Question

[Daisy55]

When someone has had really serious pneumonia and has copd + other lung conditions , has anyone noticed a change of personality in that person . I know that really low oxygen can cause brain cells to die and can affect the brain .

[Phil40]

Hi, my Mum personality seems to change when she has an infection coming, or while she has an infection and when she is on steroids and feeling better, and in different ways seems like every time.

I find it hardest when she shuts down and stops 2 way dialogue, which is often before or during an infection, which I can see coming but she can’t.

But paradoxically often as a steroid course kicks in and she feels ‘cured’ then she can get quite rude and selfish.

The frustrating thing about COPD is that it seems to be different every time.

And I do understand how hard it is for her when she is struggling and I am not exactly great company sometimes. But that is when I take a step back because sometimes I forget this stuff because I am too close day in, day out.

I hope that makes sense. I am good at saying ‘get support ‘ but not so good at following my own advice. When I struggle on my own with caring my mental health suffers.

Best regards

[Daisy55]

Hi Phil , yes I completely understand . I too get the no two way dialogue with my husband, and the anger times , also complete void of emotion , no reaction to joy , excitement , happiness etc . Thank you for your experiences as that has helped me see more clearly . I agree that we notice when there is an infection but they don’t have any inner knowing of it .

It does prove to me that brain function is affected . Although it is extremely difficult when you cannot have conversation and they just don’t feel any emotion in the positive . Most difficult is not being able to share things with them . Knowing it is the condition , and not us helps . I have found that the cognitive problems do increase the longer the diseases take hold.

I will try to not have any expectation of positive emotion and dialogue , though difficult, at least I will know it’s the conditions .

Take great care of yourself .

[Ergendl]

My previous husband, who died in 2003, suffered a form of aggressive dementia after successive infections. He used to pick on people and bully and threaten them. Very difficult time.

[stamford1234]

I get irritable if I have an exacerbation looming and I am more than usually breathless. I get downright nasty when on Steroids! Jokes aside, my Dad changed from a lovely person to an irritable person on steroids, it was sad to see the change in his character. Then of course the old anxiety and depression can creep in too. Don't forget to look after yourself too