Is there anything else left for me to do?
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 274
Is there anything else left for me to do?
I posted two years ago when my much older AH had a heamatoma so can relate to a lot of what Boxinrox is saying...... Things got a little easier, I started to 'detach', he drank less and I got Carers Allowance and he got Attendance Allowance which took some of the financial pressure off.
But he has lost 2.5 stone and has anaemia. Like Box, I am noticing more and more confusion which may be due to the drugs he is taking. His co morbidities include acid reflux/psoriasis (which they are really struggling to control flare ups) lupus/psoriasis, high blood pressure, irritable bladder and now Aneamia and he has also has low protein and low electrolytes. I did get a chance to talk to his GP, and he is very worried it is liver disease.
Basically he has an endoscopy booked for next week. I think this may be to rule out varices/internal bleeding. However, the paperwork says he must not drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards. there is no way I can stop him doing this. I just wonder if anyone has had A's who have experienced this and how dangerous it might be if he were to drink afterwards....he is 76. All I can do is to try and talk to him and persuade him to drink as little and leave it as long as possible. He is maybe drinking a third even quarter litre of vodka a day - I think 8-12 units, but he has it mixed with mineral water and sips all day to keep him topped up.
I realise he is an 'accident waiting to happen' but just wonder if there is anything else I can try......it is on his records that he is alcohol dependant and I think they have held of doing this endoscopy for a while due to the risks ....but they do need to try and find out cause of the weight loss and anaemia which to me could indicate internal bleeding/ulcer/varices.
Thanks for reading . My heart goes out to anyone here trying to do their best for a loved one in the grip of this terrible addiction.
But he has lost 2.5 stone and has anaemia. Like Box, I am noticing more and more confusion which may be due to the drugs he is taking. His co morbidities include acid reflux/psoriasis (which they are really struggling to control flare ups) lupus/psoriasis, high blood pressure, irritable bladder and now Aneamia and he has also has low protein and low electrolytes. I did get a chance to talk to his GP, and he is very worried it is liver disease.
Basically he has an endoscopy booked for next week. I think this may be to rule out varices/internal bleeding. However, the paperwork says he must not drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards. there is no way I can stop him doing this. I just wonder if anyone has had A's who have experienced this and how dangerous it might be if he were to drink afterwards....he is 76. All I can do is to try and talk to him and persuade him to drink as little and leave it as long as possible. He is maybe drinking a third even quarter litre of vodka a day - I think 8-12 units, but he has it mixed with mineral water and sips all day to keep him topped up.
I realise he is an 'accident waiting to happen' but just wonder if there is anything else I can try......it is on his records that he is alcohol dependant and I think they have held of doing this endoscopy for a while due to the risks ....but they do need to try and find out cause of the weight loss and anaemia which to me could indicate internal bleeding/ulcer/varices.
Thanks for reading . My heart goes out to anyone here trying to do their best for a loved one in the grip of this terrible addiction.
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Join Date: Sep 2015
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I do not have personal experience in this matter, but do suspect it to be dangerous. Have you discussed this concern with his physician? I believe that while the doctor cannot share information with you without consent, its acceptable to offer concerns to the doctor that may help prevent a potential complication.
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Join Date: May 2013
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Hi Quish, Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry you are facing all of this. But, I am glad your husband's doctors are aware of his alcohol dependence. That is really important. The thing about no alcohol for 24 hours after the endoscopy is for two big reasons. One the anesthesia remains in the system for up to 24 hours and mixed with alcohol can cause respiratory distress. Also if they take any biopsies there is a small risk of bleeding afterwards. Drinking thins the blood and can cause hemorrhaging. It is really important he drink no alcohol during those 24 hours.
I am so sorry you are going through this. I will pray for you both
I am so sorry you are going through this. I will pray for you both
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Join Date: Aug 2011
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Quish.....you are allowed to tell the doctor anything....it is just that he can't give you information without signed permission.... Certainly, important post-op care can be discussed, also.
