Consulting With a Physician

Anne, I'm sorry about your Dad Alzheimers is horrible you know I get consolation though that my Dad doesn't know the difference we just do you know. I'm lucky that he is usually very pleasant only gets aggresive when it's bath time. I hope that doesn't change. I feel for you though keeping you in my prayers.

Just got a call from Dad's Geriatric Specialist at the Nursing Home. He was physically aggressive again last night with a resident. Third time this week. They will have to "medicinally restrain" him as his psychotic episodes are increasing, and he is becoming a threat to other residents. I was told not to allow Mom to visit for at least two weeks. He was growling at her on her visit the night she moved here last week. Advanced State Alzheimer's Disease is doing havoc on poor old Dad. These meds are life-shortening, and many die from Cardiac arrest. So sad :( to lose Dad like this.

Hi Anne, I haven't been back to the Dr. with Mom she just was put on Aricept I have to call Dr. and tell them. My Dad is on it and did well but she is not. I hope they can try something else. Regarding your above question what I did was talked to the Doctor about the most important stuff or what I felt comfortable talking about in front of my Mom then I called the Doctor and discussed so much on the phone. Her Doctor is good that way I hope yours is to that makes such a difference when you can communicate. Wishing you the best, Michele

I think my Dad's doing better now that he's off it. But they also took him off Namenda. His disposition has improved, and he has suffered no negative decline as they predicted. What does her doc say?

Just wondering if anyone had a problem with aricept? My Mom can't tolerate it she gets diarehea from it. She is very small only like 100 lbs or less. I think that could be the problem. I haven't heard of other dementia med that work as well, any comments would be appreciated. Love, Michele

Stacks of records and reports later... I made copies of other doctor's diagnoses and even highlighted key points. I have also typewritten a list of symptoms that are clear indicators of cognitive issues. Seems some agree with her dementia diagnosis, and some do not. At times Mom seems alert and appropriate, but there are times when she definitely does not, like it comes and goes. For the present, her health providers usually see her during the upswing. Later in the day, when she can no longer maintain that stance, we slam into quite a different picture. It is difficult to illustrate that to someone who hasn't seen it. Some day I wish I had a video camera to record for others when my sister and I are seeing. Any suggestions?

Thanks you, Naus. I read your posts to Pintos. Sorry about your Mom. Take care of you and your family. Will be praying for you.

I remember when I was little, my Mom had lymphoma, hodgkins. They gave her high doses of both. I remember her being so sick. They pretty much told her to start planning her funeral, that she was not going to live long. Guess what? She lived another 20yrs. I got to get married, and give her a baby grandaughter she was so very close to for 3 1/2yrs. It was definately a miracle. I pray for your Mom. My Mom was only 28yrs old when she got sick. I hope the radiation works. You take care of yourself too!

Lists, records, and file cabinets full of stuff... I'm praying he can help, because she needs it and also needs follow up from her Cancer surgery. She's decided against Chemo, but needs Radiation, and a Sleep Study. The Visiting Nurse, Social Worker and Occupational Therapists suggested I ask Doc about a Geriatric Assessment Clinic referral, as well. Poor Mom. Thanks for your feedback, Naus. Hope all's well in your corner of things :)

I would Anne, that would benefit your mother and you as well. And also let the doctor know exactly what has been going on.

Thank God that Physician is downstate, and can no longer overmedicate Mom. She just moved by me, and tomorrow is the first visit. I could take volumes of records and reports with me. Should I?

Sorry Anne, my dad's doctor was smarter. I actually called him and talked to him on the phone long before my dad saw him. But, I live in a kinda rural area, where most of the doctors live and work here, and everyone knows them, so it was a little easier. I handed the letter and list of concerns to the doctor along with a copy of my medical power of attorney, and he fully understood not mentioning dad's cognitive impairment. In fact, dad really does not fully understand his abilities, and lack of abilities. But I guess it goes hand in hand with alz/dem.

Thank you. The last time I tried it, their Physician read the whole 8 pages to my Mother when I wasn't there. I'm praying this Doctor is a little wiser.

Anne, I also had concerns about Dad hearing what I was alerting the doctor about. I have a solution, it worked for me. I wrote all of my concerns on a piece of paper, kept a copy for myself, and handed it to the doctor. I did it while dad was in the bathroom trying to give them a urine sample. Be creative, you are, and think of an opportunistic time. I did, and it worked. Good Luck Anne, hope it helps. Hugs to you!