Well, I got some answers today from the medical doctor. The increase in opiates is not controlling the pain, but is making confusion worse. They think C is focusing too much on the pain and that creates a vicious circle where she will not be able to shake off or overcome the real pain. I have seen her do that sort of thing over trivial conversations about what is in the newspaper or where I had been walking that day, so it made sense.
So, they are now talking to the mental health team about anxiety medication. I don't really want to add any more medication, but what members here report about dementia and anxiety meds it may help. I think some of you may disagree, so any advice welcome. That's just so I know what they are talking about when I next speak to someone on Monday or Tuesday.
The skin is beginning to heal slowly, so that is less of a worry and the OT is going to co-ordinate discharge with social services, community OT and care manager. She seemed genuinely keen after last week, so that's less to worry about.
If they can sort out the anxiety that has come with the pain over the past 5 months or so then I have to accept that as a good result in the circumstances.