My Dad passed from COPD complications. He kept his sense of humour right to the end. He had been living with us until he no longer could and was taken to hospital by ambulance. He asked the admitting nurse if this is where he comes to be put down. Poor woman just about cried even though he kept telling her he was joking. He was gone within 48 hours. Thank you for all you do.
My aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was told that without chemo and radiation, she had maybe 4 to 6 months to live. She chose to not have the treatment. 4 months to the day of her diagnosis I was at her home when the hospice nurse came. I asked the nurse hiw she was doing and if I should take my leave from work to stay with her full time. She said " oh honey heavens no, she still has a long time ahead of her". My aunt passed away that same night and I've always wondered if she might have overdosed herself on the morhine that was left with her. What do u think?
My dad is at end stage now. He is in hospice and has been hanging on like a rock star. I don’t know what to expect but I know I am not ready for it. He always has a great sense of humour.
Thank you. I needed to hear the information you gave. It is reassuring that COPD end of life doesn’t have to inclued gasping for air. I really appreciate you and your channel.
My husband died last February after a 20 year fight with COPD. He was 68. Your description of the last days was spot on, including the fact that he qualified for "end stage" diagnosis 4 years before the end and that was a bit confusing. Around 3 years ago he stopped going outside in our yard, though he would occasionally still sit on the porch. Last Fall he refused to leave the house to visit the doctor and his world became the bed, couch and tv. He went onto Home Hospice the first of January, but only after we convinced him that this didn't mean that death was imminent. We were so good at convincing him and ourselves that we totally missed all the signs of active dying a month later. He had "the rally" where he entertained friends for a rousing visit, nursed me a little when I came down with a bug and started eating for the first time in weeks. I was so ecstatic that I had my husband back! The next day he barely got out of bed and refused almost all food. I wish so much that I hadn't been in denial about what I was witnessing. Instead, I got mad at him for not eating. (honestly, I was just really scared) I'll never forget the hurt look in his eyes when I demanded he eat. A few hours later he told me he felt pretty good, but tired, so he laid down in bed and fell asleep. And passed peacefully moments later. He had also been terrified of feeling suffocated, but he never experienced that and for that I'm very grateful. Could you do a video on what Hospice does when the patient dies? Because having them with me and taking over the scary parts at such a moment was blessed beyond belief. Thanks!
So much of what you have said brings it back for me. My dad was 69 and I was in denial on the day he died. Thankfully I was right there beside him when he passed.
I am on palliative care for copd/emphysema right now. This was incredibly helpful for me. I have been so afraid that I would be struggling to breathe...horrible feeling. It's comforting to know that hospice is able to administer medications to help with this issue. Again thank you for all of your knowledge and compassion for your patients and others suffering with these illnesses
My best friend of fifty years died in my arms last month. Of COPD. Her last words were "I can't breathe!" Aft she said that she collapsed and was just gone with her eyes open. My first reaction after clapping in her face and yelling "please don't leave me", was to attempt what I knew of CPR. Which it turns out was enough to give a good attempt. It was just that her little body had been thru so much, she said she no longer wanted to be here. It happens over time and then it happens suddenly with COPD. I have it plus Bullous Emphysema. That cost me my left lung 21 yrs ago . My time is coming.. I hope I can be on hospice when it happens.
Unfortunately, my mother passed from COPD/ Emphysema. Her last moments on this earth was very traumatic for me to witness. I took care of her for the last 8 yrs of her life. She wanted to pass at home, which she did. She lived with me. My mother didn’t pass peacefully 😢but I know she is breathing freely & healthily now ❤
I'm so sorry. My dad had it too, and was at the point where he was barely able to leave the house and had hospitalizations every few months. I was dreading watching the end of his life. He ended up dying suddenly of a heart attack. It was hard in one way because we hadn't expected to lose him that day, but also a relief that it wasn't a drawn out process
@@deeanna8448 Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I hope for your father, that his end was quick and much less painful than what could’ve been. I pray 🙏🏻 that he rests in peace & love 💕
@@mariehampton740 Oh bless you!!! I’m so sorry 😞 this is happening to you. I pray 🙏🏻 with all my heart & soul, that when your earthly transition is complete, that you will be as comfortable as possible. My mother didn’t seem afraid, I’m positive that my brother & grandmother were there in spirit, waiting to take her home. You have my love & prayers 🙏🏻❤️
@@mariehampton740 Marie, if you're not saved yet, please give your life to Christ. Pray for a miracle healing; pray for a peaceful transition; reach out to a Pastor and therapist and Hospice to learn about what to expect if not healed by Jesus. PLEASE do not be terrified - my Mom passed from lung cancer at 61 and the hospital ensured she had meds (Xanax, morphine, steroids) to ENSURE she could breathe easily before she passed. I will be praying for your complete healing, Marie - ask others for prayer. Go to a non denominational church and get hands laid on you for healing. Faith in the Lord and God can bring such peace, comfort and clarity. I love you, Marie - Be Not Afraid! 🙏❤️
I am stage 3 COPD with advanced emphysema. I fall into everyone of the qualifiers you say. But you have made me feel better by saying that I won't suffocate. That was my biggest fear. I'm not afraid of dying, just what I have to go through to get there.
Yes. I have stage 4 . I only leave home for medical apts. I sleep about 14-16 hrs a day. I eat a bagel and some peanut butter m&M's each day. No appetite. It's getting hard to get around the house even w my oxygen on 6. Like you said, I'm not afraid of dieing, I'm afraid of suffering. Thanks for these videos. God bless all of us with COPD
I am 57 and was diagnosed with COPD this past winter. This summer has been smothering. I can tell when air quality is low. Watching this eases my mind. Thank you.
I was also recently diagnosed and have been so scared and so discouraged. All I can say to myself and to you is "hold on". Our lives are not yet over. ❤️
Im 48 and I have some early symptoms.. shortness of breath and constant mucus extraction tiggered by hyperactive CNS. I was random smoker since 15 yrs old and only quitted for good this last summer in Europe. Im glad Ive taken aspirin, ibuprofen and latest diclofenac for most of my adult life to keep the inflammation awat from lungs. so it has somewhat saved me until now.
I just have to thank you so much for all the information you've provided. My Dad is in at home hospice with terminal lung cancer. Understanding what is happening and what is going to happen has made this process easier to deal with and eliminated a lot of fear. Dad is likely at the end of his journey and will pass in the next day or so. I've viewed many of your videos and feel more prepared. Keep doing what you are doing, it makes a difference.
I have COPD and appreciate knowing I will not suffer from feeling oxygen deprived as my life comes to an end. I am doing everything I can to build up my lungs to help keep me from being on O2 24/7. The heat and humidity are very hard on people with COPD, and feeling breathing deprived is definitely a huge issue in the summers we have in central Indiana. Thanks for educating both patients and their families about hospice care and what you can expect depending on your diagnosis symptom wise at the end of life. Love that you also found a man that you deserve to love you. You are a true blessing for those of us living with a terminal disease. ❤
I have , COPD . Like you said , Julie , simple things become a task , some days are easy , others are not worth getting out of bed for , I use five inhalers , but not yet on the ambulatory oxygen .
I agree never smoke don't take that chance. My mom died 2 years ago from COPD she never smoked. People always assumed she was a smoker. But I agree never smoke. ❤
my wife passed away in nov. 2022. she was inpatient hospice and rapidly declined. the sound of her seemingly gasping for breath was horrifying until the angel nurses explained it to me. i was there for her last breath. thank God for you and all the other hospice personel. i don't know how i would have made it with out them.
My Dad passed of COPD and the last 48 hours or so he was unconscious without any oxygen supplied to him . We made the decision to let him go . I was with him up till about 6 or 7 hours before he died when I got the call at 3am from his wife that he was gone . Sad but also relieved that he was in a better place . Still miss him 10 years later .
My sister is currently at end stage COPD. She's presently living with her son and daughter in law. She went into hospice care a week ago. Her decision has been to enter a skilled care facility. She was the care giver for her husband who had Alzheimer's. She kept him home until he passed from pneumonia. She's a retired RN that had experience in senior care. I support her decisions 100%. I watched a close friend succumb to it. At a certain point she said enough. I'm tired of fighting and was gone in 2 weeks. Thank you for all of the information that you provide. Death is another transition. It shouldn't be scary.
Your videos are so helpful, Julie, thank you. My husband is currently on hospice due to COPD and dementia, our lives are truly surreal right now, your videos have taught me so much. The knowledge of what to expect has given me the strength to get through each day and the ability to care for my husband……God bless you and every hospice nurse out there. You are angels!❤️🙏🏻❤️
Ihave COPD,HYPERTENSION,DIABETES2 AND NOW BEING TESTED FOR COLON CANCER.I CAN STILL WALK INTO TOWN EVERY SECOND DAY.I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEOS JULIE,I AM 77 SO KNOW THAT MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED.I HAVE NO FEAR OF DEATH AND ON A BAD DAY I WOULD WELCOME IT.I JUST HAD THAT FEAR OF NOT GETTING MY BREATH,BUT AFTER WATCHING THESE VIDEOS I DON'T EVEN FEAR THAT.THANK YOU SO MUCH JULIE ❤❤
So far my husband and I don't suffer from any of these debilitating diseases but one always has fears that sooner or later something may happen . Your calm and reassuring manner of explaining everything is very comforting. When you mentioned the many medications that can be used to make life easier it gave me a pang to realize that in many parts of the world that comfort is not available for most people. On the other hand hopefully their lifestyles are not nearly as flawed as in our western world.
