should we do tracheotomy after orotracheal intubation in my mother who has endstage COPD?

Question

I do not know if we are just satisfying our selfish need to prolong the inevitable or if there is some hope of rehabilitation. my mother is my world...i have accepted that we need to release her in the name of GOD. But if there is any hope that we may have some time left I do not want to be so hasty with my decisions. the doctors are asking for answers now but i am all out of resources. help! how much more should we put her through. she is 62yrs old and has high anxiety and end stage COPD...is it time to say enough is enough? What options do we have? What are the pros and cons? What are some long term care vent units in the midwestern united states?

Answer 1

My father just died from COPD, as in last friday, we had to pull the plug, if there is any chance she can breath on her own, she has no kidney failure, and no internal bleeding, then you should wait, However if she has any these all symptoms of copd end, then try to make her as comfortable as possble and you'll do what needs to be done. And ask yourself would your mother want a tube in her throat?

Answer 2

i think lil miss 9weeks til induction is stuck up and way off base I work from 8am to 4pm my kis are in school from 9to 3 So i am away from them 2hours...When YOUR kids are in scholl 9 weeks will that make you a "part time MOM" ***** being a stay at home my is a job in it self BUT being a working mom is just as important it installs VALUES and appreciation an a GREAT work ethic MOST Mothers who work do not work 8-14hr days ? AND if Women get ragged on for working then Men should to and the WHOLE COUNTRY would be on Wel-fare Witch most SAHM's that have a problem with working Moms have a problem with "Wel fare" Moms too SO What should those Women do WORK??? Also -5hrs ATLEAST of your littel time table because cleaning cooking and time with spouse are ALL done with the kids there AND i do not have ERRANDS every Day more like once a week- You can't please em all *****MOM2C Great answer!!!

Answer 3

If she was my mom, I'd LET HER GO! End-stage COPD is not eased by a trach any more than orotracheal intubation; it's just more comforable. If she isn't alert, it makes zero difference; she'll still be on the ventilator.

Answer 4

Is your mother competent to make her own decisions? If so, it is her choice as to whether she is trached or not. If she has been intubated for longer than two weeks, then the kinder thing to do is get the trach. It is easier to manage the airway with a trach in place, not to mention she can have a "speaking valve" put on it so that she can carry on conversations (if she is able). A trach provides many more options for long term weaning......

Answer 5

So sorry for your troubles. I know what the idea of a trach is hard to deal with. In fact, it will probably be much more comfortable for her. The tube they have down now sits and rubs against her airway. Overtime there can be complications. Please ask your doctor for a list of any nearby facilities and visit them before you make a choice. Unfortunately her lungs are permanently damaged. Make sure they keep her comfortable and tell her you love her over and over again. I'll say a prayer for the two of you.

Answer 6

If your mother is conscious and rational, it's her choice. If not, you have to ask what will be gained by the procedure. The prognosis for end-stage COPD is very limited. Tracheostomies require fairly intensive and meticulous care, and themselves may lead to complications.

If your mother is ready to die, but her family is not, follow her wishes. Personally, I think it cruel to attempt to drain every ounce of life from a person whose near death is inevitable. And sometimes LOVE means letting go.