Ken is home for now.
The lung specialist looking after Ken (Dr G.) allowed Ken to come home with me on Monday night. He had CT scans done in the morning, which showed the reason why Ken hasn't been responding to all the various treatments. His lungs have deteriorated and developed Bullous emphysema. I found this explanation on the internet:
Emphysema is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Emphysema involves the air sacs of the lung. Without the ability to transfer oxygen, the air sacs become worn out and look like an overstretched balloon. In Bullous emphysema, the sacs become enlarged and can even rupture.
Dr G. said that the only treatment for the condition is lung surgery, but he will have to consult Ken's cardiologist before going down that path, as the risks for Ken are higher than most cases in view of his heart condition.
In the meantime, he said Ken can go back to work if he feels up to it, but the underlying message was that he would be better off retiring from work in the near future.
Poor Ken is beating himself emotionally, cursing all those years of smoking. What can you do? I was accused of nagging every time I begged him to quit or at least cut down on the cigarettes, so in the end, I just shut my mouth, and tried to get as much fresh air as I could by keeping windows and doors open.
I've been mildly affected by passive smoking from both Ken and the boss in my last office job. I don't have emphysema, but if Ken was still smoking, there was a chance of my developing COPD. I'm very grateful that he quit 11 years ago, but he is now paying the price.
Emphysema is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Emphysema involves the air sacs of the lung. Without the ability to transfer oxygen, the air sacs become worn out and look like an overstretched balloon. In Bullous emphysema, the sacs become enlarged and can even rupture.
Dr G. said that the only treatment for the condition is lung surgery, but he will have to consult Ken's cardiologist before going down that path, as the risks for Ken are higher than most cases in view of his heart condition.
In the meantime, he said Ken can go back to work if he feels up to it, but the underlying message was that he would be better off retiring from work in the near future.
Poor Ken is beating himself emotionally, cursing all those years of smoking. What can you do? I was accused of nagging every time I begged him to quit or at least cut down on the cigarettes, so in the end, I just shut my mouth, and tried to get as much fresh air as I could by keeping windows and doors open.
I've been mildly affected by passive smoking from both Ken and the boss in my last office job. I don't have emphysema, but if Ken was still smoking, there was a chance of my developing COPD. I'm very grateful that he quit 11 years ago, but he is now paying the price.
posted by Gina E. | 1:10 am
7 Comments:
Oh, I did read this ... sorry I didn't comment ... hope Ken starts feeling better, or as good as can be expected. Sending hugs xxx
Thanks for caring, Connie.
xxx
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hey, sorry to hear about Ken's health, he's so blessed to have you with him. as hard as it is, it's another opportunity for him to see how he's cared for by you! it must be tiring and stressful - and a huge sacrifice. but what is life for, if not for caring for those we love? hope you'll both feel better soon and hope you'll have friends around you who can help out.
Hi Gina ~~ I am so very sorry that Ken has been so ill and you had the flu. It isn't that I don't care, I just get too busy or tired to comment or even read some posts.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers and I only wish the best for you both.
Take care, Love, Merle.
Gina, I understand your worries and your thoughts on dear Kens condition.......and you know the post above this one is so true, I would be the first to put my hand and and say.....We have not been in contact and have not found out how things are with the two of you and when I find a post like this my heart brakes not only for you and ken but also for the times I wish we could have been together and chatted and just spend some special time together, but just this year has been the worst for us and I am not sure why I sit here now and see it is September the 10th......were did all those months go. why are our lives rushing past us.......I am sorry Gina, but We do care! always have honey! Lee-Ann
I am so glad Ken's Dr. visit turned out positive and he is able to get back to work. I am sure he feels better when he can get out and feel he is contributing to the household.
Take Care
Hugs
FredaB
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