She has dementia. Early morning she had clots the size of grapes. I went there and she seemed to be very sensitive and winced when touched. I said I wanted to her to be taken to the hospital. She didn't eat very much. She is booked for an ultrasound on Thursday, this week. She is in much better spirits today, eating a bit and up. They did blood work this morning. Also finally got a urine sample from her this morning, which was red. Sending that out for a full culture which could take several days. Should I push that she be admitted to the hospital ??? Thanks - Kathy
Anyhoo - one UTI came on seemingly over night and went from zero to 60 in just a couple of hours. My urine was the color of cranberry juice.
I was mightily freaked out and in quite a bit of pain so I drove myself to the ER.
As soon as they saw the color of my urine, they immediately hooked me up to antibiotics by way of an I.V. I felt relief from the pain almost immediately, it seemed. After about an hour they confirmed a UTI by way of a lab test and sent me home with a specific bacteria antibiotic. It all was relatively hassle free considering most ER visits - in my opinion- is like visiting hell where every one minute seems like 100. But then again, I’m not an elderly woman with dementia.
So - as it relates to your mother - based in what you said, I’m assuming the blood is
in her urine and not her stool, yes?
Can the NH prescribe an antibiotic? Is your mother in any pain? Is her behavior of the odd variety that goes hand in hand with dementia and a UTI?
If it’s simply a UTI, I would think you’d want to treat it. When I think of DNR’s and Advanced Directives - I tend to not consider treating a UTI as an “extreme measure”, although others may differ with that opinion. Do you?
If the blood is in her stool - and
is not likely from hemmeroids you’re gonna have a bit of thinking to do about end of life possibilities and the care involved.
For me - I think an ER visit would largely depend on how much pain is still occurring - along with knowing what my mothers own Advanced Directive instructions were. Again - ruling out an UTI, which I would attempt to get antibiotics for from either the NH or my mothers own doctor - by phone and preferably not by way of a hospital visit.
Plus, a hospital exposes the patient to the risks of infections and getting the flu or other illnesses. It's just not a place I want my LO, unless it's necessary. I'd ask some questions to see what your mom's situation is.