Omletina Kyckling Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I'm really worried about my dad. He keeps having awful choking fits. Not when he's eating, just when he's just sitting there. They are made worse if he is drinking any alcohol (particularly brandy) though. We went to see a relative today and she plied him with brandy (as ever!) and I was just so tense waiting for it to happen. It happens out of the blue, one moment he's sitting there and the next he's gasping for breath and turning blue. It's so dramatic and frightening. This one was the worst I've seen as he was in this state, on and off for about half an hour. He'd calm down then start coughing, then choking. At one point he went very pale and his lips went blue. We managed to get him in the car and get him home but I've had a couple of texts from mum to say he's had a couple more tonight. He's 81 and has various medical conditions, but isn't that bad for his age. Mum is going to ring the doctor first thing and get him in to see somebody, but just wondered if anybody had any experience of these things and could suggest anything as I'm really worried and very shaken up and tearful to be honest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 How awful and scary. To be honest I wouldn't wait until tomorrow I would seek medical assistance tonight. A & E perhaps. Sending hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Oh Diane, how awful for you and so worrying. Im sorry im so useless i dont know what to suggest hunni, hopefully someone more knowledgable will be along very soon to help you. {{Big Hugs}} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 How awful and scary. To be honest I wouldn't wait until tomorrow I would seek medical assistance tonight. A & E perhaps. Sending hugs. This has been going on, on and off for months so don't think mum would want to take him down to A and E as he gets so stressed about everything......he kept saying he didn't think much to being in his 80s and the sooner he's dead the better. It was so distressing to see him like that. I think if he had a bad session in the night, mum may well call an ambulance, but hopefully he'll be able to sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Sorry to hear it, Omletina. A trip to the Doc's sounds the best idea. He can be checked over and hopefully your minds put at rest. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 ..he kept saying he didn't think much to being in his 80s and the sooner he's dead the better. My 97 year old grandmother in law has been saying the same thing since she was about 80 and she is still going strong I hope he has a comfortable night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Sorry to hear it, that must be frightening for all concerned - do you think it might be some sort of allergy, if it happens with alcohol and particularly brandy? I hope the doctor can offer some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 Sorry to hear it, that must be frightening for all concerned - do you think it might be some sort of allergy, if it happens with alcohol and particularly brandy? I hope the doctor can offer some advice. It happens at other times, but I think the brandy brings it on as it's a very fumey spirit, if you know what it means. I once had a choking fit when I was drinking green ginger wine, which is a similar thing, it makes you go aaahhh sometimes if that makes sense. I'll make sure it's mentioned at the docs though. ....he may end up going with mum AND me at this rate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j00lz_12366 Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 It might be a good idea for you to go to the Doc with your mum and dad anyway-incase your mum forgets something-having met her I cant imagine it somehow but you could still be there for support-might also put your mind at rest to go with them. Would it help to give him an extra pillow tonight-might just be a silly idea tho. I'd also make sure your mum knows to ring for someone to come out if he has a bad turn. Hope he picks up again Take care Juliet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Have you heard how he is this morning yet hun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 He had a peaceful night and mum has got an appointment with the docs this morning so she's going with him. I'll call in to see what's what..... Thanks everybody for your comments and support, as ever x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Hope it goes well this morning hun, and you get some idea of what the problem is {{HUGS}} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Sorry to hear this Diane, fingers crossed that it's nothing worrying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 I hope your Dad gets on ok at the Drs and you all find out what is causing the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Ok, dad went to doctors this morning and he listened to his chest and wasn't happy with what he heard, he thought he may have a fungal infection in his lungs?! He sent him straight to hospital for an x ray and he's going back next week for the results. In the meantime he's on antibiotics in case it is an infection. He has asbestosis in his lungs from handling asbestos early in his plumbing working life. It's not life threatening in his case and has been static for some time, but it could be that the damage to his lungs has increased. Whatever way, the x rays will show more. He seemed quite jolly when I called in, and enjoying the attention (he wears his various ailments like trophies, with pride, so something new is to be enjoyed) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Pleased to hear that he is now being worked up and is on some treatment. Gosh aren't parents a worry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Hello, I am glad you got your Dad to the doctors and they are investigating for him, it is a worry when you dont know whats causing it. i thought I would reply to you becasue a very similar thing has happened to my MIL. She is in her early 60,s and last year she woke up in the night really struggling to breathe, she had to crawl to the bathroom and was coughing and trying to catch her breath, she said she was panicking and my FIL was on the verge of calling an ambulance as her lips were going blue, but then it seemed to get easier and she was able to breathe again. She wasnt wheezy like an asthma attack and hadnt been suffering any cold or cough so it came from out of the blue. the next day she suffered another one but this time didnt panic and again could breathe again after a short while. She attended the doctor who sent her for x-rays and to see a throat specialist as it would keep occuring every now and again and they out a camera down her throat to check for obstructions, none found. the funny thing is it can happen if she sneezes or coughs. She still occasionally gets it. The throat specialist said it seemed that her flap that closes off the tube to her lungs when you swallow and vice versa when you breathe was sticking with mucous. she cannot cough up phlegm for some reason and this makes it sticky. I dont know if there is a medical term for what she has but it is really scary to watch. I hope that your Dads problem is resolved for him. i just though I would post as I had never heard of this in anyone else, and it sounded so similar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Glad to hear the news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Just caught up with this - how scary for you all but I'm very glad to hear they've got to the bottom of it . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 He sounds a wreck and glad he's getting treatment. It could be phelgm or mucous from his diseased lungs making him choke but also he could have weak throat or vocal chords causing him to inhale food or drink causing this chest infection and choking. There are things he can do to ensure a safe swallow but guess if he's been drinking brandy he's not going to follow any advice he could be given. Things like sitting upright and lowering the chin when swallowing, not rushing drinks. If it happens again his GP can order video fluroscopy and refer him to a speech and language therapist that may prevent it happening again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyfeet Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Just popped on to check this thread - been thinking about him all day. So glad he's seen the GP and they are dealing, and that he is enjoying the attention - bless him! Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chick wiggle Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Oh im so glad hes been looked after now, lets hope its something the antibs can sort out {{hugs}} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 heavens - only just caught up with this poor Dad lots of love and hugs to you and mum, it must have been really scary. cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Good to hear that it it treatable. Hope your Mum is ok. She is a star. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