My mom was on hospice because of COPD, but it was so end stage that she only lived 3 days. She was 69 & had been on oxygen for 10 years, smoked 2-3 packs of cigarettes/day for 57 years…almost up to the day of death. That was 13 years ago. Im now 66 & just diagnosed with COPD, no oxygen yet.🤞
Your mum danced with the devil for 57 years and now he has come to take her home with him. I am a non - smoker , 76 years old , and ride a bicycle 35 to 50 miles 3 times a week . If you decide to poison your body with cigarette smoke --- and pollute the air for family , pets and strangers --- you will finally reap the whirlwind.
My mother in law smoked heavily for 40 years. She was diagnosed with stage 2 COPD in her mid 50s. She quit smoking and lived another 20 years before passing away yesterday. Hours before passing she felt very tired and short of breath. She layed down and fell asleep, passing away shortly after.
Thank you for sharing this information with us. Doctors typically mollycoddle patients and only deal with the immediate symptoms. I’ve got COPD serious enough that it’s landed me in the hospital on several occasions. The last time scared me more than I’ve ever been scared in my life. I quit smoking after 55 years. Smoking seemed to cause the exacerbations. On top of that, I’ve got prostate cancer that has metastasized in my lymph nodes. Type II diabetes is the icing on the cake. I’m honestly afraid one of those things are going to get me sooner rather than later. I’m grateful that you share so much good information. I’m one of those people that wants the skinny on what I have to look forward to.
@@Dave-hc6pp Smoking took my dad and ruined my mum`s health. Smoking = Selbstmord auf Raten . Suicide in installments You do want the truth don`t you ?? Or do you want the same bullshit you got from the tobacco companies ?
I was diagnosed with COPD Emphazima in 2012. I am on oxygen 24/7 and have been since being diagnosed. I also have CHF and several other terminal things. Daily breathing is sometimes a struggle. I also have asthma. I was just diagnosed with Barretts as well so loads going on in my body. There are many other things but those are a few. Thank you for going through all this for us. It's comforting knowing that I won't suffer at my end.❤❤❤❤
Yep, this is how I'm going to die. I'm already getting so tired if I have to go to the grocery store or something that I put it off or just can't go. I'm 65 and I am pissed at myself for ever picking up that first cigarette.
Yes, you may have picked up that first cigarette, but look how hard the advertising and marketing funneled you into making that decision…made it look so glamorous - even necessary for relaxation. Take a look at all the cigarette advertisements of the 50’s and go a little bit easier on yourself.❤
I had double bypass heart surgery about 13 years ago, shortly after...I started getting bouts of pneumonia which my doctor treated each time without hospital admissions. I thought it was because my immune system was low from the heart surgery. I started taking vit C supplements, and the recurring pneumonia bouts stopped happening and I felt really good. But later, I saw on my chart that my doctor had dx'd me with COPD. Well, she never gave me any meds or anything, but she did prescribe a nebulizer (which i thought was only to use because of the pneumonia). I didnt have problems breathing after the bouts stopped. I did really well for quite a while, but alas, I eventually slipped back into the nasty habit of smoking. Mind you, I am still not believing I had COPD. Time went on, and I started having problems breathing in summers humid weather. Long story short. Just saw a pulmonologist a couple of weeks ago, and she said that because I had been in denial all those years and wasnt seeking treatment or quit smoking and doing things to help myself, I now have stage 4 COPD, and she put me on oxygen...not 24/7 yet though. I have 02 only when I am home, so I dont have to haul a tank around with me when I go out. That is a blessing. And, wonder of wonders, i am still struggling soooo very hard to give up the cigarette, even though they are nasty, expensive, taste and smell horrible, and I hate them, I am still having a very hard time letting them go...wth is that I wonder? How can an addiction beat you down knowing its killing you, and u continue to do it...I dont even know how a persons brain allows such a thing to be possible. Its crazy. I have been very depressed since the visit with the pulmonologist, and having oxygen in my house. Its so very hard to admit, but in some ways, I feel so down and shamed of myself, I almost wish I would go ahead and let go, and saying that shames me too. I still have a fighting chance to have several more years of decent living, I think. I can still get out and go about though I tire easily, sleep alot. I can get up, dress, cook, sometimes clean, do laundry. I have to take everything in snippets though. A little at a time. But if I could give up these ciggys, and start a gentle exercise routine, do some breathing exercises, I think I might have a pretty good run for a few more goodly years. But then again, maybe I am still in a denial, idk. Thanks for reading, if you have thus far. I am procrastinating right now about showering. I need to shower and I dread it because it always gives me out of breath and is exhausting. I can still do it though. Good blessings to all out there affected by this, whether your loved one has/had it or whether you do. Sorry for the long winded post (pun intended).😊
@@grammyrosethompson650 YOU CAN QUIT, WOMAN!! Give yourself a fighting chance, please. I've got some COPD but I've been chewing Nicorette gum for 30yrs. I'd have to smoke to get off the gum!! NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. Breathing is a beautiful thing and some days I have a very hard time but the days when I don't are like a little slice of heaven.
@@suziesmith2142 thank you suzie for the wonderful words of encouragement. I have a quit date of October 1st. Again. I actually quit August 1st and went 28 days cold turkey, but had a weak moment and bummed one from my husband, after that, every weak moment...I would bum one, until alot of moments became weak moments,.amd back up to half pack a day. But....gonna do another quit October 1st, husband says he's quitting too so there will there will be no bumming from him. Fingers crossed. Thank u again. Yes, I was quit long enough to experience quite a few sweet wonderful breathes! I think it helped with my body feeling inflamed alot too. Did you notice that?
@@grammyrosethompson650 Yes! It's terribly inflammatory 😥 The things that will progressively become more damaged are so awful- bowel cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer- hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke, lung cancer- the list is sooo long. EVERY member of my family smoked and most died of cancer & emphysema. I'm SO grateful to be alive!!! And I'm SO glad your husband is quitting too. May God help you have the strength to LOVE yourself 💖🙏
@grammyrosethompson650 , did you quit? I am praying for us both. I quit smoking about 10 years ago by using a vape, but guess what? Now I am addicted to vaping. I am so afraid to go to the doctor because I am pretty sure I will be diagnosed with copd, my blood oxygen is always around 91 or 92. I just got over covid but am always short of breath now and ultra fatigued..have the nicotine patches staring me in my face but have not used them yet. My birthday is the 18th of October, I plan on quitting on the 20th..please pray for me as I shall for you..
My mom has COPD and has since she was 68, as far as I know. She is now 86 and I never expected her to go this long. When COVID came we were sure she wouldn’t make it past it unscathed, but she never got it, but she doesn’t leave the house except for an occasional hair cut or doctors’s appointment. She is basically unable to do much more than make it to the bathroom and even that winds her. She won’t plan ahead for hospice so I hope she just goes in her sleep. Her quality of life is so low now. Thank you for these videos. It helps me prepare.
Thank you so much for this video ! I have COPD, Asthma and Emphysema. I’m a lifelong smoker and still can’t stop. It’s horrible, I think quitting heroine would be easier. But, after seeing this I think I might be ready to try again. ❤
I too have COPD asthma, emphysema,bronchitis and pneumonia. I was diagnosed about 12yrs ago and went through a really bad period for 6 yrs in and out of ICU. But for the past 6 yrs I’ve been blessed with rather good health. The past few months I’ve been experiencing some nasty asthma attacks but have been managing it well at home. I too wondered what I would be like when dying. If I’d be grasping for air or be on life support. Very scared to think about it. I’m too a smoker and constantly being told to give up by my husband who gave up smoking around 14 yrs ago , cold turkey and now says I don’t try hard enough to give it away. I agree it’s worse than giving up drugs truly.
Awesome! Thank you so much. My grandma died of lung cancer and she never smoked, but she did come from a granite mining town, where there are a lot of particulates. That can be rough on lungs, especially for babies, chronically ill, and older people. I used to worry about my other grandma smoking on oxygen! It’s so good to know they didn’t suffer on hospice. One did check out and go home to die, though. I often feel she should have stayed, but she wanted to be with family and she was, so maybe that was more important to her. It was harder for us to stay, when those who lived out of town had to pay for lodging (my grandma was working as a home health aide when she got sick, so we couldn’t stay there).
Thank you for sharing this information. My mom passed away a little over a year ago from lung cancer. She had a lot of functional decline towards her last week with us. Hearing this information now provides me with a lot of comfort, although I wish I had found you during that time frame. Every thing that I have seen from you so far has given me a lot of answers and provided peace. I always think "I could have done more" but with the information you have given me it's really opened up my eyes that I did all that I could, it was just the natural course of dying from her disease. Thank you for making these videos.
