tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954058077044077405.post6149333160991193108..comments2023-04-05T05:55:27.073-04:00Comments on COPD - Caregiving is NOT for Wimps!: Untangling Christmas SpiritWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14788733654505792266noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954058077044077405.post-47901949470552094702007-12-27T20:39:00.000-05:002007-12-27T20:39:00.000-05:00Hey Joy - Fifteen dollars a day for a spa???? I'm ...Hey Joy - Fifteen dollars a day for a spa???? I'm coming with you!!<BR/><BR/>Anne - thanks for the tips re John Hopkins. I hadn't read that article. It gives excellent advice for patients and caregivers. You really have to be aware of what's happening, re medications, tests, etc. Sound advice for everyone who goes into hospital.<BR/>Glad you took the time to send it along.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788733654505792266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954058077044077405.post-48751306326563548162007-12-27T13:25:00.000-05:002007-12-27T13:25:00.000-05:00Hi, Wendy,I read this and thought it might interes...Hi, Wendy,<BR/><BR/>I read this and thought it might interest you. (If you already know it, just hit Delete!)<BR/>Anne<BR/><BR/>Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: Lung Disorders<BR/>COPD Guidelines<BR/>A recent study shows that COPD patients often receive substandard hospital care. What should you do?<BR/>www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com | Johns Hopkins Health Bookstore | Email this to a friend<BR/><BR/>COPD Guidelines<BR/><BR/> A recent study shows that COPD patients often receive substandard hospital care. Our recommendation: COPD patients should keep a list of recommended tests and treatments with them in case they are hospitalized.<BR/><BR/> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -- which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema -- is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Now a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (Volume 144, page 894) reports that two thirds of patients hospitalized for acute flare-ups of COPD do not receive ideal care.<BR/><BR/> The study of 70,000 patients found that only a third of patients hospitalized for a COPD flare-up get all of the tests, treatments, and interventions recommended in the COPD treatment guidelines from the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians.<BR/><BR/> In the vast majority of cases, a COPD patient received at least one recommended test or treatment while in the hospital: 97% received bronchodilators, 95% had a chest X-ray, 91% received supplemental oxygen; and systemic steroids and antibiotics were given in 85% of cases. But only two thirds of COPD patients got everything they were supposed to get, according to the guidelines. Women and older people with COPD were most likely to have ideal care.<BR/><BR/> Meanwhile, nearly half of the study subjects (45%) received at least one treatment that is not recommended, such as a methylxanthine bronchodilator, a sputum test, acute spirometry, chest physiotherapy, or mucolytic drugs.<BR/><BR/> Bottom-line advice: Someone who has COPD (especially a younger man) might make note of the recommended tests and treatments, just in case.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7954058077044077405.post-59161776583577297602007-12-25T23:17:00.000-05:002007-12-25T23:17:00.000-05:00Ah yes, those three little words that always bring...Ah yes, those three little words that always bring tears to a parents eyes...(batteries not included)And all the stores are closed! And they waited all year for this!~ We had our turkey dinner too on the 23rd as my daughter was flying back to Texas the next day. We got snow that day (just a thin little blanket) and a little snow again today. My eldest daughter came over and stayed all afternoon. We watched TV and she made us turkey sandwiches and brought us pie before she left. It was really sweet. I can't remember the last time anyone made me a sandwich!I'm gonna have to call that nursenextdoor.com & enquire about respite service.I haven't had one day off in over 4 months & now I have to think about moving! Yep, definately time for a day at the spa.The Fairmont has a $15/day deal where you can use the hottub & the sauna all afternoon.(Waterfront, downtown VAncouver)JOYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03257273809269826686noreply@blogger.com