I really need legal advice to help my father, can anyone help?

garnuft

Registered User
Sep 7, 2012
6,585
0
Read your own link properly.

It clearly differentiates between opioids, NSAIDS(ibuprofen) and paracetamol.


Sent from my iPhone using Talking Point
 

Beate

Registered User
May 21, 2014
12,179
0
London
Please, I know I am on here and have ended up as punch bag, but I am not nor ever have been an idiot!
http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/opiateopioid-painkillers if you do not wish to click the link here it is:-


What are opiate/opioid painkillers?

Opiate/opioid painkillers are medicines with effects similar to opium. They act by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system. There are a large number of opiate/opioid medicines including codeine, morphine, dihydrocodeine, methadone, buprenorphine and diamorphine (also known as heroin). Opium comes from the flower of the opium poppy and has been used for many hundreds of years to treat pain, sleeplessness and diarrhoea. Increasingly the terms opiate and opioid are used interchangeably when referring to these drugs. Opiate is sometimes used to refer only to those drugs derived directly or indirectly from natural opium. However, they all act on the opioid receptor in the body.

Opiate painkillers are available either from doctors on prescription; or, in relatively low doses over-the-counter, at a pharmacy, combined with aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol. They are intended to be used for a limited period of time to treat pain that does not respond to standard effective painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Although opiate painkillers will vary in how powerful they are, they are all sedative painkillers that can depress the nervous system, and so slow down body functions and reduce physical and psychological pain. They can also be highly addictive.

Although they are normally safe to take if you follow your doctor’s/pharmacists instructions, some people who have used opiate painkillers regularly become dependent on them. If they are taken primarily to get high and to feel better, the risk of addiction will be greater.

The key effects and risks of opiate painkillers include:

Pain relief.
Feelings of well-being, relaxation and sleepiness.
Constipation.
Suppressed coughing.
Nausea, vomiting, sweating, itching, mood swings and feelings of lethargy
Addiction.
In overdose, breathing stops.

I very rarely say things I have not researched. I am trying to write accurate posts for other users to use.

Don't question me unless you know for sure.

Oh and moderators. I do not believe I have at any point said any thing offensive, abusive, inflamatory. No doubt you will ADVISE ACCORDINGLY.

Fueled with pain killers and now 2 glasses of wine. Life is presently swimming around me!:)

Well, I've read the above and it quite clearly says paracetamol is a standard painkiller:
"Opiate painkillers are available either from doctors on prescription; or, in relatively low doses over-the-counter, at a pharmacy, combined with aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol.They are intended to be used for a limited period of time to treat pain that does not respond to standard effective painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

I've actually been told that paracetamol is safe to give to just about everyone including the elderly and pregnant, and the painkiller of choice for people who can't always communicate pain accurately.

Plus, I can get OH to bed in under 15 minutes. His head hits the pillow, he's asleep.
 
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fizzie

Registered User
Jul 20, 2011
2,725
0
Well, I've read the above and it quite clearly says paracetamol is a standard painkiller:
"Opiate painkillers are available either from doctors on prescription; or, in relatively low doses over-the-counter, at a pharmacy, combined with aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol.They are intended to be used for a limited period of time to treat pain that does not respond to standard effective painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol.

I've actually been told that paracetamol is safe to give to just about everyone including the elderly and pregnant, and the painkiller of choice for people who can't always communicate pain accurately.

Plus, I can get OH to bed in under 15 minutes. His head hits the pillow, he's asleep.

Well i stand corrected and well done you but there is NO way that i could get my ma anywhere close to bed in under 45 minutes from table to wash, to sorting out legs etc. However, we didn't rush because I feel it is an important time before sleep to settle people and if Underwoods dad is already unhappy and unsettled then one would hope that the carers would take time and care and interest enough to do this at a measured pace. I spoke to a lady just yesterday who was almost in tears saying "why do they keep rushing at me, they rush, they make me hurry, I don't like it. It upsets me I like to take my time". What an awful reflection on our society that the speed of care is more important than love and tenderness. Just my opnion please don't shout at me!
 

underwood

Registered User
Oct 9, 2015
48
0
Nottingham
Well i stand corrected and well done you but there is NO way that i could get my ma anywhere close to bed in under 45 minutes from table to wash, to sorting out legs etc. However, we didn't rush because I feel it is an important time before sleep to settle people and if Underwoods dad is already unhappy and unsettled then one would hope that the carers would take time and care and interest enough to do this at a measured pace. I spoke to a lady just yesterday who was almost in tears saying "why do they keep rushing at me, they rush, they make me hurry, I don't like it. It upsets me I like to take my time". What an awful reflection on our society that the speed of care is more important than love and tenderness. Just my opnion please don't shout at me!

