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He has a history of heart issues with congestive heart failure being one of them. After 3 days of antibiotics, they found he had a VRE infection and started him on a second IV antibiotic. He seems to be getting more and more confused and is having a very difficult time breathing at times. They say they want to move him to rehab but the infection is still not cleared up. Could this be the congestive heart failure? I am also worried about sepsis still as now after 10 days in the hospital he is still on antibiotics. I only get minimal answers when I speak with nurses. Thank you.

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Also, McMama5, consider that death must have a doorway. For most of us, death is not as easy as willing oneself to die when one is "ready." So for some people, pneumonia is the doorway. CHF is the doorway. Yes, we don't want the elder to die of something that is "treatable." I had that discussion many times with my mother. But often when we treat the treatable illness, it's only partially "fixed" or there are side effects -- and what happens next is another doorway -- a fall and a broken hip -- or some other thing -- and that's how death gets drawn out and traumatic. At some point, talk to your loved one about death. What kind of death he would envision for himself. Or just talk while he sleeps, at his bedside, talk of appreciation and love, the best moments and greatest accomplishments of his life. Visualize your higher self/spirit embracing and shaking hands in peace and calm with his higher self/spirit -- saying "I'm happy if you stay, but I also give you freedom to go if you so choose."
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I don't think he can go to rehab with sepsis, so I think you can rule that out (IMO), and I do believe the CHF lends itself to breathing difficulties. And all of it exacerbates the confusion, especially if he has PD with dementia. Are you able to go in person and talk directly with the nurse(s) treating him? The hospital social worker should be able to help you get answers too.
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Is he still in the hospital? I had to dig to find out the doctor's schedule of rounds -- usually early in the morning -- and BE THERE at the right time! Even if I had to get up at 4 a.m. and get to the hospital, I was there when the doctor breezed in at 6 a.m., 7 a.m...and could jump up and ask questions. Another idea -- Whenever my mother was in the hospital, I would bring a bulletin board or a whiteboard and leave LARGE notes with my name and phone number. "Doctor So-and-So -- please call me as soon as you examine her today. I would like more information about how she is doing."
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Get some probiotics down him if you can. If you look me up, you'll find my other postings on this. Antibiotics are necessary, but affect the elderly brains in strange ways. As do infections of course! Beneficial bacteria in the gut is wiped out by antibiotics. Saccharomyces Boulardii is a beneficial yeast that protects against C-Diff and gets them over it quicker if they get it. Kombucha, Kefir, live yogurt cultures....etc. the powdered probiotics in capsules can be given in tepid water or pudding or yogurt. Homeopathy Alumina works to clear up the mental confusion. (And does not interfere with ANY other medications) My mom had pneumonia as well as PD, so I am speaking from experience.
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