Instruction: My disease may have caused respiratory involvement.Hello, I am 28 years old male 165cm 22kg Malay. I have been diagnosed with rare disease named Congenital Fiber Type Disproportion Myopathy in 2010. I also suffered Combined Scoliosis and Lordosis and has to use wheelchair. The scoliosis made my left lung smaller than my right lung. I refused spine surgery as I deemed the risks outweighed the benefits. I discontinued medical checkup in 2011 as there's no other treatment available. My skeletal muscles is progressively weaken over the years. Since last month after recovered from a flu, I've been having daytime sleepiness despite 7-9 hours of sleep. I also frequently woke up from a dream with a headache. Rarely, I woke up choked or gasping for air. I also has multiple awakening at night. My Gp prescribed me with 0.25mg Alprazolam few days ago to help me sleep better. I did get uninterrupted sleep, but it did not help with daytime sleepiness. I stopped Alprazolam after I read about the withdrawal symptom. I planned to schedule an appointment with sleep specialist. I'm afraid my disease has respiratory involvement.

Output: Your post raises concern for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure  basically you skeletal disease causing chest wall restriction leading to hypoventilation. A benzo (such as alprazolam) would acutely worsen this, not surprised things got worse. Strongly recommend you see a pulmonologist asap. You probably need something like nocturnal BIPAP to blow off CO2 and improve your symptoms.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: My disease may have caused respiratory involvement.Hello, I am 28 years old male 165cm 22kg Malay. I have been diagnosed with rare disease named Congenital Fiber Type Disproportion Myopathy in 2010. I also suffered Combined Scoliosis and Lordosis and has to use wheelchair. The scoliosis made my left lung smaller than my right lung. I refused spine surgery as I deemed the risks outweighed the benefits. I discontinued medical checkup in 2011 as there's no other treatment available. My skeletal muscles is progressively weaken over the years. Since last month after recovered from a flu, I've been having daytime sleepiness despite 7-9 hours of sleep. I also frequently woke up from a dream with a headache. Rarely, I woke up choked or gasping for air. I also has multiple awakening at night. My Gp prescribed me with 0.25mg Alprazolam few days ago to help me sleep better. I did get uninterrupted sleep, but it did not help with daytime sleepiness. I stopped Alprazolam after I read about the withdrawal symptom. I planned to schedule an appointment with sleep specialist. I'm afraid my disease has respiratory involvement.. ### Response: Your post raises concern for chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure  basically you skeletal disease causing chest wall restriction leading to hypoventilation. A benzo (such as alprazolam) would acutely worsen this, not surprised things got worse. Strongly recommend you see a pulmonologist asap. You probably need something like nocturnal BIPAP to blow off CO2 and improve your symptoms..


Instruction: Can someone explain "respiratory failure" to me?30F, persistent pneumonia and shortness of breath. Sp02 sits at around 88 but as low as 50 on exertion.I have been treated at an outpatient clinic and visited by nurses daily, I have been given oxygen to use at home. My doctor said I have respiratory failure but I am unsure if this is just a general term, or if it means my lungs are dying, or something else?The term "failure" makes it seem serious/life threatening but I have not had anything explained to me.Should I be worried?

Output: Respiratory failure usually has a different meaning than being used here - what's the clinical situation causing this?Respiratory failure is often technically defined as either low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels due to your lungs not working as well as they should. You can have acute respiratory failure, like if you get pneumonia or have an asthma attack; you can also have more chronic respiratory failure where your lungs dont work as well in generallike with emphysema.Its hard to know whats going on in your exact condition and what the prognosis is without more informationbest thing to do is ask your doc.In your case respiratory failure is defined by your need for oxygen -- chronic hypoxic respiratory failure. "Failure" in this situation means your lungs aren't working well enough on their own to sustain your life, so you need the oxygen. If your lungs weren't failing you wouldn't need oxygen.Should I be worried?That's a very common question on this sub, and often it's not answerable over the internet. In your case I'd certainly be worried. It sounds like you are quite young for having developed chronic respiratory failure, and it doesn't sound like you have a clear diagnosis (probably meaning there isn't a clear treatment plan going forward). You should keep asking questions to your doctors until you get answers; and if you haven't seen a pulmonologist yet you should seek one out ASAP. "Persistent pneumonia" isn't a diagnosis.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Can someone explain "respiratory failure" to me?30F, persistent pneumonia and shortness of breath. Sp02 sits at around 88 but as low as 50 on exertion.I have been treated at an outpatient clinic and visited by nurses daily, I have been given oxygen to use at home. My doctor said I have respiratory failure but I am unsure if this is just a general term, or if it means my lungs are dying, or something else?The term "failure" makes it seem serious/life threatening but I have not had anything explained to me.Should I be worried?. ### Response: Respiratory failure usually has a different meaning than being used here - what's the clinical situation causing this?Respiratory failure is often technically defined as either low oxygen levels or high carbon dioxide levels due to your lungs not working as well as they should. You can have acute respiratory failure, like if you get pneumonia or have an asthma attack; you can also have more chronic respiratory failure where your lungs dont work as well in generallike with emphysema.Its hard to know whats going on in your exact condition and what the prognosis is without more informationbest thing to do is ask your doc.In your case respiratory failure is defined by your need for oxygen -- chronic hypoxic respiratory failure. "Failure" in this situation means your lungs aren't working well enough on their own to sustain your life, so you need the oxygen. If your lungs weren't failing you wouldn't need oxygen.Should I be worried?That's a very common question on this sub, and often it's not answerable over the internet. In your case I'd certainly be worried. It sounds like you are quite young for having developed chronic respiratory failure, and it doesn't sound like you have a clear diagnosis (probably meaning there isn't a clear treatment plan going forward). You should keep asking questions to your doctors until you get answers; and if you haven't seen a pulmonologist yet you should seek one out ASAP. "Persistent pneumonia" isn't a diagnosis..


Instruction: 27F Overweight  dizzy, nauseous, weak, sleepy, and seeing some black spots from time to time  respiratory acidosis?It's been a month since I've been having these weird symptoms  headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness (specially on the legs), faintness. I feel confused some times as well.I also have bad GI problems such as bad absorption, diarrea, and/or constipation depending on the date.After 5 trips to the ER with pain on the left part of my chest, and confirming that my heart was fine, all I got diagnosed with was anxiety and POTS.But today I did some blood tests and my Bicarbonate levels were low (20; normal range is 22-29).Could I have respiratory acidosis although my oxygen levels are 95% and up?Or is this more a metabolic thing?I do feel like I can't breathe properly recently.

Output: Your bicarbonate level is fine. It was maybe outside of the lab reference range, but it's nothing to worry about at all

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: 27F Overweight  dizzy, nauseous, weak, sleepy, and seeing some black spots from time to time  respiratory acidosis?It's been a month since I've been having these weird symptoms  headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness (specially on the legs), faintness. I feel confused some times as well.I also have bad GI problems such as bad absorption, diarrea, and/or constipation depending on the date.After 5 trips to the ER with pain on the left part of my chest, and confirming that my heart was fine, all I got diagnosed with was anxiety and POTS.But today I did some blood tests and my Bicarbonate levels were low (20; normal range is 22-29).Could I have respiratory acidosis although my oxygen levels are 95% and up?Or is this more a metabolic thing?I do feel like I can't breathe properly recently.. ### Response: Your bicarbonate level is fine. It was maybe outside of the lab reference range, but it's nothing to worry about at all.


Instruction: Sorry for doubting, but  Are you 100% sure? I have my doctor's appointment on Monday. I just want to know if this is something treatable, or if I should go to the ER.

Output: Yeah it's fine, not at all urgent.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Sorry for doubting, but  Are you 100% sure? I have my doctor's appointment on Monday. I just want to know if this is something treatable, or if I should go to the ER.. ### Response: Yeah it's fine, not at all urgent..


Instruction: I don't have kidney problems that I know of.But do you think my lungs are alright? Could it wait till Monday to check? I feel I can't breathe properly, but just because I'm terrified of not breathing properly.

Output: Youve been to the ER 5 times. I would assume they checked your oxygen levels and someone listened to your lungs.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I don't have kidney problems that I know of.But do you think my lungs are alright? Could it wait till Monday to check? I feel I can't breathe properly, but just because I'm terrified of not breathing properly.. ### Response: Youve been to the ER 5 times. I would assume they checked your oxygen levels and someone listened to your lungs..


Instruction: Yes, they have listened to my lungs several times, but they have never said anything bad there. My oxygen levels are always 95%+.I just had an abdominal ultrasound scan and aside from some fat in my liver and some bile salt in my vesicle, they didn't find anything. No comment on any acid in my stomach whatsoever.I also had a chest X-ray plaque and they didn't say anything bad was going on in my lungs.I have high uric acid  9.0 (limit is 5.7).Is it safe for me to sleep today and tomorrow and wait till my Monday appointment?

Output: Do you have kidney problems? Did anyone suggest baking soda or tums? Do you eat a lot of meat?

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Yes, they have listened to my lungs several times, but they have never said anything bad there. My oxygen levels are always 95%+.I just had an abdominal ultrasound scan and aside from some fat in my liver and some bile salt in my vesicle, they didn't find anything. No comment on any acid in my stomach whatsoever.I also had a chest X-ray plaque and they didn't say anything bad was going on in my lungs.I have high uric acid  9.0 (limit is 5.7).Is it safe for me to sleep today and tomorrow and wait till my Monday appointment?. ### Response: Do you have kidney problems? Did anyone suggest baking soda or tums? Do you eat a lot of meat?.


Instruction: Getting circumcised. What else can I say was done at work as an excuse?EDIT: Wow thanks for all the replies!TLDR: whats a fairly minor procedure with a ~2 week recovery time that I can say I had done instead of a circumcision?  Im a 34 year old male and I have to get circumcised for medical reasons (phimosis and frenuloplasty that didnt work)I have a physical job as a Paramedic, so will be on alternate duties in the office for a couple weeks. Ive done so before with a busted ankle.However Ill be working around people who are medically trained to various levels, and theres always ice breaker conversations about how you ended up in alternate duties. Well Id rather not tell Carol from accounts about my dong, so is there another procedure I could say I had done that isnt as embarrassing?I could say its none of your business or similar, but that might make things awkward and probably make it obvious its dick related.Im thinking of saying an inguinal hernia repair? Seems like a similar recovery time, a bit tender below the belt kinda thing??Any other ideas?Thanks docs!

Output: Tell people you had macropenis and that you had to have a surgical reduction, since it was just too big.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Getting circumcised. What else can I say was done at work as an excuse?EDIT: Wow thanks for all the replies!TLDR: whats a fairly minor procedure with a ~2 week recovery time that I can say I had done instead of a circumcision?  Im a 34 year old male and I have to get circumcised for medical reasons (phimosis and frenuloplasty that didnt work)I have a physical job as a Paramedic, so will be on alternate duties in the office for a couple weeks. Ive done so before with a busted ankle.However Ill be working around people who are medically trained to various levels, and theres always ice breaker conversations about how you ended up in alternate duties. Well Id rather not tell Carol from accounts about my dong, so is there another procedure I could say I had done that isnt as embarrassing?I could say its none of your business or similar, but that might make things awkward and probably make it obvious its dick related.Im thinking of saying an inguinal hernia repair? Seems like a similar recovery time, a bit tender below the belt kinda thing??Any other ideas?Thanks docs!. ### Response: Tell people you had macropenis and that you had to have a surgical reduction, since it was just too big..


Instruction: Doesn't HIPPA protect him from having to tell his work anything more than that it's a medical issue

Output: No, thats not HIPAA. HIPAA prevents healthcare providers from telling anyone at work if they ask. Your employer does have limited rights to information for sick leave and I think most privacy is under the ADA.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Doesn't HIPPA protect him from having to tell his work anything more than that it's a medical issue. ### Response: No, thats not HIPAA. HIPAA prevents healthcare providers from telling anyone at work if they ask. Your employer does have limited rights to information for sick leave and I think most privacy is under the ADA..


Instruction: Yes, that you're having surgery not what the surgery is for.The point was that their job has no right to ask specifics

Output: No. HIPAA is concerned with covered healthcare entities not disclosing your medical information to other people without your information. It doesn't address your coworkers asking about your surgeries.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Yes, that you're having surgery not what the surgery is for.The point was that their job has no right to ask specifics. ### Response: No. HIPAA is concerned with covered healthcare entities not disclosing your medical information to other people without your information. It doesn't address your coworkers asking about your surgeries..


Instruction: O I get that but that not the fkn point I'm trying to make.

Output: HIPAA does NOT protect him from his employer asking about medical conditions. This is more of an ADA issue if anything.HIPAA has nothing at all to do with this situation.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: O I get that but that not the fkn point I'm trying to make.. ### Response: HIPAA does NOT protect him from his employer asking about medical conditions. This is more of an ADA issue if anything.HIPAA has nothing at all to do with this situation..


Instruction: It does if they call my doctor to ask. Hippa protect any thing about my health being shared

Output: HIPAA says your doctor can't disclose that info. It doesn't say they can't call and ask.I can call and ask your doctor. If he tells me, he's committed a HIPAA violation. Not me.HIPAA has nothing to do with OP's responsibility (or lack thereof) to disclose medical information to his employer. Neither are HIPAA bound entities.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: It does if they call my doctor to ask. Hippa protect any thing about my health being shared. ### Response: HIPAA says your doctor can't disclose that info. It doesn't say they can't call and ask.I can call and ask your doctor. If he tells me, he's committed a HIPAA violation. Not me.HIPAA has nothing to do with OP's responsibility (or lack thereof) to disclose medical information to his employer. Neither are HIPAA bound entities..


Instruction: Inguinal hernia seems like a good excuse. Same region, common in men, not very invasive surgery similar to circumcision

Output: No, OP doesnt need an explanation, they said as much. But OP also said they would rather have a simple excuse on hand that doesnt raise any eyebrows rather than tell someone its none of their business and invite scrutiny. Some people are more comfortable with that than others.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Inguinal hernia seems like a good excuse. Same region, common in men, not very invasive surgery similar to circumcision. ### Response: No, OP doesnt need an explanation, they said as much. But OP also said they would rather have a simple excuse on hand that doesnt raise any eyebrows rather than tell someone its none of their business and invite scrutiny. Some people are more comfortable with that than others..


Instruction: I'm not sure, my dad had one and was advised no heavy lifting for six weeks post op

Output: I would say testicular torsionNo guy is asking any questions after that

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I'm not sure, my dad had one and was advised no heavy lifting for six weeks post op. ### Response: I would say testicular torsionNo guy is asking any questions after that.


Instruction: I disagree. If I didnt already know what it was, Id definitely ask what it is haha

Output: I think hernia is fine

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I disagree. If I didnt already know what it was, Id definitely ask what it is haha. ### Response: I think hernia is fine.


Instruction: One of my sons had to have surgical repair for penoscrotal webbing, sounds somewhat similar, and I also didnt feel comfortable blasting private details about that around casually. we made similar jokes about it being a penis reduction. But usually I just said he had a urological surgery/procedure and left it at that. If some asshole really tries to pry about details after that then they deserve the nunya response. Edited to add- he was about a year old when he had surgery, so different in that regard but still not comfortable telling people details about my babys private part situation

Output: Hernia repair is fine.However honestly if it was me, I would just be up front about it.You're having a medical procedure to correct a problem with your health, and your coworkers are healthcare workers.If carol from accounting gets nosey, just offer to show her before and after photos! (But don't really, because you would totally get in trouble.)

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: One of my sons had to have surgical repair for penoscrotal webbing, sounds somewhat similar, and I also didnt feel comfortable blasting private details about that around casually. we made similar jokes about it being a penis reduction. But usually I just said he had a urological surgery/procedure and left it at that. If some asshole really tries to pry about details after that then they deserve the nunya response. Edited to add- he was about a year old when he had surgery, so different in that regard but still not comfortable telling people details about my babys private part situation. ### Response: Hernia repair is fine.However honestly if it was me, I would just be up front about it.You're having a medical procedure to correct a problem with your health, and your coworkers are healthcare workers.If carol from accounting gets nosey, just offer to show her before and after photos! (But don't really, because you would totally get in trouble.).


Instruction: Dont tell them you are getting circumcised. Medical co-workers can be the worst.

Output: Thats your approach which is fine. But OP made it clear theyd be more comfortable if they just had an easy excuse that doesnt raise eyebrows. OP shouldnt have to explain themselves, but not everyone is comfortable with that.Id go with hernia.Is there a reason why you have to give the info in the first place?"I'm on alternate duties for medical reasons" should be more than enough for anyone who isn't your doctor. Honestly "I'm on alternate duties" with no further details whatsoever is a complete sentence already.You can say hernia repair if you want, not saying you can't, but it's a bit bizarre to me that you've been put in a position where you feel like you have to reveal more than you wanted to or make something up just for an ice breaker with Carol from Accounting. An ice breaker should be, like, "what tv shows are you watching recently" or "what's your favourite meal"! Not "please explain something potentially very personal".

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Dont tell them you are getting circumcised. Medical co-workers can be the worst.. ### Response: Thats your approach which is fine. But OP made it clear theyd be more comfortable if they just had an easy excuse that doesnt raise eyebrows. OP shouldnt have to explain themselves, but not everyone is comfortable with that.Id go with hernia.Is there a reason why you have to give the info in the first place?"I'm on alternate duties for medical reasons" should be more than enough for anyone who isn't your doctor. Honestly "I'm on alternate duties" with no further details whatsoever is a complete sentence already.You can say hernia repair if you want, not saying you can't, but it's a bit bizarre to me that you've been put in a position where you feel like you have to reveal more than you wanted to or make something up just for an ice breaker with Carol from Accounting. An ice breaker should be, like, "what tv shows are you watching recently" or "what's your favourite meal"! Not "please explain something potentially very personal"..


Instruction: NAD ... Tell'em you had a hysterectomy, and then grin and walk away.I get that you'll need to say something because people are like that. But it's not up to you to tell. I, personally, head for "humor" to shut it down.