With his history, and age , and consumption...he is at high risk to go into withdrawl and possibly DT's....and, even siezures.
There are ways that the doctor can manage this problem. Make sure that he knows!
No doctor wants their patient to get into trouble following a procedure that they perform!
dandylion
With his history, and age , and consumption...he is at high risk to go into withdrawl and possibly DT's....and, even siezures.
There are ways that the doctor can manage this problem. Make sure that he knows!
No doctor wants their patient to get into trouble following a procedure that they perform!
dandylion
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Yes I have expressed concerns to his GP and I think this is why they held off doing the endoscopy. But the dermatologist is worried that he can't control the psoriasis and the lupus( thankfully dormant for now) and there have been infections/cellulitus. He has now put him on something that is not licensed in the UK but is in Europe but if that does not work, wants to try infections, but dare not do that until serious causes of anaemia ruled out! So the GP had to go for the endoscopy - also he has very bad pain in his back around is shoulder which moves around. I honestly think the GP feels it is liver disease - he mentioned deja vu with a patient who had similar blood test results and died suddenly - he was only 55. I will do my best to explain again today about the risks and do my best to keep him away from the vodka. But, although he is frail, I am not prepared to risk myself physically and if he does become borderline violent that I will not be able to stop him having it! He has 'mental capacity'! Sorry do not mean to sound hard -problem in UK we have the GP who is great and has now started to talk and be quite open with me, plus various specialists. Dermo now quite good too, but obviously the person who is doing the endoscopy I have never met but the person who referred him is well aware of the drinking..........
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Yes he has a consent form that says he will not drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards but signing it and abiding by it are two different things. But if he is sleepy, then it may be ok and we may well get through it. I will explain the risks again and again before Tuesday. I cannot hide the vodka because he keeps quite a few bottles in the office and I honestly do not think I could even find them all but right now I am too demoralized to even look! I will NOT put myself in physical and emotional danger.
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Join Date: Aug 2011
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Quish.....if the endoscopy Dr. and the GP are well informed of the alcoholism...then you have done what you can do. It sounds like you have been very attentive. Going into active withdrawl carries a load of complication possibilities in itself....
If he starts going into withdrawl he will go to the alcohol.
Actually, he is between two hard rocks...He will do what he is going to do.
Personally, I would not want someone in DT's or seizures on my hands , at home.
If things do begin to go south, for any reason....I suggest that you call for emergency transport to a medical facility.
Bottom line.....you do the best that you can do....and, that is all that you can do.
I know how frustrating and helpless it can feel to have a difficult person on your hands. You are not superhuman--you don't have perfect control of everything.
We shall have to hope for the best outcome.
Please let us know how it goes...
dandylion
If he starts going into withdrawl he will go to the alcohol.
Actually, he is between two hard rocks...He will do what he is going to do.
Personally, I would not want someone in DT's or seizures on my hands , at home.
If things do begin to go south, for any reason....I suggest that you call for emergency transport to a medical facility.
Bottom line.....you do the best that you can do....and, that is all that you can do.
I know how frustrating and helpless it can feel to have a difficult person on your hands. You are not superhuman--you don't have perfect control of everything.
We shall have to hope for the best outcome.
Please let us know how it goes...
dandylion
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 274
Thanks Dandylion really appreciate your post. I do know that bleeding varices can be pretty horrible. But yes, if he collapsed then I would have to take a deep breath and call 999 although I do know that as soon as he could, he would discharge himself. But he is 76.......so yes, the GP and Consultant are dammed if they do and dammed if they do not go for an endoscopy. Friends say I should confiscate the drink but it is just not simple and I really cannot risk him becoming violent and/or going into withdrawal.
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 16,246
Quish.....I agree with you. I am a medical person, and I have managed the detox and emergency care of countless alcoholics.
I agree with you.
Friends are well meaning, I am sure.....but, they often just don't know what they are dealing with.
dandylion
I agree with you.
Friends are well meaning, I am sure.....but, they often just don't know what they are dealing with.
dandylion
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