My dad is constantly forgetting things, no he hasn't forgotten where we live YET, but it happens so often that I'm really afraid. I have mentioned to him to ask his doctor about it, but he just gets mad. Can I mention to his doctor so that next time he goes in the Dr. can bring it up or is that not ethical? ******************************************************** 08-09-02, 01:58 PM Cris5 I don't think it's unethical to put a bug in the docs ear about something you're concerned about. Maybe you could ask that he not mention to your dad that he heard from you.
08-10-02, 03:06 PM Fritzzs Oh absolutly, do so, the sooner the better...
08-10-02, 03:58 PM kittypal Thanks for the speedy replies. He has an appt. in two weeks so I'll call the Dr. and mention memory problems! I think if they catch it soon enough they can slow it down quite a bit.
08-10-02, 09:40 PM trixkala Bring a list of ALL the meds your father is currently taking. This includes over the counter brands and meds from other doctors.
The most common cause of memory loss, dizzyness, loss of apetite in older people is that they are taking meds incorrectly, in too great a quantity or too often. Many times other doctors have perscribed meds that cause a reaction to other drugs.
This will help the doctor know exactly what chemically is happening in your dad's body. Good luck, my parents are 72 & 73 and are still is good mental condition (thank you God). Let us know what happens.
08-11-02, 12:24 AM Sherasi
quote:Originally posted by trixkala: Bring a list of ALL the meds your father is currently taking. This includes over the counter brands and meds from other doctors.
The most common cause of memory loss, dizziness, loss of appetite in older people is that they are taking meds incorrectly, in too great a quantity or too often. Many times other doctors have prescribed meds that cause a reaction to other drugs.
This will help the doctor know exactly what chemically is happening in your dad's body. Good luck, my parents are 72 & 73 and are still is good mental condition (thank you God). Let us know what happens.
Trixala, that is a terrific suggestion and a very valid point. Often medications are the underlying problems of some deteriorations... not always, but certainly is an avenue worth investigating.
08-11-02, 08:42 AM kittypal The only med he is on is Lasix, one a day. My mom was sick for a long time and died recently, so I thought maybe stress from a couple of years, but he seems to get worse all the time. My mom had even mentioned it to the doctor about a year ago, but he didn't seemed concerned he said men are like that. I know men aren't as up on things as we women are, but it has gone beyond just forgetting where he put his keys. He leaves water running, the stove on, ALWAYS forgets where his keys are. He always showers after dinner and when he got through he got dressed for work again, I said oh you're going to work again and he looks at me like I'm nuts, then it dawns on him oh yeah, it's evening. Okay dad!! So yes I'm a bit concerned here. I will call the doctor again anyway, maybe he can say something like we would like to test all people over 60 for memory loss just in case. Thanks again !
08-11-02, 10:50 AM gizmogram Just a quick "My best to you & dad"....everyone has said exactly what is needed here - talk to the doctor, etc....
Last year I lost a beloved Uncle to Alzheimers...
In 1995 or so, we were visiting Disneyland in CA. My Aunt & Uncle lived in the area, & I hadn't seen them for several years. The whole clan down there decided to get together at Knotts for the chicken dinner, about 20 of us. While we were waiting for our table, my Uncle came up to me and said, "So hey, you guys from out of town?"...He had no idea who I was and I was crushed...Luckily I knew he had been suffering memory lapses by this time, so I was able to quickly gather my senses and respond properly...
Later, however, I cried on my Aunt's shoulder...well, actually, we cried together.
It is very hard going through this...He didn't remember me because I wasn't involved in his everyday life...
Kittypal, I'll hope the very best for your dad, and will just say, BE there for him...and I know you will.
08-11-02, 12:17 PM doriek Kittypal
Your dad is blessed to have such a caring daughter like you.
My thoughts are with you.
dorie
08-12-02, 11:17 PM Wildflower63 I'm having the same problem with my dad. He isn't remembering names and people. He isn't remembering directions that he used to easily be able to do. He does freely admit that he can't remember things anymore. The problem is, he doesn't seem to care.
I have offered to go to the doctor with him. He doesn't mind that idea. If your father objects to you mentioning and asking questions regarding his memory loss, go to the counter and tell them you would like to discuss him memory problems in private with the doctor if that is possible since your father objects to any discussion on the subject. Just tell dad that you are wondering about how much longer you will have to wait so he wont get upset with you.
If he will not allow you to go to his appointment with him, call and discuss his memory problems with the nurse and ask her to document this information before your dad's appointment so the doctor will have this available to him when he sees your dad.
Doctors need to know full information about who and what they are dealing with in order to give him the best medical care they can. Although he may not like it, you are doing the right thing for him for the right reasons.
11-25-02, 01:45 PM Lisa My mom's brother is experiencing the dementia phase of alzheimer's presently. It's great that you are aware and caring enough to want to note your dad's behavior to his doctor. No, it is not unethical to love someone enough to go out on a limb for them - there have been many times I've dropped a bug in my family doc's ear about my mom and dad or sister. I just wish someone had been aware of Uncle Jim's oncoming condition more than the few years ago he was diagnosed. Now the question we are left with is whether or not this is the genetic type of Alzheimer or something that occurred from something he may have been exposed to in life. We don't expect him around much much longer but now we at least can be consoled with the knowledge that he is being given excellent care and, when lucid, he is happy. Best of luck with your pop. Please let us know what happens.
11-29-02, 03:46 AM Ewood27 Kitty, I lost my wife to Alzheimer's two years ago. You are doing absolutely the right thing in bringing the subject to the doctor's attention. I got my wife in for the doc to look at by saying he was running checks on older patients he hadn't seen for a time. It's no more unethical than calling to say he's in bed with a high fever and will you come, if that were the case.
I only know the one case, but my wife was perfectly happy in her own world which, sadly, increasingly was not the same one the rest of us live on. It was the rest of us, the carers, who had the emotional roller-coaster. You have a tough time ahead, I'm afraid, but if you do your best for him with love - as you are doing already - you will always know you did all you could.
Yes, call in the experts, and use a bit of subterfuge if you must to spare him worry. May God guide you and give you strength.
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