After suffering from a flu for a week, my mother became strange today. She is seeing and doing strange things. She saw people in the room that were not there and kept asking who they were. It is late night now as I write this and she acts like she is sewing something invisible on her bed. While she was normal the flu had her very very tired. Now she seems to be more active doing her "things". She will not sleep. Dementia? Temporary delirium? The meds she took were Nyquil Nighttime (1 tablet a day), aspirin (1 a day), loratadine (10mg a day) and losartin (50mg a day for high blood pressure). The loratadine and Nyquil were not taken the same days. I will take care of her, but want to know if this is a permanent or temporary condition.
My mother is still in the hospital for the pneumonia. They did a drain of her lungs today. I am still worried if her mental state will be normal after this. She is unconscious most of the time. Doctors and friends are saying to let her expire in the hospital rather than at home, it is that bad.
The hospital is doing a lot of test on her blood. They are correcting her sodium and now potassium levels. They found she had rectal bleeding today and are checking that at this moment.
I write my response before I read all the post, which the majority are spot on in dirrerent areas: Hydration extremely important. Has she lost weight? Have you tried the “Shakes” trick? Many variations: One I used was Premeir Vanilla Protein shakes 3oz, small scoop ice cream, honey, fresh fruit. One caregiver also has used the shakes to run through food processor with Spinach for my Dad. With spinach she added 1/3 pack Carnation Instant Breakfast to give more flavor. But we had to stop after 8 weeks as Dad put on 8 pounds!
Also has the doctor tested her potassium levels. I put Mom on 99mg Potassium Pills (Sams/Costco) morning and dinner time. The doctor tested and approved after reading the blood test showing still in low normal range for potassium.
In writing this I realized that if my memory serves me correct your mother’s BP Med is a version of an Angiotensice Ace II inhibitor. I am no doctor, but memory tells me it can also play with the renal function, which dehydration can exasperate drug side effects and reduced urine output may also cause memory issues!
Again!!!! Talk with the doctor, or even better if the doctor has a Doctor of Nursing PHD, or a PA, I find they mull over information more carefully and then brainstorm, or rather make the doctor brainstorm with them to come up with a short term strategy, and if they find significant improvement then they come up with long term changes due to the sudden altered mind state.
Bob (WV)
May God grant you many grieving mercies and walk with you and family so this passing is as gentle as possible. Hugs 2 u and mom.
If this is a medicine reaction, it will take time to get out of her system but maybe there is an antidote that will help.
You should see me if they slip me any sulfa medications; delusional doesn't even come close.
The extra staff and support they offer is amazing...it's changed a lot since "death bed" days.
Take good care of yourself, too....and Love to Mom!!
Sending good vibes/wishes your way, and for your Mom. Your level of strength and continuity is admirable, HiBPguy.
Its a very difficult time to go through. Super-hard.
Let them give her all the IV antibiotics and fluids that they can. It works quicker that way.
I'm sure you're a great "nurse" and we can tell that you love her very much. But let them do everything they can for her while she's there.
Bless you both.
Have the visual disturbances stopped? My mom had an optic nerve stroke after a bout of shingles which severely affected her vision and gave her what I also called visual disturbances. A checkup at the eye dr could rule out if something physically is going on with her eyes.
What kind of specialist will you be seeing?