Update: Dad's BROKEN ANKLE, non-planned SURGERY.... followed by PSYCHOSIS. -How he is IMPROVING!

[rsacdoolittle]

DIAGNOSIS HISTORY: Although being diagnosed with PD in 2010 and likely having it for closer to 20 years, our 78yo father has done relatively well, considering age and this persistent, progressing condition he has. Before Parkinson's, our father was strong and hard-working, active, ate well...and he has enjoyed a close relationship with Jesus Christ since fairly young. He has a loving family and wife of 59 years. And a great attitude and sense of humor we all love!

LAST FEW MONTHS: After Dad fell in the garden a few months ago and broke his ankle, he ended up in unplanned surgery. And shortly afterwards, he developed psychosis. Discouraged and frightened, we tread lightly and grieved the periods of loss of mind. These last months have been quite the journey of ups and downs, fear, and heartbreak for us all...especially when he does not know Mom and gets very agitated trying to "find her and save her life", although she is right there. Frequent distressing visions of things no one else can see, and terrifying beliefs about things that aren't true for the rest of us. Questioning his life and if he wanted to take it. We prayed for mercy from suffering. (God saw it differently, evidently.) He gave us all peace in the midst of the suffering. Mustard seed-sized faith. And hope to follow new possibilities for Dad. Finally, the breaks from the mind confusion are getting longer sometimes. And our family is making some of our sweetest memories yet! It is ONE DAY AT A TIME, FOR SURE. Just like you all on this forum...and like Mr. Einstein, we continue questioning and searching for the next answer.

TREATING HIS PSYCHOSIS:

Our mom has been rather burned out from all the stress of this experience and the work required, so she is getting some time away to shop and laugh a little with me each weekend. She sleeps a little deeper with new safety locks on the doors. Us kids try to visit and encourage more and call on days we don't see them. We help Dad think about the past; he loves to talk about fishing and cars and grandkids, and what a memory this guy has! Trying to get him and Mom out for some new experiences as he is able and as often as we can.

We've had to question a lot. "Can he still go out to eat?!!" We now know he can sometimes, sure! As the psychosis heals, we wait for some nice ON times, and then head out. But never pressure him if he doesn't feel well. One waits with Dad and the other goes and picks up the meal. "Should we take him to see the grand's new house?!!" Naturally, if he feels well at all. Dad may be tired afterwards but he likes knowing and seeing these things. "Let him decide where he gets his hair cut, then end up looking at old military vehicles?" It may end up being the greatest day ever! "DRAG Mom away from him to a church service, while son-in-law hangs out with him...even now?!!" As long as guys still like Guy Time, you do! "Do we talk about his hallucinations and delusions?!!" If one feels comfortable doing so, and it's helping him figure things out, get perspective, and vent a little, then absolutely.

Dad's neurologist suggested rubbing his aching back with Voltaren. And now it does amazing wonders for our sweet daddy's injuries. Have you ever rubbed down your father's back a good long while? It's special that his son does that for him now. Psychosis has opened our minds and hearts to new experiences that heal AND draw us together.

WHAT may be contributing to the cognitive issues? We have researched and discovered that Pramipexole has this listed as a side affect. Now, taking a half dose, we've seen marked improvements and thank the Lord! He is having no bad effects from this AND HE IS STAYING MORE IN HIS "RIGHT THINKING" MODE. Yes! He feels so much better about himself.

Time is also on our side as it moves farther away from all the changes that broken ankle started.

Thank you everyone who is working on medications and side effects warnings. Thank you to all our friends on HealthUnlocked Cure Parkinson's who gave input. You are like another family for us, because I know I can count on you to be here, to listen, to provide input and share research.

As long as life is, there will be problems. Let's stick together, so no one is alone.

God bless you and Yours

[lisa103]

hey good morning, forgive me if ive missed some of your details as im rushing out to work. I just want to offer my dad story incase it sheds some light on yours.

My dad sounds like your dad prior to his surgery. 76 and active lucid mind. In march 23 he was hospitilised for a bowel obstruction. After his time in the ICU he started developing terrible hallucination. The most frightening time for our mum and our family. He tried escaping the hospital in the night, insisting hes locked in a prison. He called mum in the night shouting that shes abandoning him. This is all coming from a man that is self employed full time property manager. He never raises his voice and is louder in action than words. We were frightened.

The doctors at the private hospital kept telling us its normal for his age to develop hallucintation at some point. They also put it down to ICU dilerium.

My brother and I didnt accept that answer. We begged them to try something else. They wouldnt even consult the neurology team at the hospital.

We then had an idea of contacting his neurolgist and asking her what she thought.

She told us to immediatly wean him off premexiole and amantadine.

within 24 hours his brain returned to normal.

In his case he was off amantadine and premexiole for 3 days in hospital. The reintroduction of these medications triggered his hallucintation.

The journey after that wasnt smooth sailing. His mobility was comprised due to the lack of the above medications. We were just grateful to have his mind back again.

Over the last few months he has been very consistent having his physio over 3 times a week. That has improved his mobilty immensily,

Good luck. sending my love to your family.

[rsacdoolittle in reply to lisa103]

Lisa103, yes I am soooo glad both our dad's minds are better. It is heart breaking, scary and tiring. My dad has made some definite improvements! He still has some moments and he still does see things sometimes, but the worst part is well past. We have learned so much and are making plans for if this happens again. A ramp is being built at my house so he can stay here with me 2 days a week at least for now. This will give Mom a break and time to clean etc. We are slowly getting braver with adjusting his meds and supplements, going with our hearts.

God bless and keep you all.

[lisa103 in reply to rsacdoolittle]

Its a journey that is painful to watch yet I feel privileged to be able to be part amd care for my dad. It is so caring and thoughtful of you to install a ramp to have him over. I try to go over twice a week and take over for 2 hours so mum can go out. Its very hard for her being the sole caregiver in the house.

[Jana86]

I’m so glad to hear that your Dad is improving! Thanks for letting us know.

[rsacdoolittle in reply to Jana86]

You're welcome 🙂