Quick update on my DH and the VA..

[C.Ann]

Well - between yesterday and today I have left a "voice mail" for just about everyone I can think of over there.. Doctor; Nurse Practioner; Patient Advocate; General Clinic; Cardiology Dept.; and not ONE person has called back..

What happened to having a HUMAN answer the telephone?

Looks like I'll have to hit the phones first thing tomorrow morning again..

The good news is that DH is pretty "perky" today.. No complaints - other than when am I going to the store to buy him some more "snacks".. LOL

I weighed him this morning and will weigh him again tomorrow to see if he has retained more fluid.. Even measured the swelling in his feet and marked it down..

Kicking around the idea of increasing his oxygen from 2 to 2 and 1/2 myself if no one is going to be bothered calling me back..

Thanks again for all of the support!

C.Ann

 

[Disney Doll]

Is his shortness of breath caused by congestive heart failure(CHF)?? If so, increasing the oxygen probably wouldn't be a problem. However, if ti is caused by emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), then increasing the oxygen might pose a problem, because if he is a "carbon dioxide(CO2) retainer", then extra oxygen can affect his body's natural "kick start" to breathe, and he will retain more CO2, eventually becoming more and more lethargic.

I am sorry that no one at the VA is responding to you.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Disney Doll
Is his shortness of breath caused by congestive heart failure(CHF)?? If so, increasing the oxygen probably wouldn't be a problem. However, if ti is caused by emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), then increasing the oxygen might pose a problem, because if he is a "carbon dioxide(CO2) retainer", then extra oxygen can affect his body's natural "kick start" to breathe, and he will retain more CO2, eventually becoming more and more lethargic.

I am sorry that no one at the VA is responding to you.

------------------------------------------------

Actually he suffers from both.. The Respiratory Therapist said that his oxygen should be increased- BUT - he couldn't do it without authorization from the VA.. When I asked what the procedure was he said he had to submit his findings (O2 level after walking to the kitchen - about 4 feet - with oxygen on was 88 - sitting in his recliner doing nothing with the oxygen on was 92).. At that point the VA would "review" his findings and make a decision.. When I asked how long it would take, he just rolled his eyes, shrugged his shoulders and said - "Well - it is the VA we're dealing with...."

 

[mommytotwo]

Glad to hear that he is having a better day today. Answering machines and prerecorded messages

 

[KimRaye]

Terrible shame, C.Ann, that no one has responded.

Originally posted by C.Ann
Kicking around the idea of increasing his oxygen from 2 to 2 and 1/2 myself if no one is going to be bothered calling me back..

Why don't you? Does he have a big garbage-drum-like tank with the gauges on it? That's what my MIL has and, she's pretty self-medicated when it comes to the level she wants/needs. She also has the small, traveling cans which, I think she can also control. I'm NOT a medical professional but, if you think the change will help him, even short-term, until someone calls you back, I'd do it.

Good luck tomorrow with the next round of calls.