He's had dementia/Alz for 13 years per doctors. His attitude and health has changed over the past 60 days. He started taking the Namenda XR about 2 months ago. I wonder if this new drug is causing this change. He developed a congestion that doctor says is not in his chest, but mainly in his throat area. He's taken Tussin and codine cough syrups and a week of antibiotics. Chest xrays show no problems in his lungs. These meds don't make a change in his congested cough. He's weaker, needs assistance walking now. He was always involved in the activities provided but now he's not interested. The sudden change scares me. The caregivers can't give me any advise on what to do.
I don't know specifically what the geriatrician in this case is attempting to accomplish, but before I'd even consider changing doctors I'd have a conversation with this one and see what the purpose is in stopping the other drugs.
Finding out what is causing the coughing and then fixing that would certainly be a comfort measure and would improve Dad's days. I'd ask the geriatrician if there is any other kind of specialist you might consult on this particular issue. I might consider getting a second opinion, but without necessarily dropping this doctor.
Be frank with this doctor. Ask if he thinks it is time for hospice care. Ask him how things would change if that becomes the case.
It is very difficult to acknowledge, so I am glad you recognize that your dad is old and has health problems that have no cures. Comfort is the goal now. Could he be kept more comfortable on hospice?
Please keep us informed of how this progresses. We do care.
Did you ask the doctor about his behavior change and weakness when they did the chest x-ray?
Make sure he elevates his legs above his heart level; it may help moderately with the ankle edema, but I would also contact who ever prescribed the Lasix and ask about restarting it.
Seems like something's changed; the question is what and why.
BTW, what kind of doctor was it who told you to hold the meds for 3 weeks?
I'm also surprised the cardiologist's staff doesn't do an EKG. That takes place ever time my father sees his cardio doctor.
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