Hi Fizzie

Thank you :)
 

Shedrech

Registered User
Dec 15, 2012
12,649
0
UK
Underwood, are you OK?
Please be careful of mixing the painkillers and drink - not interested in suing you, just want to be sure you live to fight another day ;)
 

fizzie

Registered User
Jul 20, 2011
2,725
0
Hi Fizzie

Thank you :)

you are very welcome. Please don't get distressed. You have so much happening in your life and I can just feel how hard you are trying to make it alright for your family. Just keep going, just keep posting and keep feeling the love that we are sending out to you x
 

underwood

Registered User
Oct 9, 2015
48
0
Nottingham
OK so fueled with codiene and now 3 glasses of wine Oh yes folks, not only pig headed but a lush!

Paracetamol has caused a stir.

Try this!
Alzheimer’s Disease Or Paracetamol Side Effects?

Date: 19 April, 2013

Is there a link between Alzheimer’s symptoms and the use of paracetamol?

Paracetamol (acetaminophen), the widely used over-the-counter painkiller, is the wine gums of the drugs industry. People pop them on a daily basis without giving it a second thought.

Here at the Daily Health we’ve been warning you about the dangers of paracetamol for years. Frankly, this drug is anything but harmless.

Yet, it’s somewhat shocking to learn that paracetamol might be the cause of one of today’s most dreaded diseases.

Peeling back the meds

About 15 years ago, researchers investigating arthritis pain relievers noticed something odd. Paracetamol use appeared to be linked to Alzheimer’s risk.

That’s staggering. Especially when you consider that in a recent survey, one in five people said they were “heavy users” of the drug. Many said they took it EVERY day.

If the Alzheimer’s and dementia danger were ONLY in paracetamol, that would be a crisis. But according to a new Wall St. Journal report, it’s just one link in a long chain.

Make that a VERY long chain. More than 100 drugs can mimic dementia symptoms.

With some of these drugs, there’s no surprise. They have a direct effect on the brain.

Several sleep aids, tranquilizers, painkillers, and anti-psychotic drugs made the list. But also included are drugs for incontinence, acid-reflux, and blood pressure.

One doctor said that cognitive symptoms “vanish” in many cases when medication is stopped. He added… “I have had people referred to me with a clear history of dementia and when I started to peel back the medications, they were much better.”

Another specialist put it more bluntly… “Every Alzheimer’s expert living today has been fooled.”

You can say the same about many doctors. They dole out pills like sweets for their elderly patients. The result… A recent study found that 30 per cent of Alzheimer’s patients might be misdiagnosed.

If you’re the caretaker of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, talk to their doctor about this immediately. Reducing their medications might work a miracle.

Of course, Alzheimer’s patients who discontinue drugs may not find dementia relief.

Don’t despair. Many health issues also mimic Alzheimer’s, so there’s still hope.

Vitamin deficiency is common. Alzheimer’s patients are typically deficient in these nutrients…

* Calcium
* Iron
* Zinc
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin K
* Omega-3 fatty acids

Very low sodium levels presents another problem. How many elderly people do you know who avoid salt?

Um… ALL of them? Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration.

Three sodium deficiency symptoms are similar to dementia symptoms… confusion, fatigue, and poor balance.

Never accept an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis at face value. First try to eliminate all the other things that might contribute to your symptoms.

Cocodomol gets you talking, I wouldn't care I only fell 12 feet!!!! but shivver me timbers.
 
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Annie C

Registered User
Oct 14, 2015
43
0
Wales
Which paracetamol do the NHS use?

In case this is helpful ... I take Cocodamol on prescription, a combination of Codeine (an opioid) and Paracetamol (properly acetaminophen and not an opioid) ... the mechanism of action of the two is quite different which is why they can safely be combined. And yes, I do know for sure.

Edited to add that I am slightly confused by the dose you describe. There is a prescribed upper limit for paracetamol as just a small overdose can cause liver damage. The maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day.
 
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underwood

Registered User
Oct 9, 2015
48
0
Nottingham
In case this is helpful ... I take Cocodamol on prescription, a combination of Codeine (an opioid) and Paracetamol (properly acetaminophen and not an opioid) ... the mechanism of action of the two is quite different which is why they can safely be combined. And yes, I do know for sure.

