Mom worked till 81 when she became ill with Giant Cell Arteritis. It took not quite two years for that illness to get under control with medication. She has since been told that the disease is gone and no further treatment is needed and all her lab work is normal confirming the illness is no longer active. She has no medical history other than that and high blood pressure which has and still is always under control.
She stopped driving at 81 and was weakened by steroids used for the GCA. She became almost unable to walk distance. Going short distances causes shortness of breath and she walks on average per day, my best guess, about 50 -60 steps a day. She refuses to use a walker but has to use a scooter if she does any shopping, which is now very limited to only a quick trip with me to the grocery store.
The past few months she has had several UTI's, all clearing with use of antibiotics. She complains she is always tired, sleeps all night (sleeps well), yet sleeps during the day. Most days she is getting 10-12 hours a night, getting up for toast, then going back to bed for another 4 hours. When she finally makes it to her recliner she is napping on and off until she goes back to bed again for the night. She says she feels sick, blames it on her BP medication (which has not been changed), eats nothing I cook for her anymore (toast or donut for breakfast, cereal if that for supper?) is not a water drinker, shuffles when trying to walk, and I believe she is unable to get in the shower or tub (even though it is fully equipped for her to do so) and she refuses help. She tells the Dr at her appointments that she is perfect, that she doesn't feel like eating, but picks all day, and that she walks around great. When she hears me come home (we live together) she makes her way to the kitchen sink, grabs a towel, and tells me she has been so busy! When I call her out nicely on the excess sleep and zero activity, she denies it completely.. Says things like, "I was just laying on my bed resting" or " I walk all over my apartment".. I am at a loss. I feel like there is something more I should be doing! I try every single day to get her out of the house, most days she says no, it's too cold, it's too hot, maybe next week.. and the excuses go on and on. I am home full time to be here for her to do anything I can to make her life comfortable and keep her active as possible, and nothing I cook or any offer of assistance is shut down immediately. Her Doctor says "you're old" "of course you will be tired, I'm tired and I am only 58" "eat what you want" "you look fine" "sleep whenever you want" and he just don't seem to have any idea that what he sees at her visit is not the way she is at home. Pajamas or robes for days and days, hair not combed, teeth not in, etc. Any suggestions? I feel so badly, so helpless. Thank you!
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This led me to think that maybe her deep fatigue could be related to an undetected heart issue. In speaking with a Nurse about my Moms symptoms, she said that they could be related to Congestive Heart Failure. (nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath especially on movement, lack of appetite, wheezing) The fact that her EKG's and pulse ox measurements are normal when she is laying down does not mean that is the case when she attempts to be mobile. I am thinking maybe a monitor for her to wear for a few days to see what her heart is doing during activity and a pulse ox trend might be needed. I called for an appt. with a Cardiologist as the ER recommended and she can't get in until early February. Because she is not getting any better and is literally not doing anything but going from the bed to couch, (and I know she is only going to the couch as not to alert me or make me worry) I am calling in the morning another Cardiologist office to see if there is any sooner appointments available. If need be I will take her to a larger more staffed ER and have a Cardiologist on duty look at her. The ER I took her too does not have a Cardiologist on duty so there was no way she was going to get looked at there, which is why they suggested we call one. I was heartbroken when I was bringing her home and she fell taking the first step into the house.. I cried myself to sleep, something I have not done in a long time..
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Everything is fine until it isn't fine anymore........that's what I always say. My mother was fine until she got really sick in 2011, and it's been downhill ever since for her as well. It only takes ONE little thing to set them off, which is why we take preventative measures to avoid illnesses like pneumonia and shingles, which could easily kill them!
Best of luck to you as you navigate this difficult road; my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Best of luck!
When we (humans) get depress we either don't eat or we go for sugary snacks! And there is never enough sleep in the world.
Prehaps taking her for a drive. Make her one of her favorite dinners. Try to get her to engage in one of her favorite things to do or use to do. I would also suggest talk therapy but something tells me she won't go for it. You should try anyways.
It sounds like your mom has been through a lot of life changes and a illness; although the illness is gone it might have had an impacted on her; along with not being able to drive, which is our way to freedom so to speak!
I would also suggest a routine blood test if she hasn't had one, just to make sure everything is good there.
Good luck!