| Joan Costello: Ed finally went for his ABG test. Not because of his Internist's insistence, or my exercising spousal nagging rights, but because he could no longer make the slightest effort without his lips and the bridge of his nose turning blue. He didn't have to complete that first ABG. When the nurse clipped an oximeter on him his saturation was 41%, his FEV1 15, and he was admitted immediately into the hospital through ER. I brought him home 3 days later on 3 liters of oxygen 24/7 with a diagnosis of severe end stage Emphysema. So began our foray into the world of COPD. The medical pros did not offer us any hope. I launched a search for information and stumbled upon the COPD Support services and lists. It was a treasure trove. Within one year of diagnosis Ed completed Pulmonary Rehab, and had LVRS. The surgery did not help and almost two years from the date of diagnosis Ed succumbed to the disease. Six months later the then President of COPD Support, Bill Powell asked me if I could help out with a project the organization was contemplating. A weekly summary of news that would be of interest to those who were seeking information but did not have the time or inclination to join an email list. I welcomed the opportunity to participate in the COPD Family of Programs in the hopes that something we can do will in some way help those who so generously shared their knowledge with us. |
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