Can you please cover bladder cancer? My mother in law was peeing sand for several years, no one could tell her what it was or why. Then eventually diagnosed with muscle invasive cancer. Died a painful death quickly. Nurses coming into her home had her on two drugs via a line but she was still in terrible pain. I worry that death can’t be managed well enough to at least be pain free?
So glad I was able to find this video. I’ve had COPE for 35 years now. Still up and about with only night oxygen and relatively active. But, I can tell I’m starting to decline so the fear of suffocation has been haunting me. This was a very comforting informational video. Thank you so much for making these videos.
@@Fishman0316 I guess my secret is to quit smoking and keep moving, moving, moving. I never had the option of giving in. I do some task, then rest for a while then do another task. It’s getting hard as I get older.
Thank you for another helpful video Julie. My Dad died last year, he had end stage heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease and COPD. He was 89. We had hydromorphone (Dilaudid) drops to help relax his breathing and were also recommend to use a small hand-held fan to blow air on his face to reduce the air hunger, which it did often but fluid in his lungs always made it worse. The more I learn since his passing, the more I can recognise in retrospect what was happening. We were unprepared. Thank you for the information you provide, and the way in which you provide it ❤
Thank you I've got copd, and that's my biggest fear is the suffocating thing. 23 yrs ago I watched my dad die of it and I always wondered why the morphine. Once again THANK YOU ❤❤❤
That was really helpful, thanks very much! Very informative and such reassurance that the feeling of gasping for air can be completely minimalized. Your channel is amazing. I am currently trying to get qualified to sit as company for those dying on their own here in Scotland, UK. The laws are very grey and it seems each service provider here has different policies on the matter. I've tried a few charities but nobody actually offers to sit with a dying person yet people are employed by the government to attend funerals of those without any family or friends. I don't get it. ☮️🙏
My beloved Mom lived with COPD for many years. I thought I did pretty good being her caregiver but I had no idea what she was to face when she was end stage. I still have nightmares about this and come up with senerios on how to help her. Air hungry was the worst as she would sit up and claw at the air to breathe. I was horrified that this sweet old lady was literally starving for air and no one did a thing. She had a stroke with no one around. No monitors, no nothing! That was 8 years ago and I still see it!
My uncle has been in hospice care for COPD and then he rebounds and is able to come off of it. He has schizophrenia too. His meds were changed and he was not doing well. He was hospitalized for mental health. While there, he caught MRSA. He’s still in the hospital. He is fighting. It’s been a month now. They are going to put him in a rest home when he leaves the hospital but since he deals with mental illness there are only 2 in the state of Ohio who will take him. None close by. There are so many unknowns and no one was expecting the MRSA. He is so brave. I never knew. I’m very comforted to know he won’t experience a lot of shortness of breath. If we can just get him that far. Thank you!♥️
I have COPD. Right now, I use 3 inhalers but no oxygen. I'm 61, and although I can do a lot, there are lots of things that just tire me out. This video helped me with some of my fears.
Hi Julie! My name is Julie too 😊 I wanted to ask you if you would be able to make a video on what dying from pulmonary fibrosis looks like? My grandmother passed last month from her disease. She was in the ICU on her last day with us. She was being sent home to be with us on hospice care because her lung capacity was about 30% and not much left to do for her. Unfortunately, things went completely south when the paramedics brought her home that night from the hospital. The hospital did not send the right oxygen equipment for her to our home, she was on a very high dose in the ICU, and I believe she suffered respiratory distress.. the paramedics put her back in the ambulance to be brought back to the hospital but she passed on the way back to the hospital. She did not even begin hospice care or was on any medication for pain😔 the hospice nurse was supposed to come for the first time the following morning. My family is heartbroken because her death was chaotic and sudden, we wanted her to be comfortable and at peace with us when she passed. Your content has been helping me tremendously through this difficult time, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am terminal I’ll I need to fill out the paperwork for DNR and for hospice care I have been feeling more and more fatigued and sleeping a lot I feel good listening to you and I am not afraid to die thank you ❤
Hi Julie, thanks for this. My mom recently passed from COPD and she had hypercapnia, so she suffered a lot of delirium and hallucinations. We confused it with dementia for a bit until we learned (from Google, smh at FL healthcare). They wanted her to do a BIPAP for up to 8-12 hours a day. It wasn’t feasible for her, and ultimately the carbon dioxide built up in her blood and she passed away. I hope this was a peaceful passing. It was in her sleep and I think it was, but it’s confusing because the nurse said they changed her 30 mins before she died, checked on her and she was sleeping and then she was gone 10 mins later. I don’t think they seemed to see the “signs” of active death like you mention in other videos. It’s so hard to know because I wasn’t there. But I’m praying she passed with no pain. Thank you for your channel. It’s been the only thing to bring me comfort so far. ❤
I loss my husband and his doctors did not put him on steroids Aurora inhaler hospice and no steroids. I have been learning a lot. Really bad care .He was on oxygen and inhaler. 😢😢😢.They killed my husband. Aurora inhaler only. No hospice. One specialist said he had lived his lifespan.😢
He passed at home alone . My guilt is killing me .I was home but didn't see the signs .I took a nap. And then he was gone. I had surgery that day 😢. Didn't know. But I will never get over this not ever until I'm next to him again someday.
Thank you! I have pulmonary arterial hypertension and my biggest end of life concern is worrying that I will feel like I'm suffocating. Thank you for alleviating that.
Thank you for that information that was really telling as those were the symptoms that my significant others mother experienced as she was passing away. She had COPD and she was on oxygen for many years and it was a very long and slow decline after she broke her hip. She didn’t live much past couple of months and she was in her 80s. I would like to know what it would be like to die from an auto immune disease such as lupus what would the end stage look like when they are in hospice care? ? My aunt died of lupus, and apparently she had some agitation at the end of her life as I was told she was in a hospital bed, and they had to tie her down because she was really angry and trying to punch people and just move around too much.
I have COPD. I am doing fine right now, some shortness of breath. I have to pace myself. My question concerns Death with Dignity. I would like to use that option if I go on hospice. I am not interested in going on and off hospice. First time, last time. Is this workable on hospice with COPD?
Please keep active! I was diagnosed in my 20’s was compliant with all of the medications and physio’. I’m 64 just got through pneumonia, I have bronchiectasis and emphysema. I was very active and was horse riding until this last exacerbation. I’m hoping to have surgery or valves. You are only young, keep yourself fit and I’m sure there will be new treatments. Stay well!
@@gregorymalchuk272 I had carbon monoxide poisoning twice as a young child and I have lupus which has caused some mild lung issues which have I suppose snowballed itself into COPD.
@@eileenmcchrystal8471 thank you so much for that positivity. I am very active and I live in the countryside with all the fresh air I can breathe so I'm hoping I can stay at the stage I'm at. I hope you're well xx
I would like to see you cover Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). COPD gets so much play but IPF gets very little, if at all. I look at IPF as sort of the flip side of COPD as the former we have problems breathing in with oxygen exchange and the later they have problems expelling the air. Both, I believe, are 100 percent terminal. I would like to know what the end stage of IPF is like. If it is the same as with COPD then I guess this video answers my question.
I think there is an implication that IPF without smoking or air pollution may be autoimmune and could be arrested with some types of immune suppression.
I was diagnosed with emphysema exactly 21 years ago. I went home through the cigarettes away I'm 63 now never been on auction swim ride or bike and life is normal because I quit.
Id love to see a video on Asthma Overlapping COPD! Ill take any advise i can get! Thank you so much for your content! It really helps how scared i get!
Just don't know what we would do without you. I have a question and I think I've asked it again a few times and I've not gotta response or I've missed your answer. I live in Arizona and I know that Arizona does not authorize death with dignity. Do I have to go to California or New Mexico and be a resident to get the cocktail and then? Come. Back to Arizona and do my thing because all of my paperwork is for the state of Arizona. I'm sure like the answer because I have a multitude of things going on. I thank you for everything you do for us. There's things that we just don't realize and know but through you. You have explained so much do so many and you can't imagine how grateful we are thank you so much..
My mom died a few years ago from copd. She was in icu on a ventilator for 2 months, went to palliative care and died 2 days later. She had a tracheotomy and couldn't speak.
Totally off topic but when you mentioned morphine as treatment for SOB, i recall being given It for severe pneumonia when i was 30, about 2008. It worked wonders in helping me breathe. I was in the hospital 8 days so it was pretty bad. Fast forward to 2020, and i developed pneumonia again. The whole ER assumed it was covid but it wasn't. My body was run down. My husband died only a month earlier, he developed DIC after a 5 year fight with stage 4 renal cancer. I was just primary caregiver and just worn out. I got sick, and i knew i had all the symptoms of pneumonia and pleurisy so i went to the ER. I kept waiting and waiting for the nurse to come in and give me some morphine, i didn't like to have to ask for drugs. But i was in so much pain, my SAT's were like 85 and they let me lay there for hours with nothing. Didn't even ask about my pain. Finally after 8 hours i asked, why am i not being given morphine? I thought that was standard for pneumonia and COPD and things like that. I kinda became an expert on these things after caring for a cancer patient so long. Not only did they not give me morphine. They labeled me drug seeker and all of a sudden needed a urine sample. I was not drug seeking! Jesus put me on a PCA or something. They only handed me a 5mg Vicodin. One. I said fine, and checked myself out AMA. If they weren't going to treat me pain, i wasn't gong to stay. I'm really sick of the drug war being fought using patients. My husband, who was an AA had enormous trouble finding a palliative care center that would properly medicate him. One place would try to give him suboxone!! He had no prior addiction issues. Poor man had suffer for years before getting a proper pain need regimen.
