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Dear Dr. Stoll:
I need your guidance, please.
My mother was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension recently. According to her pulmonary specialist, it was caused by her underlying pulmonary issues (COPD and emphysema). About six weeks ago she was complaining of intense tightening in her right side followed by a huge drop in her oxygen level (from 88 to 78 virtually overnight). She felt faint and weak and her breathing was the worst I have seen. Her ankles were very swollen and the doctor's nurse advised that I take my mom to the ER, which I did. [The original diagnosis was congestive heart failure, but all of the cardiology tests came up negative, hence the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.]
The one thing my mother has always complained of has been the "extreme" tightening and squeezing feeling she had after her fourth (4th) spinal operation to correct idiopathic scoliosis. The fourth operation was the worst in that she noticed immediately that she had difficulty breathing. She was later diagnosed with COPD and emphysema within the year, but she has always maintained that the squeezing in her right side was draining her body and her strength.
Yes, she has always been prone to upper respiratory infections and was hospitalized several times with pneumonia. But the emphysema was a bit of a surprise. Yes, she did smoke but was not a heavy smoker. But none of these conditions were diagnosed until AFTER her fourth spinal operation, and mom thinks that the results of the surgery have made her breathing worse.
Anyway, do you know if there could be some other complication caused by the spinal surgery (nerve damage, artery damage, or some other internal interruption) that could adversely affect her lungs? Her pulmonary specialist thinks everything with my mom is attributed to her lungs. He won't even consider any other alternative. The oxygen she is on daily is not, in my opinion, really "treating" her condition at all.
I have read your website concerning the benefits of rebounding, and mom and I "rebound" together every day and have been doing so since Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, if there is a pinched nerve or some other intruding problem, the rebounding's effects may not be realized.
Do you know if what I outlined above makes medical sense ... that something internal could be causing my mom's poor condition other than her lungs? If so, what "type" of doctor would be suitable to examine her?
Any suggestions or guidance you can offer will be extremely appreciated!!!
Thank you for your kindness.
In Reply to: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** posted by Lisa Craig [5300.20] on December 11, 2006 at 12:01:57:
Lisa,
Pulmonary hypertension is a VERY bad condition!!!!!!!!
She is unfortunate that she happened to be genetically especially susceptible to the toxic effects of smoking! I wonder if she now thinks it was worth it? This is a terrible way to die.
The rebounding cannot but help but temporarily retard her symptoms but with this much damage I do not have any other suggestions.
Perhaps, if she had only heeded the warnings of this oncoming, during all those years of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia--and stopped smoking and exposure to secoind hand smoke immediately--she could have prevented this. Now it is too late.
Of course the surgery was just "the straw that broke the camel's back" but she had to be right on the edge of her cliff for that to happen.
Sorry I cannot be of more help.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** Terminal condition. Archive in smokin posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on December 12, 2006 at 07:31:51:
Dear Dr. Stoll:
Thank you for responding so quickly. Your news hit me very hard, but I guess it is better to know up front what lies in the future.
Could lung volume reduction surgery help my mom at all? If not, what can I do to help my mom stay as comfortable as possible? How much time do you think she might have?
Many thanks for your kindness.
God Bless,
In Reply to: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** posted by Lisa Craig [5300.20] on December 11, 2006 at 12:01:57:
Hi LISA,
It sure does not sound very hopeful..
My curiosity make me wonder if she might have picked up
a Fungal infection with all the intubations she experienced for the operations.
Antibiotics would not clear that up, but Chronic Asthma
has a fungal connection as well.. which is often missed.
Here is a link which explains.. I hope it helps in some way.
You may want to print the following and the link within the article...
In Reply to: Re: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** Terminal condition. Archive in smokin posted by Lisa Craig [5300.20] on December 12, 2006 at 16:34:27:
Thanks, Lisa.
The answers to these questions must be determined by the doc on the spot! You need to have a heart to heart talk with her docs and not stop until they explain the pros and cons to YOUR satisfaction and not just to THEIRS.
Even if she dies during the LVRS it will be a much kinder death than what is coming--in my opinion.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** Terminal condition. Archive in smokin posted by Walt Stoll [93.1889] on December 12, 2006 at 07:31:51:
Walt,
Do you not think perhaps you may need to think about the way in which you deliver your messages? I feel so sorry for Lisa. Was it really necessary to major on the fact did she now think that her smoking was worth it? It seems to me that you are kicking her while she's down.
I'm sorry, but I just feel you should have been a little more sensitive to Lisa's feelings.
Kind regards,
Maz
In Reply to: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** posted by Lisa Craig [5300.20] on December 11, 2006 at 12:01:57:
Hi Lisa:This info is very alternative but it just might make your Mom's breathing a little easier--search www.cayce.com and check out the "charred oak keg"--if it offers any comfort at all it is worth it-
Good Luck and God Bless
In Reply to: Re: PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - **URGENT** Terminal condition. Archive in smokin posted by Maz [31.2958] on December 13, 2006 at 13:10:03:
Thanks, Maz.
Basically, I agree. However the message was for everyone else who either smokes ir knows someone who still smokes. It is too late for this person put, perhaps, not too late for getting others to start thinking.
Walt
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