Dimensia, Alcohol Withdrawal and Cardiac Problems

[natalie_1982]

I'll give you a quick background so my question makes sense......
My grandad is 78, he has always been a heavy drinker; not an alcoholic, or that he drinks to the point that he cannot stand, but he drinks a lot, and always has done. When he was 47 he had his first stroke, since then he has had about half a dozen more, although not as serious, and he had a serious bout of pneumonia about 10 years ago, which is when he quit smoking. About 6weeks before Christmas 2007 he was having problems with his heart and was discharged before Xmas being told there was nothing they could do. He was admitted by ambulance 3 times in two weeks at the end of April, again because of his heart, and consequently has now spent the past three weeks in hospital.
.....cont.....

[taichiperson]

If it helps, my FIL was also sweetness and light with everyone else, but awkward and violent with us, despite having had a good relationship with him prevoiusly.

[ladyalex]

I would be really surprised if the hospital has not tested his liver. If they haven't they should have as a matter of routine.
Ask them what tests they have done and what else they intend to do. If he has not had a full geriatric assessment, ask for him to be seen by a geriatrician (old age specialist).
Stand firm about his discharge and ask for a social work assessment.
Again, good luck.

[terambulan]

Your Gramps is 78! He has abused his body with alcohol hence all his problems. However, he should not be allowed to abuse ur Nan, who also maybe aged and not strong enough to tolerate him. Do her a favour and put the gaffer into a home for his own good and everyone elses. The homes I've seen are incredible; better than 4star hotels. Own en suite room, all meals provided communal dining, lounge & Tv rooms. Phones in rooms etc. 24/7 attention and plenty of company. And you and your Nan can visit or take him out and about at will.

[foodluva]

Natalie,

I'm a nurse and can confirm that any type of infection - urine infections in particular - play havoc with old people. It can make them behave really irrationally and generally behaving as you've described. The alcohol withdrawal can also add to this but medical staff can prescribe drugs to alleviate this. If they haven't, my guess is that they believe that his behaviour is infection related and they'll be waiting for antibiotics to take effect. I can't explain why it's worse with your nan though!!!