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hypercapnia

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (43)

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@betsc

Oh, yes, Denise...our husbands are the same. Both are 68, Both have been using drugs from their early days, trading drugs, and finding out where us wives hiding places are of theirs or our drugs, etc. Drives me Nuts. Our drs took Jimmy off zannys and lowed his Oxy dose down to 5 mg once he started experiencing hypercapnia as that represses your system. However, he didn't have enough meds in his system to cause Hypercapnia. His blood tests would come back showing zero Benzos and zero Opioids. It was all due to his Cancer in his throat and what it was effecting his body. Plus as you age, your system can't accept a high dose of either; but we know our husbands and they will take enough to get high. I take Xanax because of living with him (LOL). That is true to a point, but I've high anxiety, high blood pressure and the xanax does wonders for my BP. And, of course he knows I have them and bugs me for them or gets mad. Anyway, He grew up in Provincetown, MA and I moved to Cape Cod, MA in 1980. I grew up in a suburb of Fall River, MA. Married in 1990. Hubs and 1st wife had a baby boy in 1975; and we had a baby girl in 1991. I'll be 65 and on Medicare in August! LOL. I still feel like in my late 30's and work out as much as I can BEFORE summer comes. I really hope your husband rethinks the feeding tube. It is so easy. It doesn't have to be a life time event. I assume he sees a Speech Pathologist and a dietician that the hospital sets you up with. They do in MA; I'd assume in PA. My husband was a cook for years and also installed floors did roofing an siding. He always made dinner..was the best cook! That he misses but he's gotton over it after 17 months with feeding tube. Now, it's his lack of a voicebox that depresses him. It's hard and real quiet in the house. He's got a great sense of humor which even though he can't speak it, his facial expressions or charades or writing it out helps his sense of being. He does not want to die. He is doing what the doctors tell him. He also has a great support system made up of family and close friends, plus his many doctors who liked him as they got to really know him and his ways (drugs included) and made them all laugh. I used to tell him that if I knew him when I was 18, I'd stay away from him cuz he was a trouble-maker. He's got a long record but none that involve the worse of the worse. The only trouble he got in when with me since 1983 was being pulled over 3 times for drunk driving. We are both alcoholics but have been "Free" for me going on 14 years, and my hubs 10 years. You should read this to your husband. I'm hoping it might give him the gumption he needs to stop saying NO to foods he's offered...cripes he's lucky he can still eat! The Feeding tube will actually give him more calories if he's weighing under 100 lbs. My husband was told he can eat by mouth since having the trach and then the laryngectomy, but during the operation, they found a section in way back of his tongue had cancer so had to cut that out and he now only drinks coffee, a Wendy's Choc Frosty, and his Nestle IsoSource which is same as Boost or Ensure but is by prescription. It's helping my husband slowly, but surely put on some weight. I'll try and be better at checking messages on this platform now that I started. I am very glad we met and have a lot of common problems; namely....Husband! LOL Peace, Betsc

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Replies to "Oh, yes, Denise...our husbands are the same. Both are 68, Both have been using drugs from..."

Hi. Yes it sounds like our husbands would have made good friends. Well, Joe has decided that he no longer wants to take chemo. He will meet with the oncologist on Jan. 23, to see what his options are. He is trying to eat more, and he is doing a little better. He did vomit once last night, but so far today it has not happened. I did not give him any nausea pills because I forgot and he didnt ask for them, so I never mentioned it. I just bought him two new pairs of joggers, size medium and they are just hanging on him. I guess I will return them and get a small. I had also ordered two chemo shirts that have top flaps that open for easy access to the port. Guess I will be sending them back also. Today he wanted shrimp scampi over rice. I only had long grain and I guess I did not cook it to his satifaction because he yelled and said why don't you must buy minute rice? Was mad because I burnt the first batch and he had to wait another 20 minutes to eat. I wanted to say-screw you. But I didn't. I had set the table but he came into the kitchen, grabbed a plate, put a litte food on it and went back to the living room. He sits in the living room in his recliner and he wants something, he yells my name. He is so picky. Usually, it is, get me some pepsi with 1 ice cube and half glass. I accidently put 2 ice cubes into it yesterday and he complained. He just told me that when he yells my name, I am just to automatically go in and see what he needs. I saluted him. Yes, I am being a smart ass, but he seems to be getting ruder and more demanding. I also have xanax, and start using them more than I have been. I don't want to be mean to him, but my nerves are growing thin. I won't sit in the living room with him because he controls the tv and always watches american pickers and pawn stars -24/7. So I sit in the dining room where I have my computer and watch youtube videos, etc. But this is nothing new. Last night, I did watch a movie with him. He has not been a pleasant man to be around. He is smart and won't let me forget it. He is the type of person who answers your questions with a question of his own. I am 69 and should do what you do. Start working out before summer gets here because I have gained some weight. I weigh 156 and would like to be 145. LOL I have weighed around 156 for a year now. You can tell that I have not used my walking tapes or my weight lifting tapes. I only ever lifted 2,5,and 8 pounds. One time I was lifting 5,8 and 10. Guess I have been depressed and don't feel like doing anything. OK, enough of my venting. We have boost but he won't drink it. So, I do. Last week I ordered ginger and peppermint tea because I read that it helps settle the stomach. I told him about that and he said I DON'T LIIKE TEA! So, luckily for me, I do drink hot tea so I guess I will be drinking the tea, too. I suggested a feeding tube and he said, NO. I am tired of fighting with him. Can your husband still drive or go to the store? My husband is too weak that he can't do much of anything. But at least your husband still has a sense of humor. Thanks for writing and it was nice meeting you, also. I check this site daily and I always try to respond to anyones comments. Have a great day!