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Suggest Treatment For Weakness And Depression
Question: My mother is 81 years old and spends 95% of her time in the bed. When she gets up to use the bathroom, she is feeble in her walk, unbalanced and winded. Her stools are not solid, brown and has external hemorrhoids. I did notice blood in her stool which was brights red but was thinking it was a result of the hemorrhoids. Her appetite has decreased but she eats throughout the day (e.g. A bowel of cereal; fruit throughout the day, crackers, turkey slider). Her blood pressure is 123/85. Her temperature is 96.3; She is not coughing, doesn't have mucus nor is she dizzy. (Trying to determine if she has pneumonia); Her mental state is fine; Early dementia, but normal given her age. She refuses to go see a doctor so I need to know what to do or what is going on.
FYI- She also had (2) falls that I know of; One where she fell on her shoulder which is sore; The other was a fall outside of an icy door; Because I wasn't there, I don't know what was injured. She says she is bored so I'm trying to figure out if this is depression.
Given she won't go to the doctor, I'm looking for some immediate advice, particularly if this is critical.
FYI- She also had (2) falls that I know of; One where she fell on her shoulder which is sore; The other was a fall outside of an icy door; Because I wasn't there, I don't know what was injured. She says she is bored so I'm trying to figure out if this is depression.
Given she won't go to the doctor, I'm looking for some immediate advice, particularly if this is critical.
Brief Answer:
Not critical at present
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. She is very weak mainly due to her loss of blood and also inadequate nutritional diet. She could be having multiple nutritional deficiencies.
2. Due to nutritional deficiencies, she could be anemic leading to weakness, excessive sleeping and possible falls.
3. Recent falls has possibly not led to any serious injuries as she is able to move her arms. Further tests like X-ray or MRI can confirm.
4. Temperature is subnormal due to limited activities and possible reduced body metabolism also. No breathing complaints or fever or cough, not to worry about pneumonia.
Numerous tests would be necessary to make an accurate multiple diagnosis, but as she is not willing to go to a doctor, I can suggest few things:
A. Nutritional supplements composed of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Other vitamin supplements and protein supplements are also essential.
B. Add soluble fiber into her diet to improve stool consistency. Soft food like banana, papaya, apple, oranges, grapes can be added.
C. Nutritional diet, if possible. Try to add eggs and fish into diet.
D. Walking stick for support. Fear of fall would not allow her to move around. Somebody should, if possible support her to move forward. Family support and involvement in social activities will help her mental health.
Medications if any should be regular. Most important is nutrition and families active connection.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again
Dr. Prakash HM
Not critical at present
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. She is very weak mainly due to her loss of blood and also inadequate nutritional diet. She could be having multiple nutritional deficiencies.
2. Due to nutritional deficiencies, she could be anemic leading to weakness, excessive sleeping and possible falls.
3. Recent falls has possibly not led to any serious injuries as she is able to move her arms. Further tests like X-ray or MRI can confirm.
4. Temperature is subnormal due to limited activities and possible reduced body metabolism also. No breathing complaints or fever or cough, not to worry about pneumonia.
Numerous tests would be necessary to make an accurate multiple diagnosis, but as she is not willing to go to a doctor, I can suggest few things:
A. Nutritional supplements composed of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Other vitamin supplements and protein supplements are also essential.
B. Add soluble fiber into her diet to improve stool consistency. Soft food like banana, papaya, apple, oranges, grapes can be added.
C. Nutritional diet, if possible. Try to add eggs and fish into diet.
D. Walking stick for support. Fear of fall would not allow her to move around. Somebody should, if possible support her to move forward. Family support and involvement in social activities will help her mental health.
Medications if any should be regular. Most important is nutrition and families active connection.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much for your follow-up. Would Ensure suffice? Also, since she has external hemorrhoids, I'm not sure if a preparation H type product would suffice. Any suggestions.
Brief Answer:
Improve fiber diet
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Ensure is necessary. Give it at least thrice daily and on good quantity. Additionally for at least a month vit B12 and iron supplements of taken more, could help in faster recovery.
Preparation H can be used as required. Also applying warmth to the area, or sitting in warm water could reduce pain. Soluble Fibers in diet will be helpful.
Also pain killers can be taken as necessary after food.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Improve fiber diet
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Ensure is necessary. Give it at least thrice daily and on good quantity. Additionally for at least a month vit B12 and iron supplements of taken more, could help in faster recovery.
Preparation H can be used as required. Also applying warmth to the area, or sitting in warm water could reduce pain. Soluble Fibers in diet will be helpful.
Also pain killers can be taken as necessary after food.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Take care.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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