Did you ask the doctor if you could get morphine or did you just mention it to the nurses? What was the doctor's reason for not giving you morphine? How did you know that they labeled you as a drug seeker? I hope that you are feeling better.
I just found your videos my love is dying of ALS. Can you do one on ALS. He has late stage and is in a nursing home cant walk. He just was diagnosed. He probably has had it for 15 years as I look back and remember different symptoms. This is such a shock but your videos are definitely helping help him with this end if life part Thank you
I'm 70 and was diagnosed with COPD about 2 years ago after a mild case of pneumonia. I've been a life long asthmatic and its been treated successfully over the last 60 years. Functionally, I'm as active as I was when I was 50. I'm planning on living at least another 20 years and I actually believe I'll make that mark. My father was 93 and in excellent health until he was administered NARCAN because they thought he was overdosing and was just asleep and slow to rouse. He was allergic to the narcan, When I got to the hospital about an hour after he passed, his lower lip was 4 times its normal size. That's a typical allergic response.
I think my docs think I have COPD, but they seem reluctant at this stage to use the word. I’m gonna assume that the reality is affirmative, since I believe I’m basically entering into a very early COPD treatment mode. The symptoms you describe are familiar to me. Though there is surely some discomfort ahead, I plan to enjoy the coming months/years/decades as best as I can. I subscribe to Woody Allen’s philosophy: “I’m not afraid of death. I just don’t wanna be there when it happens.”
My older sister who is 81 has recently been diagnosed with COPD after having a mild heart attack. She came home from the hospital and her husband still lets her smoke cigarettes because she demands them. It's like her only joy in life. She also has Alzheimer's disease that has gotten really bad. I've been suggesting to her husband that he have her evaluated by Hospice. He's reluctant... I think he still wants control. It's very sad.
She's 81 yrs old and just now being diagnosed with COPD, after having a heart attack? And has Alzheimer's? Leave her have her cigarettes, and him his "control". Nothing "sad" about this, we should all be so lucky to live to this ripe old age in the life style we choose!
Thank you for this video. My dad was diagnosed with COPD several years ago and this summer we found out that he has an agressive lung tumor. I'm so worried what his end of life will be like for him and for my mom as his caregiver.
Thanks you so much for these videos! 😊💖 I've had copd since 2006. Just recently am experiencing shortness of breath. Time to get my affairs in order. It's getting really hard to do my job. They found 3 tumors on my last x-ray. Small but, ?? Doctors tell you the same BS. We are nothing but cash cows to them.
I appreciate this video. My dad passed last fall with COPD and on Hospice. I was his primary caretaker. Hospice care was wonderful. Dad passed at home in his own bed, just as he wanted to. Can you describe the experience for people with pulmonary hypertension? I have a family member headed down that path. Thanks in advance.
Keep slaying the Hell out of the Haters. They are so jealous of you. p.s you have a killer body. Thanks for your time and love your cooking 'BTS you are a Goddess and the Fullness of Truth is without a doubt dwelling deeply inside of you ❤❤
Thank you for this video can you do a video on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis my dear friend was just diagnosed with it and she is 83 I will most likely be a part of her care giving team as it progresses what can we expect that you so much for all you do
Julie thank you for your information. Would you please explain end of life for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. My husband has this evil disease. We are trying to get listed for a lung transplant but his age is a factor. Thank you. Bless you.
I too have IPF along with COPD and emphysema; pulled the winning card with this trio. I agree IPF is about as evil as it comes. Blessings to your husband and you.
My Mommy just died two week ago with COPD she’s been bed Ridden for 8 years or more I took care of her I miss her so much she went so fast she had pneumonia and fluid on her lungs mommy was 85 she was so tired and ready to go hospice came in and treated her peacefully and it went fast when her heart stopped she kelp making like breaths it was so scary finally she passed completely in 10 minutes
My dad just passed I believe from COPD. He didn’t tell us he had it but had all of y classic symptoms. He said it was long Covid, but I remember he showed symptoms before Covid, 6 years ago. After his passing, we were in his house and I googled his inhaler. Used for COPD. I’m hurt he was that ill and didn’t tell us! 💔
My mom seemed fine except for sometimes her oxygen was low. She could sit in her chair. She was talking normally except for the day she passed. The hospice nurse said she could not believe my mom was speaking perfectly and then suddenly she passed. This was Jan 23 of this year. I was horrified. Mom wanted to live but that nurse asked if she wanted to go to the hospital. She kept asking mom but she could not respond. Suddenly she took a breath and said "no." I nearly fell over. The EMTs just moved her to a hospital bed in the living room so she could sit up without having to be propped up. 45 minutes later is when she passed. I feel that I should have left her in her bed. Why did I let the nurse do that? Why did she say "no" to going to the hospital. I said "Mom, if you don't go right now you will die." She did not answer me. She just looked at me like Im sick of getting IV's. She bruised so badly. But die? I feel like I could have done more. I had ordered an air purifier for her bedroom. It came right after she passed within two hours. She ate the day before. She laughed. Her heart rate kept going high. They had done another reset on her heart and all was well. But they sent her home taking 6 new heart pills two days prior. I think those pills made her heart beat stop. She was doing so well. Except she had water diarrhea from those pills. The ME said she died from COPD. She was on oxygen at home. I don't remember any steroids. The night before she passed she told me I was the best caretaker and she wished she could scream it from the mountain tops. That is how well she was. The next day she died. I am still in shock and still in so much pain thinking of her. Thinking about what I could have done like not give her those pills. Her home health doc said he was removing those pills asap and that reseting her heart was not advisable because it would have come dow by itself. The next day she died. I do not believe COPD killed her. She always go better. We had so many plans. Im so sorry for writing so much.
Thank you for these posts, they’re very reassuring. I have a friend with bile duct cancer, can you do one on end of life with this cancer? Or maybe you already have? Again, thank you. ♥️
I'm waiting on chest X-Ray results to see if I have copd, the doctor said that coz I'm only 45 it can be managed with inhalers, as long as I quit smoking I've got time on my side
My Dad passed from COPD complications. He kept his sense of humour right to the end. He had been living with us until he no longer could and was taken to hospital by ambulance. He asked the admitting nurse if this is where he comes to be put down. Poor woman just about cried even though he kept telling her he was joking. He was gone within 48 hours. Thank you for all you do.
My aunt was diagnosed with lung cancer. She was told that without chemo and radiation, she had maybe 4 to 6 months to live. She chose to not have the treatment. 4 months to the day of her diagnosis I was at her home when the hospice nurse came. I asked the nurse hiw she was doing and if I should take my leave from work to stay with her full time. She said " oh honey heavens no, she still has a long time ahead of her". My aunt passed away that same night and I've always wondered if she might have overdosed herself on the morhine that was left with her. What do u think?
My dad is at end stage now. He is in hospice and has been hanging on like a rock star. I don’t know what to expect but I know I am not ready for it. He always has a great sense of humour.
@@glendaeden2501 I'm sorry, what age was he?
Thank you. I needed to hear the information you gave. It is reassuring that COPD end of life doesn’t have to inclued gasping for air. I really appreciate you and your channel.
My husband died last February after a 20 year fight with COPD. He was 68. Your description of the last days was spot on, including the fact that he qualified for "end stage" diagnosis 4 years before the end and that was a bit confusing. Around 3 years ago he stopped going outside in our yard, though he would occasionally still sit on the porch. Last Fall he refused to leave the house to visit the doctor and his world became the bed, couch and tv. He went onto Home Hospice the first of January, but only after we convinced him that this didn't mean that death was imminent. We were so good at convincing him and ourselves that we totally missed all the signs of active dying a month later. He had "the rally" where he entertained friends for a rousing visit, nursed me a little when I came down with a bug and started eating for the first time in weeks. I was so ecstatic that I had my husband back! The next day he barely got out of bed and refused almost all food. I wish so much that I hadn't been in denial about what I was witnessing. Instead, I got mad at him for not eating. (honestly, I was just really scared) I'll never forget the hurt look in his eyes when I demanded he eat. A few hours later he told me he felt pretty good, but tired, so he laid down in bed and fell asleep. And passed peacefully moments later. He had also been terrified of feeling suffocated, but he never experienced that and for that I'm very grateful.
Could you do a video on what Hospice does when the patient dies? Because having them with me and taking over the scary parts at such a moment was blessed beyond belief. Thanks!
So much of what you have said brings it back for me. My dad was 69 and I was in denial on the day he died. Thankfully I was right there beside him when he passed.
So sad Blessings ❤
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Can you recommend a good hospice in eastern Oklahoma
I am on palliative care for copd/emphysema right now. This was incredibly helpful for me. I have been so afraid that I would be struggling to breathe...horrible feeling. It's comforting to know that hospice is able to administer medications to help with this issue. Again thank you for all of your knowledge and compassion for your patients and others suffering with these illnesses
I have COPD ruined my lungs painting cars for a living. I maybe have 10 years at the most on this planet.
