Infection

[Mp100]

Hi all,

So my dad had to go to A&E on Tuesday night where they diagnosed an aspiration pneumonia covering 2 lobes of his right lung.

At the moment the doctors are saying that he's responding to the anti-biotics but we have had two of the three doctors that have dealt with him saying that we have to prepare ourselves for the possiblity that he won't be able to fight it off.

Unfortunately due to his age and condition he is not a candidate for intensive care so anti-biotics are the only option that we have.

Hopefully he will be able to fight the infection but we have been told that it is a sign of thingd to come as his PSP is advanced.

Not really sure that I have any questions but I am keen to hear of anyone's experiences.

Thanks

M

[Hidden]

Take it one day at a time. My dad had same issue end of March, was in hospital 3 days on IV antibiotics. He pulled thru it ok but it did affect his speech slightly.

Ron

[Suebatt]

Hi M

Archie has loads of aspersions and 9/10 he goes in for intravenous antibiotics and after that he's home

He has got infection now but because we started emergency antibiotics at home he's pulling round a bit better

Hope they manage to sort him

Sue xx

[vidvv]

The more aspiration pneumonia is discussed here feels like I know about it lesser. What exactly is that? How's it diagnosed? Clinically or X-ray?

Dad Always coughs while eating and drinking for the past 2 months.

Sorry M. No help just wishes for peace to all of you.

[Hidden in reply to vidvv]

My Dad suffers from this. He has difficulty swallowing & is high risk. He has an infection quite regularly and is usually treated in hospital. His swallow was x-rayed & they could see what was happening. Sometimes he coughs whilst eating, sometimes not so we don't know it's happening until he gets ill. Hope this helps xx

[Kevin_1]

Hi Mp100

I a so sorry to hear your news and know this must be devastating.

First off, if you are in the U.K. It is illegal for the NHS to discriminate on the grounds of age.

If someone needs intensive care they need intensive care. Full stop.

However, sometimes it is wiser to let the patient slip away as their time and underlying condition dictates. This might be what the clinicians are thinking.

I have seen many people 'brought back' only to endure further suffering.

Pneumonia is colloquially called, in the medical profession, "the old persons merciful release." It is not a bad way to go... painless.

Sorry if I am being too blunt here. It must be very traumatic for you.

My guide, and it is mine not yours, is what would my loved one want now?

Wishing you the best of clarity in this painful and difficult time.

Warmly

Kevin