Parent saying ‘odd’ things

[changedname231]

I’ve changed name .

I’m living with my mum - she’s 53 . She has ongoing mental health difficulties but in the last few years has been having other issues going on too . She was taking pregabalin for migraines and it’s like that’s flipped a switch ? She’s lost a lot of cognitive function and memory . Huge history of mental health difficulties going back 40 years .

She has had a CT scan with no abnormalities and sees a psychiatrist .

She can’t use her phone very well , asks me to show her , gets angry when I do . Can’t use Facebook . Can’t do finances or banking easily . She’s very isolated as she won’t meet people or join groups .

She says odd things a lot . Tonight - she’s apparently met Alistair Campbell twice, in Woolworths (in a tiny Scottish town) and then at a local festival ... and somebody from royal family as well two years ago on same street . She said ?if it was princess Diana or princess annes Butler . It makes no sense . It’s like events are muddled in her head ?

I’m not sure when confusion becomes something you phone 111 for help about but she sounds very muddled indeed . She won’t allow me to check her medication but I know she’s taken minor and bigger overdoses before and often misses tablets etc . She’s not on enough that she could make herself ill but I’m worried . She has non epileptic seizures and disassociates too.

She’s wondering around the house fine just now , seems orientated to place but when I’ve tried to have a conversation I’ve struggled as she changes topic too quickly .

Had a similar night about two months ago when she rapidly became disorientated to place and time and got very distressed . I don’t know if this is the same .

I’ve made the stupid mistake of correcting her too/trying to reorientate her so she’s very upset with me too .

I’ve just left her pottering in the kitchen just now ... am I doing the right thing ? I know if I try to talk to her she will get more angry . I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the one going mad !

She’s on the phone to sister now and is fine with her (sister has autism or I’d try to speak to her) - I am at a total loss of what to do . I don’t want to bother relatives as I’m concerned maybe I’m the one who’s being silly , but it’s just out of character ? It’s just strange and upsetting as I keep wondering where my mum’s ‘gone’ - she’s always so angry with me and volatile, but only towards me and not others . I’m not sure if I’m actually the problem !

You need to call the GP in the morning for a same day appt I think. Or see if you can email the psychiatrist outlining the symptoms.

You need to speak to her GP. The behaviours could be side effects of her medication or a sign of something else. It must be very worrying for you.

Is she still on pregabalin? It absolutely fried my brain when I was, I couldn't function

She’s been off it three or four months now . I’m struggling enormously with helping her as I feel totally out of my depth . It’s easier in a workplace as you can get out and leave , at home it’s 24/7 , and I’m like public enemy number 1 - I genuinely don’t know what to do .

Could she have a urinary infection or similar? I think I’ve heard that they can give symptoms of aggression & confusion but I’m not sure! I think you need proper medical advice

She’s on the phone to 111 . I think they’re going down route of it being her mental health . She says I treat her like an idiot - and everyone else is much better than me . It’s a bloody nightmare . I haven’t got another home to live in or I’d be off , sister says she gets on perfect with my mum but then she doesn’t have to help her at all , they never see each other .

The stupidest thing is when I moved away , my mum told me she missed me like crazy - but when I come home , she says she can’t stand my presence in her house . I don’t know where that comes from .

She’s calmed down now but she’s still saying she’s met Princess Diana , various other celebrities and royals and politicians . Also worked as a carer visiting elderly two years ago she says . None of that’s true at all , I don’t think anyway , but google says it’s best not to challenge and just change the subject ? It’s so scary when she starts .

Early onset dementia?

Pregablin can mess with your head, but like other posters have said she could have an infection. Is there any way you can check how much Pregablin she has taken over the last couple of days, is there any chance she has overdosed? Hopefully 111 will be able to help otherwise take her to A & E if you are worried.

The problem with these symptoms is that it could be the meds, it could be her mental health issues, it could be a combo or it could even be something as simple as a UTI... (more likely if she was older, but if she’s not looking after herself, she could be immunocompromised.) Perhaps she needs a proper mental and physical health assessment.

She phoned surgery and because her GP isn’t there she won’t see anyone, they offered nurse practitioner but she won’t see her . I can’t phone on her behalf . She’s still saying odd things , largely based on stuff on TV , but I’m just nodding and agreeing . It’s just very confusing , I end up questioning myself constantly , if I’m the one that’s got it all wrong . I don’t want anything to happen to her .

If I were you, I would see if there is anyone at the surgery you can discuss her current state with - at least then they have something to go on.

She got seen tonight at local casualty (surgery advised she went there) - they said she’s just stressed and needs to relax .

Hmm. Well it sounds like psychosis to be honest. Think she needs the mental health team to come out and see her, and for you to have some more support. At the least, the mental health liaison service need to assess her and they can do that at your home.

Maybe you can speak to the GP, and tell them. I'm sorry the A & E did not seem to get the liaison psych to see her.

Possibly could also try 111 and they can triage to GP but not sure, might be worth a try

Oh ffs, they sound pretty crap. Definitely take to hospital.

Is she worse at night?