My best friend of fifty years died in my arms last month. Of COPD. Her last words were "I can't breathe!" Aft she said that she collapsed and was just gone with her eyes open. My first reaction after clapping in her face and yelling "please don't leave me", was to attempt what I knew of CPR. Which it turns out was enough to give a good attempt. It was just that her little body had been thru so much, she said she no longer wanted to be here. It happens over time and then it happens suddenly with COPD. I have it plus Bullous Emphysema. That cost me my left lung 21 yrs ago . My time is coming.. I hope I can be on hospice when it happens.
Unfortunately, my mother passed from COPD/ Emphysema. Her last moments on this earth was very traumatic for me to witness. I took care of her for the last 8 yrs of her life. She wanted to pass at home, which she did. She lived with me. My mother didn’t pass peacefully 😢but I know she is breathing freely & healthily now ❤
I'm so sorry. My dad had it too, and was at the point where he was barely able to leave the house and had hospitalizations every few months. I was dreading watching the end of his life. He ended up dying suddenly of a heart attack. It was hard in one way because we hadn't expected to lose him that day, but also a relief that it wasn't a drawn out process
@@deeanna8448 Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss as well. I hope for your father, that his end was quick and much less painful than what could’ve been. I pray 🙏🏻 that he rests in peace & love 💕
I am so very sorry. I too am almost at end stage C.O.P.D. and terrified
@@mariehampton740 Oh bless you!!! I’m so sorry 😞 this is happening to you. I pray 🙏🏻 with all my heart & soul, that when your earthly transition is complete, that you will be as comfortable as possible. My mother didn’t seem afraid, I’m positive that my brother & grandmother were there in spirit, waiting to take her home. You have my love & prayers 🙏🏻❤️
@@mariehampton740 Marie, if you're not saved yet, please give your life to Christ. Pray for a miracle healing; pray for a peaceful transition; reach out to a Pastor and therapist and Hospice to learn about what to expect if not healed by Jesus. PLEASE do not be terrified - my Mom passed from lung cancer at 61 and the hospital ensured she had meds (Xanax, morphine, steroids) to ENSURE she could breathe easily before she passed. I will be praying for your complete healing, Marie - ask others for prayer. Go to a non denominational church and get hands laid on you for healing. Faith in the Lord and God can bring such peace, comfort and clarity. I love you, Marie - Be Not Afraid! 🙏❤️
I am stage 3 COPD with advanced emphysema. I fall into everyone of the qualifiers you say. But you have made me feel better by saying that I won't suffocate. That was my biggest fear. I'm not afraid of dying, just what I have to go through to get there.
Yes. I have stage 4 . I only leave home for medical apts. I sleep about 14-16 hrs a day. I eat a bagel and some peanut butter m&M's each day. No appetite. It's getting hard to get around the house even w my oxygen on 6. Like you said, I'm not afraid of dieing, I'm afraid of suffering. Thanks for these videos. God bless all of us with COPD
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I am 57 and was diagnosed with COPD this past winter. This summer has been smothering. I can tell when air quality is low. Watching this eases my mind. Thank you.
We’re gonna be OK, my friend. It *has been* an awful summer.
I was also recently diagnosed and have been so scared and so discouraged. All I can say to myself and to you is "hold on". Our lives are not yet over. ❤️
@@franneep yes! You will be added to my prayer list❣
@@tundrawomansays694 I will add you to my prayer list. This summer has been rough, but we're going to make it❣
Im 48 and I have some early symptoms.. shortness of breath and constant mucus extraction tiggered by hyperactive CNS. I was random smoker since 15 yrs old and only quitted for good this last summer in Europe. Im glad Ive taken aspirin, ibuprofen and latest diclofenac for most of my adult life to keep the inflammation awat from lungs. so it has somewhat saved me until now.
My Dad died from COPD in 2017. He died at home alone. Miss him.
I just have to thank you so much for all the information you've provided. My Dad is in at home hospice with terminal lung cancer. Understanding what is happening and what is going to happen has made this process easier to deal with and eliminated a lot of fear. Dad is likely at the end of his journey and will pass in the next day or so. I've viewed many of your videos and feel more prepared. Keep doing what you are doing, it makes a difference.
Thank you! I've had COPD for almost twenty years. I was always afraid of the end of life. I feel a lot better now.
20 ani?💖💖
I have COPD and appreciate knowing I will not suffer from feeling oxygen deprived as my life comes to an end. I am doing everything I can to build up my lungs to help keep me from being on O2 24/7. The heat and humidity are very hard on people with COPD, and feeling breathing deprived is definitely a huge issue in the summers we have in central Indiana. Thanks for educating both patients and their families about hospice care and what you can expect depending on your diagnosis symptom wise at the end of life. Love that you also found a man that you deserve to love you. You are a true blessing for those of us living with a terminal disease. ❤
I too am doing all I can to help myself through COPD. Thank you for making this video ❤
Thank you my mom is being put on oxygen today. This is some scary stuff!
I have , COPD . Like you said , Julie , simple things become a task , some days are easy , others are not worth getting out of bed for , I use five inhalers , but not yet on the ambulatory oxygen .
My beloved brother died from COPD last evening. Everything you said, we/he experienced. Our hearts are broken.
🙏
Never Smoke.. The best COPD preventer going...
I agree never smoke don't take that chance. My mom died 2 years ago from COPD she never smoked. People always assumed she was a smoker. But I agree never smoke. ❤
@@williamlindner3984 I know someone who had a lung removed who never ever smoked ... even her doctor thinked she smoke but she never ever smoked ...
@@williamlindner3984 I know someone who had a lung removed who never ever smoked ... even her doctor thinked she smoke but she never ever smoked ...
@@sandyhardin2418 I also know someone with COPD that never smoked. Her dad and ex-husband did, so she likely got it from second hand smoke.
I wasn’t the smoker. My parents were so I grew up in it.
my wife passed away in nov. 2022. she was inpatient hospice and rapidly declined. the sound of her seemingly gasping for breath was horrifying until the angel nurses explained it to me. i was there for her last breath. thank God for you and all the other hospice personel. i don't know how i would have made it with out them.
My Dad passed of COPD and the last 48 hours or so he was unconscious without any oxygen supplied to him . We made the decision to let him go . I was with him up till about 6 or 7 hours before he died when I got the call at 3am from his wife that he was gone . Sad but also relieved that he was in a better place . Still miss him 10 years later .
My sister is currently at end stage COPD. She's presently living with her son and daughter in law.
She went into hospice care a week ago.
Her decision has been to enter a skilled care facility. She was the care giver for her husband who had Alzheimer's. She kept him home until he passed from pneumonia.
She's a retired RN that had experience in senior care.
I support her decisions 100%.
I watched a close friend succumb to it. At a certain point she said enough. I'm tired of fighting and was gone in 2 weeks.
Thank you for all of the information that you provide. Death is another transition. It shouldn't be scary.
Your videos are so helpful, Julie, thank you. My husband is currently on hospice due to COPD and dementia, our lives are truly surreal right now, your videos have taught me so much. The knowledge of what to expect has given me the strength to get through each day and the ability to care for my husband……God bless you and every hospice nurse out there. You are angels!❤️🙏🏻❤️
Ihave COPD,HYPERTENSION,DIABETES2 AND NOW BEING TESTED FOR COLON CANCER.I CAN STILL WALK INTO TOWN EVERY SECOND DAY.I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEOS JULIE,I AM 77 SO KNOW THAT MY DAYS ARE NUMBERED.I HAVE NO FEAR OF DEATH AND ON A BAD DAY I WOULD WELCOME IT.I JUST HAD THAT FEAR OF NOT GETTING MY BREATH,BUT AFTER WATCHING THESE VIDEOS I DON'T EVEN FEAR THAT.THANK YOU SO MUCH JULIE ❤❤
So far my husband and I don't suffer from any of these debilitating diseases but one always has fears that sooner or later something may happen . Your calm and reassuring manner of explaining everything is very comforting. When you mentioned the many medications that can be used to make life easier it gave me a pang to realize that in many parts of the world that comfort is not available for most people. On the other hand hopefully their lifestyles are not nearly as flawed as in our western world.
My mom was on hospice because of COPD, but it was so end stage that she only lived 3 days. She was 69 & had been on oxygen for 10 years, smoked 2-3 packs of cigarettes/day for 57 years…almost up to the day of death. That was 13 years ago. Im now 66 & just diagnosed with COPD, no oxygen yet.🤞
I'll keep you in my prayers
@@MichaelaH2059 Thank you!🙏❤️
Your mum danced with the devil for 57 years and now he has come to take her home with him.
I am a non - smoker , 76 years old , and ride a bicycle 35 to 50 miles 3 times a week .
If you decide to poison your body with cigarette smoke --- and pollute the air for family , pets and strangers --- you will finally reap the whirlwind.
Thank you for explaining things in such a calm and caring manner. You provide much needed information to us all. ❤
Thank you, my wife was on hospice for COPD and she passed away in December.
