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82 year old dad not eaten since Monday any GP's about please?

33 replies

DumpedByText · 15/03/2024 17:02

My dad is 82 and usually in good health and mobile. On Monday he had chronic diarrhea for 24 hours, and was very weak. He took to his bed and has more or less been there since. He's sitting on sofa occasionally.

He hasn't eaten at all, he is drinking well and also drinking lucozade sport (pharmacy suggested this to me).

He is saying he's thirsty, has a dry mouth all the time and going to loo for wees a lot, which is a struggle to get there.

He lives alone, and said someone had been in the house talking to him. This is impossible, as all doors were locked when I called, and I have a key. He seems confused and is very wobbly on his feet.

He will not let me call his GP, he will fall out with me if I go against his wishes.

Do we ride it out as a tummy bug or could it be more serious.

He is adamant it's from mustard on a beef sandwich! He's also stubborn will not let me take it further. I work full time so have called everyday but can't stay with him.

OP posts:
TowersOfBooks · 15/03/2024 20:46

Hearing voices sounds like delirium - my mum had it when she had a urine infection.

Could have easily triggered a urine infection when dehydrated from the diarrhea.

You need to take this seriously, and seek urgent advice, and attention. Call out of hours GP. Old people go downhill quickly with urine infections. He's not getting better if he's exhibiting signs of delirium and sepsis is the next stage.

I have (had) three of these very stubborn older people in my lives. Two are ok, third - well the beginning of the end was a urine infection we didn't get treated quickly enough. She was my lovely MIL

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 21:14

Tell the GP to say to him that he/she was just passing and thought they'd pop in to see how he is..?? Can he unlock the door himself or is he locked in?

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 21:17

Mrsjayy · 15/03/2024 20:42

we had to go over my dad's head last year because of his bloody stubbornness and phone the Dr for him. he had a multi infection going on. yes he was annoyed but he really was ill, I'd maybe give your dad the weekend and say you will phone on Monday

I know you mean well, of course. Trouble is, this could potentially be dangerous advice as none of us know the full extent of how ill this poor old man is.

nottoooldsurely · 15/03/2024 21:19

Call 111 or the out of hours GP - he needs to be seen. It could be anything from infection to deranged electrolytes yo medication related to renal failure ...

Mrsjayy · 15/03/2024 21:19

SpringtimeBunny · 15/03/2024 21:17

I know you mean well, of course. Trouble is, this could potentially be dangerous advice as none of us know the full extent of how ill this poor old man is.

well obviously that's up to the op to decide I'm just sharing an experience and an opinion

caringcarer · 15/03/2024 23:29

I'd get him some Dioralite. It's got stuff in to replenish the things he'll have lost.

mathanxiety · 15/03/2024 23:40

YY to Dioralyte and Fortisip.

Could you get him some HiPP toddler meals just to get him back into the habit of eating? They are mildly seasoned and easy to nuke in the microwave.

Goatymum · 16/03/2024 09:37

Hope he’s being seen by now.
But I’ll jump on the uti bandwagon tale - mil was on phone to dh saying she was confused - and thanks to Casualty and the like I said it was prob a uti and to take her to the walk-in.
And I was right. She def hasn’t been quite herself since - esp w writing (is also 80s).

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