Follow
Share

My 89 year old father has been sharp as a tack for 89 years. Last month he came down with a whole body blood infection caused by a drain in his gall bladder. After 3 weeks the infections is gone. Every since then he goes from normal to talking crazy as can be and imagining things. I've read some people get this. My question is has anyone here dealt with this and how do i handle it? The crazy phone calls needing food instantly and then getting it only to have him eat one piece is getting old. And just the random crazy talk is hard to deal with.

Sometimes pain killers bring on memory and cognitive issues in the elderly. Get him in to see the doctors.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to katepaints
Report

Please have him evaluated by his doctor and most likely a neurologist. Changes in mentation - thought processes - are not usually instantaneous in seniors. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease do have the types of issues you list but they are gradual onset. As a nurse, I am thinking your loved one may have suffered damage to his brain. It might be able to treated to minimize or improve depending on his circulation to his brain. A doctor can advise you best.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Taarna
Report

My mother is currently in a sepsis induced delirium state. She's hospitalized and they're treating her. Everyone who is treating her says that this can, "take time," which is frustrating to hear... we all want to know when.

I never have ever dealt with anyone with delirium or dementia, so this is new for me too. Mom asks me if I had a good trip to Arizona (haven't been). I say yes. She asks me if she owes me a hundred dollars, I say yes. She starts to cry and get all weepy and I ask her if football's on and she stops. Like, immediately stops. The hospitalist told me they're going to take her outside to see the sun and the fountains outside the hospital. She will like that.

The nurses told me once she clears the infection she should "be better," and right now that's all I can hope for. I told them 8 days ago she was paying bills and looking for football on TV. I went to see her yesterday and my presence agitated her - not on purpose, but she got excitable and a little thrashy when I showed up, so I go every other day or every two days. I told the nurses and the doctor I don't mean to not see my mom, but if it's going to put her through this that doesn't help her rest or get better. They agreed, and knew exactly where I was coming from. My mom has been in a health decline for many years. Going there every day only to have her re-hash how she's not home, wants to go home, where's my dog (she doesn't have one) and get all restless and fidgety won't help, and any visit I will do will be very short.

I know this probably doesn't answer your question but you are not alone in this, nor am I, as it seems. Our issue now will be probably putting her in AL or Memory Care when this settles. She'll be safe, and retain some dignity. I learned in 4 days that none of us would choose this "behavior" and so I just go along with it, and that germs and bacteria are a bigger b#tch than I ever imagined they were.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to GoodDaySunshine
Report

Texacowgal08: Quite possibly he experienced hospital delirium brought on by sepsis.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

Without anesthesia being involved I am uncertain what would cause this.
I am certain in this time you have talked to a neurologist involved in his care.
What does that specialist tell you? If this isn't hospital psychosis I am not certain what happened here. If he was on a ventilator I am worried about oxygenation to the brain at some point in all this?
As an old retired RN I admit I am mystified on this one.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

That can be a very difficult problem to deal with, for sure. The one thing I have to say is: do not get frustrated with your Dad. My input will reflect my faith in Jesus Christ. I am not saying frustration can be ignored, but you can, at all times let your Dad know you are vitally interested in helping him and take your frustrations to the Lord. He will help you.
Those words are spoken (not by a doctor, nor an educated counselor but) by one who is an 87 year old Christian and has a personal relationship with the Lord. If you are not in that category...my suggestion is that you begin to seek the Lord with all your heart. Put your parent's needs ahead of your own. Again, I know those words are easier to say than that action is to take. You can do it. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. God bless you and your 89 year old Dad.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Keeko7
Report

Sounds like acute delirium that was caused by the sepsis and it could go away but more than likely won’t
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Trixipie
Report

I believe you mean to use the word dementia rather than dilemma? If so....
Is he still hospitalized or in rehab? This septicemia is a lethal killer, and to have survived it means he is not resistant to antibiotics, and had enough organs surviving it to recover. Somewhat a miracle right there.

If he is still not home in his own environment then I would say that much of this is a sort of hospital psychosis. If he is back and still cannot fully recover this is a wait and see.

I would discuss this with his own doctor because he is the one with all the facts and details here, and can make best guess. Otherwise this is taken a day at a time and with hoping for the best. I sure do wish you best of luck and hope for full recovery.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Infection can cause Delirium, especially in the elderly.

Not saying it IS that (I am not a Doctor) but maybe read up & ask Dad's Doctor.

I'll try to find some links.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/delirium-vs-dementia-476403.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/delirium/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to Beatty
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter