Possible concussion or beginning dementia?
Mom is 88 and had a fall two and a half years ago, during which she hit her forehead hard enough to cause two large hematomas on her forehead and fractured her neck, requiring surgery and a month and a half in the ICU, same amount of time in a "mini" hospital/rehab, then the same amount of time in an SNF/rehab. In the ICU, she had a code blue but heart never stopped. They had to do a tracheostomy and a stomach tube for feeding.
I live in California and she was in Ohio. I rushed there and spent the entire time with her in all the facilities. She had home health for about a month and did better with that than the rehab (comfort of home). In the beginning, much confusion and agitation (meds, I'm sure). After all tubes out and she could eat real food, she could not remember the recent past (like the accident, where she was living, things like 9/11, etc. Remembered all of her immediate family and close friends.
I brought her home to California with me. Got her hooked up with my doctor, who recommended other specialists (heart doctor, hearing, etc). All her results were excellent for her age. Forgot to mention she has severe osteoarthritis in both knees, elbows and a frozen shoulder. So she uses a walker and wheelchair when it's too far for her to walk.
A few weeks ago, she had blood when she had a bowel movement. Took her doctor who checked for hemorrhoids , and found none. Said take her to the ER. Seen by Gastroenterologist who wanted a Colonoscopy. Did this and he found Cancer. Surgery done about three weeks ago and that went very, very well. However, her Electrolytes took a nosedive and they had to pump her full of potassium, sodium and iron (she developed anemia). She was in and out of sleep every day and having "semi hallucinations". She had no pain from the surgery, so she wasn't taking pain meds after the first day.
After ten days brought her home. Befor this she was (with my help) washing herself, coloring in adult coloring books and able to go out an sit on the porch and enjoy fresh air, the birds and squirrels. We talked about her past which she remembers quite well. She still knows her family and friends, but she is still having some hallucinations - not realizing she's at home, or thinks there are or have been people here when that hasn't happened. Still very weak and not wanting to do the things she used to.
Sorry for writing a novel. I wasn't concerned before as except for the arthritis, she seemed to be getting better. I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this or something similar and what have you done? Don't tell me she needs to be in some type of facility, as that is not something I am willing to do, unless she develops full blown Alzheimer's.
Thanks!
6 Answers
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When my husband was 52, he had open heart surgery, which lasted from 7 AM until 1 PM. At his six week checkup, the surgeon said "you're fine! Take a vacation! Go to Florida!". As we left the office, my poor husband looked at me bedraggledly and said "do we HAVE to go to Florida?" I assured him that he could just go home and go to sleep. He told me the other day that it was 7 YEARS until he felt completely back to himself!
A hospital stay is always hard on an elderly person. But anesthesia can cause a lot of the symptoms you're describing. Some folks say that for every hour you're under, it takes a month to recover. Something to bear in mind if it's relevant.
By coincidence my wife also fell a few years ago, hitting her head hard enough she had some bleeding on the brain. A year later she started showing definite signs of dementia. Whether these are connected or just a coincidence I don't really know.
You used the word "hallucinations". Just to clarify (as was done for me) A hallucination is if/when she thinks she see's someone right there in front of them at that moment. A "delusion" is a faulty memory wherein she remembers someone was "just here a few minutes ago" (but not in the present moment). My wife has delusions on a pretty consistent basis. She thinks our kids live with us, or her ex husband, or someone from my family has moved in with us (none of which is true)
My wife was always a very active person and very social. But since the dementia she has wanted to be with other people less and less. Sometimes I think it is because it is so exhausting for her to "get ready" to go somewhere. Other times I think she has grown to just like to stay home with me and the dog and watch this sweet funny show we found on tv (Thankfully it is 8 seasons, as we rewatch episodes pretty much every night) The main issue though is that she finds it difficult to "keep up with" conversations. She gets confused and that makes her uncomfortable and left out.
As for activities ... she physically has a harder and harder time. She was a huge gardener (flowers) but now can only do a little trimming once in a while for an hour or so. She gets tired very quickly. She also seems to have lost interest in trying to do things.
I too am trying to keep her at home as long as possible. But understand ... it will start taking a toll. My wife now needs lifting out of bed (and positioning into bed). Lifting from sitting. Help bathing, help using the bathroom, dressing, etc.
These are the things I try to do to help ....
1) IF she can do something ... let her. It is a matter of self worth.
2) Encourage her to go outside, even if it is just to sit and enjoy the fresh air.
3) Go along with her faulty memories ... when it is possible. (sometimes it is not as it will lead to more questions and faulty thoughts) Ex: She thinks someone is here that is not. I don't argue that they were here. I simply say they went home. If I agreed they were here she m right say "tell that person to come here I want to talk to them"
4) Be certain she is taking her medications
5) Talk too the doctor about new or unmentioned symptoms. They may be able to adjust or add a medication that will help
6) Make sure to help her with a bath on a regular basis (beyond daily washing) While it is more work, it has the affect of "refreshing" same as for all of us.
7) Stay calm and avoid arguing. Even if she becomes belligerent and unreasonable. This can be very difficult sometimes and holding it in can cause you problems with depression and so on. Watch yourself, take care of yourself. Talk to the doctor about how you are doing.
Visit here and just read to know you are not alone. You will find some peace and satisfaction in sharing.
David