Annie, thank you,
However, my father has a urinary infection.
Depending on which paracetamol and which derivatives, where do the NHS aquire their paracetamol from?
 

Beate

Registered User
May 21, 2014
12,179
0
London
OH wasn't on a single medication when he was diagnosed. Plus, he hardly ever takes painkillers. As with every medical article, read with caution.
Paracetamol is Paracetamol. Stop getting paranoid.
 

Annie C

Registered User
Oct 14, 2015
43
0
Wales
Annie, thank you,
However, my father has a urinary infection.
Depending on which paracetamol and which derivatives, where do the NHS aquire their paracetamol from?

I'm sorry, I have no idea where they source it. But I do know it is commonly prescribed to deal with the pain and discomfort of UTIs
 

underwood

Registered User
Oct 9, 2015
48
0
Nottingham
I'm sorry, I have no idea where they source it. But I do know it is commonly prescribed to deal with the pain and discomfort of UTIs

Thank you Annie, but the hospital discharged to the care home and there was no mention of him having UTI or delirium. SS knew about it 'bed blocking' but care home do not!
 

Annie C

Registered User
Oct 14, 2015
43
0
Wales
Thank you Annie, but the hospital discharged to the care home and there was no mention of him having UTI or delirium. SS knew about it 'bed blocking' but care home do not!

I'm not sure you understood me, UTI is Urinary Tract Infection. You did state he had/possibly still has a urinary infection?
 

theunknown

Registered User
Apr 17, 2015
433
0
I find this a very sad and disturbing thread. I will not add to the responses about what can be done as I have nothing new to add there. But it does strike me that this a cautionary tale in terms of the advisability of anyone promising anyone else that they will not end up in a care home. Such a promise may well be impossible to keep given that no-one can predict the future. I'm sure very many of us hope this laudable aim will be achieved but have realised that it might not, for any one of a number of reasons.

I agree with what you say stanley. I said to my mum that it wouldn't come to this, because we have two sheds and she could have one of those (joke obviously), but the fact that I said that meant that she knew that I didn't want her to end her life in a care home. I never thought it would come to that. However, if you get to that stage, and dementia is involved, it's taken out of your hands if the person involved is sectioned. The thing is, I now realise that there's no way she would still be safe without specialist care. She's in a closed dementia unit, but we can come and go as we please (she's never been diagnosed with dementia, but with 'irreversible cognitive impairment'). The thing is, several months down the line, I can't imagine my mum being able to be safe with relatives, never mind in her own home, and I didn't even realise there was a problem with this 'til Spring of this year.

In some ways I think I was lucky (as my mum's next of kin) that the choice was taken out of my hands. As for 'deprivation of liberty', it's a very emotive phrase. From what I've experienced, it's actually designed to make sure nobody is 'locked up' without very good reasons that can be challenged in court. The more the person (at least for now; who knows the way things are going) is deprived of liberty, the greater rights they have to legal representation.
 

underwood

Registered User
Oct 9, 2015
48
0
Nottingham
I'm not sure you understood me, UTI is Urinary Tract Infection. You did state he had/possibly still has a urinary infection?

I did Annie, I'm having a bad day. Fell 12 feet!
My father has had a UTI since June on and off, also a blood infection. Blood cleared, UTI 20 days ago was stil there when he was sent from hospital to care home. UTI not disclosed to care home!

I did understand, but am having a very bad day! Sorry:eek:
 

SerenaS

Staff Member
Apr 7, 2011
13,739
0
London
Hello everyone,

Some members may have noticed that this thread was temporarily closed last night. This action was taken to halt posting to the discussion, given the sensitivity of the discussion topic.

The vast majority of posts made to this discussion have been constructive and the topic has been of interest to a number of members. We have decided to reopen the thread so that the discussion can continue. We’d ask all members to please bear the sensitivity of the discussion topic in mind before posting and, as always, to ensure that you post within the rules of this forum which can be viewed here.

We will be keeping an eye on the discussion and I'm afraid if unhelpful or inappropriate posts are made, it may be necessary to close the discussion.

Thank you
 

Rageddy Anne

Registered User
Feb 21, 2013
5,984
0
Cotswolds
OH wasn't on a single medication when he was diagnosed. Plus, he hardly ever takes painkillers. As with every medical article, read with caution.
Paracetamol is Paracetamol. Stop getting paranoid.

Must echo Beate's input. My husband never took any medication of any sort and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which has progressed for several years. Only recently has he taken Paracetamol, and then only very occasionally.