since my dad has been home from the hospital, 2 weeks ago, his feet have become very swollen, it is getting very difficult for him to walk. Now he is not drinking like he use to, and the eating is getting worse. The doctor said there is fluid in his lungs, and he has a cough. He totally forgot where the bathroom is, and the depends is not very wet. Worried about dehydration and the swelling. Is this a sign of congestive heart failure? The doctor doesnt really want us to do anything about it. She took him off his aricept and namenda and one of his blood pressure meds.
What do you mean, the doctor doesn't want to do anything about it? Why did she take him off those other meds? I don't understand at all why she would just allow the man to suffer... Maybe you need a second opinion... In fact, I'd get one no matter what. The man needs help, imo... soon...
Let us know how it goes, and please give us a little more detail about him...how old is your dad? What exactly are his medical issues?
Laura, not being a Dr I can't diagnose but to me it sounds like Congestive Heart Failure. It would seem that the Dr feels he is terminal but that is no excuse for letting him suffer, his symptoms can be eased. Would he be prepared to go back to the ER? if he agrees take him as soon as possible and they will be able to help him. call an ambulance if it is too distressing to go by car. if he wants to stay home which is his choice call in Hospice and they will make sure he gets the meds he needs. In the meantime you can help him by keeping his legs up, in bed, recliner, or on couch and remove any constricting socks. Wrap his feet in a warm blanket as they will feel cold. I can't offer more advice at this time but he needs urgent help. keep in touch and let up know how it goes.
Veronica, yes! That is the name of the pill! Thank you.
My father could walk and he was on Hospice!
Yes, they should treat the CHF. No, they shouldn't do heart surgery, but they should give him medication to reduce the swelling, like Lasix. I wonder if there is a different problem that makes the doctor think he will die soon, but the doctor didn't tell you. Fight! God bless you.
At the very least, call the doctor, or find a medical advice phone number and tell them what's happening. If they say to bring him in, then Mom has to go along.
TwinL, enough talk. Call 911 for Gods sake. What are you waiting for?
she doesnt believe me...it's terrible...she is handicapped herself, and I swear all she wants to talk about is herself and her problems........I have to walk away from her...
she mentally is stable,, but still thinks he can get better she wont accept the disease......God, it has been 7 years I can write a book about it.
Twin Laura, it's already Monday, but also bear in mind that after a long weekend, the MD's office will be inundated with calls of all kinds. In the meantime keep his feet elevated if you can, I know that is not easy. A warm epsom salt foot soak may help, everyone likes a good foot soak. Soak ten minutes, scrub off the dead skin and clip nails if you can, elevate and dry.
My post was simply to make the point that if a hospital or doctor tries to send a sick, elderly patient home without doing anything, they need to be ready and willing to stand up and speak for them, and not accept that, and I'm glad you don't. . I hope others will learn to be assertive if they aren't already, for the sake of the person they're caring for...
And if something is clearly very seriously wrong, people need to get off their ass and DO something instead of following this OPs example, doing nothing, hemming and hawing, and sweating mother, while the patient is DYING in front of their eyes...which had me wishing I could leap through my computer in this poor man's defense...
I don't believe Hospice said he was inappropriate. They may not have wanted to admit him with the dementia but CHF is an appropriate diagnosis. Medicare is pretty picky. Was it a for profit hospice? I am appalled but I suppose I shouldn't be these days.
Hospital is probably not the best place for dad if he is at the end of life. He does not need aggressive treatment but he does deserve comfort care. Stopping some meds at the end of life is not unusual so don't worry about that, it's one less burden. I am assuming dad wants to die at home and you are prepared and able to care for him. Lots of people are thinking of you and wishing you and dad and mom the best. Don't forget mom she is probably beside herself with worry and focusses on herself to avoid thing about how bad dad really is.