I’m visiting my folks (dad caring for mum who has Alzheimer’s). Unfortunately mum is not having a good time. On Sunday night / Monday morning she was crying in pain according to dad. Monday night passed quietly (some crying with pain at about 6:00) but it settled down. Tuesday evening was similar. Tears around 6:00 due to pain in her tummy but settling down. Unfortunately at 3:30 am mum was screaming with tummy pain and wanting to die. An ambulance was called.
Mum was examined, blood, urine tests before being given morphine and being discharged.
Mum has been complaining of intense abdominal pain for at least 6 months. She’s had all sorts of tests (US scans, MRIs, etc) and nothing has been found. Three or four different doctors believe the pain to be an Alzheimer’s manifestation.
Mum takes paracetamol for her pain normally. She can be distracted from the pain (something I have learned today). To her, the pain is very real. She is screaming with it. The more I think about it, the more I think it’s psychosomatic. It’s linked with her mood. The happier and more content she is, the less pain she suffers.
Today, after the return from hospital, we discussed cancelling their Christmas holiday. They are due to go on a cruise and dad feared a medical evacuation would be needed if mum suffered the pain she suffered last night. As they would be travelling with my mum suffering a known condition he was concerned the travel insurance would fail to pay and he could be left with a colossal bill.
Mum was initially very upset and angry about the prospect of missing out on her holiday but eventually agreed, reluctantly that the holiday should be cancelled.
They went to the doctors to discuss how to continue with this intense pain issue and to get a certificate stating she isn’t fit to travel on the holiday so the insurance will cover the payment. The doctor however prescribed morphine as a “just in case” solution for mum’s pain and declared her fit enough to travel.
This made mum happy and since returning she’s been much more animated and chatty. No complaints of pain, although if anyone asks - it’s always there.
Does anyone else have experience of dementia sufferers experiencing pain where there is no physical explanation? Any tips on this point most welcome.
Mum was examined, blood, urine tests before being given morphine and being discharged.
Mum has been complaining of intense abdominal pain for at least 6 months. She’s had all sorts of tests (US scans, MRIs, etc) and nothing has been found. Three or four different doctors believe the pain to be an Alzheimer’s manifestation.
Mum takes paracetamol for her pain normally. She can be distracted from the pain (something I have learned today). To her, the pain is very real. She is screaming with it. The more I think about it, the more I think it’s psychosomatic. It’s linked with her mood. The happier and more content she is, the less pain she suffers.
Today, after the return from hospital, we discussed cancelling their Christmas holiday. They are due to go on a cruise and dad feared a medical evacuation would be needed if mum suffered the pain she suffered last night. As they would be travelling with my mum suffering a known condition he was concerned the travel insurance would fail to pay and he could be left with a colossal bill.
Mum was initially very upset and angry about the prospect of missing out on her holiday but eventually agreed, reluctantly that the holiday should be cancelled.
They went to the doctors to discuss how to continue with this intense pain issue and to get a certificate stating she isn’t fit to travel on the holiday so the insurance will cover the payment. The doctor however prescribed morphine as a “just in case” solution for mum’s pain and declared her fit enough to travel.
This made mum happy and since returning she’s been much more animated and chatty. No complaints of pain, although if anyone asks - it’s always there.
Does anyone else have experience of dementia sufferers experiencing pain where there is no physical explanation? Any tips on this point most welcome.