My mother was recently diagnosed w/hyperthyroidism which traits sound the same as many on here, she won't even take 2 simple pills to get better? She's acting like her life is over when hyperthyroidism itself creates that very thinking and many other symptoms. Her doctor has given her instructions to take 2 low dose mg beta blockers for now but she won't even take those long enough to be able to work. I am so frustrated when all I hear is the same repetitive negativity every single 'conversation', every day for almost 3 months, telling me she feels worse every day, telling me a list of things she hasn't done that day, telling me she doesn't want to be here, BUT THEN when she won't take the simple little pill sitting there that could change everything? I tell her "that's like a kid with a splinter who won't take it out and then is surprised when it becomes infected and has to have leg amputated. Take the Splinter out Mom, just take the 2 little pills that will help regulate your thyroid and just SEE if that works"
And for people to say let her doctor know - does no good because she is stubborn and cancels appointments and won't do anything he says either.
Mom has the condo heat turned up to 76 and still needs two blankets and a sweater...sounds like the thyroid meds need to be adjusted again...but of course that means blood work and her veins are so small...oh joy!
And as far as a specialist, her own doctor is really good but SHE will not do anything he says, she just cancels appts and then won't do anything he says anyway despite how simple he has made it for her.
Does your Mom live by herself at home? Does she have anyone around her from her own generation? Keeping her busy could be the key to wanting her to take her prescription meds, as then she would want to be around the next day.
The doctor's office has called her the last 3 days probably wanting to know her vitals so they can move forward but she won't answer the call, and balks at "spending 'so much money on blood pressure cuff' that she won't use". The doctor has made it very easy for her too - just call in your readings (blood pressure/pulse) couple times a week and he can regulate dosage for her that way for now instead of her coming in (since he knows she probably won't) and STILL, THIS IS STILL all too much for her she says....proceed with pulling my hair out here
Thank you all for your comments and I'm glad I found this place (never expecting to be one posting for myself - like many of you I'm sure)
And P.S. that ONE tiny pill 2 times a day to help with thyroid is ALL the meds my Mom is on but she swears she's a sickly old woman and to hear her talk she's on "ALL THESE PILLS" I will be honest and did tell her she should write a play with all the drama and made up tales... ;o)
It sounds like your mom might need a little tough love...take the pills and we can talk further...don't take the pills and we'll talk later. She has to meet you part way.
I too was a bit confused about the med choices...sounds like there is something else going on. What does dr. say about her not taking the pills?
I have that issue with pills, and it usually takes trial and error to find the right manufacturer of pills that I can use without the crazy side effects. Sometimes the medicine is worse than the illness.