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NancyNJ Asked March 2023

Bipolar mom back at hospital. Any advice?

Still in ED 24 hours later (https://www.agingcare.com/questions/back-at-the-hospital-any-advice-480395.htm). Based on test results I've seen so far, it looks like the UTI I was told my mother had on first March 10th admission was not properly treated before discharge on the 17th. So it's like we're back at square one. I had assumed medical would've tested for UTI before discharge. Still waiting to hear what psych (she has bipolar disorder with psychotic features) and a neuro have to say about relevant aspects of her current health status, since we were told on last discharge that her mental state was likely due to "delirium or dementia." (I've been posting in PD due to being told her current hallucinations were likely PD-related, though not fully confirmed).

CaringinVA Apr 2023
Any updates, Nancy? I hope your mom is getting some relief and that you are getting some answers.
NancyNJ Apr 2023
Hi, CaringinVA. Mom's been back home for a week now. She was very weak at first because they kept her bed-bound. I'm helping her exercise at home while we figure out outpatient PT (again). The "delirium or dementia" scenario the doctor gave us could've been correct, and complicated by her bipolar or it could've just been her bipolar. The UTI has cleared, and she's on her usual meds and not showing any dementia signs. Her posture has become more droopy, though, which I think is because she was stuck in a bed for about 7-8 straight days. Overall, trying to get her back in PT and continue managing usual issues. I'm hoping she gets her full strength back and can get back to waking confidently with her walker. 🙏🏾
Geaton777 Mar 2023
They can't retest her before discharge for the UTI if she hasn't taken the full course of the antibiotics because it takes a few days for it to clear out of her system, and maybe the first antibiotics didn't work so they need a second course, which would not be totally unusual. I personally don't have experience with an LO and PD but I would not allow any other mental or cognitive tests on her until her UTI is confirmed as completely gone. Also discount any other causes her symptoms, like over- or under-medicating (opioids, sleeping pills, prescription meds, etc); thyroid problems (the meds for treatment are weight-specific); diabetes; dehydration; vitamin deficiency, high blood pressure; tumor; etc.

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