Yet another hospital stay - side effects of medication

[sewinggranny]

Admitted at the beginning of May with Constipation and subsequent Dehydration from the medication I had been given to treat back pain. Eventually discharged after 2 weeks, saw various doctors, OT's etc. Medication changed to Longtec which does seem to be helping with the back pain. OT assessment declared me to be independent and ready for discharge. However this is not my idea of independence. I was sent home with a reablement package 3 visits a day, Morning visit for personal care and lunch and teatime to oversee meal preparation. lunch and teatime visits stopped after a week, morning visit has now stopped after 2 weeks which I feel was too soon. I am still waiting for OT to fix a drop down shower stool. I struggle to wash and dress myself. I use a walking frame for support and to move around the house and microwave mini meals. The comment is always " have you got family who can help?" No, husband is 84 and has cognitive impairment which has worsened over recent weeks, I am supposed to be his carer, not the other way around, one daughter lives 200 miles away, and the local one works and has young chidren. Fortunately I have found an excellent private carer who comes for an hour 6 days a week to help with personal care and also keeps on top of the laundry. The last thing I want is to be readmitted to hospital again, which seemed to be the experience of some of my fellow patients. The care sector in this area is overwhelmed and not enough staff to cope with demand.

[SheffieldJane]

Really glad that you have found a sensible solution. I bought a sturdy little black solid plastic stool from IKEA ( really cheaply) it serves as a seat in my walk in shower. Might be a temporary measure?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear that - an totally unecessary since that original medication should have been issued together with a script for laxative medication and detailed advice to prevent the problem developing in the first place. But it rarely is.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good to hear you are home -and new medication is working for you, but sorry to hear about care package not being the standard it should have been -and you’ve had to sort things yourself.

Afraid it’s a sign of the times…

[Ridge]

I am so sorry for you! How terrible to have to be admitted to hospital for constipation. I am like us all at the age when many friends are having ops to either mend parts of their bodies or remove them! All involve painkillers which without exception cause constipation!! When I visit I take a tub of ‘inulin’ a natural fibre supplement instead of flowers or chocolates!! This has been such a success! I cannot recommend it more highly!!

[Miacaro45]

I can certainly feel for you because I can have the same problem with medications and or anesthesia. I always tell the medical staff what I need to make sure that I do not go through the agony of constipation. Sometimes it is much worse than the original problem. Only the best to you.

[5lupins]

I am so sad you are having to struggle. I used to visit my friend once a day even though she had some help. It is easier if someone comes in and says what can I do. This ranged from getting har a dish of fruit to hanging washing out whilst oh went to shops for little treats. She was a bit sharpe with me but I used to ignore it. Sadly she died, as I know she would be here for me now when a friendly face popping in would be lovely. Thinking of you and hoping things improve as it is so hard when your husband is needing your care. J 💐💐💐💐

[whitefishbay]

Shameful really but that is the reality. Glad you found a caring carer. The civilized world is not so civilized.