A UTI story, from a heart doctor.
I saw my cardiologist today. He is the lipids expert at the university and is treating me for Metabolic Syndrome. He doesn't see people as a cardiovascular system, though. He is the only doctor other than a psychiatrist who consistently asked about my caregiving on every visit for 10 years.
I mentioned my mother today. He told me that he was consulted once about a colleague's elderly patient who seemed to have a heart condition. He did diagnose a-fib. He was called by the colleague's office and told "Doctor, I wonder if you checked the wrong box on this form. You seem to be asking for a urine test." He explained to me that the doctors are always polite to each other, but that the underlying message was "We asked your cardiology opinion. What the heck are you doing with a urine test!" He replied that the lady was suddenly focused and disoriented and he suspected a UTI, which should be treated if other treatments were to be effective. He also said it politely but the underlying message was "Why on earth didn't the internist order this test?! The elderly lady did indeed have a UTI. My cardiologist suspects that internist learned something from that consultation!
Moral of the story, to me at least, is if an elderly loved one suddenly has dementia-like symptoms or a person with dementia suddenly has greatly increased symptoms. ask for a test for a UTI -- even if the doctor doesn't suggest it herself or himself! It may not be UTI, of course, but ruling that out is a reasonable first step.
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How on earth does one help their mom prep for a colonoscopy at the age of 83. I'm sorry, but I have to ask. I cant' imagine my mom drinking all the liquid required and sitting and/or making it to the toilet the evening before. Unless there was something seriously wrong, I'd never subject my mother to this. Her doctor suggested one at the age of 90....um, no...absolutely not was my answer. Not all tests are required just because the doctor 'says so'.
You have learned to question the UTIs please you and everyone else question all these other tests your loved one may be "due" for. Ask yourself if they find something what are they going to do about it and would you want them to do it. Quality of life not quantity is the
Shaking, my mom went to the ER, got admitted, and put on antiobitic IV (so says the doctor.) After 3 days, they could not find what's wrong with her and told my dad that they were releasing her. I was there when he asked the doctor straight out, "Did you test her urine?" He did not reply. He left. They tested mom's urine - you got it - UTI.