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Author Topic: For all of us looking after elderly relatives  (Read 351272 times)

Ju Ju

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #585 on: February 23, 2016, 09:36:13 PM »

Mum starts with hives as a warning from top to toe, then diarrhoea, crashing BP with collapse, delirium, vomiting in no particular order or altogether. This time it all kicked off in the day time, which meant it was easier for dad to deal with as he is more alert. She will collapse on the way to the commode which is by the bed.  Ideally, she shouldn't stand, but uttered is no choice. Dad has to help her. I should think the very low BP and diarrhoea combined cause her to collapse. I haven't as yet been there to help. She times it with me out of the country, recuperating from an op or being ill! I do my bit by being on the end of a phone for my dad.
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getting_old

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #586 on: February 23, 2016, 10:59:15 PM »

It's probably a bit simplistic, but my understanding of hives is that they're often caused by an allergic reaction so I was wondering if there was time between them appearing and the other symptoms for your Mum to take an anti-histamine, or maybe she could take an anti-histamine on a daily basis? As I said it's probably too simplistic, and I'm sure the doctor would have suggested if it was an option.
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Ju Ju

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #587 on: February 24, 2016, 05:45:07 AM »

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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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #588 on: February 24, 2016, 10:51:41 AM »

They obviously adore each other ;-).  I don't understand 'hives'  :-\ (off to do a GOOGLE) ……. at their age they probably don't want to be hauled between different Specialities to find out a hidden cause.  It would be nice to know …….. sometimes though there is no specified reason  :sigh:

If your Mum remains well in-between 'attacks' that's a huge bonus. 
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Dulciana

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #589 on: February 24, 2016, 11:40:22 AM »

Worried about Dad.  He's keeping very active but getting dozy.  I'm the only one of the four of us who lives near him but I'm busy too.   Know we've all got to go some time, but getting a bit upset and scared about him.   He does too much and we can't stop him.     :(
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #590 on: February 24, 2016, 12:33:43 PM »

Would your Dad make a list of 'things to do' each evening Dulciana, ready for the following day?  It helps me ;-).  In the mean time, have a look see what extra care is available in your area, in case.
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Dulciana

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #591 on: February 24, 2016, 08:31:25 PM »

The problem is, CLKD, he goes out and about, at times when I can't go with him.    :-\
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #592 on: February 24, 2016, 10:12:59 PM »

I can't remember if he goes to/with friends?  Does he have identification on him if something bad happens?  I bought Himself some bracelets and some tags to go into his shoes and cycling helmet from the Company that sells 'SOS' bracelets.  Personal details are written on and medics know to look in the appropriate places.  Would your Dad be open to the suggestion?
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Ju Ju

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #593 on: February 26, 2016, 08:12:41 PM »

Mum and Dad managed to come here today to meet their great granddaughter for the first time, along with my niece. GD was very responsive, as she loves being around people, so it was a lovely time. I did the catering amongst all the chaos and wonderful DH cleared up. I'm exhausted! There was a bit of juggling as to who could have a nap in my bedroom where the curtains block the daylight....nanny or baby! But we managed.
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #594 on: February 26, 2016, 08:22:29 PM »

How lovely.  Lots of photos taken?
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #595 on: February 26, 2016, 09:02:38 PM »

Achybones - narcissitic - your Mum?
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Ju Ju

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #596 on: February 26, 2016, 09:31:04 PM »

What a shame Achybones. My son sees my Mum as a duty, for good reason, but my DIL comes in like a breath of fresh air and no emotional issues, just charms them. And you would have to have a heart of stone not to fall for my little GD! Our GS was there too ( Mum at work) and very happy too. My parents had brought him a John Deere dump truck, which was played with all day, some what jealously guarded away from GD. Well he is 3! DG actually started moving forwards instead of backwards to everyone's delight.
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #597 on: March 09, 2016, 05:36:29 PM »

How's your Mum?
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Ju Ju

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #598 on: March 09, 2016, 07:03:36 PM »

Last night, she sounded poorly, but from having a nasty virus, not the usual. As she said with this she can go to the loo next to her bedroom unaided and wash. Just a matter of rest and patience.
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CLKD

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Re: For all of us looking after elderly relatives
« Reply #599 on: March 09, 2016, 08:02:22 PM »

At least it didn't develop again into what she suffers regularly.  Lots of fluids?
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