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My 94 year old MIL recently fractured her hip, had surgery, went to rehab, and is now living with us. Believe it or not, until this happened she lived in her own apartment not too far from us. She is clearly unable to care for herself without some assistance. So far we are able to manage this and it's going well, and we think she's happy with us.


My concern is that my husband has mentioned a few times where she has been a bit confused. I want to say it's when she first wakes up. For example, he told me today that when she woke up, she kept asking him why her face was so red (and it wasn't) and that last night someone gave her a shot. Another time he said she pointed to the ceiling fan concerned that it was a tree that could fall. The only other thing I've noticed is that she talks in her sleep - not mumbling, but what sounds like full on conversations! The first time I heard it, I thought she was on the phone.


For the most part, she is coherent and spends most of her day talking on the phone. (She has many relatives all over the nation and they all call her at various times.) The only medication she is taking is Codeine for her hip pain. She also has severe arthritis in her knees. So it is quite painful for her to walk, but with a walker, she does it! It's quite amazing actually considering all that she's been through at her age.


My husband didn't seem as concerned about this confusion, but I wanted to see what others thought. Thank you.

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Often times the elderly after surgery will suffer dementia type symptoms from the anesthesia. I'm hoping her doctor explained all that to you or your husband prior to her surgery. Sometimes it wears off and other times it's permanent.
It's very scary. I'm only 62 years old, but the last 2 foot surgeries I've had, I requested just to be heavily sedated and for them not to use the traditional anesthesia, which thankfully they were able to.
Hopefully it's nothing serious. Bless you for stepping up to take care of her during this time.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
No, that is the first I am hearing of such a thing, but maybe they told my husband. This is all new to me (and him too). Right before all this happened, her primary care doctor retired so currently we are looking for a new one and we will definitely discuss all of this with them, as well as the confusion issue. I think I'm more concerned about it than he is. (When I express my concerns, he just says, "She's 94!" As long as we are able to care for her in our home, we will.
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I just had surgery three weeks ago, and anesthesia really messes you up for a while. I'm only 60, and I can't concentrate on a book, I'm muddy-headed first thing in the mornings, and I can't come up with words. I know this will pass since I had this the last time I had anesthesia 15 years ago, but it'll do a number on an elderly person.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
I didn't know that until today! Thank you for sharing, that does make me feel a little better.
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Sometimes medications like codeine can cause deeper sleep, more vivid dreams and a sort of grey zone upon awakening where it is difficult to separate dreams and reality. At her age she no doubt also has poorer vision and hearing which can also add to the confusion.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
Thanks, that makes me feel a little better. She claims that the Codeine does nothing for her but I doubt that is the case. I was also thinking it's that "grey zone" of separating dreams and reality (and considering her age). As far as I know, she doesn't do this randomly when she's awake. It appears to be after sleeping. I bet that's what it is.
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I wouldn't be overly concerned. Have her checked for UTI, just in case. There Are side effects for codeine...including "confusion and unusual thoughts or behaviors ".
Sounds like your Mom is doing very well. When she no longer needs her medications, sounds like she'll be fine.
When I had my knee replaced (I was 69) and I returned home, I was positive that there was a white bird stuck in our tree. There was not!!, but my mind said so. We still laugh about it.
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Did she have a catheter in at any point in the hospital or rehab? If so she could very likely have a UTI, and should be checked at Urgent Care. Often in very elder women there are no other symptoms except behavioral/cognitive ones, or she is now less able to express her discomfort or symptoms.
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About 10 months ago, my 94 year old mother woke me up around 6:00 am and said: "I thought we were going down to the river to pray?" So i called her doctor and she had me pick up a sample hat for a urine test. I brought it back and by the end of the day they called me with the results. She didn't have a UTI.
So I think it was just a very realistic dream because it hasn't happened since then.
Her doctor says she has a normal 94 year old brain.
It is easy to have her tested for a UTI and you can get results back quickly.
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You shoukd also know that UTIs often cause confusion and behavioral symptoms in elders. It might be wothwhile to get that checked out, especially if this is a sudden onset thing.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
Thank you, I just read that when I searched for possible reasons!
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PP, let me tell you something.

A change in mental status is a medical emergency. In a person of ANY age.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
Yes, it's really scaring me to be honest.
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What would you expect from a 94 year old? She seems to be doing remarkable well for her age. Of course, her heart and her brain might be very close to their expiration date as shown by her symptoms.
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PenelopePitstop Dec 2021
That's pretty much what my husband says... "she's 94!" I guess it's the reality. So far though, her lungs and heart are in pretty good shape (for a 94 year old).
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When elderly person has had anesthesia it can take awhile for this to dissipate and may not entirely. The best to do is contact her doctor for a medical opinion as none of us know her medical condition and can only provide our experiences. Each one below are valid but only her doctor can help you for her.
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