Father was to have routine surgery. Fast forward, that was not the case. He was under anesthesia 3 times in 1 week. Now sent to a rehab center, he is showing signs of what they call delirium. Forgetting, confusion and even odd hand movements during sleep. Hand movements best described as if he is trying to grab something in the air. Fidgets often with blankets. Can anyone here speak to this or have possibly seen this as well? Any recommendations on how to get past this faster? Drs have him now on 25mg of Seroquel, taken nightly at around 9pm. Any suggestions or sharing similar experiences would be appreciated 👍
Thinking problems, Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia can complicate.
Seen this many many times.
In some cases, the new level of confusion can become the new ongoing level of functioning.
Wait & see. Be hopeful. Encourage him to sleep at night, take naps as required, eat & hydrate well.
Confused or disorientated people fall more so avoiding falls now becomes an important aim.
I hope things improve for your Father soon.
The first time I had general anesthesia was when I was 36, then again at about 47, and again last year at 61 when I had it twice in a week. I'd say I came through it faster at 61 than at 47, so there's no rhyme or reason to the timeline of shaking it off.
When dementia's involved, you don't always get over it all the way no matter what.
Whether this will be long lasting, permanent, or transitory only time will tell, but the longer it lasts the more chance that this will continue. I am so sorry.
Your best information regarding this now is the MD involved in your father's care at this time.
It takes an older person longer to shake off anesthesia. Like said it could make his Dementia worse. The delirium could be caused because he is in a strange place. Has no idea who anyone is or understands why his is where he is. I swore, after my Mothers last say in Rehab, there would not be anymore stays. They could set up in home care at her AL.
Also, please remember that everyone responds differently to medication so if it isn’t working speak with his doctor to see if he needs a different dosage or a different medication.
Wishing you and your dad all the best.
That said, if kidney and heart function are good, and lungs are healthy, encourage fluids, and yes, try to get the patient back to familiar surroundings AND familiar routines.
Patience and loving care are also vital.
I hope this helps someone.
She did not take any medication for it. It lasted for about 3-4 days and then she slowly got back to normal.
Hope this helps and prayers for your dad :)
If Moms doctor had looked at her history, she would not have been given the antibiotic with penicillin in it that she was allergic to. Right there in their records. My Uncle, while in rehab, was prescribed a med that almost killed him and reason why he was in rehab. TG he asked the nurse what she was putting in his IV. A doctor prescribed that med, must not have looked at the hospital records and saw thats what landed him in the hospital and almost killed him. Moms urologist wanted to scope Mom after 5 years of being cancer free. She was over 85.
There are doctors that have no idea what prescriptions counteract others. But your Pharmacist does and catches it. Be very aware of the health field. It is all about money. Have all the info you need to make decisions about your care and LOs care.
Perhaps a virtual appointment with a Geriatric Psychiatrist would help here; you'd need to submit a list of medications.
She ended up on impossibly high dosages of drugs that had interaction warnings.
Her PC told me “this is aging, you are in denial.” I followed my gut.
I charted out all the medications, dosages, warnings and interactions. You can do this using public information online. Mom was lucky she didn’t die from all those drugs.
I worked with a (new) doctor to wean her - this took months to do safely - and her cognition was completely restored.
Its also possible that this may be from the anesthesia alone. Medication can remain in the body for a long time.
Try to encourage lots of water. You are helping him through a drug overdose and this will help flush his system.
Do not expect any of the involved physicians to admit, criticize each other or see any potential fault.