Output: Since this has nothing of an actual repercussion medically, you could try saying something in line of abscess drainage or an excision of lipoma/sebaceous cyst, etc.,

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: NAD ... Tell'em you had a hysterectomy, and then grin and walk away.I get that you'll need to say something because people are like that. But it's not up to you to tell. I, personally, head for "humor" to shut it down.. ### Response: Since this has nothing of an actual repercussion medically, you could try saying something in line of abscess drainage or an excision of lipoma/sebaceous cyst, etc.,.


Instruction: Honestly, just say that you had to have a procedure done that you'd rather not talk about. I work in the medical field too and I have never had anyone push after saying that.

Output: Vasectomy, cord lipoma removal.Where I am, hernia repair earns you 4-6 weeks of light duties.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Honestly, just say that you had to have a procedure done that you'd rather not talk about. I work in the medical field too and I have never had anyone push after saying that.. ### Response: Vasectomy, cord lipoma removal.Where I am, hernia repair earns you 4-6 weeks of light duties..


Instruction: respiratory/co2/bipap/desatrespiratory/co2 retention/bipap/desatsHello everyoneI am a caregiver to my 47y male [5'11 155lbs, Caucasian, no alvohil quit smoking in 2020 after 22 years of cigarettes and lots of cannabis, on 60mg sildenafil 3x a day; inhaled treprostinal, b1, Folic acid, vit d, calcium, o2 and temporarily prednisone after hospital] partner with CHF, pulm hypertension, and copd emphysema. DX in 2018. Was put on 3L of o2 24/7 in 2020 and then May of this year began having frightening symptoms which turned out to be CO2 retention. He's been to the hospital 3x in 5 weeks, been intubated once and on hospital bipap twice. We have our own bipap bit it's part of the philips recall so until we became aware of this co2 problem, we weren't using it. The dr recommended we do as it was riskier without it.However everytime I would put him on it, he would desat 10-15% and hold there. I thought it was the machine, the mask, the toxic fumes from the recall, etc. I have now rented a machine, have a new mask, and when he got out of the hospital o2 sats were good while on it. However its now been 2 weeks, although using it every day and trying to keep him out of the hospital his CO2 has built back up judging by his symptoms.Been trying to use the bipap anyway and just fight to keep o2 sats up, had a mask leak the other day , finally got the new part and it doesn't seem to be leaking anymore but still he desats 30%, it seems like it takes some time (hr , hr and a half) to burn off the first layer of co2 before he can stabilize o2 sats so just been trying to get him over that hump.When o2% drops it seems to get stuck like airway is closed or diaphragm paralyzed! If I crank the o2, sometimes it works to help his sats cycle up, but mostly not. I haven't been able to keep Bipap on more than hhr at a time the last day as it drops under 80, and a couple times under 70. Trying to do some research and my theory was a bronchospasm but his inhalers (prosir snd combivent) and/or breathing treatment of a Ipratropium bromide/albuterol seem to make his sats worse than before use.Last night it cycled down to mid 70s on the bipap for the 5th or 6th time but wouldn't come up and I pulled him off, put him back on the cannula. However the spasm continued once he was off it, no matter how much I cranked the o2, it would cycle down to 70s or low 80s and sit there awhile. Then it might cycle up but fall right back down. He was making efforted breaths, with a high respiratory rate. Took ages before this cycle stopped and his o2 sats stabilized in 90s.My question is does this sound like a bronchospasm? Hypopnea? Paralyzed diaphragm? Just recently got a wellue o2 ring and have noticed so me drops to 78% out of nowhere, when he's just sitting and it will hold there for 10-30 seconds and then go up. I've actually noticed on the chart a couple days ago, it happened 3x, almost exactly 10 minutes apart while on bipap so was wondering if it was related to the heart cycle. Don't know if these events are even related/the same thing.Any insights? I can't keep him on the bipap/can't get out the co2 when I can't keep his o2 up!! I was gonna leave in the cannula and just hold the bipap mask up to his face tonight so it's easy to remove if o2 starts falling but still may help trigger some deep exhales to blow off co2? Is this a good idea or not? To kind of spot treat without strapping everything on that's difficult to get off, switch over to cannula if sats drop?I'm at the end of my rope, haven't slept more than 1 hr increments for months, i really don't want him going hmback to the hospital they always seem to break something else on him!! The drs cant understand the anount of damage to his lungs for his age/history. Are there diaphragm exercises to strengthen? Does it sound like a spasm? Any theories or information helps!

Output: Most likely the oxygen supply is decreased due to high pressures inside the mask during inspiration. Do you have a second oxygen supply and nasal cannula? If so, put on a nasal cannula under the BiPAP mask and run it at 8-15 L/min. This will help provide a higher amount of oxygen during inspiration.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: respiratory/co2/bipap/desatrespiratory/co2 retention/bipap/desatsHello everyoneI am a caregiver to my 47y male [5'11 155lbs, Caucasian, no alvohil quit smoking in 2020 after 22 years of cigarettes and lots of cannabis, on 60mg sildenafil 3x a day; inhaled treprostinal, b1, Folic acid, vit d, calcium, o2 and temporarily prednisone after hospital] partner with CHF, pulm hypertension, and copd emphysema. DX in 2018. Was put on 3L of o2 24/7 in 2020 and then May of this year began having frightening symptoms which turned out to be CO2 retention. He's been to the hospital 3x in 5 weeks, been intubated once and on hospital bipap twice. We have our own bipap bit it's part of the philips recall so until we became aware of this co2 problem, we weren't using it. The dr recommended we do as it was riskier without it.However everytime I would put him on it, he would desat 10-15% and hold there. I thought it was the machine, the mask, the toxic fumes from the recall, etc. I have now rented a machine, have a new mask, and when he got out of the hospital o2 sats were good while on it. However its now been 2 weeks, although using it every day and trying to keep him out of the hospital his CO2 has built back up judging by his symptoms.Been trying to use the bipap anyway and just fight to keep o2 sats up, had a mask leak the other day , finally got the new part and it doesn't seem to be leaking anymore but still he desats 30%, it seems like it takes some time (hr , hr and a half) to burn off the first layer of co2 before he can stabilize o2 sats so just been trying to get him over that hump.When o2% drops it seems to get stuck like airway is closed or diaphragm paralyzed! If I crank the o2, sometimes it works to help his sats cycle up, but mostly not. I haven't been able to keep Bipap on more than hhr at a time the last day as it drops under 80, and a couple times under 70. Trying to do some research and my theory was a bronchospasm but his inhalers (prosir snd combivent) and/or breathing treatment of a Ipratropium bromide/albuterol seem to make his sats worse than before use.Last night it cycled down to mid 70s on the bipap for the 5th or 6th time but wouldn't come up and I pulled him off, put him back on the cannula. However the spasm continued once he was off it, no matter how much I cranked the o2, it would cycle down to 70s or low 80s and sit there awhile. Then it might cycle up but fall right back down. He was making efforted breaths, with a high respiratory rate. Took ages before this cycle stopped and his o2 sats stabilized in 90s.My question is does this sound like a bronchospasm? Hypopnea? Paralyzed diaphragm? Just recently got a wellue o2 ring and have noticed so me drops to 78% out of nowhere, when he's just sitting and it will hold there for 10-30 seconds and then go up. I've actually noticed on the chart a couple days ago, it happened 3x, almost exactly 10 minutes apart while on bipap so was wondering if it was related to the heart cycle. Don't know if these events are even related/the same thing.Any insights? I can't keep him on the bipap/can't get out the co2 when I can't keep his o2 up!! I was gonna leave in the cannula and just hold the bipap mask up to his face tonight so it's easy to remove if o2 starts falling but still may help trigger some deep exhales to blow off co2? Is this a good idea or not? To kind of spot treat without strapping everything on that's difficult to get off, switch over to cannula if sats drop?I'm at the end of my rope, haven't slept more than 1 hr increments for months, i really don't want him going hmback to the hospital they always seem to break something else on him!! The drs cant understand the anount of damage to his lungs for his age/history. Are there diaphragm exercises to strengthen? Does it sound like a spasm? Any theories or information helps!. ### Response: Most likely the oxygen supply is decreased due to high pressures inside the mask during inspiration. Do you have a second oxygen supply and nasal cannula? If so, put on a nasal cannula under the BiPAP mask and run it at 8-15 L/min. This will help provide a higher amount of oxygen during inspiration..


Instruction: Yeah one of the doctors suggested that, we did try that a couple weeks ago and it didn't help, we didn't have a proper dual ventilation setup so the mask didn't seal as the cannula was in the way. When his CO2 is low he's able to stay above the 90s, even a few days ago when it was high but not too high, as long as I held the mask on when there was a leak he was staying in the 90s but given that this happens desat after the BiPAP is off I feel like there's some other explanation like his lungs are freaking out

Output: I have to disagree. I would try to find a dual ventilation setup to try.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Yeah one of the doctors suggested that, we did try that a couple weeks ago and it didn't help, we didn't have a proper dual ventilation setup so the mask didn't seal as the cannula was in the way. When his CO2 is low he's able to stay above the 90s, even a few days ago when it was high but not too high, as long as I held the mask on when there was a leak he was staying in the 90s but given that this happens desat after the BiPAP is off I feel like there's some other explanation like his lungs are freaking out. ### Response: I have to disagree. I would try to find a dual ventilation setup to try..


