Follow
Share

On Monday my father, 90 years old had blood in his stool. The doctor did a blood test and gave him a 7 day course of antibiotics. The following day he could hardly stand and couldn’t get to the toilet and back without me supporting him/ protecting him from falling. All of a sudden he is shuffling his feet.
The first two days I managed to get him to drink quite a lot but since then he only takes bird size sips and is also eating very little. It isn’t going to be enough to flush out the infection and the amount of food isn’t going to give him the strength to recover. I have hardly slept a wink for five nights as he is disturbed (panic attacks) and keeps calling out. When he does doze off and if I do, I am awoken with a start with the sound of his stick and dash to him to check he doesn’t fall.
Last night I moved the raised toilet seat to near his bed (will have to get a commode) but he hardly has the strength to use that. And I still have to be ready to jump out of bed if I hear him.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
You need to call his doctor and tell him ur Dad is having a reaction to the antibiotic. My Mom was given one with penicillin and she was sensitive to it.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Without a rash or any throat swelling, swelling on the face, I doubt this is a classic REACTION as in Allergic reaction. Antibiotics are very very difficult for elders to take. They are just death to the digestive system. I think his more or less panic attacks are a result of the UTI, not the medication. Once three days are in on this he may be better.
I swear by D Mannose to prevent bladder infections since I was getting 4 a year with pyelonephritis as well until I got on it. It is over the counter, works a bit like cranberry but better and without acidity, keeps the bacteria from adhereing to the bladder wall. No infections more than a decade for me. I am an old retired RN who doesn't normally believe in supplements and such but I swear by this. I use Source Natural D Mannose which I buy on Amazon, but most health food stores have it powder or capsule. Capsules are big and you can remove it from the capsule and put in a bit of cereal, ice cream whatever. Not bad tasting. Try to keep these awful UTIs away. D Mannose is about 30 for 120 capsules and only one a day is taken, so they are well worth a try.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
JulieKac Sep 2019
Thanks for your suggestions.
I think that one of the biggest challenges about the UTI situation is that Dad is reluctant to drink. I have to keep reminding him. I will try the D. Mannose powder. I could probably put it in the protein drinks that he takes.
(0)
Report
My dad is in 90's and says antibiotics make him feel awful. My mom was put on a low dose probiotic of antibiotics and the lower dose doesn't seem to bother her. My dad's doctor said to get the fruit flavor powder to add to his water to get him to drink - and that things like apple juice, pear juice, were just as good as water.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
JulieKac Sep 2019
I am afraid it is a classic chicken and egg situation: Dad is reluctant to drink because he doesn’t want to have to keep going to the loo.
Unfortunately, he needs to flush out his system to get rid of the UTI.
(0)
Report
I spoke to the doctor on Thursday (day 4) and he Dad should finish the course. He took the last one last night. The problem is he’s not eating and drinking enough, so that is also making him weak.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Worked for both my reluctant to drink mom and MIL.

Fruit2O lemon flavored water, ice cold. With my mom I would fill a small, plastic, disposable glass half full. Offered first thing in morning as a refreshing drink. Placed by her chair side with a small snack (half pack crackers, individually wrapped prune, tasty high calorie yogurt, etc.) during the day while she was watching TV.

Peach flavored Snapple served with a small plate of Fruit&Fiber bars and chocolate bars broken in thirds.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Julie you are an angel.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter