hi all ,fallowing JIMS good day on the low dose ,yesterday was a step back. before i had chance to discusse this with the matron it seems they are switching him to diazapan as it stays in the body longer i found it difficult to undrstand what the non english doctor was saying ,and i am to attend the ward meeting next friday ,in the meantime any opinions on this drug.ANGELA
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- Thread starter angela.robinson
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Hi Angela
Jan's cocktail of medication includes:
Diazepam
Trazidone
Temazepam
Olanzapine
The Trazidone recently replaced Paroxitine.
But what can I say about Diazepam [aka Valium]? Nothing really, as with such a mixture of medications, mostly given when I'm not there, it is difficult to say. There is some information on the Diazepam on http://www.medicinenet.com/diazepam/article.htm
The list above has been developed over nearly four years in her care home and even the doctor said that no-one would have prescribed these things from day 1.
All I can say is that if they think the new medication will work, just try it - but watch out for how it affects him, and tell them to replace it if there are untoward results. It often takes a week or so for the medication to start to act withing the body, so unless there are immediate dire effects, just keep an eye on him.
Best of luck.
PS Jan had another bad seizure yesterday and when I got to the home, she had been dosed with extra Diazepam, and her whole face had sagged on the left side. I managed to get her looking more normal after holding her close on the floor of her 'soft room' for an hour but it is very disconcerting. I'm off soon to see how she is today.
Jan's cocktail of medication includes:
Diazepam
Trazidone
Temazepam
Olanzapine
The Trazidone recently replaced Paroxitine.
But what can I say about Diazepam [aka Valium]? Nothing really, as with such a mixture of medications, mostly given when I'm not there, it is difficult to say. There is some information on the Diazepam on http://www.medicinenet.com/diazepam/article.htm
The list above has been developed over nearly four years in her care home and even the doctor said that no-one would have prescribed these things from day 1.
All I can say is that if they think the new medication will work, just try it - but watch out for how it affects him, and tell them to replace it if there are untoward results. It often takes a week or so for the medication to start to act withing the body, so unless there are immediate dire effects, just keep an eye on him.
Best of luck.
PS Jan had another bad seizure yesterday and when I got to the home, she had been dosed with extra Diazepam, and her whole face had sagged on the left side. I managed to get her looking more normal after holding her close on the floor of her 'soft room' for an hour but it is very disconcerting. I'm off soon to see how she is today.
thanks bruce ,for the artical ,so sorry jan is having such a bad time was the increased diazepan befoe the seizure,or after it,JIM was not much calmer today ,but as you say ,it may need a little time ,ANGELA
seizure meds
is jan give diazapam (i know its the wrong spelling) to bring her out of a seizure, there is a new drug being used for this midazalam its easier to administer into the cheek the buccal area and works almost immediatly, as diazapam is usually administered rectally this new drug saves at least a little dignity.
is jan give diazapam (i know its the wrong spelling) to bring her out of a seizure, there is a new drug being used for this midazalam its easier to administer into the cheek the buccal area and works almost immediatly, as diazapam is usually administered rectally this new drug saves at least a little dignity.
hi all just got back from assesment ward ,JIM just a little calmer ,but became more aggitated as the afternoon wore on ,this i think was todo with other patents bacoming very noisy at least5 of them screaming and shouting they were all setting each other of ,but on top of this the telly was on very loud ,a film that was showing a part of the war ,this would be the last thing i would sit JIM down to watch ,as most of us know that dementia patents are frightend of noisy TV ,i asked the nurse if it was nessesary for it to be on too loud ,she said ,yes becouse a lot of the patents were deaf ?too bad for the rest then ,i think there was only one who was actualy watching it .i think they should be trying to provide a calm atmesphere?ANGELA
Yes Angela, I definately agree, how ridiculous to have loud war films on TV and I still sometimes find it difficult to deal with the shouting from other patients.
Some places (homes as well as hospitals) have quieter sitting rooms, instead of the main lounge, where you can go away from the noise for a while, or howabout sitting in Jim's room when you visit? Especially as he is calmer now, just pinch a chair or two from the lounge and make yourselves as comfortable as possible!
Jim could look out of the window (if the view is ok), you could take a radio in or small cd player and play the music you and he like - it helps drown out some of the other noise going on too.
Some places (homes as well as hospitals) have quieter sitting rooms, instead of the main lounge, where you can go away from the noise for a while, or howabout sitting in Jim's room when you visit? Especially as he is calmer now, just pinch a chair or two from the lounge and make yourselves as comfortable as possible!
Jim could look out of the window (if the view is ok), you could take a radio in or small cd player and play the music you and he like - it helps drown out some of the other noise going on too.
Hi Angela,
The loud TV thing with hospitals has always bugged me. After all, anyone needs rest ...... peace and quiet ..... if they are trying to get over being ill.
My poor father-in-law used to get really upset about things he saw on the news when he was in hospital ..... he'd think they referred to bad things happening to members of the family ..... but with no one actually sitting with him to gently tell him there was nothing wrong ...... he could often be in a state when you got in to visit him.