Instruction: I will try anything but respectfully how do you account for the desat cycle to 70s for an hr and a half after thr bipap is off?

Output: Could be entirely unrelated to the desaturation when putting the BiPAP on.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I will try anything but respectfully how do you account for the desat cycle to 70s for an hr and a half after thr bipap is off?. ### Response: Could be entirely unrelated to the desaturation when putting the BiPAP on..


Instruction: Yeah I'm wondering that, bc it just happened, just not as long or as low and he hasn't had the bipap on for 12 hrs. I'm wondering if the bipap exacerbates it but there's another issue like diaphragm or bronchospasm.

Output: I wouldn't think bipap would exacerbate it. I do think there's likely another reason for his desats, like bronchospasm. Not likely a diaphragm problem. Follow up with his doctor.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Yeah I'm wondering that, bc it just happened, just not as long or as low and he hasn't had the bipap on for 12 hrs. I'm wondering if the bipap exacerbates it but there's another issue like diaphragm or bronchospasm.. ### Response: I wouldn't think bipap would exacerbate it. I do think there's likely another reason for his desats, like bronchospasm. Not likely a diaphragm problem. Follow up with his doctor..


Instruction: If it is a broncospasm should the Ipratropium bromide/albuterol nebulizer treatment and/or proair albuterol inhaler and/or combivent inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/salbutamol) make it better or worse? I've read some conflicting things and the neb used to help his o2 sats , I would use it before bipap but now with the heavy co2 , all those treatments seem to make his sats worse by 5%+.

Output: It should make it better. It sounds like he's needs to see a doctor

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: If it is a broncospasm should the Ipratropium bromide/albuterol nebulizer treatment and/or proair albuterol inhaler and/or combivent inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/salbutamol) make it better or worse? I've read some conflicting things and the neb used to help his o2 sats , I would use it before bipap but now with the heavy co2 , all those treatments seem to make his sats worse by 5%+.. ### Response: It should make it better. It sounds like he's needs to see a doctor.


Instruction: I (63m) was diagnosed with ALS about 8 weeks ago. Needless to say, this has been a devastating diagnosis for me and for my spouse. Symptoms started 2 years ago with diffuse cramping, and minor dyspnea upon exertion. The cramping continued, then I developed more dyspnea, and then fine motor skill weakness in left>right hand. An EMG in March of this year showed major motor neuron issues, and the suspected MND was confirmed as ALS by two specialists. I am 5'9, 170 lb. I am on riluzole and Relyvrio, still waiting on the Radicava because the fucking insurance company is taking its sweet time and would probably prefer that I die in the meantime so that they don't have to pay for it. Here's my issue: my main symptom, which has slowly progressed, then more quickly starting in Feb of this year, is respiratory muscle weakness (diaphragm and chest wall muscles). I cannot breathe lying flat, and have to use a BiPap machine at night or I get hypercapnia. I am increasingly fatigued during the day, and often short of breath even just moving around the house or doing simple chores. I can walk a mile slowly, but have to take a break halfway, and it's taxing. I understand from my voluminous reading about this shitty disease that most people die from respiratory failure at the end, and that that is usually the last set of symptoms they get. Respiratory muscle weakness is more rare as a presenting symptom. Given that it's really the first major problem I am having, my fear is that it's going to be the thing that takes me out, and that it could happen rather quickly. I am trying to get my affairs in order, have an advanced directive on file with my PCP and am doing all other estate planning and power of attorney, etc., as fast as I can. I do not want tracheostomy or gastrostomy under any circumstances, I do not want to simply exist hooked up to machines. Quality of life is paramount, and my spouse has agreed to all of my wishes. We do not have children. How will it end when it ends? I am still relatively mobile and can use my limbs and hands, no real issues with voice or swallowing. I imagine that at some point I will simply not be able to breathe any more without the NIV, and that even that will not work at some point. What I am unsure of is what it looks like getting to that point, and what happens when I simply can't breathe any more and an NIV doesn't work. I want to go quietly and easily, without struggle. Do I state that I want continuous deep sedation at some point, and if so, when? Any guidance or feedback at all is welcome.

Output: One of the worst diseases. I'm so sorry OP.I can promise you that there is no reason you should in any way be suffering physically at the end of life. You will not stop receiving treatment. We cannot treat ALS but we can treat pain, shortness of breath and anxiety/fear very very effectively. Your ALS neurologist or pulmonologist should be able to put you in touch with a hospice program and I think talking to them may reassure you.Opiates for instance are almost always successful at relieving shortness of breath and pain. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for anxiety. These are given in doses of whatever you need to be comfortable. With a good hospice plan you should have nothing to worry about as far as untreated symptoms.The setting is also a consideration. Home hospice can be challenging mostly from a care standpoint. Often patients with ALS already have in place a high level of care at home and can stay there with a few hours a day of hospice nursing. If the nursing needs are significant or can't be met, the other option is to choose to do what is called inpatient hospice. This is in a setting that is more like a hotel than a hospital, visitation restrictions are (in general) quite relaxed, and there is 24 hour nursing care. They are very focused on quality end of life treatment.You are dealing with your own mortality and grief. This is more than enough. What you shouldn't be fearful of is feelings of pain or shortness of breath. I suggest meeting with the hospice people in the near future even if you are not yet ready for this. They can answer questions and plan about how you want this to be done.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I (63m) was diagnosed with ALS about 8 weeks ago. Needless to say, this has been a devastating diagnosis for me and for my spouse. Symptoms started 2 years ago with diffuse cramping, and minor dyspnea upon exertion. The cramping continued, then I developed more dyspnea, and then fine motor skill weakness in left>right hand. An EMG in March of this year showed major motor neuron issues, and the suspected MND was confirmed as ALS by two specialists. I am 5'9, 170 lb. I am on riluzole and Relyvrio, still waiting on the Radicava because the fucking insurance company is taking its sweet time and would probably prefer that I die in the meantime so that they don't have to pay for it. Here's my issue: my main symptom, which has slowly progressed, then more quickly starting in Feb of this year, is respiratory muscle weakness (diaphragm and chest wall muscles). I cannot breathe lying flat, and have to use a BiPap machine at night or I get hypercapnia. I am increasingly fatigued during the day, and often short of breath even just moving around the house or doing simple chores. I can walk a mile slowly, but have to take a break halfway, and it's taxing. I understand from my voluminous reading about this shitty disease that most people die from respiratory failure at the end, and that that is usually the last set of symptoms they get. Respiratory muscle weakness is more rare as a presenting symptom. Given that it's really the first major problem I am having, my fear is that it's going to be the thing that takes me out, and that it could happen rather quickly. I am trying to get my affairs in order, have an advanced directive on file with my PCP and am doing all other estate planning and power of attorney, etc., as fast as I can. I do not want tracheostomy or gastrostomy under any circumstances, I do not want to simply exist hooked up to machines. Quality of life is paramount, and my spouse has agreed to all of my wishes. We do not have children. How will it end when it ends? I am still relatively mobile and can use my limbs and hands, no real issues with voice or swallowing. I imagine that at some point I will simply not be able to breathe any more without the NIV, and that even that will not work at some point. What I am unsure of is what it looks like getting to that point, and what happens when I simply can't breathe any more and an NIV doesn't work. I want to go quietly and easily, without struggle. Do I state that I want continuous deep sedation at some point, and if so, when? Any guidance or feedback at all is welcome.. ### Response: One of the worst diseases. I'm so sorry OP.I can promise you that there is no reason you should in any way be suffering physically at the end of life. You will not stop receiving treatment. We cannot treat ALS but we can treat pain, shortness of breath and anxiety/fear very very effectively. Your ALS neurologist or pulmonologist should be able to put you in touch with a hospice program and I think talking to them may reassure you.Opiates for instance are almost always successful at relieving shortness of breath and pain. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for anxiety. These are given in doses of whatever you need to be comfortable. With a good hospice plan you should have nothing to worry about as far as untreated symptoms.The setting is also a consideration. Home hospice can be challenging mostly from a care standpoint. Often patients with ALS already have in place a high level of care at home and can stay there with a few hours a day of hospice nursing. If the nursing needs are significant or can't be met, the other option is to choose to do what is called inpatient hospice. This is in a setting that is more like a hotel than a hospital, visitation restrictions are (in general) quite relaxed, and there is 24 hour nursing care. They are very focused on quality end of life treatment.You are dealing with your own mortality and grief. This is more than enough. What you shouldn't be fearful of is feelings of pain or shortness of breath. I suggest meeting with the hospice people in the near future even if you are not yet ready for this. They can answer questions and plan about how you want this to be done..