My mother in law smoked heavily for 40 years. She was diagnosed with stage 2 COPD in her mid 50s. She quit smoking and lived another 20 years before passing away yesterday. Hours before passing she felt very tired and short of breath. She layed down and fell asleep, passing away shortly after.
The best way to go. I hope I go that way.
Thank you for sharing this information with us. Doctors typically mollycoddle patients and only deal with the immediate symptoms. I’ve got COPD serious enough that it’s landed me in the hospital on several occasions. The last time scared me more than I’ve ever been scared in my life. I quit smoking after 55 years. Smoking seemed to cause the exacerbations. On top of that, I’ve got prostate cancer that has metastasized in my lymph nodes. Type II diabetes is the icing on the cake. I’m honestly afraid one of those things are going to get me sooner rather than later. I’m grateful that you share so much good information. I’m one of those people that wants the skinny on what I have to look forward to.
The skinny : You danced with the devil for 55 years -- and now he is taking you home from the prom.
@@seeadler3233 thank you for your heartfelt words of encouragement.
@@Dave-hc6pp
Smoking took my dad and ruined my mum`s health.
Smoking = Selbstmord auf Raten . Suicide in installments
You do want the truth don`t you ??
Or do you want the same bullshit you got from the tobacco companies ?
I was diagnosed with COPD Emphazima in 2012. I am on oxygen 24/7 and have been since being diagnosed. I also have CHF and several other terminal things. Daily breathing is sometimes a struggle. I also have asthma. I was just diagnosed with Barretts as well so loads going on in my body. There are many other things but those are a few. Thank you for going through all this for us. It's comforting knowing that I won't suffer at my end.❤❤❤❤
Yep, this is how I'm going to die. I'm already getting so tired if I have to go to the grocery store or something that I put it off or just can't go. I'm 65 and I am pissed at myself for ever picking up that first cigarette.
I know how you feel I wish I could blame this on smoking but at 52 I was diagnosed with COPD but only smoked for 2 years 30 years ago
I'm highly annoyed at myself for having that first cigarette too. I always think if I could have a do over with what I know now I would never smoke.
Me too. I hate that I started as a teenager. I am 63 and at stage 4.
Yes, you may have picked up that first cigarette, but look how hard the advertising and marketing funneled you into making that decision…made it look so glamorous - even necessary for relaxation. Take a look at all the cigarette advertisements of the 50’s and go a little bit easier on yourself.❤
Bless you, I wish you the best. X
Thanks Julie. My Dad died of COPD many years ago now, but it's good to know more about what he went through.
Thank you Nurse Julie. I have COPD Chronic Bronchitis.
I have not relished the tought of death by downing.
Thank you for your encouragement.
I had double bypass heart surgery about 13 years ago, shortly after...I started getting bouts of pneumonia which my doctor treated each time without hospital admissions. I thought it was because my immune system was low from the heart surgery. I started taking vit C supplements, and the recurring pneumonia bouts stopped happening and I felt really good.
But later, I saw on my chart that my doctor had dx'd me with COPD.
Well, she never gave me any meds or anything, but she did prescribe a nebulizer (which i thought was only to use because of the pneumonia). I didnt have problems breathing after the bouts stopped. I did really well for quite a while, but alas, I eventually slipped back into the nasty habit of smoking. Mind you, I am still not believing I had COPD.
Time went on, and I started having problems breathing in summers humid weather.
Long story short. Just saw a pulmonologist a couple of weeks ago, and she said that because I had been in denial all those years and wasnt seeking treatment or quit smoking and doing things to help myself, I now have stage 4 COPD, and she put me on oxygen...not 24/7 yet though. I have 02 only when I am home, so I dont have to haul a tank around with me when I go out. That is a blessing.
And, wonder of wonders, i am still struggling soooo very hard to give up the cigarette, even though they are nasty, expensive, taste and smell horrible, and I hate them, I am still having a very hard time letting them go...wth is that I wonder? How can an addiction beat you down knowing its killing you, and u continue to do it...I dont even know how a persons brain allows such a thing to be possible. Its crazy.
I have been very depressed since the visit with the pulmonologist, and having oxygen in my house. Its so very hard to admit, but in some ways, I feel so down and shamed of myself, I almost wish I would go ahead and let go, and saying that shames me too.
I still have a fighting chance to have several more years of decent living, I think. I can still get out and go about though I tire easily, sleep alot. I can get up, dress, cook, sometimes clean, do laundry. I have to take everything in snippets though. A little at a time.
But if I could give up these ciggys, and start a gentle exercise routine, do some breathing exercises, I think I might have a pretty good run for a few more goodly years. But then again, maybe I am still in a denial, idk.
Thanks for reading, if you have thus far.
I am procrastinating right now about showering. I need to shower and I dread it because it always gives me out of breath and is exhausting. I can still do it though.
Good blessings to all out there affected by this, whether your loved one has/had it or whether you do.
Sorry for the long winded post (pun intended).😊
@@grammyrosethompson650 YOU CAN QUIT, WOMAN!! Give yourself a fighting chance, please. I've got some COPD but I've been chewing Nicorette gum for 30yrs. I'd have to smoke to get off the gum!! NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. Breathing is a beautiful thing and some days I have a very hard time but the days when I don't are like a little slice of heaven.
@@suziesmith2142 thank you suzie for the wonderful words of encouragement. I have a quit date of October 1st. Again. I actually quit August 1st and went 28 days cold turkey, but had a weak moment and bummed one from my husband, after that, every weak moment...I would bum one, until alot of moments became weak moments,.amd back up to half pack a day. But....gonna do another quit October 1st, husband says he's quitting too so there will there will be no bumming from him. Fingers crossed. Thank u again. Yes, I was quit long enough to experience quite a few sweet wonderful breathes! I think it helped with my body feeling inflamed alot too. Did you notice that?
@@grammyrosethompson650 Yes! It's terribly inflammatory 😥 The things that will progressively become more damaged are so awful- bowel cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer- hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke, lung cancer- the list is sooo long. EVERY member of my family smoked and most died of cancer & emphysema. I'm SO grateful to be alive!!! And I'm SO glad your husband is quitting too. May God help you have the strength to LOVE yourself 💖🙏
@grammyrosethompson650 , did you quit? I am praying for us both. I quit smoking about 10 years ago by using a vape, but guess what? Now I am addicted to vaping. I am so afraid to go to the doctor because I am pretty sure I will be diagnosed with copd, my blood oxygen is always around 91 or 92. I just got over covid but am always short of breath now and ultra fatigued..have the nicotine patches staring me in my face but have not used them yet. My birthday is the 18th of October, I plan on quitting on the 20th..please pray for me as I shall for you..
My mom has COPD and has since she was 68, as far as I know. She is now 86 and I never expected her to go this long. When COVID came we were sure she wouldn’t make it past it unscathed, but she never got it, but she doesn’t leave the house except for an occasional hair cut or doctors’s appointment. She is basically unable to do much more than make it to the bathroom and even that winds her. She won’t plan ahead for hospice so I hope she just goes in her sleep. Her quality of life is so low now. Thank you for these videos. It helps me prepare.
Thank you so much for this video ! I have COPD, Asthma and Emphysema. I’m a lifelong smoker and still can’t stop. It’s horrible, I think quitting heroine would be easier.
But, after seeing this I think I might be ready to try again.
❤
I too have COPD asthma, emphysema,bronchitis and pneumonia. I was diagnosed about 12yrs ago and went through a really bad period for 6 yrs in and out of ICU. But for the past 6 yrs I’ve been blessed with rather good health. The past few months I’ve been experiencing some nasty asthma attacks but have been managing it well at home. I too wondered what I would be like when dying. If I’d be grasping for air or be on life support. Very scared to think about it. I’m too a smoker and constantly being told to give up by my husband who gave up smoking around 14 yrs ago , cold turkey and now says I don’t try hard enough to give it away. I agree it’s worse than giving up drugs truly.
I have copd and beginnings of dimentia. Love being informed by you
Awesome! Thank you so much. My grandma died of lung cancer and she never smoked, but she did come from a granite mining town, where there are a lot of particulates. That can be rough on lungs, especially for babies, chronically ill, and older people. I used to worry about my other grandma smoking on oxygen! It’s so good to know they didn’t suffer on hospice. One did check out and go home to die, though. I often feel she should have stayed, but she wanted to be with family and she was, so maybe that was more important to her. It was harder for us to stay, when those who lived out of town had to pay for lodging (my grandma was working as a home health aide when she got sick, so we couldn’t stay there).
Thank you. My Dad had emphysema and my brother has COPD.
Thank you for this video. It gives me some comfort and peace to know my suffering will be eased at the end of life,.
I watched a close friend suffer terribly with COPD. That was six year's ago. Previously I was a heavy smoker. I haven't touched a cigarette since.
I am walking this road with my sister right now. Hospice, COPD...all of what you said is going on. Thank you for this video :)
Thank you for sharing this information. My mom passed away a little over a year ago from lung cancer. She had a lot of functional decline towards her last week with us. Hearing this information now provides me with a lot of comfort, although I wish I had found you during that time frame. Every thing that I have seen from you so far has given me a lot of answers and provided peace. I always think "I could have done more" but with the information you have given me it's really opened up my eyes that I did all that I could, it was just the natural course of dying from her disease. Thank you for making these videos.
