Life Expectancy with Elevated C02 and Refusing Treatment?

[JenDre]

My Dad is 62 and was diagnosed with COPD (also has Diabetes & CHF now) in 1986.  He feels he is now very close to succumbing to the disease and while I am hopeful that is not the case yet, I am inclined to agree with him.  

His most recent pulmonary function test showed his lung volume at 11%.  His oxygen prescription is for 10 liters all the time now but over the past few weeks he has felt the strong need to use O2 at an even higher rate to be comfortable (all his doctors are aiming for now).  This has resulted in an elevated arterial carbon dioxide level. One week ago, after displaying more and more symptoms of what I understand to be Hypercapnia, he had blood gases done and his CO2 was at 84.  His doctor recommend hospitalization and he is refusing treatment, opting to be at home with his dog and me instead, even if that means it will shorten his life.  

I realize there is no way to say with certainty, but does anyone have any idea how much longer he is likely to live in his present state?  Days, or weeks, or months?  Shortly before this most recent development we were told 6 months to a year.  Now I have been told this is the "beginning of the end" but that seems so vague and I couldn't get any better answer than that from his doctor.

[National Jewish Health]

With low oxygen levels despite high flow supplementary oxygen and especially with hypercapnia and a pC02 of 84, this qualifies as severe respiratory failure.  Unless there are reversible features of his illness, for example pneumonia, heart failure, ARDS, severe bronchitis, it is highly likely that your Dad will succumb to this acute illness.  In his doctor's defense, it is difficult to make precise predictions of "the when" regarding the time until death.  Still, you should ask his lung specialist to give you a better estimate than you have gotten thus far.

[Robin7h]

My father is in the same condition your father is in and he is 68.  We thought he would pass away Friday, but recovered.  His C02 was also 84 and right now he is on 5-6 liters of 02.  We too have been told by Hospice there is no way to tell but he is in the "end stages".  He was very bad Friday and Saturday and then Sunday began eating a little and up more--we have been told this is a "rally".  I would like to keep in touch with you and maybe we can go through this together.  It is frustrating on the family members as you don't know what to do--my dad is in a nursing home 1 1/2 hrs from us, however, we are hoping to get him moved this week to where we are.
If you want to stay in touch just let me know.
May God bless you and give you strength,
Robin H.

[JenDre]

Thank you very much for your thoughts. I sincerely appreciate your time.  

Best regards,
Jen

[SusanB1965]

It would be so much easier on any of us if we could get the answer to that question that is as old as time. Unfortunately, it's just not that easy. Too many variables to be able to give a definitive answer. If you were told this is "the beginning of the end" it could be anytime realistically. A matter of days to several weeks. Then again there are cases of people as sick or sicker than your father who lived longer than they thought was possible. That's why it is so difficult to give a time frame. What is your gut feeling? Always trust your instincts, it will rarely fail you. Is Hospice available in your area? Some sort of outside medical help to make whatever time your father has left comfortable? Support for you?  All you can do at this point is take things day by day. My heart goes out to you, I know how difficult this must be for you.(speaking from personal experiences) Hang in there! You are in my prayers! :) Susan