Instruction: Upper respiratory culture came back and the results are confusing.I am a 33 year old female. Weight: 160 Height: 53 Medications: Modafinil Smoking: Yes, about a pack a day.Was seen at walk in clinic on the 9th of October for what appears to be a Virus. Swollen lymph node on the left side of my face, under my jaw and just to the left of my chin. Sore throat, dry cough, lethargy, headache, muscle pain, and fever that sticks around 101 and comes down occasionally. OTC wasnt really helping. On the fourth day of this now. Chest discomfort started today.Covid pcr came back negative. Rapid strep test came back negative.My upper respiratory culture came back today and these results are what is confusing me. I cannot get a hold of anyone at the clinic who can tell me something so attempting to get an idea of if I should continue to call or if its nothing.This is the only information on the culture.TEST: Upper Respiratory Culture1COLLECTED DATE/TIME: 10/9/22 8:30 PMFINAL REPORT: MANY MIXED RESPIRATORY FLORAINTERPRETIVE DATA: 1ALI Microbiology uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on the Bruker Microflex as its primary method for identifying bacteria and yeast. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ALI. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Output: Usual disclaimer: no one can provide specific medical advice for a person or condition without an in-person interview and physical examination, and a review of the available medical records and recent and past testing. This comment is for general information purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice. No physician-patient relationship is implied or established.MANY MIXED RESPIRATORY FLORAThis simply means that the bacteria found in your culture are typical bacteria found in everyone. No predominant pathogen (disease-causing organism) was found.Generally speaking, respiratory cultures of outpatients are not useful. Rarely do they produce actionable information.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Upper respiratory culture came back and the results are confusing.I am a 33 year old female. Weight: 160 Height: 53 Medications: Modafinil Smoking: Yes, about a pack a day.Was seen at walk in clinic on the 9th of October for what appears to be a Virus. Swollen lymph node on the left side of my face, under my jaw and just to the left of my chin. Sore throat, dry cough, lethargy, headache, muscle pain, and fever that sticks around 101 and comes down occasionally. OTC wasnt really helping. On the fourth day of this now. Chest discomfort started today.Covid pcr came back negative. Rapid strep test came back negative.My upper respiratory culture came back today and these results are what is confusing me. I cannot get a hold of anyone at the clinic who can tell me something so attempting to get an idea of if I should continue to call or if its nothing.This is the only information on the culture.TEST: Upper Respiratory Culture1COLLECTED DATE/TIME: 10/9/22 8:30 PMFINAL REPORT: MANY MIXED RESPIRATORY FLORAINTERPRETIVE DATA: 1ALI Microbiology uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on the Bruker Microflex as its primary method for identifying bacteria and yeast. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ALI. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes. It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.. ### Response: Usual disclaimer: no one can provide specific medical advice for a person or condition without an in-person interview and physical examination, and a review of the available medical records and recent and past testing. This comment is for general information purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice. No physician-patient relationship is implied or established.MANY MIXED RESPIRATORY FLORAThis simply means that the bacteria found in your culture are typical bacteria found in everyone. No predominant pathogen (disease-causing organism) was found.Generally speaking, respiratory cultures of outpatients are not useful. Rarely do they produce actionable information..


Instruction: My asthma is so badly controlled and my specialist isnt giving me other options, is there anything else I can try?Im 28F and Ive tried so many different asthma treatments and I constantly sound like this https://imgur.com/a/RkAF2MC , right now Im having no real bad coughing fits or terrible difficulty breathing, it gets worse but I really dont know what else I can do to just breath normal. This is what Ive tried with my pulmonologistVentolin Symbicort Spirivia Montelukast Xolair (stopped this bc side effects were bad) Dupixent (taking bi weekly)I take prednisone probably once a month at this stage.Ive seen an allergist and use all hypoallergenic products/bedding etc. I have an air purifier in my room. I wear a mask out doors because of air pollution in the city. Ive tried taking anti histamines and they dont make any difference.I dont or never haved smoked. I try to keep active and live a healthy lifestyle for the most part.What else can I do? My doctors not really giving me any more optionsHonestly all tips or advice is welcome.

Output: Asthma mimics need to be ruled out (vocal cord dysfunction, tracheobronchomalacia, ABPA, etc). If all else fails there may be some benefit from bronchial thermoplasty (but the overall benefit is somewhat unclear).

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: My asthma is so badly controlled and my specialist isnt giving me other options, is there anything else I can try?Im 28F and Ive tried so many different asthma treatments and I constantly sound like this https://imgur.com/a/RkAF2MC , right now Im having no real bad coughing fits or terrible difficulty breathing, it gets worse but I really dont know what else I can do to just breath normal. This is what Ive tried with my pulmonologistVentolin Symbicort Spirivia Montelukast Xolair (stopped this bc side effects were bad) Dupixent (taking bi weekly)I take prednisone probably once a month at this stage.Ive seen an allergist and use all hypoallergenic products/bedding etc. I have an air purifier in my room. I wear a mask out doors because of air pollution in the city. Ive tried taking anti histamines and they dont make any difference.I dont or never haved smoked. I try to keep active and live a healthy lifestyle for the most part.What else can I do? My doctors not really giving me any more optionsHonestly all tips or advice is welcome.. ### Response: Asthma mimics need to be ruled out (vocal cord dysfunction, tracheobronchomalacia, ABPA, etc). If all else fails there may be some benefit from bronchial thermoplasty (but the overall benefit is somewhat unclear)..


Instruction: Add Chrug strauss syndrome to the list too

Output: Sarcoidosis as well. Basically needs a full cardiac, pulmonary, and upper airway workup if youre failing this many treatments. I presume they had one if an allergist got Xolair approved, but you never know.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Add Chrug strauss syndrome to the list too. ### Response: Sarcoidosis as well. Basically needs a full cardiac, pulmonary, and upper airway workup if youre failing this many treatments. I presume they had one if an allergist got Xolair approved, but you never know..


Instruction: How does diaphragmatic breathing differ from typical respiration in an individual without underlying respiratory conditions?To my understanding, the lungs expand and contract as a function of the diaphragm/transverse abdominals contracting, as well as the contracting of the inner/outer intercostal muscles. As a musician who plays brass instruments, there is this phrase, "Breathe with your diaphragm" that gets passed around quite often, but I never really felt like I fully understood what that means from an anatomical standpoint, because wouldn't that imply that it's possible to breathe without the diaphragm, or that an otherwise normal breath is done without the diaphragm?I am aware of diaphragmatic breathing as a form of physical therapy for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but what benefits, if any, would it offer for an individual without such medical issues?Follow-up, would such exercises expand an individual's vital capacity/is it possible? I believe a person's TLC cannot be changed. All in all, there is a lot of information about breathing in the world of music education that is shared and taught without citation or concrete scientific basis and I wanted to get to the bottom of it all. Thanks!

Output: I am not in the world of music but you are correct. Inhalation is done with the diaphragm and accessory muscles as needed. I would guess that breathing with your diaphragm is more of a cue to take a solid expanded chest, stomach out breath as opposed to a weak, chest only inhalation. Again, basically a cue to get maximal amount of air in your lungs.And yeah I think it would be a stretch to say that exercising can increase total lung capacity. Maybe, but I cant imagine it is in any appreciable way.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: How does diaphragmatic breathing differ from typical respiration in an individual without underlying respiratory conditions?To my understanding, the lungs expand and contract as a function of the diaphragm/transverse abdominals contracting, as well as the contracting of the inner/outer intercostal muscles. As a musician who plays brass instruments, there is this phrase, "Breathe with your diaphragm" that gets passed around quite often, but I never really felt like I fully understood what that means from an anatomical standpoint, because wouldn't that imply that it's possible to breathe without the diaphragm, or that an otherwise normal breath is done without the diaphragm?I am aware of diaphragmatic breathing as a form of physical therapy for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but what benefits, if any, would it offer for an individual without such medical issues?Follow-up, would such exercises expand an individual's vital capacity/is it possible? I believe a person's TLC cannot be changed. All in all, there is a lot of information about breathing in the world of music education that is shared and taught without citation or concrete scientific basis and I wanted to get to the bottom of it all. Thanks!. ### Response: I am not in the world of music but you are correct. Inhalation is done with the diaphragm and accessory muscles as needed. I would guess that breathing with your diaphragm is more of a cue to take a solid expanded chest, stomach out breath as opposed to a weak, chest only inhalation. Again, basically a cue to get maximal amount of air in your lungs.And yeah I think it would be a stretch to say that exercising can increase total lung capacity. Maybe, but I cant imagine it is in any appreciable way..


Instruction: Does routine respiratory flora mean Im strep free?Age: 48Sex: femaleHeight: 5 8Weight: 150Race: whiteDuration of complaint: weekLocation: throatAny existing relevant medical issues: StrepCurrent medications: noneInclude a photo if relevantI was treated for strep but still felt a little sick so I asked for a other culture. The results came back routine respiratory flora. I cant get anyone at One Medical to respond/explain so I thought Id check here and see if that means Im ok or if something else is going on.

Output: It means you have the normal bacteria that grow in your mouth. As for whether or not you are improving from strep throat, the culture has no bearing on that.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Does routine respiratory flora mean Im strep free?Age: 48Sex: femaleHeight: 5 8Weight: 150Race: whiteDuration of complaint: weekLocation: throatAny existing relevant medical issues: StrepCurrent medications: noneInclude a photo if relevantI was treated for strep but still felt a little sick so I asked for a other culture. The results came back routine respiratory flora. I cant get anyone at One Medical to respond/explain so I thought Id check here and see if that means Im ok or if something else is going on.. ### Response: It means you have the normal bacteria that grow in your mouth. As for whether or not you are improving from strep throat, the culture has no bearing on that..


