Muddling words

[thegreylady]

I will be 80 in March. I was in hospital in early December with Pneumonia. One of my symptoms, as well as temperature, coughing and low oxygen, was being unable to speak coherently or to message sensibly.The latter was what made my dd call an ambulance. After about a week I was sent home with antibiotics and instruction to rest. I had a scan and chest X-ray before I was discharged. They said there was no sign of dementia and just a degree of age related evidence on my brain. I had a follow up chest X-ray last week and my lungs are now clear. However I am still muddling some words. I can drive, read and cook a bit but I am so scared. It is random words rarely important eg today it was manipulate and mutilate I could not remember which was which! I muddled eating and drinking for a short time. I spoke to the GP and she said I was still suffering from stress caused by bereavement last May then the pneumonia. I was told it could take up to 6 months to clear. Has anyone else heard of such a thing?

I am 50 and if I am very very stressed I loose and muddle words - I once said my clock is quick when I meant my watch is fast. It’s happened for a few short spells when under extreme pressure since I was 40 or so.

I’ve heard quite a few people say the same so it’s quite possible. And as you are older I am guessing you could be less stressed and have the same issue.

I think it’s just because you’re getting older. As pp says, I’m in my 50’s and it happens to me.

I'm not a medic, but I understand why you would be concerned about that. It's maddening that so many real issues are just brushed aside as 'stress' 😡

In your shoes I'd try to push a little harder with the GP, and try to speak to a different one. Sadly I know that doctors don't always take issues as seriously for older people as they would for younger people, having helped to look after elderly members of my family over the course of the last 10 years.

Hopefully it really is nothing, and will settle, but in case it isn't I'm sure it would be helpful for a GP to take the time to discuss diagnostic options with you, and also possible treatments. Very best of luck

I'm an AHP. Delirium after an infection can last for 6 months, so you may have an element of that lingering. We dont do any investigations into memory problems until after this time for that reason. Or certainly it could be stress or fatigue. If it's not getting better, or worsening, have a chat with your GP but do keep an eye on your driving.

Anxiety can make me have signs like this at times.

After my dad was in hospital hospital a severe urinary infection, the doctor said it could be 6 months before his cognition was 100% normal again

Thank you all.
It tends to happen just a couple of times a day but I hate being out of control of my speech . I had to book a birth date review so I spoke to the nurse and she confirmed that I just had to be patient but ring back if it got worse.