I not sure where to turn. Mom continually experience shortness of breath on a daily basis. Sometime it is really really bad to the point where she will froth at the mouth. Mom has had anxiety issues for years--but know that she has dementia it is hard to determine if anxiety has anything to do with it. I have a nice geriatric doctor who comes to the house-her suggestion is to have mom get breathing exercises. When thing get bad the only thing I can do is give her more Ativan. This is really stressful because mom will be begging for help, saying she's going to die. I've called the paramedics and mom has even been hospitalized a few times but they can't find anything anymore. Her blood Pressure is usually good--she has a history of hypertention. Along with dementia--mom has also had colon cancel (hasn't returned) Shes had a blood clot in the lung and neck and heart issues. With all this she is still relatively active, still walks around the house, able to go to the bathroom on her own. She still needs general help with bathing and daily living task. She eats on her own when the food is given to her. How do I deal with the shortness of breath issue--her doctor wants to cut back on the ativan but it seems like the only thing that works when she is having an episode--it's really scary and it's happening more and more. Any suggestions. Thank for any help.
There have been patients who graduate from Hospice to live for years longer.... this is partly due to removing many of the prescription medicines that the patient had been taking, which apparently had been overloading their system, making it too toxic.
By the way, a patient will pass on the same time table whether they use Hospice or not. The only difference the one not using Hospice could be dying in horrible pain. I will take Hospice, thank you.
I have an idea where you're located generally, am wonder if you're close enough to the Portage or Bronson Hospital area to treat with doctors there. From what I know of Bronson, it's a top notch hospital.
Although it's quite far for a routine visit, there might be some Bronson affiliated pulmonary doctors who have multiple offices, as doctors do here in SE Michigan. There might be an outlying office that's not as far from you.
I reread your post as I had the feeling I had missed something, and I did. A HEPA air purifier can help remove dust and irritants from the air. I have one and use it when cleaning. I can tell the difference.
I've also used the Ionic Breeze air purifier which I could tell really did make a difference in the air, which felt clearer and less heavy, but after reading about its emission of ozone, I stopped using it.
I'm also wondering if your mother just doesn't like the therapist; not all of them "click" with their patients.
She did previously use an inhaler. I will also address this at next visit. Seems an Rx for this has gotten lost in changing physicians - and it did not dawn on me. Sometimes you can missed the obvious. Starting to appreciate the last physician, before she moved in with us, even though he had no bedside manner. I really appreciate the counsel!
Thank you for the response. We do have dogs. I like the idea of respiratory exercises. The doc that mentioned CHF was the area's favorite Geriontologist who is typically very thorough - the visit we had was the visit he indicated the hospital was closing his office permanently due to costs. It was not their standard thorough visit - based on previous experience. I agree, family Doc seems limited. I will look for a pulmonary doc - thank you. I wish they could do something for her pain - this limits her the most. The behavioral changes due to dementia are just simply sad to me. We are located in a rural area of SW MI so the pollution should not be an issue - other than the days they spread manure on adjacent fields :) Love your moniker!
"As to the respiratory issues (which could be exacerbated if she has CHF), bake her to see a pulmonary doctor. " should be "TAKE her to see a pulmonary doctor."
I suppose if some chocolate chip cookies were baked beforehand, that might help as well. Chocolate as we well know has amazing therapeutic powers.
In your area I think there would be less pollution, but there might be some from other factors. That could cause breathing difficulties as well. If I mow the lawn on a weekday, I always wear a mask.
As to the respiratory issues (which could be exacerbated if she has CHF), bake her to see a pulmonary doctor. She'll be given breathing tests to determine lung capacity, probably have a chest x-ray, and determination made if there are problems on that level.
She may also have cardiac issues; there may be something in the house to which she's allergic, or she may benefit just from respiratory exercises such as using an incentive spirometer. Are there any pets in the house? Does she have allergies?
She could also have a food allergy that causes shortness of breath. And as I discovered and wrote about recently, one of the foods I love has caused shortness of breath. When researching it, I traced it to systemic pesticides used by farmers on that particular food.
But first step is to see a pulmonary doctor.
In summary, first, call alzheimer's association- for referrals to providers with specialties that are appropriate as well as many other services including basic support. Second, ask your MD for a hospice referral and investigate your area's hospices, interview them and pick one. You will be amazed what they can offer you as well. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, it will keep you sane and calm which will help your mom as well! You might attend a community event for the alzheimer's association and check out which area facilities and such are also there. The ones that choose to take the time to get involved are the ones to check out first. A website to check out right now is Jolene Brackey's enhanced moments site. In all my years of working with this population, I have never seen someone who has got it right! Jolene's attitude and approach is the way I have always believed it should be and it is wonderful that finally there is someone out there that is letting the world know as well. She is full -FULL!- of insights and ideas and experiences and you can share and ask her things as well. I trust her and she will lighten your load, and lift your heart! Good luck, let me know if I can help!
Carol