Can you please cover bladder cancer?
My mother in law was peeing sand for several years, no one could tell her what it was or why.
Then eventually diagnosed with muscle invasive cancer. Died a painful death quickly.
Nurses coming into her home had her on two drugs via a line but she was still in terrible pain.
I worry that death can’t be managed well enough to at least be pain free?
So glad I was able to find this video. I’ve had COPE for 35 years now. Still up and about with only night oxygen and relatively active. But, I can tell I’m starting to decline so the fear of suffocation has been haunting me. This was a very comforting informational video. Thank you so much for making these videos.
35 years?! What’s your secret?
@@Fishman0316 I guess my secret is to quit smoking and keep moving, moving, moving. I never had the option of giving in. I do some task, then rest for a while then do another task. It’s getting hard as I get older.
How are you now?
Stop smoking everyone. You need the money more than the tobacco companies. And you need healthy lungs to live.
Thank you Julie❤
Thank you for another helpful video Julie. My Dad died last year, he had end stage heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease and COPD. He was 89. We had hydromorphone (Dilaudid) drops to help relax his breathing and were also recommend to use a small hand-held fan to blow air on his face to reduce the air hunger, which it did often but fluid in his lungs always made it worse.
The more I learn since his passing, the more I can recognise in retrospect what was happening. We were unprepared. Thank you for the information you provide, and the way in which you provide it ❤
Thank you I've got copd, and that's my biggest fear is the suffocating thing. 23 yrs ago I watched my dad die of it and I always wondered why the morphine. Once again THANK YOU ❤❤❤
That was really helpful, thanks very much! Very informative and such reassurance that the feeling of gasping for air can be completely minimalized. Your channel is amazing. I am currently trying to get qualified to sit as company for those dying on their own here in Scotland, UK. The laws are very grey and it seems each service provider here has different policies on the matter. I've tried a few charities but nobody actually offers to sit with a dying person yet people are employed by the government to attend funerals of those without any family or friends. I don't get it. ☮️🙏
Ty 4 sharing.
I love your videos as they are so informative. Thank you for sharing this with us. Hospices is great for the end of life.
My beloved Mom lived with COPD for many years. I thought I did pretty good being her caregiver but I had no idea what she was to face when she was end stage. I still have nightmares about this and come up with senerios on how to help her. Air hungry was the worst as she would sit up and claw at the air to breathe. I was horrified that this sweet old lady was literally starving for air and no one did a thing. She had a stroke with no one around. No monitors, no nothing! That was 8 years ago and I still see it!
💗💗💗💗💗
My uncle has been in hospice care for COPD and then he rebounds and is able to come off of it. He has schizophrenia too. His meds were changed and he was not doing well. He was hospitalized for mental health. While there, he caught MRSA. He’s still in the hospital. He is fighting. It’s been a month now. They are going to put him in a rest home when he leaves the hospital but since he deals with mental illness there are only 2 in the state of Ohio who will take him. None close by. There are so many unknowns and no one was expecting the MRSA. He is so brave. I never knew. I’m very comforted to know he won’t experience a lot of shortness of breath. If we can just get him that far. Thank you!♥️
I've been a nurse Aide for almost 16 years and I'm working towards getting my RN and not being able to breathe definitely disrupts my everyday life.
Great info as always ❤
Thank you boo!
I have COPD. Right now, I use 3 inhalers but no oxygen. I'm 61, and although I can do a lot, there are lots of things that just tire me out.
This video helped me with some of my fears.
Hi Julie! My name is Julie too 😊 I wanted to ask you if you would be able to make a video on what dying from pulmonary fibrosis looks like? My grandmother passed last month from her disease. She was in the ICU on her last day with us. She was being sent home to be with us on hospice care because her lung capacity was about 30% and not much left to do for her. Unfortunately, things went completely south when the paramedics brought her home that night from the hospital. The hospital did not send the right oxygen equipment for her to our home, she was on a very high dose in the ICU, and I believe she suffered respiratory distress.. the paramedics put her back in the ambulance to be brought back to the hospital but she passed on the way back to the hospital. She did not even begin hospice care or was on any medication for pain😔 the hospice nurse was supposed to come for the first time the following morning. My family is heartbroken because her death was chaotic and sudden, we wanted her to be comfortable and at peace with us when she passed. Your content has been helping me tremendously through this difficult time, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
It seems she had a very poor Primary Care physician and hospital.
I'm sorry for her uncomfortable passing, and you and your family's loss.
🤍🤍🤍🌹
My sister has this. Thank you Julie for this information, its very reassuring.
Thank you Julie!
I am terminal I’ll I need to fill out the paperwork for DNR and for hospice care I have been feeling more and more fatigued and sleeping a lot I feel good listening to you and I am not afraid to die thank you ❤
Thank you SO MUCH, Nurse Julie ❤
Thank you for discussing this topic, Julie. Have you ever encountered a patient with COPD who was NOT a smoker?
I have Copd I am on 2 inhalers a day. One is a steroid. Thank you for all the information this eases my mind.
Thank you so much for this.
Hi Julie, thanks for this. My mom recently passed from COPD and she had hypercapnia, so she suffered a lot of delirium and hallucinations. We confused it with dementia for a bit until we learned (from Google, smh at FL healthcare). They wanted her to do a BIPAP for up to 8-12 hours a day. It wasn’t feasible for her, and ultimately the carbon dioxide built up in her blood and she passed away. I hope this was a peaceful passing. It was in her sleep and I think it was, but it’s confusing because the nurse said they changed her 30 mins before she died, checked on her and she was sleeping and then she was gone 10 mins later. I don’t think they seemed to see the “signs” of active death like you mention in other videos. It’s so hard to know because I wasn’t there. But I’m praying she passed with no pain. Thank you for your channel. It’s been the only thing to bring me comfort so far. ❤
I loss my husband and his doctors did not put him on steroids Aurora inhaler hospice and no steroids. I have been learning a lot. Really bad care .He was on oxygen and inhaler. 😢😢😢.They killed my husband. Aurora inhaler only. No hospice. One specialist said he had lived his lifespan.😢
He passed at home alone .
My guilt is killing me .I was home but didn't see the signs .I took a nap. And then he was gone. I had surgery that day 😢. Didn't know. But I will never get over this not ever until I'm next to him again someday.
He feet were so swollen and the doctor said his heart wasn't getting enough.😢 oxygen.
How do they measure hypercapnia? Can they do it with something small and non invasive like a finger oximeter?
Thank you! I have pulmonary arterial hypertension and my biggest end of life concern is worrying that I will feel like I'm suffocating. Thank you for alleviating that.
Transplantasion ,never?
Thank you Julie. God bless
Thank you for that information that was really telling as those were the symptoms that my significant others mother experienced as she was passing away. She had COPD and she was on oxygen for many years and it was a very long and slow decline after she broke her hip. She didn’t live much past couple of months and she was in her 80s.
I would like to know what it would be like to die from an auto immune disease such as lupus what would the end stage look like when they are in hospice care? ? My aunt died of lupus, and apparently she had some agitation at the end of her life as I was told she was in a hospital bed, and they had to tie her down because she was really angry and trying to punch people and just move around too much.
I have COPD. I am doing fine right now, some shortness of breath. I have to pace myself. My question concerns Death with Dignity. I would like to use that option if I go on hospice. I am not interested in going on and off hospice. First time, last time. Is this workable on hospice with COPD?
I was just diagnosed COPD in my 20's... So i was searching for information on it and was recommended this video. Very informative but also depressing.
Please keep active! I was diagnosed in my 20’s was compliant with all of the medications and physio’. I’m 64 just got through pneumonia, I have bronchiectasis and emphysema. I was very active and was horse riding until this last exacerbation. I’m hoping to have surgery or valves. You are only young, keep yourself fit and I’m sure there will be new treatments. Stay well!
Do you smoke or were you exposed to second hand smoke or severe air pollution? Is there any implication that it could be autoimmune?
@@gregorymalchuk272 I had carbon monoxide poisoning twice as a young child and I have lupus which has caused some mild lung issues which have I suppose snowballed itself into COPD.
@@eileenmcchrystal8471 thank you so much for that positivity. I am very active and I live in the countryside with all the fresh air I can breathe so I'm hoping I can stay at the stage I'm at. I hope you're well xx
@@mmmmmmmmmmm7863 ❤️
I would like to see you cover Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). COPD gets so much play but IPF gets very little, if at all. I look at IPF as sort of the flip side of COPD as the former we have problems breathing in with oxygen exchange and the later they have problems expelling the air. Both, I believe, are 100 percent terminal. I would like to know what the end stage of IPF is like. If it is the same as with COPD then I guess this video answers my question.
I’m in that boat with you Terry; I’d like the same information as well.
I'm in their boat also and CV would like to know
I think there is an implication that IPF without smoking or air pollution may be autoimmune and could be arrested with some types of immune suppression.
My grandma passed away due to end stage COPD. She only lasted a few hours in hospice care!
I was diagnosed with emphysema exactly 21 years ago. I went home through the cigarettes away I'm 63 now never been on auction swim ride or bike and life is normal because I quit.