How I wish there was something 'one' could do (a campaign in the making???) after all, there are rest roooms if you want to watch telly? ...... much in the same way as I wish Jamie Oliver would do for hospital food what he's been doing for school dinners.
Do you have a walkman for him to use (would he use it???) ..... calming music to 'drown out' the row??
Take care,
Elaine
The loud TV thing with hospitals has always bugged me. After all, anyone needs rest ...... peace and quiet ..... if they are trying to get over being ill.
My poor father-in-law used to get really upset about things he saw on the news when he was in hospital ..... he'd think they referred to bad things happening to members of the family ..... but with no one actually sitting with him to gently tell him there was nothing wrong ...... he could often be in a state when you got in to visit him.
How I wish there was something 'one' could do (a campaign in the making???) after all, there are rest roooms if you want to watch telly? ...... much in the same way as I wish Jamie Oliver would do for hospital food what he's been doing for school dinners.
Do you have a walkman for him to use (would he use it???) ..... calming music to 'drown out' the row??
Take care,
Elaine
Hi Angela,
On Jim's assessment ward as well as the main lounge, there are litle nooks and crannies, one with tropical fish, one with 2 birds in a large aviary, and also a smaller lounge, when Jim could move around I always used to move him to a quieter area, but now because of his immobility we unfortunately have to sit in the main lounge, and yes it does get on my nerves because I struggle to understand what he is trying say, it doesn't bother Jim, because he is placed where he cannot see the screen, I presume so that he doesn't get agitated.
Doreen
On Jim's assessment ward as well as the main lounge, there are litle nooks and crannies, one with tropical fish, one with 2 birds in a large aviary, and also a smaller lounge, when Jim could move around I always used to move him to a quieter area, but now because of his immobility we unfortunately have to sit in the main lounge, and yes it does get on my nerves because I struggle to understand what he is trying say, it doesn't bother Jim, because he is placed where he cannot see the screen, I presume so that he doesn't get agitated.
Doreen
Hi All , Yes There Is A Quite Lounge To Sit In Or His Bedroom ,this Is What I Usualy Do ,but The Point Is, What About The Rest Of The Day When I Am Not There ,and Why Are The Proffesionals Not Aware Of The Effects Of Tv ,on Dementia Patents ,i Feel That I Am Fighting A Battle Every Step Of The Way ,why When Every Thing I Do At Home Is Geared To His Welfare And Comfort ,do I Have To Watch This Happening ,i Wish I Could Just Sit Back And Let Them Get On With There So Called Job ,but How Can I? .angela
It is all part of the hospitals and medics not understanding the nature of the disease. They feel that if they put the TV on and park patients/residents in front of it, then they can walk off and leave them to it.
Dementia patients simply take too much understanding and care for the 'professionals' to be able to cope - or even to take the time to understand.
There will be some exceptions of course, but looking at so many of the posts on TP will illustrate the generality.
Dementia patients simply take too much understanding and care for the 'professionals' to be able to cope - or even to take the time to understand.
There will be some exceptions of course, but looking at so many of the posts on TP will illustrate the generality.
your so right Bruce ,i am sure it is done to make life easier for staff ,but i am speaking about an assesment ward FOR dementia patents,on sat ,they were holding a sweepsteak ,and set everyone round to watch they laid on tidbits for them and thought they was doing something great ,i removed JIM and took him to the back of the room ,there was about2 patents fit to watch, i hate to be a killjoy ,but the mind boggles ,at some of the antics ,ANGELA
Hi Angela
I saw little difference between the dementia assessment ward that Jan was on and the descriptions of non-specialist places.
I arrived on her assessment ward on September 11 when the 9/11 story was unfolding. TVs were on loud and the patients stacked facing the horrors on TV.
I suppose that being employed to care for transient dementia assessment patients is a very challenging task and that the most difficult patients always get most attention, but I'd not use that in their defence.
The people in the care homes at least have the opportunity to build [or not] a long-term relationship with those in their care.
I saw little difference between the dementia assessment ward that Jan was on and the descriptions of non-specialist places.
I arrived on her assessment ward on September 11 when the 9/11 story was unfolding. TVs were on loud and the patients stacked facing the horrors on TV.
I suppose that being employed to care for transient dementia assessment patients is a very challenging task and that the most difficult patients always get most attention, but I'd not use that in their defence.
The people in the care homes at least have the opportunity to build [or not] a long-term relationship with those in their care.
It seems odd though, doesn't it, when us 'lay' people can see it and so-called professionals don't? May be it's the extra element of love in the care of our relatives? Or perhaps it all comes down to money - or lack of it, like nearly everything else?
Whatever the excuse it still seems wrong.
Whatever the excuse it still seems wrong.
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Hi Daughter
you are so right it is the element of love that makes the difference in the professionals and us.
They are detached ,can walk away or just put on the TV and opt out.
