My mother is 80 years old, has dementia and also has osteoporosis. Her bones are very, very brittle. In the past 5 years she has broken her pelvis, broken her hip, and broken her leg. She had a pin put in her hip two years ago and when she came out from the anesthetic, her dementia had worsened. She no longer walks and has to be lifted from her bed to her recliner, to her rolling chair... etc. Two days ago as she was sitting in her recliner I was getting ready to move her and when I uncrossed her ankles, she began yelling in pain. I don't know how, but it seems like she has another broken bone. Probably in her hip (the same one with a pin in it). I have not taken her for x-rays. The last time it was very traumatic for her and she fought getting on the table-- we almost gave up, she got so violent it took two of us to hold her down. I really don't want to put her through that again. What could they do for her anyway? Her neurologist said she should not go under anesthesia again, so surgery would not be an option. She has a hospital bed here at home and is comfortable in bed. Ibuprophen seems to work for the pain, if we don't move her around too much. Memory foam mattress and gentle shifting of her weight keeps her from getting skin breakdowns. She is still eating and drinking well.
Should I take her for x-rays? What would change if we knew for certain she had broken her hip again?... I want to do what is best for my mom. Personally, I think the best thing is to not move her and let it heal on its own. Or is this the wrong thing to do?
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Are you able to care for her around the clock without being sleep deprived and burned out yourself?
ADVERTISEMENT