Hi, I am hoping someone out there may shed a little light on this? I apologise for this being a bit long-winded.
My father in law was in good health until recently, drove his car (in London regularly) swam weekly etc; is independent, and feisty with it! Then a month ago, he discovered, (wearing a 24hr cardiac tape) that he has a condition, which makes his heart stop beating for up to 4 seconds, before the beat kicks back in. He then immediately stopped driving and swimming, though he said he was never aware before, that his heart was acting strangely and he felt okay, though admitted occasional dizzy spells. The Doctor put him on Ramipril as his blood pressure was high and half an aspirin daily.
We figured he had his confidence spoilt by the fact he now realised he wasn't invincible, understandably! However, he was found today, after collapsing and was taken to Hospital, to A & E in Surrey, London. He sat in there for five hours and was eventually seen and my sister in law, who lives just minutes from him, says that when she arrived at the Hospital, his speech was slurred and could not correctly answer basic questions Doctors asked him, like "Who is the Queen?". They then said he had likely suffered a T.I.A (transient ischaemic attack) and then that progressed to them saying it was a "proper" stroke? Then an hour later, they said they think it is caused by a bladder infection??? Does any of this make sense? He is undergoing further tests but we so far seem to have had 3 separate diagnosis. Also, he pays a fortune for Private healthcare yet is in an NHS Hospital! Does anyone out there know how all this works. I have always promised him he will NOT go into a home, which is one of his greatest fears and he is more than welcome to live with us but as he has lived in his family home for over 60 years, he is loathe to leave. Do I get tough and insist? We want him to be safe and happy.
Yes, he does say that he would rather live with us if he were unable to cope. He accepts that but, being elderly he resists and dislikes change, even though his lifestyle would be better and safer for him. We really do understand how he feels but are now worried for him.
Thankyou very much, for your answers so far, especially kiwigirl. It sounds as though you're either going through this too, or definitely been there... your comments are greatly appreciated xx
Health For More » Diseases and Conditions » Heart Diseases
My 90 year old father in law collapsed...several diagnosis?
(4 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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At 90 it could be all of the above +++
No one forces anyone into a home. They will be fine with you taking him home WHEN HE IS READY>
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hi it sounds like it could be several things, diabetic, CHF, a blockage in his heart, possible stroke, and yes with the elderly urinary tract infections can make them very confused and sick. It is good they are doing several tests. Hopefully they have done all the cardiac tests and checked that all good. Lab work will tell them if there is an infection or if he has had a stroke or has a bladder infection, or if he is diabetic. It is so hard when an elderly person needs to give up their total independence. Going to a nursing home to some elderly is like a death sentence. The best thing is to set down with him and make sure he is understanding you totally and tell him how much you love him and that you are very concerned about him and that you want him to live with you. Tell him you don't want anything to happen to him and if he continues to live alone it might. If that does not help then yes you need to be more firm about it. If you are willing to care for him (and God Bless You for doing such a wonderful thing) just let him know you are not taking his life away from him but trying to make it better. Your father-in-law was not giving up when he quit driving and swimming he just realized that if he did have problems and pass out when driving he might kill someone and when swimming he might drown. He was being very unselfish and intelligent. So many elderly people do not give up their driving when having health problems and can be a danger to others. My father when his eyesight started getting bad from diabetes surrendered his drivers license on his own, he said he did not want to cause an accident where someone might be killed. Help your father-in-law to adjust and start to do other hobbies that do not require excessive exercise or driving. I hope this helps and again you are a wonderful person for wanting him to stay with you. Good Luck and I hope he does well.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The TIA could have been caused by the long pauses occurring in his heart which would allow blood clots to be formed and then spread into his brain. He should be on blood thinners for this condition. If he still has residual symptoms, then he has had a stroke rather than a TIA. Bladder infections do not cause a stroke - uncontrolled hypertension causes strokes or blood clots causes strokes. The bladder infection could be an incidental finding and would be added to his list of new diagnoses. You can ask to have him transferred to another hospital. He needs further medical care, possibly physical therapy to get all his function back that might be possible and then worry about where he is going to live or whether he can still live independently.
Posted 2 years ago #
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