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What Causes Severe Constipation, Shortness Of Breath, Confusion And Memory Issues In A COPD Patient?
Question: My husband, 78, late stage COPD, severe pulmonary hypertension, taken
from nursing home to hospital tonight because heart rate went to over
150 bpm. Admitted to ICU on drip to slow heart. Severe atrial
fibrillation over last several days. Severe constipation, can't eat.
Fell 2 weeks ago, compression fracture of vertebra, bad pain.
Hypercapnia. Shortness of breath increased recently, has been on O2
24/7 for several years. Confusion and memory problems seem to come
and go. Dr. had been considering discussing hospice if breathing did
not improve, we have been waiting to meet with him. My husband has
had triple bypass and Maze procedure and mitral valve repair 20 or so
years ago.
We need to make some decisions about his care, and recent events have
serious implications. How long does he have? Thank you.
from nursing home to hospital tonight because heart rate went to over
150 bpm. Admitted to ICU on drip to slow heart. Severe atrial
fibrillation over last several days. Severe constipation, can't eat.
Fell 2 weeks ago, compression fracture of vertebra, bad pain.
Hypercapnia. Shortness of breath increased recently, has been on O2
24/7 for several years. Confusion and memory problems seem to come
and go. Dr. had been considering discussing hospice if breathing did
not improve, we have been waiting to meet with him. My husband has
had triple bypass and Maze procedure and mitral valve repair 20 or so
years ago.
We need to make some decisions about his care, and recent events have
serious implications. How long does he have? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that his medical situation seems to be serious.
I can not evaluate only by his history and symptoms his actual prognosis.
It is necessary bringing him to the hospital and stabilize again his medical situation. Then, it is important have a new evaluation of his cardiac function and pulmonary hypertension (by cardiac ultrasound).
Other parameters which should also monitored are:
- respiratory function
- acide-base equilibrium
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
Only after performing these tests, his prognosis can be evaluated more properly.
I would be happy to review his cardiac tests if you can upload them for another professional opinion!
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that his medical situation seems to be serious.
I can not evaluate only by his history and symptoms his actual prognosis.
It is necessary bringing him to the hospital and stabilize again his medical situation. Then, it is important have a new evaluation of his cardiac function and pulmonary hypertension (by cardiac ultrasound).
Other parameters which should also monitored are:
- respiratory function
- acide-base equilibrium
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
Only after performing these tests, his prognosis can be evaluated more properly.
I would be happy to review his cardiac tests if you can upload them for another professional opinion!
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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