Hi everyone, thanks to those who commented on my post about mum maybe getting home today. Unfortunately for her, that hasn't happened. In fact, we heard from the Consultant Psychiatrist who has decided he wants to keep her in for another couple of weeks at least.
The reason for this is because they've pretty much discounted Lewy body now that scan results are back, and now suspect Alzheimers. And, as I'm sure a lot of you here already know, there's some medication that can be given to a PWD who has Alzheimers, which can help to ease their symptoms a bit? So the Consultant wants to give that a go. However, one of the side effects of this drug is that it can sometimes cause heart issues, and as mum already has serious heart failure, they of course want to monitor her closely while she's on it. Hence keeping her in for 2 more weeks.
I'm not sure of the name of the drug, but I'm sure some of you will know what it is! What are your thoughts on it? Has it helped you/your PWD? It definitely sounds worth a try!
Mum was apparently very distressed at staying in hospital for another couple of weeks, so the Consultant had to make the decision to tell her that they suspect she has Alzheimers. We'd talked about keeping it from her, but he said she was so clearly upset and confused about why on earth they were keeping her there, that he had to explain the severity of her situation. He said she took it fairly well and did then reluctantly agree that she had to stay. I'm due to FaceTime with her soon (if they reply! the coordinator isn't always as helpful with these calls as we'd like). So I'll see how she is about it/if she remembers talking to him.
So it's disappointing for mum that she's not going home, but I'm pleased that we are now nearer a diagnosis and that they've got possible treatment that can help. I believe with LBD that's not an option.
I would assume - having just read up a bit on Alzheimers - that mum is nearing/at stage 2? Given the fact she's almost permanently in a state of delirium/confabulation and also hallucinating regularly?
Thanks again for your kind words earlier today...
The reason for this is because they've pretty much discounted Lewy body now that scan results are back, and now suspect Alzheimers. And, as I'm sure a lot of you here already know, there's some medication that can be given to a PWD who has Alzheimers, which can help to ease their symptoms a bit? So the Consultant wants to give that a go. However, one of the side effects of this drug is that it can sometimes cause heart issues, and as mum already has serious heart failure, they of course want to monitor her closely while she's on it. Hence keeping her in for 2 more weeks.
I'm not sure of the name of the drug, but I'm sure some of you will know what it is! What are your thoughts on it? Has it helped you/your PWD? It definitely sounds worth a try!
Mum was apparently very distressed at staying in hospital for another couple of weeks, so the Consultant had to make the decision to tell her that they suspect she has Alzheimers. We'd talked about keeping it from her, but he said she was so clearly upset and confused about why on earth they were keeping her there, that he had to explain the severity of her situation. He said she took it fairly well and did then reluctantly agree that she had to stay. I'm due to FaceTime with her soon (if they reply! the coordinator isn't always as helpful with these calls as we'd like). So I'll see how she is about it/if she remembers talking to him.
So it's disappointing for mum that she's not going home, but I'm pleased that we are now nearer a diagnosis and that they've got possible treatment that can help. I believe with LBD that's not an option.
I would assume - having just read up a bit on Alzheimers - that mum is nearing/at stage 2? Given the fact she's almost permanently in a state of delirium/confabulation and also hallucinating regularly?
Thanks again for your kind words earlier today...