frustrated and agitated and while I understand it to some extent, it's very difficult to talk to him and generally deal with him. He's only 64 now and so much weaker than many 80-somethings who are still somewhat cpable of moving around and living by themselves. My personal goal in life is now to take care o myself as much as possible, walk a lot, move your body, eat healthily, very limited alcohol consumption and never ever smoke anything and to stay fit in my 70s. Don't have to live to a hundred. But a nice and comfortable old age is so precious. Anything you might catch, any virus any genetically transmitted disease that you can't control will only make you suffer more if you've been a smoker.
I'm really excited to get your book! Thank you
Julie, I just received my book and I'm already so appreciative of your knowledge and honesty. Thank you so much for explaining everything with ease and simplicity.
My best friend suddenly died of this several years ago. Broke my heart
Thank you Nurse Julie. I have Pulmonary Fibrosis that has all the same symptoms & progress of COPD. This video is very helpful for me, eases my own fears & is valuable to my wife that will make decisions & provide care as the deterioration progresses.
I am in palliative care your video has helped me to understand xx thank you brilliant x do not stop we need you I am fortunate to have the hospice ❤ involved so well looked after hugs
Thank you for this video ❤️
My dad passed In January of 2022 from COPD he had just turned 60 in December. 😢
Thank you for this
My dear dad died of COPD in 2019 he never got to a hospice he had a heart attack at home he was bought back to life but passed away hours later in hospital I'm so glad he is out of pain but miss him so much 💔😭
I'm stage 3 COPD with severe emphysema. VA put in a stair glider and walk in shower for me. I only leave the house for appointments. Suffocation is my biggest fear. This video helped me a lot. Thank you, Julie, for your videos. Also I just received your book!
My sister died of COPD. When she was in Hospice for about a month before she died. The last 2 weeks she stopped eating, talking, except to ask for more morphine, & was in extreme pain. The hospice company only gave her very little morphine just like you would get in the hospital. I was under the impression that hospice could administer pain medications more often & at larger dosages since they are not as strictly regulated like doctor's & hospital's & are paid for helping a person to die as peacefully as possible.
Of course a hospice cannot give larger doses! Meds are prescribed by a doctor, and administered by nurses. Hospice is never to hasten death.
Whow, this was a bitter video to see. Thank you for your honesty and frankness!
This is probably the worst video I could be watching right now. I do have COPD. I have advanced COPD, so watching this was probably the biggest mistake I made. I had to stop 3 quarters thru the video. I am learning I'm more advanced than I thought.
I am 75 and have COPD. I appreciate this so much. Knowledge is the best medicine for fear.
ruclips.net/video/KeB3-983Sw4/видео.htmlsi=AdlTpg-T49weto6h
I just saw a video on a device that's supposed to help COPD. Here's the link
I have COPD also. I almost didn’t watch this video. I am kind of glad I did. But as another person said I am more advanced than I thought. I need to go see my Pulmonologist. I haven’t seen him since a year ago when I went to the hospital in an ambulance because I couldn’t breathe. I also had stage four lung cancer but it is in remission. So I really need to make an appointment but it is so hard to go anywhere or take a shower. I also have drop foot and zero balance. I have gained over 80 pounds since I have been diagnosed with cancer. I sit all day every day in my chaise in my living room. I cook maybe two to three times a month. I make jewelry, watch TV, crochet and just recently have tried painting with watercolors. I sleep all the time. I fan asleep talking, writing and cannot wake up some days. My poor husband has to wheel
me in a wheelchair out to our car and at the doctors offices. I only go to doctors or medical facilities.
It just seems like I am getting worse faster now. I pray that I somehow stop progressing so quickly. Please pray for me and I send prayers your way. 🙏🏻😁
@@minniesmomma6374 it's a horrible feeling watching myself rapidly go downhill! I am so sorry you're going thru almost exactly what I described myself ...☹️😥😥 and the FEAR IS REAL
Thanks again Julie! I bought your book and yes, you are an angel on earth!
❤❤❤❤ thank you so much. Just got your book, hard cover. Haven't read it yet as everyone wants to borrow it. Thanks for all you do.
I appreciate this video so much. Now days I'm so exhausted sometimes. You are helping to make this so much less scary.
Im 52 and have had copd for atleast 10 years. The past few days i felt like i had bad flu. Anyway this brings me peace knowing they can manage pain and smothering. Than( you
Hey! I watch your TikTok lives and I’ve commented before-hospice nurse here as well! I actually am the coordinator for our Cardiac/COPD program-I LOVE this video.
Thank you for the information, i am a nurse with stage 3 copd. The health p 10:03 rofessson needs mych more education for people regarding this disease and many others
I put out my last cigarette 41 years ago last May, and *really, really* count my blessings!!
Thank you for this ~ RIGHT on time!
💝🙏💕
My husband has COPD from breathing in smoke from the burn pits when he was stationed in Iraq. Thank you for this information.
Hi Tammy, how's your day going with you?
My husband died in 2009 from C O P D he had half right lung removed a year before that.one time he jumped out of his hospital bed and said he had to do number two.i had no one to help me.just me.he worked with his hands a lot before he died.i ask the hospice nurse why he was doing that.she told me he had unfinished work he needed to get done.and three weeks before he died his sugar had dropped in the 30s we gave him a. Pop and got his sugar back up.his stay in a coma for three week I move my couch next to his bed so I could be closer to him.the day he passed away I had friend to come over and see him and I.he sit straight up in the bed she stay with him until I went and got my son.we live close one house between use we talk to him and I watched his eyes turn black and he laid down and went to sleep.
Thank you for sharing yours and your husbands journey. For those of us with husbands at earlier stages it's good to know what can happen.
OMG-oodness, thank you for all and everything you do and share with others. ♥️♥️♥️🇨🇦
The biggest misunderstanding in our family came from the use of morphine. Many think the morphine is killing the patient, when in fact they are already dying, and the morphine is making it easier for them to breathe. This is what I learned from our local hospice counselor. My mother I believe suffered unnecessarily, because those caring for her withheld the extra dose of morphine, prescribed by the hospice nurse. The reason given was that she was unable to swallow, that she was basically unconscious but "struggling." I wasn't there but my understanding from our local hospice is that the morpine can be administered by mouth in a dropper, and it will absorb into the body. Just want to share this in case others here have a fear of using morphine. Please have this discussion with your hospice nurse.
My husband was diagnosed with COPD and was diagnosed a few years later with non-small cell lung cancer. It was stage 4. That's when hospice entered our lives. The cancer metastasized quickly and he lived only two months. He had a lot of pain, but died a peaceful death.
Hi Patricia, how's your day going with you?