Fell

Good morning, Rick fell on Tuesday and hit his head got a gash and needed like 2 stitches. But with the problem going to the ER the hospice nurse said it would be okay not to take him. It looks like it’s healing up but yesterday he could not stand up straight. He is bending over and he can not control his walker because of walking to fast. He can’t be left alone at all. His speech has gotten worse and I’m afraid that he could have a brain bleed because of how hard he hit his head.

Can this cause a decline that fast? Just worried about my husband.

[Dance1955]

Doesn’t sound too good does it can you call someone I would be ringing the hospital penny did the person who treated him realise what he has take care hugs my friend

Good cm luck x

[Caro2132]

I would get the hospice nurse to come and evaluate again. Good luck, hope it’s temporary.

[Martina_MP]

I’m so sorry to hear how his condition has escalated so quickly. Of course you would be worried and anxious. If you feel like you would really want to know if he had a brain bleed and you would want that treated with surgery if needed, then get him seen in the ER or urgent care. It has gotten safer over time to get in-person medical care. If your husband can participate in the decision making he might have an opinion that might help you decide. The hospice nurse’s job (in the US) is usually comfort care and to keep people at home. If you want something more than symptom relief, you will need to be proactive.

[AliBee1]

Dear Penny. I am so sorry to hear this. I was always told that if a person received a head injury they should be seen so I hope that your ER nurse has re-evaluated her previous advice. It could just be that the fall has shaken Rick up, I know NIgel's falls always did, but it is better to be safe than sorry especially when dealing with PSP or CBD. Big hugs. AliBee

[wear1947]

Hi everyone, I would ask for a RMN yo know the extension of the injury. Besides, he walks quickly to avoid a fall. In the near future, falling frequency will increase. Probably it's time to buy a wheel chair. You will need to be proactive.

Big hug!!

Elena

[doglington]

The symptoms you describe were all typical of my husband. Yes there can be a sudden decline. It is completely unpredictable.

Personally I always went to A/E when stitches were needed. Otherwise I made a judgement - if he hadn't lost consciousness, could move his feet etc I waited and observed him. He fell a lot.

Sadly it's all decline. This pandemic increases stress. Love Jean x

[racinlady]

I agree that you should have hospice reevaluate him again because you need their approval to go to the ER. The symptoms you are seeing may be his reaction to falling and hurting himself.

My husband bent forward when walking trying to compensate for falling. He also changed the way he walked trying to compensate. Rick's confidence in being able to control the walker has probably been shaken. I also think that a wheelchair may be indicated at least when he feels a little shaky walking. I usually let my husband choose between walking with his walker or using the wheelchair. He gradually chose the wheelchair more often. If he doesn't have the type of walker that only rolls when he releases the brakes, you should probably look into getting one.

Take care,

Pat

[Hidden in reply to racinlady]

Thanks he has the brake walker and I have a wheelchair for him. Today he seems better and he is talking a little.

[racinlady in reply to Hidden]

That's good news! It seemed like any accident caused a setback for my husband. Some were temporary and others more permanent. It's just so hard to know what to do when accidents happen. Sounds like you made the right choice. ER trips are never fun so I tried to avoid them as much as possible. Then I'd worry whether I'd done the right thing. None of this is easy.

Hugs,

Pat

[Baytalon]

The symptoms sound disturbingly similar to my husband's after a bad head hit. He went 6 weeks before being diagnosed with a subdural hematoma that required bore hole surgery. The good news is he made a substantial recovery after the pressure was relieved. Even after minor falls Steve always seemed to have "set backs."