Hypercalcemia

[ferlew]

Mr F became very poorly on Sunday, resulting in admission to hospital.
Tests so far are showing he has Hypercalcemia. Not really sure how this happens, they have hinted it may be linked to the lung cancer he had a couple of years back.
Went to see him yesterday, and I was shocked and scared, quite used to him being forgetful, but this was something else again.
Rambling incoherently, seeing stuff that just was not there, (a fully operational Post Office in one of the bed bays, and water from the ceiling and so on.
And yet, amongst all that he was able to direct me to the box and receipt for his Rolex watch, which in 28 years I have NEVER seen.
Also, it appears he attacked another patient who went across to him, thinking he was taking the "P".
Any insight into this condition would be greatly appreciated.

[albaqwerty]

oh my, Ferlew, that's dreadful for you both.

Is he on any meds which could cause this?
What did the doctors say?

[Sqad]

alba is correct.......is he on medication?

This raised calcium level in his blood will need to be investigated.
There is a small chance....perhaps not that small, that it is linked to his lung cancer.

[ferlew]

I just don't know Alba, it's very difficult to get ANY information from them at all.
He has been on Ad Cal for quite some time, I did ask about that - just getting the answer that they are investigating.
Dunno whether I am coming or going TBH.
Just off to borrow a walker so I can get from car to hospital, dreadful up there.

[albaqwerty]

I'd request (demand) a meeting with either doctor or senior nurse to get answers.
(sorry sqad!! xx)

Do hope you find him better today xx

[NoMercy]

What's he on Adcal for? In view of his hypercalcaemia he should be switched to Fultium D3 800iu daily.

[anneasquith]

If he is slightly confused at home, he maybe very very confused away from his normal environment which is quite common, no doubt it will take a few days to get results , ensure you tell the medical staff that he is very much more confused than normal .

[Islay]

NoM is it wise to give medical advice around medication when you are not a trained nurse or doctor?

[NoMercy]

I wasn't giving advice, I was simply sharing knowledge based on a few years experience in Specialities which often prescribe Adcal D3. Since you are not medically trained yourself, perhaps you can leave Sqad to correct me if I'm wrong.

To clarify, the protocol for hypercalcaenia patient's on Adcal D3 is to stop Adcal and commence Fultium.

[ferlew]

I tried asking yesterday and will ask again today.
Each session with health care professionals has turned into ME giving THEM information.
I have told them how distressing his current state is, in all the years he has had Alzheimer's he has never been anything like this.
THe Ad Cal was prescribed a year or more back when he was having lots of falls, I think more as a protective measure.
Picked up the walker gadget, and will be going up there when I have calmed down a bit and had another cuppa.
The person on that bed just is not MY Mr F, I have never ever heard him rambling and chatting like that, normally a man of very few words.

[anneasquith]

Oh I'm sorry ferlew must be very distressing for you, hopefully oh has improved a bit today .

[Islay]

Nom are you medically trained? I seem to remember that you are a secretary therefore you copy notes - or do I have that wrong.
I would just hate for misadvise to be given! Imagine the guilt!

[Sqad]

Of course, they will recheck his calcium levels, as one must not assume that his symptoms are due to those results.

[Mamyalynne]

I hope you may know a bit more today Ferlew.

[bednobs]

hi ferlew, hypercalcaemia can certainly cause increased confusion, along with sickness and nausea. The problem with dementia is that often if people have a setback that is related to something else, they never recover the level they had before.

[Sqad]

Good point by bednobs.

[Lie-in King]

((Ferlew)), I hope you get some answers, my best wishes to you both x

[NoMercy]

Islay, I simply posted what I know to be correct, based on years of accumulated knowledge.

No one is going to change their medication based on my postings as a change of medication needs to be sanctioned and prescribed by a Doctor first.

[Islay]

If you say so NoM
Ferlew I hope you get the answers you need from either the professionals here or at the hospital. Best wishes.

[ferlew]

Well, I think I have my answers.
It appears the lung cancer has returned, and possibly spread to his brain. This would explain an awful lot of what has gone on with him this last 2/3 months.
A meeting is taking place with all the doctors whose care he has been in past and present to decide what, if any, treatment will be offered.
Consensus so far is that in Mr F's best interests, coming home with palliative care in place would be the best and least upsetting thing for him.
Happy for that to happen as he has always been a wonderful dad and hubby, and I know that is what he would want were he able to make that decision for himself.
I still want to know a lot more about what is to happen, but I guess the right folks will be on hand to help.
Thanks everyone :)