• Lanne
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  • Registered: Wed, 02 Feb 2011
  • Posts: 10

Topic: Difficulty Breathing

My mom was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with pneumonia, and has completed a round of oral and iv antibiotics.  While in the hospital 2 weeks ago, the dr drew 1200cc of fluid from her right lung.  She had immediate relief in her breathing.  She is now in Hospice and is having trouble breathing again.  They give her Xanex when she gets anxious about not breathing well, which does calm her down.  It also makes her sleepy and then she doesn't drink anything, which dehydratres her.  Shouldn't the doctors be looking to drain the fluid again, or is that something that is only done once?

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,201

Re: Difficulty Breathing

Lanne, PLEASE have Hospice call your mom's Doctor!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,157

Re: Difficulty Breathing

Lanne...make sure for the primary doctor to be contaced also.  Possibly, more fluid needs to be drained in order to make your Mom more comfortable. 
Good luck and please, keep us posted.
All my best wishes,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Lanne
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  • Registered: Wed, 02 Feb 2011
  • Posts: 10

Re: Difficulty Breathing

The dr gave my mom 2 xanex and a dose of morphine yesterday, which did help.  I don't understand how she has trouble and then does okay.  If it was fluid, I'd think she would be having constant trouble.  She was having trouble again today, and her oxygen level is 92 (with the oxygen on).  I just hate for her to feel like she is working hard to breathe.

  • From: South Louisiana
  • Registered: Mon, 17 May 2010
  • Posts: 94

Re: Difficulty Breathing

Lanne, next week will be one year since my Wayne went to Jesus.  He didn't have the fluid in his lung but in his abdomine, the first time they drained they took off 9 liters, he lost 24 lbs.  While he was in the hospital they took off 16 liters he lost 40 lbs.  Two weeks later they put a stint in, so it could be drained easier, and I could do it when he goes home.  That never happened the monster cc got him on Feb 17, 2010.  He could breath so much better after they drained.
Terry

Love to my Wayne for 36 years
I'm not a widow, I am a wife
We are only apart for heaven's sake
You are waiting for me at heaven's gate
  • Lanne
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  • Registered: Wed, 02 Feb 2011
  • Posts: 10

Re: Difficulty Breathing

Thank you for the information.  The Hospice dr is going to check with the dr she had prior to entering the facility.  They will discuss her best option.  The more fluid builds, the more trouble she has breathing and it also causes severe nausea.