Instruction: please help, ive been having weird respiratory problems for 10 days and idk whats going on.25f smoker hi, for 10 days ive been coughing up THICK GREEN phelgm and/or blowing it out of my nose, especially at night. i wake up every 2 hours unable to breath until i clear it out. my throat is also sore at night but just from the phelgm irritation. its so much phelgm i go through 2 boxes of tissues a day. the first day i was sneezing a lot and then my nose was running for a few days and now the last couple days it seems worse, as its turned into a lot more coughing/occasional wheezing even in the day time. i have a post nasal drip too. sometimes my nose feels clogged and sometimes it feels dry. the mucus production has only increased with time. during the day its not very bad but at night its hell and the mucus is much darker and thicker. im only relatively comfortable if im completely standing. weirdly enough i have no other symptoms like fever or pain. just various respiratory issues. im worried i may have a bacterial infection because it has only gotten worse. what could this be? please helpEDIT: went to urgent care, had bacterial infection, on antibiotics now

Output: You are having a bad cold my friend, sounds like it might have progressed to sinusitis. This will get better on its own, use decongestants at night, aspirin and lozenges for throat pain.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: please help, ive been having weird respiratory problems for 10 days and idk whats going on.25f smoker hi, for 10 days ive been coughing up THICK GREEN phelgm and/or blowing it out of my nose, especially at night. i wake up every 2 hours unable to breath until i clear it out. my throat is also sore at night but just from the phelgm irritation. its so much phelgm i go through 2 boxes of tissues a day. the first day i was sneezing a lot and then my nose was running for a few days and now the last couple days it seems worse, as its turned into a lot more coughing/occasional wheezing even in the day time. i have a post nasal drip too. sometimes my nose feels clogged and sometimes it feels dry. the mucus production has only increased with time. during the day its not very bad but at night its hell and the mucus is much darker and thicker. im only relatively comfortable if im completely standing. weirdly enough i have no other symptoms like fever or pain. just various respiratory issues. im worried i may have a bacterial infection because it has only gotten worse. what could this be? please helpEDIT: went to urgent care, had bacterial infection, on antibiotics now. ### Response: You are having a bad cold my friend, sounds like it might have progressed to sinusitis. This will get better on its own, use decongestants at night, aspirin and lozenges for throat pain..


Instruction: Can anyone recommend some blood pressure medicines that dont cause respiratory issues?Im 25, Male, 6 and weigh 180lbs. Ive been taking Metoprolol since I was 13. I wasnt overweight, no heart defects or anything, just a genetic issue. My usual blood pressure without medication is 150/100. 25mg of Metoprolol ER brings it down to 120/80, and when Ive taken it in the past, 10mg of Lisinopril brings it down to 110/70.Ive always had bad allergies and congestion issues, and recently theyve been getting worse. Im seeing an ENT soon, but before then, I also have an appointment with my primary doctor. I suffer from pretty bad post-nasal drip which causes me to constantly clear my throat. Through research, Ive found that Beta blockers, as well as ACE inhibitors, are prone to cause asthma symptoms, congestion issues, and dry cough. Since my congestion and post nasal drip have become more problematic, Im looking to eliminate anything that might be contributing. Since there are so many different blood pressure medicines, I thought Id ask for some recommendations that are less prone to cause those side effects. So far Im leaning toward Losartan, and Ill be discussing these changes with my doctor this week. Thanks!

Output: Beta blockers can cause bronchoconstriction in people with asthma. You havent mentioned asthma, just congestion. Those are unrelated problems.ACE inhibitors like lisinopril increase bradykinin, which can produce a dry cough. Again, unrelated to post-nasal drip or congestion.Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine are often first line and dont have any respiratory effects, and ARBs like losartan dont increase bradykinin, so thats reasonable, but it doesnt sound too likely that your problems are related to medications.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Can anyone recommend some blood pressure medicines that dont cause respiratory issues?Im 25, Male, 6 and weigh 180lbs. Ive been taking Metoprolol since I was 13. I wasnt overweight, no heart defects or anything, just a genetic issue. My usual blood pressure without medication is 150/100. 25mg of Metoprolol ER brings it down to 120/80, and when Ive taken it in the past, 10mg of Lisinopril brings it down to 110/70.Ive always had bad allergies and congestion issues, and recently theyve been getting worse. Im seeing an ENT soon, but before then, I also have an appointment with my primary doctor. I suffer from pretty bad post-nasal drip which causes me to constantly clear my throat. Through research, Ive found that Beta blockers, as well as ACE inhibitors, are prone to cause asthma symptoms, congestion issues, and dry cough. Since my congestion and post nasal drip have become more problematic, Im looking to eliminate anything that might be contributing. Since there are so many different blood pressure medicines, I thought Id ask for some recommendations that are less prone to cause those side effects. So far Im leaning toward Losartan, and Ill be discussing these changes with my doctor this week. Thanks!. ### Response: Beta blockers can cause bronchoconstriction in people with asthma. You havent mentioned asthma, just congestion. Those are unrelated problems.ACE inhibitors like lisinopril increase bradykinin, which can produce a dry cough. Again, unrelated to post-nasal drip or congestion.Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine are often first line and dont have any respiratory effects, and ARBs like losartan dont increase bradykinin, so thats reasonable, but it doesnt sound too likely that your problems are related to medications..


Instruction: I previously had an inhaler because I was waking up in the middle of the night not breathing. Did a sleep study and no apnea. I also go through episodes where I feel like theres so much mucus in my throat I cant breathe, but I always attributed that to anxiety.

Output: At that dose, metoprolol specifically is selective for the receptors in the heart and should not affect your lungs at all. At doses above 100mg/day is when I'd be concerned. (Other beta-blockers vary in their effect on asthma but metoprolol is a better one).As for Lisinopril I echo what the physician above said. It only causes dry cough and that would usually appear very early on when you take it. No effect on congestion.I personally had bad post nasal drip and congestion. Seeing a specialist helped so I'd suggest waiting for the ENT appointment.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I previously had an inhaler because I was waking up in the middle of the night not breathing. Did a sleep study and no apnea. I also go through episodes where I feel like theres so much mucus in my throat I cant breathe, but I always attributed that to anxiety.. ### Response: At that dose, metoprolol specifically is selective for the receptors in the heart and should not affect your lungs at all. At doses above 100mg/day is when I'd be concerned. (Other beta-blockers vary in their effect on asthma but metoprolol is a better one).As for Lisinopril I echo what the physician above said. It only causes dry cough and that would usually appear very early on when you take it. No effect on congestion.I personally had bad post nasal drip and congestion. Seeing a specialist helped so I'd suggest waiting for the ENT appointment..


Instruction: Can someone be more prone to respiratory infections?Almost every year without fail, I get an upper respiratory infection. Every spring it starts out seemingly as allergies, an itchy nose and throat, sneezing, etc. then it slowly makes its way down and I get a respiratory infection. I dont know why but it just always happens without fail. One year it got so bad that I started to have fluid buildup in my lungs and had to have a lot of antibiotics. This year its quickly getting bad but I just moved recently so I dont have a doctor, barely productive cough that tastes like blood/nasty and some chest heaviness along with fatigue and a hoarse voice/white spots on tonsils.No one else seems to have problems like this, so I was wondering if some people are just more prone to stuff like this? Ive gotten them constantly no matter what environment Im in, and it always quickly gets really bad. Even during my childhood I got them really bad, and I had RSV as a kid. Usually I dont get any answers, its just yeah you have an infection, heres antibiotics.Other than this Im a completely healthy 21 year old female, no existing conditions and no medications other than melatonin.

Output: Note: I am not a pulmonologist.Having had pneumonia in the past, you are more vulnerable to getting pneumonia recurrently. You might want to consult a pulmonologist to see if there's something else going on. Asthma, chronic bronchitis, reactive airways disease, and a few other less common causes of seasonal/recurrent respiratory illness might underlie your problem. Also, because you've had recurrent respiratory illnesses, you should get annual flushots and update other immunizations. If you smoke or vape, the best thing you could do is quit. Inhaled substances are not prudent if you are prone to respiratory illnesses.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Can someone be more prone to respiratory infections?Almost every year without fail, I get an upper respiratory infection. Every spring it starts out seemingly as allergies, an itchy nose and throat, sneezing, etc. then it slowly makes its way down and I get a respiratory infection. I dont know why but it just always happens without fail. One year it got so bad that I started to have fluid buildup in my lungs and had to have a lot of antibiotics. This year its quickly getting bad but I just moved recently so I dont have a doctor, barely productive cough that tastes like blood/nasty and some chest heaviness along with fatigue and a hoarse voice/white spots on tonsils.No one else seems to have problems like this, so I was wondering if some people are just more prone to stuff like this? Ive gotten them constantly no matter what environment Im in, and it always quickly gets really bad. Even during my childhood I got them really bad, and I had RSV as a kid. Usually I dont get any answers, its just yeah you have an infection, heres antibiotics.Other than this Im a completely healthy 21 year old female, no existing conditions and no medications other than melatonin.. ### Response: Note: I am not a pulmonologist.Having had pneumonia in the past, you are more vulnerable to getting pneumonia recurrently. You might want to consult a pulmonologist to see if there's something else going on. Asthma, chronic bronchitis, reactive airways disease, and a few other less common causes of seasonal/recurrent respiratory illness might underlie your problem. Also, because you've had recurrent respiratory illnesses, you should get annual flushots and update other immunizations. If you smoke or vape, the best thing you could do is quit. Inhaled substances are not prudent if you are prone to respiratory illnesses..


