My mom had surgery on a broken hip 3 weeks ago.Now she seems so disoriented,babbles to herself, is very confused.She has AD,but was doing quite well, was living in an elder care facility, but she was content, fairly calm, and more in touch with reality.Now she is is very different.Is it the effect of the anesthesia? Did it do something to her brain that is irreversible, or will she start to get back to the level she was before surgery?We were not told by anyone at the hospital to expect this, and it is depressing to see her in such a state.She is unhappy, lost dazed and confused.Will this start to get better as time passes and the effects of anesthesia and hospital trauma wear off.I can't believe no one told us about this before the surgery.Please help with an answer? Thanks, worried daughter
My dad didn't have dementia when he went into the hospital for surgery, but came out with it. There are many theories about this situation that run from anesthetics being used to the trauma of hospitalization. Often, there is no way to tell, though research is being done.
A broken hip is also a major trauma to the body, and many people don't fully recover from that blow. You should stay in contact with her doctor in case more can be done, but be prepared for her to go in either direction. She may get better, or she may continue to get worse as time goes on. In other words, the trauma may have sent her "ahead" in her dementia journey. Again, I do know your pain. My condolences.
Take care,
Carol
If your mom is still fuzzy and confused I'm not sure she'll bounce back at this point.
Yes, you should have been warned about the effects of anesthesia on elderly people.