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My Grandmother; A Long Update
Topic Started: Jan 16 2008, 04:48 PM (966 Views)
DropTheGloves
Schooling
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Hello Everyone,

I kind of disappeared for a bit with everything going on, but I thought I'd post an update for anyone who might be curious how things are going.

My grandmother entered the hospital on New Year's Day and was discharged to a nursing home/rehab facility on Friday. According to the doctors who treated her at the hospital she doesn't have Alzheimer's. What they think is that she has Dementia brought on by a serious kidney infection. This is what was/is causing the confusion and wandering and what not. We were aware that she had a kidney stone, but were unaware or we just didn't think that an infection might have set in. She had several small stones removed, but she has a large one that needs ESWL to remove it.

Now, while in the hospital she was having her "sundowning" issues so she spent most nights in restraints and sedated :no: They did find a sitter to stay in the room with her and that seemed to help. We had issues with the medication, mostly she refused to take it. So they tried giving it to her through an IV. Well... She kept pulling the IV out :sigh: SO they put a pick line in.

Now onto the nursing home! According to the nurses the first night was HORRIBLE. She was trying to bribe everyone there with money to get her out, she and another woman tried to "escape" together and she spent the whole night sitting out in the hall because she was too nervous to sleep.

They've been experimenting with different medications. The first one they tried her on was for bi-polar and schizophrenia (sp?) OH MY. She was out of her mind, seeing colors and birds and her eyes were as big as saucers. We looked at the medication website and it says right on it that this medication is not recommended for patients with dementia??? Why would the doctor put her on that? Anyway we had the nursing home doctor look at her and asked him about putting her on a medication used for Alzheimer's. She started it today so we'll see if we see any change in her.

My Mom is itching to bring her home. I'd like for her to at least get the 20 days in to try and get her as strong as possible. She can't do anything without assistance and I don't know if she will be able to do anything without assistance. My Mom and I have kinda been butting heads about it. She's very hopeful and optimistic and I'm always worst case scenario. I don't know, I guess we'll just have to play it by ear and see how things unfold.

I'll try to update when I can and if you read all this give yourself a cookie!
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Black Tack
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:hug: Geesh Drop, you must be exhausted. It sounds like quite the rollercoaster ride of worry. I sure hope they find meds to help her out. Hang in there kiddo and thanks for the update :hug:
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3Bays
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Oh, Drop, my heart goes out to you.

My father had a very similar experience and also from kidney infection! Also, same nightmare at a nursing home.

There was NO way we could bring him home and care for him...waaaay too many reasons why not. And, the nursing home was just not doing it right for him...so, we talked to a social worker from our health insurance company and got referred to a DIFFERENT nursing home...moved him there (oh, what a story!) and by gosh, those guys got it right...and in a few weeks they latched onto the RIGHT meds (good docs on board there) and my dad was SO DIFFERENT by then.

Like your grandmom, my dad had some wild experiences and reactions to the first set of meds and there are so many stories of what happened to/with him due to that.

If your grandmom isn't settling well, you may need a different doc or team to help her.

I'm with you...I'm unsure that your mom can handle what is going on, at least right now.

Can you talk to the family doctor about all this and see if there is any other option or if you can get a more hands on review of the situation before your mom just brings your grandmom home?

It's really difficult if someone is out of control...and it can be dangerous to all involved. Go carefully in this!

And, I will send you my prayers and healing thoughts to you, your mom and especially your grandmom. :candle: Hugs to you all! :hug:
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pony4me
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I'm not a doctor, but I'd keep her on the Alzheimer's medication, and on meds to clear up the kidney infection. If the kidney infection was causing the dementia (and I don't think it was) the meds will clear it up and she'll be all better. If not, maybe the Alzheimer's meds will help some. I'd try to keep her in the nursing home for at least two weeks to see if anything helps. You or your mom may have to spend a lot of time there. When my mother in law was in a nursing home we tried to come for meal times just to help her eat. We found that the nursing home staff and administrators were generally very caring people, but most places are understaffed. Good luck, and thanks for the update.
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naters
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I would actually discuss taking her off the ALZ meds, it can cause cloudyness in their minds if not actually ALZ.

My grandfather and family are dealing with the EXACT same issues as the OP right now, right down to the kidney infection, rehab place, almost home....so jingles....

Talked to my mom, who is in family practice, and taking a leave of absence to care for my grandfather..... Kidney infections do cause increased dementia. Also, VASCULAR dementia might play a part in your grandmothers case.

Is she on Aricept??? Try loosing that drug from the mix....
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Fish Cheeks
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:hug: I have no experience to share, but want to offer my biggest jingles to you and your family!!! :luck:
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Brydelle Farm
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Jingles for your grandma, you and your entire family!! I know this is difficult, my grandma and my husband's grandma have both been through very similar experiences in last year...it is tough on everyone.

Hang in there!!
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Neighland
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Jingles!! :D
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DropTheGloves
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The doctors at the hospital think she had underlying dementia and the infection just blew it up. She's on anitbiotics and she just started the Aricept yesterday.

I think my Mom has backed off bringing her home right now after watching some of her physical therapy today. She is still quite weak and lost her balance somewhat easily, but on the positive side she's walking quite well with the aid of a walker. I think my Mom is commited to keeping her there for the 20 days that Medicare pays for and seeing how she is then.

The doctor we're using now (just switched to him once she arrived at the nursing home) was actually my Dad's primary care doctor and he seems straight forward and honest. One thing he did say though was that if we didn't see any improvement in her in a week to bring her home. I'm not sure what he means by that, if keeping her there would make her worse or if he thinks she might improve by being at home, I don't know.

On a horsie related note, when it was nice and warm last week and I was able to get some rides in and my old boy was full of piss and vinegar as usual :P We were jumping small cross rails and little verticals and he was cracking his back over them like the were 3'6" oxers. Silly boy. Today it's snowing and he and my Moms horse are tearing around the field acting stupid. They are so good at taking your mind off things even for a little bit.
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Brydelle Farm
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I am glad that you got some time to just enjoy yourself and your horses, keep doing that, you need to take care of yourselves in order to be able to take care of your grandma.

There are pros and cons of having an elderly parent/grandparent at home with you or living in an appropriate facility, whether it be assisted living or full nursing care......not everyone can have them at their home, one isn't better or worse than the other, just different.

Jingles for all of you!!
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DropTheGloves
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A turn for the worse.

She's been unresponsive the last 2 days, sleeping all the time and unable to talk. She's refusing food and medication. I think we're going to bring her home Monday and contact hospice. If her time is near she's going to be at home surrounded by those that love her.
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seal harbor
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I'm so very sorry DTG. I do hope that things turn around for her once she is home. :hug:
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pony4me
We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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I'm very sorry. Maybe being home is what she needs. If not, hospice is a good choice. She may never be able to thank you and your mom for always being there for her, but believe me, you are very much appreciated.
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OTF
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DropTheGloves, I'm so sorry to hear your grandmother is not doing well. This is a very trying time for you and your family. We're all thinking of you, your mom, and grandma. A big :hug: :hug: :hug: for each of you.
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3Bays
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May I ditto what OTF said so eloquently, and add my prayers and positive, supportive thoughts to you, your mom, your grandmother and whole family. Hospice can be a very positive step if your grandmother needs that kind of support. :candle: :rose:

And, yes, you and your mom both need to take care of yourselves and each other. Many hugs to you! :hug: :hug: :hug:
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