Instruction: Morphine and breastfeeding21f, in Ontario Canada, breastfeeding a 8 month old. Is there any safe amount of morphine I can take for pain while breastfeeding?

Output: Morphine is generally safe and has low transfer through breast milk.However, make sure youve maxed out your Tylenol first. 650 mg every six hours can go a long way towards pain relief.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Morphine and breastfeeding21f, in Ontario Canada, breastfeeding a 8 month old. Is there any safe amount of morphine I can take for pain while breastfeeding?. ### Response: Morphine is generally safe and has low transfer through breast milk.However, make sure youve maxed out your Tylenol first. 650 mg every six hours can go a long way towards pain relief..


Instruction: Thank you for this! Is 650every six hours the max dose for Tylenol? I do not want to take narcotics but sometimes it seems like the only wait to get the pain to a point I can function.

Output: Max dose is 1000 mg every six hours, but I think you have diminishing returns after 650 mg. Plus, wouldnt go too much higher with breast feeding.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Thank you for this! Is 650every six hours the max dose for Tylenol? I do not want to take narcotics but sometimes it seems like the only wait to get the pain to a point I can function.. ### Response: Max dose is 1000 mg every six hours, but I think you have diminishing returns after 650 mg. Plus, wouldnt go too much higher with breast feeding..


Instruction: Can I wait this out? I dont want to go to urgent care35F 140lbs. Been having what I assume is an upper respiratory type infection for like 3 days. Coughing up green mucus, from sinuses too. Its thick and sticky. Taking mucinex daily and drinking a lot of water. No fever.My husband insists I go to urgent care because of the green thick mucus situation. I have no fever, can I just wait this out and see if it gets worse in a few days? I dont want to be put on antibiotics by a doctor if its just a virus.

Output: If only 3 days in and not having fever or really bad facial pain, I have no reason to think that you have a sinus infection instead of just a viral upper respiratory infection. I don't think urgent care is warranted in this situation.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Can I wait this out? I dont want to go to urgent care35F 140lbs. Been having what I assume is an upper respiratory type infection for like 3 days. Coughing up green mucus, from sinuses too. Its thick and sticky. Taking mucinex daily and drinking a lot of water. No fever.My husband insists I go to urgent care because of the green thick mucus situation. I have no fever, can I just wait this out and see if it gets worse in a few days? I dont want to be put on antibiotics by a doctor if its just a virus.. ### Response: If only 3 days in and not having fever or really bad facial pain, I have no reason to think that you have a sinus infection instead of just a viral upper respiratory infection. I don't think urgent care is warranted in this situation..


Instruction: No bad facial pain. Just coughing up mucus from the chest. Im assuming from dripping down my throat

Output: Yep, sounds like a nasty virus. Hydration is going to be key.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: No bad facial pain. Just coughing up mucus from the chest. Im assuming from dripping down my throat. ### Response: Yep, sounds like a nasty virus. Hydration is going to be key..


Instruction: Ongoing respiratory issuesLast week I started coming down with what felt like a cold. But my chest was aching very bad (under left breast and into back) and was having a hard time breathing. Gave it a few days to sort itself out but it got worse, ended up in the urgent care with a fever, cough , chest pains. Was coughing up brown, green and blood tinged mucus. Did X-ray.. doctor said they saw bronchial cuffing but radiologist stayed X-ray was all clear (confusing..) doc put me on a zpac and Im on day 3 of 5. Im still having chest pain, low grade fever and coughing up blood, and green mucous. I am a smoker and noticed after I smoke I feel horrible with chest pains and sweating.. going to ride it out another day if I am still unwell tomorrow should I go to er for another chest X-ray? Nervous about lung issues/as a ct scan awhile back showed partially collapsed lung and lung nodules. I dont feel that the antibiotic has been helping Much. Im a 27yo female so I feel Im sort of young for any serious issues

Output: Another chest x-ray this soon is probably not going to show anything different. Infections take time to clear, at this point I would recommend continuing the antibiotic and waiting. If your symptoms haven't started to improve after the last day of the antibiotic, then consider going back in for a reassessment. Also, smoking really diminishes the lungs ability to fight infections. I would recommend quitting smoking.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Ongoing respiratory issuesLast week I started coming down with what felt like a cold. But my chest was aching very bad (under left breast and into back) and was having a hard time breathing. Gave it a few days to sort itself out but it got worse, ended up in the urgent care with a fever, cough , chest pains. Was coughing up brown, green and blood tinged mucus. Did X-ray.. doctor said they saw bronchial cuffing but radiologist stayed X-ray was all clear (confusing..) doc put me on a zpac and Im on day 3 of 5. Im still having chest pain, low grade fever and coughing up blood, and green mucous. I am a smoker and noticed after I smoke I feel horrible with chest pains and sweating.. going to ride it out another day if I am still unwell tomorrow should I go to er for another chest X-ray? Nervous about lung issues/as a ct scan awhile back showed partially collapsed lung and lung nodules. I dont feel that the antibiotic has been helping Much. Im a 27yo female so I feel Im sort of young for any serious issues. ### Response: Another chest x-ray this soon is probably not going to show anything different. Infections take time to clear, at this point I would recommend continuing the antibiotic and waiting. If your symptoms haven't started to improve after the last day of the antibiotic, then consider going back in for a reassessment. Also, smoking really diminishes the lungs ability to fight infections. I would recommend quitting smoking..


Instruction: My neighbor (36M) dropped dead in front of me. I failed to resuscitate him. Hoping to get better understanding of his cause of death.This happened a month ago and Im sorry if this isnt the right place but it was a traumatic event for me and I think having some potential logical explanations might help me move on.My neighbor (who I didnt know at all really) was a 36 year old male, slightly overweight. He worked construction I believe. I was out front of my house when his truck drove down and he kind of pulled into his parking space a bit erratically but I didnt think much of it and was busy with my daughters. After what felt like a couple minutes (but was actually 12 mins according to my security camera), another neighbor screamed and said hes not breathing and asked me for help. I called 911 and immediately helped get him out of his truck and onto his back. He was blue. Me and another man took turns doing chest compressions until rescue arrived. They were able to get a pulse back but he ended up dying a week later.He and his wife had a brand new baby. They dont speak English and so when I asked her what had happened she told me as best she could that it was not a heart attack. That it was respiratory arrest. That he had a form of syncope.I actually have syncope myself (neurocardiogenic syncope and take beta blockers) and didnt want to ask any further questions. Just wondering how such a young guy can go from driving one second to just not breathing the next. As far as I know, my doctors have never told me I might just faint one day and stop breathing as a result. Im guessing this is a different kind of syncope. Just wondering if anyone knows of any possible reasons?Edit: I wasnt expecting so many responses and am so grateful. There are so many potential causes of death I hadnt thought of. Its really moving hearing so many doctors and paramedics share their own stories of losing patients and the emotional ramifications. Thank you. Im going to absolutely pursue counseling.Ive had a couple people message me about his widow and baby. I wanted to update that Ive been doing my best to help them. I got a fair amount of baby gear donated and my husband and I bought her enough groceries for a month as well as a $200 gift card to the grocery store. I also printed photos (which I got from her sister) of him and his baby on archival quality paper and framed them as a gift for them. They were already struggling before he died and both out of work. It seems like since his death, a lot of family has arrived to help her out too.And lastly, it wasnt covid (luckily). Its been a month and I already tested negative.