Id love to see a video on Asthma Overlapping COPD! Ill take any advise i can get! Thank you so much for your content! It really helps how scared i get!
Just don't know what we would do without you. I have a question and I think I've asked it again a few times and I've not gotta response or I've missed your answer.
I live in Arizona and I know that Arizona does not authorize death with dignity. Do I have to go to California or New Mexico and be a resident to get the cocktail and then? Come. Back to Arizona and do my thing because all of my paperwork is for the state of Arizona. I'm sure like the answer because I have a multitude of things going on. I thank you for everything you do for us. There's things that we just don't realize and know but through you. You have explained so much do so many and you can't imagine how grateful we are thank you so much..
Julie, I saw you on a news report. Thanks for your informative videos.
My mom died a few years ago from copd. She was in icu on a ventilator for 2 months, went to palliative care and died 2 days later. She had a tracheotomy and couldn't speak.
Totally off topic but when you mentioned morphine as treatment for SOB, i recall being given It for severe pneumonia when i was 30, about 2008. It worked wonders in helping me breathe. I was in the hospital 8 days so it was pretty bad. Fast forward to 2020, and i developed pneumonia again. The whole ER assumed it was covid but it wasn't. My body was run down. My husband died only a month earlier, he developed DIC after a 5 year fight with stage 4 renal cancer. I was just primary caregiver and just worn out. I got sick, and i knew i had all the symptoms of pneumonia and pleurisy so i went to the ER. I kept waiting and waiting for the nurse to come in and give me some morphine, i didn't like to have to ask for drugs. But i was in so much pain, my SAT's were like 85 and they let me lay there for hours with nothing. Didn't even ask about my pain. Finally after 8 hours i asked, why am i not being given morphine? I thought that was standard for pneumonia and COPD and things like that. I kinda became an expert on these things after caring for a cancer patient so long.
Not only did they not give me morphine. They labeled me drug seeker and all of a sudden needed a urine sample. I was not drug seeking! Jesus put me on a PCA or something. They only handed me a 5mg Vicodin. One.
I said fine, and checked myself out AMA. If they weren't going to treat me pain, i wasn't gong to stay. I'm really sick of the drug war being fought using patients.
My husband, who was an AA had enormous trouble finding a palliative care center that would properly medicate him. One place would try to give him suboxone!! He had no prior addiction issues. Poor man had suffer for years before getting a proper pain need regimen.
Did you ask the doctor if you could get morphine or did you just mention it to the nurses? What was the doctor's reason for not giving you morphine? How did you know that they labeled you as a drug seeker? I hope that you are feeling better.
I just found your videos my love is dying of ALS. Can you do one on ALS. He has late stage and is in a nursing home cant walk. He just was diagnosed. He probably has had it for 15 years as I look back and remember different symptoms. This is such a shock but your videos are definitely helping help him with this end if life part Thank you
meant helping me help him
Hello 👋 can you please cover e/o life for ovarian cancer . Have you noticed great suffering at the end of that ? Please 🙏🏼
I'm 70 and was diagnosed with COPD about 2 years ago after a mild case of pneumonia. I've been a life long asthmatic and its been treated successfully over the last 60 years. Functionally, I'm as active as I was when I was 50. I'm planning on living at least another 20 years and I actually believe I'll make that mark.
My father was 93 and in excellent health until he was administered NARCAN because they thought he was overdosing and was just asleep and slow to rouse. He was allergic to the narcan, When I got to the hospital about an hour after he passed, his lower lip was 4 times its normal size. That's a typical allergic response.
I think my docs think I have COPD, but they seem reluctant at this stage to use the word. I’m gonna assume that the reality is affirmative, since I believe I’m basically entering into a very early COPD treatment mode. The symptoms you describe are familiar to me. Though there is surely some discomfort ahead, I plan to enjoy the coming months/years/decades as best as I can. I subscribe to Woody Allen’s philosophy: “I’m not afraid of death. I just don’t wanna be there when it happens.”
My older sister who is 81 has recently been diagnosed with COPD after having a mild heart attack. She came home from the hospital and her husband still lets her smoke cigarettes because she demands them. It's like her only joy in life. She also has Alzheimer's disease that has gotten really bad. I've been suggesting to her husband that he have her evaluated by Hospice. He's reluctant... I think he still wants control. It's very sad.
She's 81 yrs old and just now being diagnosed with COPD, after having a heart attack?
And has Alzheimer's?
Leave her have her cigarettes, and him his "control".
Nothing "sad" about this, we should all be so lucky to live to this ripe old age in the life style we choose!
Thank you for this video. My dad was diagnosed with COPD several years ago and this summer we found out that he has an agressive lung tumor. I'm so worried what his end of life will be like for him and for my mom as his caregiver.
Thanks you so much for these videos! 😊💖 I've had copd since 2006. Just recently am experiencing shortness of breath. Time to get my affairs in order. It's getting really hard to do my job. They found 3 tumors on my last x-ray. Small but, ?? Doctors tell you the same BS. We are nothing but cash cows to them.
I appreciate this video. My dad passed last fall with COPD and on Hospice. I was his primary caretaker. Hospice care was wonderful. Dad passed at home in his own bed, just as he wanted to. Can you describe the experience for people with pulmonary hypertension? I have a family member headed down that path. Thanks in advance.
Thank you very much Julie 💐
Could you talk about the combination of having COPD and COP please?
I am 56 and have severe COPD.
I really enjoy your videos, Julie. I find them very informative. 😊
Keep slaying the Hell out of the Haters. They are so jealous of you.
p.s you have a killer body.
Thanks for your time and love your cooking 'BTS you are a Goddess and the Fullness of Truth is without a doubt dwelling deeply inside of you ❤❤
Thank you for this video can you do a video on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis my dear friend was just diagnosed with it and she is 83 I will most likely be a part of her care giving team as it progresses what can we expect that you so much for all you do
Julie thank you for your information. Would you please explain end of life for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. My husband has this evil disease. We are trying to get listed for a lung transplant but his age is a factor. Thank you. Bless you.
Yes. Amen to this request
I too have IPF along with COPD and emphysema; pulled the winning card with this trio. I agree IPF is about as evil as it comes. Blessings to your husband and you.
My Mommy just died two week ago with COPD she’s been bed Ridden for 8 years or more I took care of her I miss her so much she went so fast she had pneumonia and fluid on her lungs mommy was 85 she was so tired and ready to go hospice came in and treated her peacefully and it went fast when her heart stopped she kelp making like breaths it was so scary finally she passed completely in 10 minutes
My dad just passed I believe from COPD. He didn’t tell us he had it but had all of y classic symptoms. He said it was long Covid, but I remember he showed symptoms before Covid, 6 years ago. After his passing, we were in his house and I googled his inhaler. Used for COPD. I’m hurt he was that ill and didn’t tell us! 💔
My mom seemed fine except for sometimes her oxygen was low. She could sit in her chair. She was talking normally except for the day she passed. The hospice nurse said she could not believe my mom was speaking perfectly and then suddenly she passed. This was Jan 23 of this year. I was horrified. Mom wanted to live but that nurse asked if she wanted to go to the hospital. She kept asking mom but she could not respond. Suddenly she took a breath and said "no." I nearly fell over. The EMTs just moved her to a hospital bed in the living room so she could sit up without having to be propped up. 45 minutes later is when she passed. I feel that I should have left her in her bed. Why did I let the nurse do that? Why did she say "no" to going to the hospital. I said "Mom, if you don't go right now you will die." She did not answer me. She just looked at me like Im sick of getting IV's. She bruised so badly. But die? I feel like I could have done more. I had ordered an air purifier for her bedroom. It came right after she passed within two hours. She ate the day before. She laughed. Her heart rate kept going high. They had done another reset on her heart and all was well. But they sent her home taking 6 new heart pills two days prior. I think those pills made her heart beat stop. She was doing so well. Except she had water diarrhea from those pills. The ME said she died from COPD. She was on oxygen at home. I don't remember any steroids. The night before she passed she told me I was the best caretaker and she wished she could scream it from the mountain tops. That is how well she was. The next day she died. I am still in shock and still in so much pain thinking of her. Thinking about what I could have done like not give her those pills. Her home health doc said he was removing those pills asap and that reseting her heart was not advisable because it would have come dow by itself. The next day she died. I do not believe COPD killed her. She always go better. We had so many plans. Im so sorry for writing so much.
BTW, mom was only in hospice for two days.
Thank you for these posts, they’re very reassuring. I have a friend with bile duct cancer, can you do one on end of life with this cancer? Or maybe you already have? Again, thank you. ♥️
My momma passed away from this 4 years ago 💔
I'm waiting on chest X-Ray results to see if I have copd, the doctor said that coz I'm only 45 it can be managed with inhalers, as long as I quit smoking I've got time on my side
Could you please discuss end of life for pulmonary fibrosis? Thank you for all you do!
Thanks 4 your offering!
Both my parents were Lucky Strike heavy smokers. Both died of emphysema related diseases. I would be crazy to ever smoke! I am 85.
Pai ai 85 ani cat vrei sa traesti ?
Thanks for great info i can’t ask his palliative care team in front of him he has ipf. 😢 thank you for answering the hard questions