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My 89 year old father has been sharp as a tack for 89 years. Last month he came down with a whole body blood infection caused by a drain in his gall bladder. After 3 weeks the infections is gone. Every since then he goes from normal to talking crazy as can be and imagining things. I've read some people get this. My question is has anyone here dealt with this and how do i handle it? The crazy phone calls needing food instantly and then getting it only to have him eat one piece is getting old. And just the random crazy talk is hard to deal with.

Infection can cause Delirium, especially in the elderly.

Not saying it IS that (I am not a Doctor) but maybe read up & ask Dad's Doctor.

I'll try to find some links.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/delirium-vs-dementia-476403.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/delirium/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386
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Reply to Beatty
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I believe you mean to use the word dementia rather than dilemma? If so....
Is he still hospitalized or in rehab? This septicemia is a lethal killer, and to have survived it means he is not resistant to antibiotics, and had enough organs surviving it to recover. Somewhat a miracle right there.

If he is still not home in his own environment then I would say that much of this is a sort of hospital psychosis. If he is back and still cannot fully recover this is a wait and see.

I would discuss this with his own doctor because he is the one with all the facts and details here, and can make best guess. Otherwise this is taken a day at a time and with hoping for the best. I sure do wish you best of luck and hope for full recovery.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Sounds like acute delirium that was caused by the sepsis and it could go away but more than likely won’t
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Reply to Trixipie
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That can be a very difficult problem to deal with, for sure. The one thing I have to say is: do not get frustrated with your Dad. My input will reflect my faith in Jesus Christ. I am not saying frustration can be ignored, but you can, at all times let your Dad know you are vitally interested in helping him and take your frustrations to the Lord. He will help you.
Those words are spoken (not by a doctor, nor an educated counselor but) by one who is an 87 year old Christian and has a personal relationship with the Lord. If you are not in that category...my suggestion is that you begin to seek the Lord with all your heart. Put your parent's needs ahead of your own. Again, I know those words are easier to say than that action is to take. You can do it. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. God bless you and your 89 year old Dad.
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Reply to Keeko7
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Without anesthesia being involved I am uncertain what would cause this.
I am certain in this time you have talked to a neurologist involved in his care.
What does that specialist tell you? If this isn't hospital psychosis I am not certain what happened here. If he was on a ventilator I am worried about oxygenation to the brain at some point in all this?
As an old retired RN I admit I am mystified on this one.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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