DH has been so easy since I added Celexa to his daily routine - about 6-8 months, now; and that's all he takes except for BP and prostate meds. However, for at least a month, I'm sensing a change in him. He's more combative. Not a lot, but, more. I've been trying to get into a NeuroPsych but they aren't calling me back. He takes 40 mg/day of Celexa. I'm wondering if I could give him another 20 mg/day without incurring any problems.
Also, in 2 weeks he is having a cataract removed from his only remaining eye. His eye test was abominable (no surprise to me) and they want to remove that cataract. They will give him sedative to relax him and a topical numbing agent in his eye. Any problems with this that I should notify the doc about?
Thank you, good friends. I feel so blessed to have you to go to and know that I will get good advice. TT
Keep calling until you get someone. Shame on them for not calling you back! I am so sorry to hear about your DH eye problems. I have no advice but I did want to offer you my support and give you some ((hugs))
Herb's doctor says that everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts. It's a very simple procedure - only takes about 15 minutes to perform and then they keep you for about 3 hours after that. A couple follow-up visits and voila, he can see again. His vision has been declining slowly this year and he hasn't even noticed. But, I have, he can't see anything it seems. So, I'm excited for him to be able to see clearly again. I'm not really concerned about the sedatives. Anesthesia I would question, but I'm pretty sure he'll do fine with the topical and sedatives. But, hugs I'll take any time :-)
And, Divvi, thanks for the link. Going there right now.
Divvi - How do you know so much? You're so amazing!! I read the link on Celexa and it seems that more is just not a good idea. In fact, I copied the article and will give it to Herb's PCP when we visit in April. Actually, his BP was 180/? yesterday and the technician was a bit concerned about that. Could the Celexa be responsible for the higher BP? All this chemistry stuff is wayyyy beyond my pinhead intelligence. Glad there's so many brilliant folks on this forum, Divvi. Thank you. T
mothert this info seems to just have come out about the celexa and posted on the FDA websites info. sometimes it is a good idea to check this website with regards to updates on the meds we use. we know many things happen to cause a review of some medications after they are around a while. at any rate yes please discuss with your dr. that BP is high so for sure discuss with his dr on monday.he may want you to come in or alter the dosings so dont wait to call. i do know some meds do tend to raise my DH bp as well when he uses them. let me know what happens. and if you dont have one a bp monitor may be something you want to invest in for home. its always a good idea to monitor this with any medications due to the fluctuations that can occur sometimes. you can get one at cvs or walgreens. its a good investment as we know how important bp is to these guys. and us! grin it gives us an idea where our stress levels are. divvi
When Sid was put on Celexa (actually, the generic) at least 3 or 4 years ago, we were told then that 40 mg., which is the dose he takes, was the highest one he could have.
Is Sid still on the Celexa? Has it effected his BP?
Divvi - We do have a BP monitor, I have just been complacent about using it; I'll get right on it today. I can up Herb's appt and I think I should in light of his upcoming Cataract surgery, as well. I'll keep you posted.
mothert--my hb has been on Celexa for 7 years (since dx). He was already on a BP med when he was put on it, and his BP med dosage was increased sometime later. He has never taken more than 40 mg.; when non compliance entered the picture, other meds were added instead. Perhaps this is what your husband's neuro will recommend.
Laughing out loud, Ann. I'm terrified that dh will not be able to take his meds and then my life of tranquility (well, almost) will end abruptly - NOOOOOOO (screaming loudly). :-)
Btw, I took dh BP this about an hur ago and it was 150/72 - much better than Friday. My machine takes it 3 times in a row and then gives the average. I think this is a superior method to the one time taking in the doctor's office. I'm feeling better already.
I had cataract surgery last winter (actually to correct my severe nearsightedness and astigmatism, I didn't have cataracts). At my request, I had half the usual dose of the relaxing medication, as I tend to react strongly to such medications and they wanted me awake. Because I was younger they didn't put in an IV, but they usually do. I found the surgery quite difficult. No pain (except the light in my eye seemed painfully bright), but it felt weird not to be able to blink and what I was very aware of all sorts of weird movements of the light as they worked on the eye. I was told it was very important not to bring my hand to my face.
I would think it would be hard for someone with dementia to cooperate as much as is needed. They wanted me to keep my eye steady, looking at the light. At the very least, see if they will agree to you being in the room during the actual surgery holding his hand. They had music playing and I listened to that to calm myself. Be aware that for the first week it is important not to rub the eye and there are several weeks of eye drops 4 times a day (a total of 6 weeks of eye drops at least once a day).
I had cataract surgery two years ago. The first eye went very well. I had warned my dr, but the relaxing medication along with the other medication put me out big time. I am like pmasc regarding this type of medication. I don't remember anything and I was OUT...when they took me back to the area to recoop..I don't remember at all going back to the recovery area or even going into the surgery area.... my blood pressure dropped like a rock and they thought they were going to have to send me over to the main hospital. I felt very ill after I finally woke up and my dr. said: "you really gave us a scare". I was there for almost 6 hours from the beginning to the end. Don't mean to frighten you or suggesting you not have this surgery for your spouse, but just warn them of his total condition. Most people sail through it in a breeze. But, if the relaxing medication and/or the other type of medication they give you so you don't move is a problem for your spouse..just ask them to watch it carefully. I am sure that my response was not the normal response.
Having worked in outpatient surgery trust me-there is no such thing as minor surgery. At least if it is done in or very near a hospital you have a fighting chance.
Hospital is right up the hill and I will ask them if I can be in the room with hubby. I will also discuss how drugged he will be. Just about 2 years ago he had a colonoscopy and they actually sedated him with penathol and he did just fine. We will also be discussing the drugs he is using and how they will interact with what he'll be given with his PCP next week and I'll be sure to go over that real well with his surgical team. He's becoming very blind, he really needs this surgery.
Mothet: if NeuroPscyh or any Md with whom you have an established relationship fails to respond to you calls send a fax to the office indicating you have been unable to reach them. A fax is a traceable legal document, phone calls are not. I can assure you in today's litigious society the fax will produce a response.