Mum (87 years) trapped nerve etc

[ceecee32]

Hi
Just looking for some ideas for my mum if anyone can suggest anything. She describes herself as a 'creaking gate' and has heart disease, diabetes, leukemia, failing kidneys and lots of other things.

Two weeks ago she saw a physio because she had pain around her hip replacement (has had steroid injections) and was doing her exercises and has trapped a nerve in her back. After a week of not being able to sleep I finally convinced her to ring GP who came out to see her- she was prescribed diazepam and amytriptaline (sp?). These have had the affect of completely knocking her out and she can hardly keep awake. She is sleeping in a chair as its the only place she can get comfortable but not moving is making her stiff.

My step dad is 83 and is pretty useless at doing anything as she has always done everything for him. He asked asked that we have a discussion to decide what to do for her as it has been 2 weeks now and she is not improving. I have no idea what to suggest.

I have thought about an Occupational Therapist assessment but cant see what equipment they could give her so help her to get comfortable and it would probably take a few weeks. I dont think that she needs a care assessment as when she is mobile (ish) and fully awake she doesn't need carers.

GP has just given her another prescription for the 2 sedatives but to be honest I am not sure they are doing her any good at all as she is completely spaced out.

Not even sure what I am asking but I think I need to manage stepdads expectations that she should be better and looking after him again.

Has anyone got any suggestions please

[HoleyCoMoley]

Oh dear. I would ask for an o.t. and physio assessment, they may suggest a riser recliner chair with controls, they are easier to get in and out of, also a percing stool for the bathroom sink, a raised toilet seat, bath board and possibly a hospital type bed with controls, they also have hand raisers that fit on the side of the bed to help you get in and out. If she's so sleepy with all the sedatives and painkillers she is st risk of falling so maybe a care alarm, falls mat. She may need a commode too if her walking is affected by pain in her hips and being so sleepy. I'd ask for the doctor to see her again, being drowsy and spaces out all the time will not help her at all. Perhaps she could have carers just for a few weeks until the pain gets better, this is something the o,t, or physio might suggest. A care needs assessment isn't just about movi,ity, look up c.h.c. checklist onli e and it gives you the sections they go through it's free and everyone is entitled to an assessment. Perhaps her g.p. needs to investigate the pain around her hip replacement and looking at other ways to manage her trapped nerve.

[thesandwich]

Totally agree with Holey- a request for an urgent ot referral via gp sounds v sensible- your step dad may listen to an outsider.
Would more physio help with the nerve?
All the kit mentioned will help her keep safe.

[Needmoresleep]

My 89 year old mum had sudden and debilitating hip pain. X ray did not show anything and GP was willing to do physio referral, but that would have taken about 6 weeks.

I asked if he could recommend private physio to bridge the gap. He suggested a very experienced physio who worked part time for the local NHS hospital and eho could see her next day. Physio diagnosed and treated bursitis. DM was back on her feet after the first session. 3 sessions cost £100. Possibly the best £100 she ever spent.

I dont think GPs can recommend going private, but he seemed to be able to respond when I asked whether it might be a good idea. I wish I had done same just after her hip op 6 years ago as it would have kickstarted her recovery.

[Insieme]

Just to say that the amitriptyline will be prescribed to treat the nerve pain, not primarily to use as a sedative. It does tend to make people sleepy as a side effect, but that wears off in time (about 2-3 weeks in my experience). So she may feel less sleepy soon, which will also help with her mobility.

Nerve pain in the back tends to take a few weeks to resolve so it may be a case of being patient while it heals. But I'm sure it's worth speaking to the GP again if she's in so much pain.