Is it possible that moodiness, extreme tiredness ( sleeping 18 plus hours a day now) and confusion that have all been there for a long time but are getting worse and worse are due to a UTI?
Doctor seems to think it’s due to dementia progress hasn’t done a urine test.
Especially not the simple dip stick test!
I hope we, as caregivers on this forum, never forget to offer this advice early on, as time is of the essence!
Thanks Llama!
Has the doctor done any routine tests - especially bloods? I shouldn't have thought it would hurt to rule out cardiac or cerebral "events" (as they're rather euphemistically called), either.
There are two reasons for running such checks: 1. If they might result in beneficial treatment or better management. 2. So everyone knows where they stand. Invasive, painful, uncomfortable, strenuous tests might not be justifiable on those grounds, but I hope the doctor isn't averse to basic monitoring that won't subject his patient to any ordeal.
At those times, I’ve only known by the time it’s bad. She’s really confused. Cannot speak, cannot find her words. Irritable, tired.
Her doctor told me that what happens is as she gets older, it’s harder for her body to fight off this bacteria. The body begins to develop an ammonia that affects the brain. Really scary but preventable.
I would insist on a urine test. Doctor’s don’t know everything (although some would like us to believe otherwise)…
Cannot tell you how many times I had to suggest myself that a urine test be done for my mom.
Cannot tell you how many times I was told yes, but days and weeks ...would pass before it was done ...and came back positive each time with very very little exception. ( 1% of time...)
Cannot tell you how many times there was a delay in getting the antibiotic...
I learned that a nurse wanted to give her calming medication ..whan I asked why, I was told that for the last two days she had suddenly became " agressive" and in a bad mood. ( key word,: suddenly...) I had ( me, the no nursing training one, to suggest a urine teat and, guess what...Yup...positive UI, antibiotic, mom back to her non agressive self. WHERE would we be if I had said yes, drug her up to calm her down, let the side effects kick in and bring the balance and falls issues etc etc.
I often went myself to collect sample, ( baught the "hats" to collect sample, and braught them myself to the nurse station). Time is important in getting the antibiotic started and I acn etll you that I NEVER REGRETTED insisting for getting tessting done.
Of course it had to be asked with five pairs of whites gloves and kind and patient voice, but base line,: it had to be done, period. NOTHING, as in NOTHING to loose for anyone in doing the test, except a few minutes of time to test and cost of testing material , but A LOT, as in a LOT to loose in letting an infection go on untreated.
However, I did not see anyone mention cultures. Without proper cultures done on the bacteria, the UTI cannot be treated properly. There are UTIs that are resistant to most antibiotics.
However, I did not see anyone mention cultures. Without proper cultures done on the bacteria, the UTI cannot be treated properly. There are UTIs that are resistant to most antibiotics.
Cannot tell you how many times I had to suggest myself that a urine test be done for my mom.
Cannot tell you how many times I was told yes, but days and weeks ...would pass before it was done ...and came back positive each time with very very little exception. ( 1% of time...)
Cannot tell you how many times there was a delay in getting the antibiotic...
I learned that a nurse wanted to give her calming medication ..when I asked "why", I was told that for the last two days my mom had suddenly became " agressive" and in a bad mood. ( key word,: suddenly...) I had ( me, the no nursing training one), to suggest a simple urine test and, guess what...Yup...positive UI. She was given an antibiotic, and mom got just as " suddenly" back to her non agressive self. WHERE would we be if I had said yes, drug her up to calm her down, let the side effects kick in and bring the balance and falls issues etc etc. ????
I often went myself to collect sample, ( baught the "hats" to collect sample, and braught them myself to the nurse station). Time is important in getting the antibiotic started and I can tell you that I NEVER REGRETTED insisting for getting testing done.
Of course it had to be asked with five pairs of whites gloves and kind and patient voice, but base line,: it had to be done, period. NOTHING, as in NOTHING to loose for anyone in doing the test, except a few minutes of time to test and cost of testing material , but A LOT, as in a LOT to loose in letting an infection go on untreated.
we will never know how many of our loved ones got on a dangerous and sad path because of the avoiding of starting by doing this so simple test.
NOTE : it is also useful to test AFTER the antibiotic to see if it worked if it is not obvious that things are back to normal. It happened to my mom, had to be given a second treatement that worked. Also, the pharmacist changed the antibiotic after a few infections and once even alerted the doctor that the one prescribed could not be given to her as she was taking another medication (cannot remember what it was) that was incompatible and the interaction was dangerous. He suggested another antibio and all was well.
Re prescription : if loved one living in a assisted facility, to avoid delays in testing and getting antibiotic, an "open" prescription" from md to test when needed, and an "open" prescription" for the antibiotic can be helpful. It avoids the " the doctor has to autorise the testing and she is not here this week-end" or " the doctor is on vacation and her replacement will not prescribe antibiotic unless you bring your mom to see him in person in his office " ( office 20 min drive from where mom lives and middle of winter and flu season...)
I have wondered how this is not the most basic steps taken automatically in any environment with elder care - wether in-home - facilities and hospitals. Bloodwork and urine I would assume would be the first to be done.
We as family often notice the changes in our loved one first but it does concern me that the first line is “calming meds” before these basic tests are run.
I Also agree as my NP always runs another test approx 10 days after.
It may not be what is causing many to decline but it does cause many and is always worth being the number one to rule out.🙏🏼
It is possible for both to be happening.
The body fighting an infection can cause a decline.
Contact the doctors office and request a urine test. You can buy test strips at the drugstore and if that shows an infection you could be more instant in requesting testing.
If your loved one is living in a facility request a urine test - if home you could ask their dr if you could drop off a sample or if you have home health they can get orders and do the catch for you at home.