I am convinced she has had another stroke. A couple of months ago, she was taken to the ER for a CT scan, but they did not take into consideration that it can take up to 24 hours or more to have any damage show up. Now the Dr. is refusing to have her get another CT scan. Mom has been going downhill over a period of weeks, and now days. I know how Mom is because I cared for her 24/7 for 12 years. Please help.
We are going through the same thing. Mom gets to the ER but refuses to stay overnight and wants to go home. We are certain there is more stroke activity.
At this point her vascular dementia has progressed to the point where she cannot remember how to use the telephone.
So we are filling out a MOLST form (Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment). You can opt for DNR yes or no, along with feeding tubes, oxygen, respirators, etc. in accordance with her wishes.
Sorry to see you are in the same boat.
By the way, I am told that CT scans in brain injury are at their most useful when they disclose a bleed rather than a clot - and a bleed shows up like a lit Christmas tree, straight away. Other than that, it may be just as useful to be guided by symptoms - do you feel that the NH is ignoring your concerns about how your mother is in general?
I don't know why the doctor will not order one. But I'm more interested in why you think it is important.
You can't fix your dear mother at this point. You can see that her symptoms are treated and minimized. You can insist she be kept comfortable. But with or without an image of her brain, she is going downhill.
Are you considering Hospice care for her? Would the doctor approve that at this point in time?
Try to look at this as "what can we do to make mom comfortable , non anxious and pain free". Does that make sense? Do you want your mom subjected to more machines, needle pricks and tubes? If you do, that's what an ER will do; call 911 and you'll probably get what you want. But if you want peace and comfort for mom, leave things be or ask about hospice. I wish you peace of mind and clarity in making tough choices.