Mum (who has VD) was diagnosed with very low red blood cell count, severe anaemia possibly due to an internal bleed. It was considered as an urgent case and she was referred to hospital for a series of exploratory tests.
The tests have not been going well.
The first one - a camera up the back end was fine
the 2nd one - an endoscopy - camera down the throat - didn't happen. She was prepped okay and the nurse was pretty good and explained the procedure 4 times showing diagrams etc. but when the consultant tried to insert the tube into Mum's throat - even though she had been given sedation - she refused.
The next set was for a virtual colonoscopy CT. The preparation for this was horrendous. Had to spend two days with strong laxatives and a very restricted diet. I was prepared - having bought disposable aprons, gloves and soak up pads. The night before we were due to start ( Friday)Mum wasn't very well - she claimed she was feeling very blumpy!
Had to resort to calling 999 in the end as was getting no where with GP. He was supposed to phone me back but after an hour still hadn't. It was Friday evening so I began to panic.
The paramedic who came was brilliant. He fully understood dementia and my concerns. He wasn't bothered that I may have wasted his time. Mum had a very high temperature and a viral infection was suspected. She was prescribed with a course of anti biotics.
The paramedic said not to go ahead with the prep for the CT as Mum wasn't strong enough.
On the Monday morning I phoned the hospital to cancel the CT scan and explained why. The nurse said that there were different tests that could be carried out that would be easier for someone with dementia to cope with. They hadn't been told that she had dementia - aren't GP's wonderful!! I should hear within a few days. After a week I phoned the hospital again to find out what was happening to be told that the consultant had decided that the alternative tests would not be suitable and he had referred the case back to the GP. Oh joy!!
This was over a week ago and I have not heard a word from the GP
Should I chase it?
I have been led to believe that it is likely that the internal bleed may be caused by a cancer and that this would probably not be treated anyway.
Should I put Mum through a series of tests that will not be easy for her if there won't be an end result?
It is very hard when you have to decide on behalf on someone else.
Mum is 79.
Our GP is adamant that Mum will understand if we just explain things clearly enough!!
The tests have not been going well.
The first one - a camera up the back end was fine
the 2nd one - an endoscopy - camera down the throat - didn't happen. She was prepped okay and the nurse was pretty good and explained the procedure 4 times showing diagrams etc. but when the consultant tried to insert the tube into Mum's throat - even though she had been given sedation - she refused.
The next set was for a virtual colonoscopy CT. The preparation for this was horrendous. Had to spend two days with strong laxatives and a very restricted diet. I was prepared - having bought disposable aprons, gloves and soak up pads. The night before we were due to start ( Friday)Mum wasn't very well - she claimed she was feeling very blumpy!
Had to resort to calling 999 in the end as was getting no where with GP. He was supposed to phone me back but after an hour still hadn't. It was Friday evening so I began to panic.
The paramedic who came was brilliant. He fully understood dementia and my concerns. He wasn't bothered that I may have wasted his time. Mum had a very high temperature and a viral infection was suspected. She was prescribed with a course of anti biotics.
The paramedic said not to go ahead with the prep for the CT as Mum wasn't strong enough.
On the Monday morning I phoned the hospital to cancel the CT scan and explained why. The nurse said that there were different tests that could be carried out that would be easier for someone with dementia to cope with. They hadn't been told that she had dementia - aren't GP's wonderful!! I should hear within a few days. After a week I phoned the hospital again to find out what was happening to be told that the consultant had decided that the alternative tests would not be suitable and he had referred the case back to the GP. Oh joy!!
This was over a week ago and I have not heard a word from the GP
Should I chase it?
I have been led to believe that it is likely that the internal bleed may be caused by a cancer and that this would probably not be treated anyway.
Should I put Mum through a series of tests that will not be easy for her if there won't be an end result?
It is very hard when you have to decide on behalf on someone else.
Mum is 79.
Our GP is adamant that Mum will understand if we just explain things clearly enough!!