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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Severe Dementia Like Symptoms Post Exploratory Stomach Surgery. What Could Have Caused This And Its Remedy?

my father just underwent exploratory stomach surgery where they removed 8 of either colon or intestines that was bacteria ridden. it s been 9 days and he has yet to recover from fairly severe dementia-like symptoms. he often doesn t know where he is, what day it is or what time it is. he doesnt remember our pets we ve had for over 4 years, some major events that have happened over the past year, and randomly thinks he is on vacation somewhere or at a restaurant that s been closed for 15+ years... it s extremely scary and i have no idea what to do. what could have caused this?? what can we do?
Tue, 9 Oct 2012
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hi
You have not mentioned his age
He could be having actual dementia - brought to prominence / made obvious by the stress of illness.
Surgery and anaesthesia may have contributed to the unmasking.
Intensive care set up contributes. Withdrawal of sensory inputs in hospital settings precipitates this in many people.
Encourage / feed the senses - // Talk to him; turn on music or news (hearing) // Touch and comfort // allow to read or see TV // and so on... Thing may improve - though there is no guarantee
Tender loving care - turn many around
Good luck
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Severe Dementia Like Symptoms Post Exploratory Stomach Surgery. What Could Have Caused This And Its Remedy?

Hi You have not mentioned his age He could be having actual dementia - brought to prominence / made obvious by the stress of illness. Surgery and anaesthesia may have contributed to the unmasking. Intensive care set up contributes. Withdrawal of sensory inputs in hospital settings precipitates this in many people. Encourage / feed the senses - // Talk to him; turn on music or news (hearing) // Touch and comfort // allow to read or see TV // and so on... Thing may improve - though there is no guarantee Tender loving care - turn many around Good luck