Jim's lazy Atkins diary
- Thread starter Jim
- Start date
Jim
Big Boy
Morning all, we had a fabulous time in Crete, gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, food was out of this world. Then we flew home to a nightmare, this last week my Mum has been to A&E twice, had 2 doctors visits and they still can't find out why she keeps falling. I'm at my wits end and seem to be going round in circles trying to get some resolution on this. The last Dr suggested we put her in a home and she be confined to bed.
Gemstone
Here for the Journey
It may sound odd Jim but have they checked all the simple things like ears which affect balance, electrolytes imbalance - quite common in the elderly. Electrolite imbalance is to do with the body salts etc and can be affected by dehydration among other things. It is relatively simple to test for but often overlooked. Ask the question as it wouldn't do any harm to rule it out. Good luck xxx
Jim
Big Boy
Morning all,
Gem, thanks for that it'll give me some questions to ask when i see her Dr on Monday. I do know they took about three blood tests so maybe they have checked for that. the consensus at the moment seems to be severe dehydration leading to a urine infection and also a chest infection. She is looking and acting a lot better.
Gem, thanks for that it'll give me some questions to ask when i see her Dr on Monday. I do know they took about three blood tests so maybe they have checked for that. the consensus at the moment seems to be severe dehydration leading to a urine infection and also a chest infection. She is looking and acting a lot better.
Jim
Big Boy
Morning all,
Thanks Jo
I think the problem is Gem that i visit most days and make sure she gets plenty of cranberry juice down, i can't really blame the carer's in a way because I know if you're not there to constantly remind her to drink she won't do it. The way the system works they don't have time to sit and keep egging her on to drink. she'll also just throw her drink away down the sink if you don't prevent her. Anyway, it's a phone call to the surgery for me today to find out the scan results.
Thanks Jo
I think the problem is Gem that i visit most days and make sure she gets plenty of cranberry juice down, i can't really blame the carer's in a way because I know if you're not there to constantly remind her to drink she won't do it. The way the system works they don't have time to sit and keep egging her on to drink. she'll also just throw her drink away down the sink if you don't prevent her. Anyway, it's a phone call to the surgery for me today to find out the scan results.
Gemstone
Here for the Journey
Maybe a meeting is due with carers, SS etc present where you air your views and tell them the facts - give them your concerns that she needs coaxing to drink or it has a detrimental effect on her health. Get it documented, perhaps with a new care plan that you have a copy of and let them know that whether or not you are around, she needs to be seen to drink or she will become dehydrated. I know some elderly people who are on medication limit their liquid intake for fear of toilet accidents and others (like my mum) completely forget to drink and swear they have. If they don't have time to make sure she drinks maybe the time needs to be increased to maintain health. Hope it is all sorted out properly Jim x
Jim
Big Boy
Morning all,
well I've had interesting news, something on the scan alerted them to a problem and they went back to her chest x-rays, it turns out she may have had pneumonia, there is shadowing on the lungs and she's never been a smoker. The carer's have now been alerted to the fluids problem and have been told they must make sure she consumes 1 full glass of liquid during their visit, with me going over that'll be enough and when we are away on holiday we are going to pay for an extra 4th visit in the evening gem. I've also arranged for a monthly health visit by the district nurse gem. So maybe things are looking up.
well I've had interesting news, something on the scan alerted them to a problem and they went back to her chest x-rays, it turns out she may have had pneumonia, there is shadowing on the lungs and she's never been a smoker. The carer's have now been alerted to the fluids problem and have been told they must make sure she consumes 1 full glass of liquid during their visit, with me going over that'll be enough and when we are away on holiday we are going to pay for an extra 4th visit in the evening gem. I've also arranged for a monthly health visit by the district nurse gem. So maybe things are looking up.
Dietkitty
Rebel without a calorie
Great planning there Jim and also shows that your tenacity has paid off. Just imagine the problems that others must have who don't have such great support from their families. It's such a shame that the carers just don't have enough time to spend with each person but I guess the agencies are running a business so that puts a restriction on it.
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