Output: Just chiming in to reinforce what has been said. We can't tell you exactly what happened, because we can't know without a lot more information. However, we can say a few things.Seeing someone die is always a hard thing to deal with. The first death we all saw in our careers stay with us, even when doing CPR becomes a routine thing, and if you ask the majority of us we'll be able to tell you what happened in detail, even after quite a few years. It does get easier though, once you realise that the person you were trying to resuscitate needed resuscitation in the first place; they were dying without your intervention and you did all you could to try and change the outcome from what was already going on. In your specific case, the fact that you kept pumping his blood for him well enough for paramedics to get a return to circulation means you did a good job of it.You should consider talking to a counselor about this. It is definitely a big thing to process, and it's normal to struggle with it. We usually get a debrief from our seniors after a death, and getting to talk it over with someone who can help you unpack it all is quite helpful.Also, know that there are various different kinds of syncope, and the kind you have doesn't cause an increase in your risk of sudden death.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: My neighbor (36M) dropped dead in front of me. I failed to resuscitate him. Hoping to get better understanding of his cause of death.This happened a month ago and Im sorry if this isnt the right place but it was a traumatic event for me and I think having some potential logical explanations might help me move on.My neighbor (who I didnt know at all really) was a 36 year old male, slightly overweight. He worked construction I believe. I was out front of my house when his truck drove down and he kind of pulled into his parking space a bit erratically but I didnt think much of it and was busy with my daughters. After what felt like a couple minutes (but was actually 12 mins according to my security camera), another neighbor screamed and said hes not breathing and asked me for help. I called 911 and immediately helped get him out of his truck and onto his back. He was blue. Me and another man took turns doing chest compressions until rescue arrived. They were able to get a pulse back but he ended up dying a week later.He and his wife had a brand new baby. They dont speak English and so when I asked her what had happened she told me as best she could that it was not a heart attack. That it was respiratory arrest. That he had a form of syncope.I actually have syncope myself (neurocardiogenic syncope and take beta blockers) and didnt want to ask any further questions. Just wondering how such a young guy can go from driving one second to just not breathing the next. As far as I know, my doctors have never told me I might just faint one day and stop breathing as a result. Im guessing this is a different kind of syncope. Just wondering if anyone knows of any possible reasons?Edit: I wasnt expecting so many responses and am so grateful. There are so many potential causes of death I hadnt thought of. Its really moving hearing so many doctors and paramedics share their own stories of losing patients and the emotional ramifications. Thank you. Im going to absolutely pursue counseling.Ive had a couple people message me about his widow and baby. I wanted to update that Ive been doing my best to help them. I got a fair amount of baby gear donated and my husband and I bought her enough groceries for a month as well as a $200 gift card to the grocery store. I also printed photos (which I got from her sister) of him and his baby on archival quality paper and framed them as a gift for them. They were already struggling before he died and both out of work. It seems like since his death, a lot of family has arrived to help her out too.And lastly, it wasnt covid (luckily). Its been a month and I already tested negative.. ### Response: Just chiming in to reinforce what has been said. We can't tell you exactly what happened, because we can't know without a lot more information. However, we can say a few things.Seeing someone die is always a hard thing to deal with. The first death we all saw in our careers stay with us, even when doing CPR becomes a routine thing, and if you ask the majority of us we'll be able to tell you what happened in detail, even after quite a few years. It does get easier though, once you realise that the person you were trying to resuscitate needed resuscitation in the first place; they were dying without your intervention and you did all you could to try and change the outcome from what was already going on. In your specific case, the fact that you kept pumping his blood for him well enough for paramedics to get a return to circulation means you did a good job of it.You should consider talking to a counselor about this. It is definitely a big thing to process, and it's normal to struggle with it. We usually get a debrief from our seniors after a death, and getting to talk it over with someone who can help you unpack it all is quite helpful.Also, know that there are various different kinds of syncope, and the kind you have doesn't cause an increase in your risk of sudden death..


Instruction: I cant like this enough.I havent been authorized by the mods of this sub, but I want you to know that every death is a tragedy to medical professionals. Regardless if youre prepared for it or not, its hard to deal with losing someone. Even if you know your patient is terminal, it still hurts to have it end in death.You did everything you could, and MORE than most would do.Im so sorry you had this experience, but please know that you reacted stronger and better than a huge majority of people would.

Output: every death is a tragedy to medical professionals. Regardless if youre prepared for it or not, its hard to deal with losing someone. Even if you know your patient is terminal, it still hurts to have it end in death.Truth. As an oncologist, I have just grown numb to losing a patient. It still feels like a stab in my heart every time.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I cant like this enough.I havent been authorized by the mods of this sub, but I want you to know that every death is a tragedy to medical professionals. Regardless if youre prepared for it or not, its hard to deal with losing someone. Even if you know your patient is terminal, it still hurts to have it end in death.You did everything you could, and MORE than most would do.Im so sorry you had this experience, but please know that you reacted stronger and better than a huge majority of people would.. ### Response: every death is a tragedy to medical professionals. Regardless if youre prepared for it or not, its hard to deal with losing someone. Even if you know your patient is terminal, it still hurts to have it end in death.Truth. As an oncologist, I have just grown numb to losing a patient. It still feels like a stab in my heart every time..


Instruction: Hey man, just wanted to let you know that youre a great person for venturing into such a difficult field. Take care of yourself.

Output: Thank you

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: Hey man, just wanted to let you know that youre a great person for venturing into such a difficult field. Take care of yourself.. ### Response: Thank you.


Instruction: That's totally how I felt reading this. OP, you did amazing. I knocked myself out at work last year and all people could do was run around screaming. You were nervous but composed and did an amazing thing keeping him as best as you could until the paramedics arrived.OP, I am really proud of you, not only for your quick action but also for your caring. We can't save everyone but the people who try make me proud to be human.

Output: Know that you did everything that you could. Don't feel guilty. He might've had cardiac issues that resulted in cardiac arrest. Likewise, things such as OD cannot be ruled out either.When I was a resident, events like this often triggered me to have a meltdown. I'd feel guilty. Why couldn't I have saved that man or woman during that code blue? At the end of the day, we have to realize that death is a part of life. Of course, I learned this over time as a young doctor. Sometimes we cannot resuscitate an individual no matter how hard we try even if there is a crash cart with all the emergency supplies right next to us.

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: That's totally how I felt reading this. OP, you did amazing. I knocked myself out at work last year and all people could do was run around screaming. You were nervous but composed and did an amazing thing keeping him as best as you could until the paramedics arrived.OP, I am really proud of you, not only for your quick action but also for your caring. We can't save everyone but the people who try make me proud to be human.. ### Response: Know that you did everything that you could. Don't feel guilty. He might've had cardiac issues that resulted in cardiac arrest. Likewise, things such as OD cannot be ruled out either.When I was a resident, events like this often triggered me to have a meltdown. I'd feel guilty. Why couldn't I have saved that man or woman during that code blue? At the end of the day, we have to realize that death is a part of life. Of course, I learned this over time as a young doctor. Sometimes we cannot resuscitate an individual no matter how hard we try even if there is a crash cart with all the emergency supplies right next to us..


Instruction: I go to therapy once a week for a different reason, but the one thing that helps with closure with traumatic instances is EMDR. Its like what op said, but instead of writing the event out, you work with a therapist and say the event until you feel safer. I always hold these things in my hand, as we go through the event little by little, hell ask me one to ten how do I feel (about what I just talked about) and tell me to just focus on that and well do a set. The thing in my hand (dont know what its called) will start vibrating in my hands (think like hand held massagers that were popular in the 90s ish. Its not big, but it buzzes and vibrates in your hand. Does that make sense?) Its so soothing, and I always feel like I am slightly floating and turning. Absolutely not in a way you would high. Then he would stop and ask what I notice now? I would explain the next part and repeat. When we had to stop for the day (or week, depending how often you went) he would ask 1-10 how I was feeling, do a set and I would gently open my eyes. We would do this until I felt comfortable enough to feel like the incident was more safe in my mind.ETA: I forgot to mention, in the beginning of the session, he would show me a list of emotions and ask which one could best describe my feelings of the event at that moment. Then ask 1-10 of my emotion. We would then do a set before he asked me what I noticed from the event.Every appointment, he would ask if I felt like processing that session. Sometimes you need a break, and thats okay. You still have someone to share anything you feel comfortable sharing who is a third party. He also started the processesing session showing me emotions, asking how I felt 1-10 and I could share starting with the beginning from last session, or where I left off. The whole point is to talk about the event on your terms and process how you need to.

Output: Realized I havent let myself process what happened.It will take time; don't be afraid to seek help from a therapist. Just know that you did everything right. Thank you.I just wanted to thank you for doing CPR on this guy. You did a good job, it's so important that people try to resuscitate a patient in this situation. Sometimes it wont work depending on the underlying disease. But that's not your fault. You guys did the right thing!

Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Instruction: I go to therapy once a week for a different reason, but the one thing that helps with closure with traumatic instances is EMDR. Its like what op said, but instead of writing the event out, you work with a therapist and say the event until you feel safer. I always hold these things in my hand, as we go through the event little by little, hell ask me one to ten how do I feel (about what I just talked about) and tell me to just focus on that and well do a set. The thing in my hand (dont know what its called) will start vibrating in my hands (think like hand held massagers that were popular in the 90s ish. Its not big, but it buzzes and vibrates in your hand. Does that make sense?) Its so soothing, and I always feel like I am slightly floating and turning. Absolutely not in a way you would high. Then he would stop and ask what I notice now? I would explain the next part and repeat. When we had to stop for the day (or week, depending how often you went) he would ask 1-10 how I was feeling, do a set and I would gently open my eyes. We would do this until I felt comfortable enough to feel like the incident was more safe in my mind.ETA: I forgot to mention, in the beginning of the session, he would show me a list of emotions and ask which one could best describe my feelings of the event at that moment. Then ask 1-10 of my emotion. We would then do a set before he asked me what I noticed from the event.Every appointment, he would ask if I felt like processing that session. Sometimes you need a break, and thats okay. You still have someone to share anything you feel comfortable sharing who is a third party. He also started the processesing session showing me emotions, asking how I felt 1-10 and I could share starting with the beginning from last session, or where I left off. The whole point is to talk about the event on your terms and process how you need to.. ### Response: Realized I havent let myself process what happened.It will take time; don't be afraid to seek help from a therapist. Just know that you did everything right. Thank you.I just wanted to thank you for doing CPR on this guy. You did a good job, it's so important that people try to resuscitate a patient in this situation. Sometimes it wont work depending on the underlying disease. But that's not your fault. You guys did the right thing!.