Some of you may remember that my Mum had a chest infection back in January, which was treated with antibiotics. Since then, she has never been right. Her chest has been really bad and, mentally, she has been steadily declining. When she had her assessment at the memory clinic two weeks ago, her score had gone down from 11 to 7. The consultant thought this may have been affected by her infection.
I have had her back at our GP's twice, wanting to check if the infection had returned. Each time I was assured it hadn't. The last time, a couple of weeks ago, I was assured it was the "residue" of an infection, should clear up soon and no, it wouldn't account for the worsened confusion.
I was offered an inhaler but, in view of the fact that it wasn't really bothering my Mum, the doctor preferred that she didn't have one. After my Mum's wheezing got worse last week, I did get the inhaler, although it wasn't easy to use. My Mum can't understand at times about breathing in, or out, and just tends to hold her breath!
This morning I had to take my Mum to our local walk-in centre. She could hardly get her breath. The nurse put her on a nebuliser and then we waited to see the doctor. He was very thorough and diagnosed an infection! He has prescribed antibiotics and steroids (30mg per day) for one week. He has also given us an attachment to use with the inhaler, making it more likely that my Mum will actually feel the benefit of it. If I am at all concerned that my Mum's breathing has got worse, or there is any sign of blood, the doctor was insistent that I call the centre or dial 999.
Sorry this is all so long-winded, but I am beginning to understand what so many of you have gone through (and are still going through) in relation to getting these infections diagnosed and treated. I am feeling really angry although, even now, I am wondering if it is possible that this infection has only just appeared. Am I being naive?
My Mum's chest has sounded so bad that I'm sure people must have thought I was neglecting her. I've even apologized when I've left the doctor's, for being too concerned!
Anyway, I just hope this medication does the trick.
To all of you suffering the effects of your loved ones' infections, I hope there is soon a great improvement.
Thanks for listening.
I have had her back at our GP's twice, wanting to check if the infection had returned. Each time I was assured it hadn't. The last time, a couple of weeks ago, I was assured it was the "residue" of an infection, should clear up soon and no, it wouldn't account for the worsened confusion.
I was offered an inhaler but, in view of the fact that it wasn't really bothering my Mum, the doctor preferred that she didn't have one. After my Mum's wheezing got worse last week, I did get the inhaler, although it wasn't easy to use. My Mum can't understand at times about breathing in, or out, and just tends to hold her breath!
This morning I had to take my Mum to our local walk-in centre. She could hardly get her breath. The nurse put her on a nebuliser and then we waited to see the doctor. He was very thorough and diagnosed an infection! He has prescribed antibiotics and steroids (30mg per day) for one week. He has also given us an attachment to use with the inhaler, making it more likely that my Mum will actually feel the benefit of it. If I am at all concerned that my Mum's breathing has got worse, or there is any sign of blood, the doctor was insistent that I call the centre or dial 999.
Sorry this is all so long-winded, but I am beginning to understand what so many of you have gone through (and are still going through) in relation to getting these infections diagnosed and treated. I am feeling really angry although, even now, I am wondering if it is possible that this infection has only just appeared. Am I being naive?
My Mum's chest has sounded so bad that I'm sure people must have thought I was neglecting her. I've even apologized when I've left the doctor's, for being too concerned!
Anyway, I just hope this medication does the trick.
To all of you suffering the effects of your loved ones' infections, I hope there is soon a great improvement.
Thanks for listening.