She has various medications and her GP has tried taking her off some, but this has been tricky and rather a balancing act. She's 88 and frail and we are all keen to keep her out of hospital as this is traumatic for her and they are able to do little. She's better off at home. She takes antihistimines as soon as the hives come, but I doubt she would be prepared to take them all the time as they make her feel dopey. They only help with the discomfort of the hives, not with the other symptoms. Her GP has consulted other doctors, but they have never come across this before.
She has long outlived her siblings and is much older than previous generations of her family. She was so ill early last year, we prepared ourselves for her dying, but she surprised everyone by recovering. To be honest, I'm as much concerned for my Dad, who will soon be 91. It's hard work clearing up after her being incontinent and vomiting during the early stage of an attack. He can't sleep much for a few nights.
At least, there seems to be a pattern to what happens, so they know what to expect, prepare and not to panic now. Dad rings me for support when it happens. He doesn't talk much normally, so there is a silver lining as we have got a bit closer. They are being philosophical about this. They are glad she is still here. Mum told me that when she nearly died last year, she was very scared before being rushed to hospital. My dad held her and told her that this was the next great adventure. She took great comfort in this. I think that is beautiful.
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Topic: For all of us looking after elderly relatives (Read 351232 times)