Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Absolutely Terry.
When my mother broke her hip which oddly enough saved her life because the hospital discovered underlying sepsis, she was in hospital a month trying to get rid of it. They would absolutely not let her home until every tiny bit of the sepsis had gone. She was very unhappy but we kept telling her they knew what they were doing and if she went home before it was all gone, she would be back in before she could blink.
So yes, a few more days to make sure what’s best is a small price to pay. They won’t keep your mum in for a day longer than necessary.
If you have a list of questions make sure you have them written down. I know in the stress of the moment it’s so easy to forget stuff. Good luck tomorrow and give your mum a hug from me.
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Thanks guys.
I called my brother and we knocked up some questions then added anything else dad wanted to know. He's naturally very upset and struggling to think. I asked my GF too as she lost her mum to cancer so has been down the palliative care route. She gave me some advice over questions about equipment at home, when the team are available, GP involvement, etc.
The doctors have now moved mum too a lower priority ward but she has a private room. That may help or worsen her anxiety so we will see tomorrow.
The doctor asked us to consider whether returning to hospital at later points would be the right thing to do. Since her infection had worsened overnight I'm very concerned about her leaving if that is still there. She is no longer on antibiotics to treat it. Then there is the issue of handling her symptoms and any illness that arises later.
Just more questions and endless speculation so until tomorrow we don't know what to think. The doctor said wait 24hrs to see what the tests show before considering anything but she did say her time now is limited due to her frailty.
So a really bad day like when she was admitted. But thanks for all your advice, it is greatly appreciated, and as you can imagine I don't know what to think.
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Terry, if it’s worth anything this is a very familiar situation to myself and of course the other lovely people on these boards. There probably won’t be a right decision when faced with such uncertainty. And sometimes in life events take on a momentum of their own.
One thing I will say though, is that your Mum and your Dad too couldn’t have asked for a better son. Remember that buddy ok?
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
I echo what fishman has said so sincerely....Yesterday's events must have come as a huge shock to you and you need time to process what has been said and what needs to be asked today to get things straight in your mind..if that's even possible at this stage. Getting an inclusive care plan in place for her after discharge will take time. I'm glad family members are able to help you practically because you must have so many questions and fears running through your mind..
I hope you pin down her doctors today and that she has improved overnight. Thinking of you xx
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Terry, your mom's new problems must be a great shock to you, especially as she seemed to be getting much better the other day, then now suddenly this!
Uncertainly like this must be awful for anyone.
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Sending positive thoughts and well wishes to your mum, Terry. :flowers:
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Thanks everyone for your kind words. It was a tough night and it means a great deal to me.
But some good news today. We have a new doctor who has been through loads with us. She is still investigating but believes it is a chest infection possibly connected to swallowing problems. Unlike the previous ward they are actively treating with antibiotics, continuing blood and a new x ray. They will review things early next week. She wants to resolve this before discharge and has put mum on a nebuliser.
The heart failure team also examined her and said the fluid in the lungs is the infection and not due to her heart failure. She was happy with current management and said their team didn't need to be involved. The previous ward said the fluid was due to her heart.
We discussed palliative care and she says that's a consideration for the future as some patients don't want to be in & out but she said that can still happen and it's best to judge as situations occur with the opinion of our GP since some things may be minor.
Honestly I'm so glad to have this doctor. At the same time I'm a bit annoyed about the other ward. My brother is pretty angry. It turns out mum was moved due to a contagious skin condition although she is stable to go home other than the infection. The previous ward never told us any of this either.
I can only finish this message with a mixture of thank god and FFS!!!
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Terry, I was wondering why they moved your mum to a room on her own. It's normally for something contagious. Why, when the same nurses and doctors attend to all the patients anyway, does make sense to me but maybe it's protocol.
I'm pleased you have faith in this new doctor. I know it's all very daunting. Keep an eye on your dad, he will be overwhelmed and fearful. And as said before, make sure you both eat!
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
FFS indeed. I would be very angry myself with the other ward. Leading you down a path that wasn’t even accurate. You must be so very relieved. There is nothing like that sense of relief is there?
At least now she’s on antibiotics which will treat the infection and everyone seems to be more aware of her genuine condition. Firing off alarm bells like that to her relatives, really they do need a talking to.
They will keep her in until the infection has gone quite rightly, same as they did with my mother. But I’m really pleased for you. You will sleep sounder tonight.
Re: Relapse! Coping, Symptoms and Tips.
Yes we are feeling more positive. The new ward have to learn mums ways and how to do her meds but they are doing well so far. The nursing staff on the previous ward were all very good but things like meals seemed like protocol in that they know you wont eat it yet out it still comes. This ward are listening more and bringing just what she will try.
It's all new people but we are under the same consultant, for now. They seem to rotate.
We suspect because mum kept pulling out her cannula they were giving up. The new doctor knows the problem but hasn't hesitated to fit one.