Posted on 08/31/2021 12:07:55 PM PDT by LilFarmer
I would appreciate prayers for my FIL. He’s in his 80’s and has had dementia (vascular) for many years. Otherwise, he has been very healthy, fit, and active. He walks a mile/day. His main issues up have been memory loss and confusion.
He is in memory care and we’ve been told many times he is sweet and cooperative. We visit him 2-3 times a week and he’s been happy - he says he likes the caregivers, food, and the other residents. He has been very engaged in activities and with other residents.
But 2 weeks ago, he punched a resident out of the blue for no reason. He hasn’t been argumentative or difficult before or after that. He did not remember doing it immediately after it happened. They figured he must have been startled. Then, last week it happened again. No precipitating event and no recollection right away. He has memory loss but not like that - it was like a blackout. Other than the two random punches, they say he has been calm, cooperative, not agitated or anything.
The nurse sent him to the ER where they ran tests (CBC, urine, metabolic, hepatic, covid, ecg, drug tests, etc). All normal. The ER sent him to a mental health facility that specializes in dementia, and the doctor there already knows my FIL well (he’s also the doctor for the MC). We expected to hear that it was normal progression of dementia, but the doc said that it is unusual. He has been calm and cooperative there, and is not on any meds except an antibiotic in case he has a hidden infection. They are running more tests, neurological and scans. Another new symptom is he is dragging his foot, is unsteady, and can barely walk. He also has been very cold. This started around the same time as the first punch. He was scheduled to go back to MC this week, but the doctor is going to keep him over the weekend and try to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, they said he does know why he’s there. He still does not remember what happened but he believes them that it happened and he feels really bad.
Meanwhile, the MC just had their first case of covid, a staffer. So even if my FIL goes back he would be facing 2 weeks of being stuck in his room. Ugh. This facility normally allows family to come and go, and has not required vaccines for residents or visitors. I hope that doesn’t change permanently. The only requirement until recently is temp checks. Last week they started asking if visitors have been around covid and prohibited kids under 12 because covid has ramped up in our area.
Anyway, sorry, that is long. I appreciate your prayers.
Father in Heaven, please heal and comfort LilFarmer’s father-in-law and take away all symptoms and causes of illness. Help him feel your presence beside him. Advise and guide the actions of his doctors and caregivers. I thank you for the blessing of his life, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Thank you, and I’m sorry you had to go through this too.
The last time he was “off” was when he lived with us - his doc prescribed an antibiotic even though there was no UTI on the urinalysis. We mentioned it to this doc, and he put him on antibiotic too “just in case”.
Hubby just texted the doc asking him to test for Vitamin B12 deficiency and he said “sure”
Thank you for that suggestion.
Prayers for your father-in-law’s health !
Prayers he is able to improve and get better.
Prayers for your FIL.
My MIL had vascular dementia and she did the same thing.
First she punched a nurse, so she was evicted from the assisted living facility she was in and then she pushed someone else in the next facility we had her placed. Was placed in a psych ward for a few days for evaluation. We were told the behavior was not unusual.
She was convinced that the problem was the post-chemo infusions she was getting. The doctors thought this to be quite unlikely. The infusions were discontinued and the symptoms are now gone.
Is it possible that your father is developing a reaction to some medication that he might have been tolerating for some time? Such reactions can be quite unsuspected and thus difficult to identify.
It sounds like you are being a wise and responsible advocate for him. He is so Blessed to have you! Please let us know how he is doing. You and he have the prayers of many, and that is a powerful thing!
I will keep your father-in-law in my prayers.
Prayers for your father in law even though I don’t know his name to pray for him in person.
It’s Frank, and thank you
May Jesus Christ walk with Frank and carry him through this rough spot in his life.
You are welcome, LilFarmer. It might be not what is causing his inability to walk but it’s worth a try. Blessings.
I should have mentioned in my prayer request, that he is a believer. Even with his cognitive decline, when he prays, you would never know he had dementia. He is for sure walking with Christ even in his illness.
The MC has a devotional and hymn singing every morning after breakfast. He loves that.
Many prayers for you FiL. May they find out what is happening. ((Hugs))
Many prayers for you FiL. May they find out what is happening. ((Hugs))
Many prayers for you FiL. May they find out what is happening. ((Hugs))
Prayers up for your FIL.
Prayers offered up.
Praying for wisdom and skill for the medical staff and a clear path for you to be able to be with him. Father, we ask You for the mind of Christ and bind this attack on his neurological system in the name of Jesus. May what has stolen be restored. Thank You, Sir for Your compassion on this family.
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