My 65 year old hubby was diagnosed with VaD in Aug.-Sept. 2006, after being hospitalized to change his psych meds, one of which had caused a false signal to form in his body telling it to dump his electrolytes(the extra). There were no extra, and when they drop too low it is life threatening. In determining his precise condition, to administer appropriate meds, all types of tests were. After a neuropsych exam, I received a copy of the findings. I called to ask for some clarification on a couple points. The Dr.'s first question to me before we got started, was for me to provide more about Hubby's Stroke History. I responded, "What Stroke History?" I received a short clear report of his 2 Stroke scars--one in the area that likely caused what we'd been told was his "familial tremor" in his hands--back around 1976. I knew when we married that he was learning disabled, and was able to get him tested for it 1987--very broad spectrum learning disabilities--no counter training available at that time. In 1988 he had a breakdown and was diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder. Hence the psych meds. Now I have a spouse who has a brain that has difficulties processing information, which also has problems receiving and appropriately responding to input, and now has vascular issues causing it to cease to function in bits and pieces.
I've been reading entries on this site--even entered a post on the one about med warnings. I'm impressed with the sharing both personal and informational.
I'll share more of our stuff later but want to ask-- What would you do: If the Dr. treating your LO changed dosage/frequency on your LO's med and didn't tell you or explain why; two different times on different meds? If you had no way to get med related questions answered in less than a week, if your lucky? If you were told he changed a med because of pressure from insurance?
Yes, carosi, if you want validation of your feelings ... any one of those would have me looking for a new doctor in very short order. Not acceptable. Not at all. Not in the slightest. NO excuses. None
Welcome to my website. It is like no other, and all of us spouses understand one each other. Please be sure to visit the main home page of the website - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - there is a wealth of information in all of the topics on the left side. In the "previous blog" section, I know you will find subjects you can relate to.
As to your question about the doctor, the short answer is - GET ANOTHER DOCTOR, PRONTO. It is very important to find a clinic that specializes in Memory Disorders. On the left side of my home page, there is a link to finding Memory Disorders Clinics in your area.
Because carosi and I are already in contact with each other from another site, I know that he is in the process or getting her husband to another doctor. I find it interesting that all of us reacted in exactly the same way. She needed to find another doctor and do it now.
Even the more experienced among us sometimes need validation when something happens and WE know it isn't right, but the outside world thinks we are over-reacting. Carosi is very experienced, but sometimes things are just plain weird.
Validation is really helpful. As Starling said I am taking him to another Dr. (runs a Memory Disoorder Program here), next week. He is a little resistant but it has to be done. Going two steps further, once we are switched, I'll be sending the current Office back their "How Are We Doing?" survey with a very honest, negative response. I am also filing a complaint with the Community Mental Health Agency that contracts their services, because what's happening isn't right and their policies and procedures are potentially problematic for more patients than just my Hubby.
Thanks for the backup. When you're responsible for someone and doing it pretty much alone--some family support but they don't really have a good understanding--it can be hard to be and stay confident of your observations, understanding, and decisions, especially when what feedback you do get is along the lines of "Do what the Dr. says and if/when it doesn't work, it's in the Dr.'s lap." I just can't do that to my LO when I know it's not going to work.
I am more than willing to try something new, when there's good reason. But, if it doesn't work, I think I should be able to expect a timely, correcting response.
This is a subject i am dealing with today as i write. My DH suffers ongoing uti's with an enlarged prostate etc. he has been in/out ER several times this yr alone with them. the current urologist told me to give him a certain antiobiotic hes taking now for preventative measures only doubling dose in am/pm. well, my son is a dr as well and was here in the pm, and said he wasnt sure about the uro's orders as this med is good for preventative measures but wont help much with his ongoing uti NOW. plus the meds he gave are eliminated within 6yrs from body, and thus DH wont have the 24hr protection he needs now to counter a fullblown infection. guess what? i followed my son's advice who is ob/gyn and says he deals with uti and pregnancy daily. his recommendation was to give another broad spectrum antibiotic which i alreeady had from anothr infection for 5days and see if he is significantly improved if not take him to ER. i hate to criticize this uro orders, we visit but i dont think all these drs are as qualified these days as we would like to think. so my opinion is to find another dr if you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving. not all drs are alike thats for sure as we can all attest to. i may be looking for another uro as well. this is the second one...divvi
When our LO's can no longer stand for themselves or talk for themselves, we get to be pushy, pain-in-the-neck, and any other thing needed to get the job done and done right. We actually do know our LO's best. My husband is in a facility and more often than not, I am the one that notices something wrong/different before they do. I find that scary but it also validates why I try and see him every day.
So, yes, when you are not getting appropriate and correct answers in a timely manner, it is time to take action and find another doctor.
Appointment was Today(July 1). The Dr. asked what I was hoping for from this visit, and I told him, I was hoping to find a Dr. who would include my input; and have similar goals for Hubby--keep him home and in the best health we can keep him as long as we can; acknowledging that major things(ie--Stroke) could change things; and open to using Hospice when the time for that comes. He said the most vluable tool he can have in caring for his patients is a caregiver who observes, experiences, and is willing to and capable of reporting what is going on, how things are going, and how things aren't going. He can't get that in the few minutes of an Office Visit. I want to know that if a question comes up, I don't have to wait a week or more for an answer. During the appointment I was asked how I was doing and if I had and was using good coping strategies. <BOGGLE,BOGGLE> And, the Dr. asked me about frequency of visits needed. I said we'd been going quarterly, but that the one or two during the worst winter weather, were the hardest. He said we can do quarterly, except during the worst of the winter, and rely on phone contact then, unless something important comes up that requires a visit.
I AM SOOO THRILLED WITH THE OUTCOME OF THIS VISIT.