We take the trouble to try and understand AD and find how we can make life a little more bearable for the sufferer
We are a part of our cares lives,we share their lives day by day 24/7,we don't do a shift and forget it all ,until the next shift
We do what we do for love and not for financial gain,that's the difference in them and us.
Norman
you are so right it is the element of love that makes the difference in the professionals and us.
They are detached ,can walk away or just put on the TV and opt out.
We take the trouble to try and understand AD and find how we can make life a little more bearable for the sufferer
We are a part of our cares lives,we share their lives day by day 24/7,we don't do a shift and forget it all ,until the next shift
We do what we do for love and not for financial gain,that's the difference in them and us.
Norman
Hi all, think you've got it in one there Norm, totally agree with you, it's love that makes the difference. Love She. XX
I agree absolutely on the love aspect, and in reality, it is only we family that can give that sort of love, isn't it? It wouldn't be possible for a 'stranger' to do that.
What interests me is the difference in 'strangers'. That is, nurses or care staff. [even doctors!]
Some can clearly make some steps towards approaching the sort of care we would like them to provide. Others might as well be cardboard cut-outs.
What makes the difference there?
I guess we would call that compassion.
In Jan's home, there are many care assistants, and all are good, but there are perhaps six who are outstandingly so.
At a late stage in the illness - and I was told that is Jan's situation almost in passing last week by her doctor [of course I realised it myself, but they never think to tell us these things consciously, it seems] - there is often little anyone other than the spouse/child/parent can do.
Take Jan's situation yesterday. She has been much worse the past week since she had her last fit, the head cold, the bladder infection, the chest problems. Yesterday by the time I left her she seemed clearer in understanding and I think we may even have had a small conversation.
But when I arrived, all I could do to change her from being someone just laying on their side staring sightlessly at the walls was to get down there with her and hold her close and talk to her. After half an hour she then started to try and move, and she did manage to get on her hands and knees and eat a creme caramel I had taken in for her.
Now what person other than her husband could have done that? The care assistants aren't even permitted to pat her arm as that is termed abuse these days.
Of course, it is different at the later stages.
What interests me is the difference in 'strangers'. That is, nurses or care staff. [even doctors!]
Some can clearly make some steps towards approaching the sort of care we would like them to provide. Others might as well be cardboard cut-outs.
What makes the difference there?
I guess we would call that compassion.
In Jan's home, there are many care assistants, and all are good, but there are perhaps six who are outstandingly so.
At a late stage in the illness - and I was told that is Jan's situation almost in passing last week by her doctor [of course I realised it myself, but they never think to tell us these things consciously, it seems] - there is often little anyone other than the spouse/child/parent can do.
Take Jan's situation yesterday. She has been much worse the past week since she had her last fit, the head cold, the bladder infection, the chest problems. Yesterday by the time I left her she seemed clearer in understanding and I think we may even have had a small conversation.
But when I arrived, all I could do to change her from being someone just laying on their side staring sightlessly at the walls was to get down there with her and hold her close and talk to her. After half an hour she then started to try and move, and she did manage to get on her hands and knees and eat a creme caramel I had taken in for her.
Now what person other than her husband could have done that? The care assistants aren't even permitted to pat her arm as that is termed abuse these days.
Of course, it is different at the later stages.
Yes, next to love then I guess we're looking for compassion from all those who are involved in our relative's care. A little time and interest in them as individuals, it doesn't seem that much to ask for. (Although, having said that, I know I would be unable to do their job whatever the monetary reward).
I don't want this to sound trite, Bruce, but how lucky Jan is to have such a loving husband who makes such a difference to her day.
I don't want this to sound trite, Bruce, but how lucky Jan is to have such a loving husband who makes such a difference to her day.
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Hi Hazel
how nice to see your picture!
No, it doesn't sound trite at all.
Love, at its best, is a two way thing where you can't see the join because there is no join - you are one person in two bodies. I don't have a choice to make when I go and see Jan, we jointly do what we can to make things as good as they now can be.
Love also, if it works right, changes with circumstance and while it is no less a love, it just becomes different. So while we are still in law husband and wife, we're no longer really that, more parent and child now.
But love is love, isn't it?
PS £5 an hour is a typical rate for full time care workers. My garage charges £40 an hour [at least] to tinker with my car. The part time gardener who last year killed off my lawn charged me £12 an hour. There's something wrong with our valuation of things. Surely a car is not more important than a person?
how nice to see your picture!
No, it doesn't sound trite at all.
Love, at its best, is a two way thing where you can't see the join because there is no join - you are one person in two bodies. I don't have a choice to make when I go and see Jan, we jointly do what we can to make things as good as they now can be.
Love also, if it works right, changes with circumstance and while it is no less a love, it just becomes different. So while we are still in law husband and wife, we're no longer really that, more parent and child now.
But love is love, isn't it?
PS £5 an hour is a typical rate for full time care workers. My garage charges £40 an hour [at least] to tinker with my car. The part time gardener who last year killed off my lawn charged me £12 an hour. There's something wrong with our valuation of things. Surely a car is not more important than a person?
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