Dad was diagnosed with copd/emphysema

[zoomomlisa]

I am the sole caregiver for my dad who was diagnosed in June with severe copd/emphysema. He then had an aortic valve replacement in July. He will be 67 in November. We lost my mom in 2008 from lung cancer that had spread to her brain and it was a horrible death. I don't want to see my dad go through that. I don't have any idea what to do to help him. I of course am there for support but I want him to have the best possible care available. He was an incredibly active man, never sitting still, always doing "something". I don't  understand what "severe" means as far as copd. He quit smoking in 94 when he had a triple bi-pass. He knows he is dying. What time frame are we looking at here? 6 months? a year? two? How bad will it get when the end is near? Will he be eventually be kept alive by a ventilator? He has a DNR signed and I don't know at what point this will take effect. He doesn't want to be here if his quality of life is "0" Can someone please help me?

[hava]

Your feedback will help others to try the pranayam and see the natural improvement in the respiratory system and other health problems.

[ninammam]

Absolutely this technique does indeed work to improve more breathing control and better breathing as a result. Thank you so much for this information and your Compassion.

[zoomomlisa]

Wow thank you so much for your info. He is ready to give up on life. He keeps asking what his life expectancy is. Glad he doesn't have a computer to look it up. Again...Thank you

[hava]

You are right to be concerned and seek answers.Something you and dad can do to help the body to reduce the symptoms and stress. Let him do this pranayam, for whatever duration he can manage. You also do it and feel the benefit, and tell dad. The aim is to improve quality of life. The pranayam will keep him occupied and take his mind away, and get good sleep.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Kapalbhati pranayam -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Duration : 5 to 21  times.

October 3, 2011