What to expect from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This week we're talking about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and what is it like to die from it. Learning about what to expect helps us live better so that we can be better advocates for ourselves at the end of life.

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#hospice #paranormal #death

[glendaeden]

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.

[lori]

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.

[rbrindle]

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!

[joylanigan]

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

[LydiaStarz]

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.

[beachbum]

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.

[MrsSherrymcm]

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 ❤

[williamlindner]

Never Smoke.. The best COPD preventer going...

[russandersonus]

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.

[Flormansgal]

Thank you my mom is being put on oxygen today. This is some scary stuff!

[susanburnworth]

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. ❤

[KevinMcB]

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.

[murphyville]

My Dad died from COPD in 2017. He died at home alone. Miss him.

[TrixRN]

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.🤞

[basingstoke]

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 .

[paulinetheberge]

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.

[Lulu]

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.
❤

[pegs]

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.

[cherylbaney]

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!❤️🙏🏻❤️

[marymcq]

Thank you for explaining things in such a calm and caring manner. You provide much needed information to us all. ❤