skip to main content

Question on my elderly friend

18 years ago

I have an elderly friend that is 89 years old and lives in a nursing home.

The other day, my friend went to bed at 8pm, the next morning her caregivers went in to wake her and she wouldn't wake up, they shook her, yelled at her etc. They took her to hospital and she still would not wake up for the doctors. Then around 11 am she opened her eyes and woke up. They don't know what happened to her.

She seems to be fine now.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

michelle_phxaz
18 years ago
And your question is...?
enjoyingspring
Original Author
18 years ago
My question is which I thought was obvious, Why did it take so long for her to wake up?? If someone shook me and yelled at me, I would certainly wake up immediately.
Related Discussions
A Relationship Question to ask my friends on here.
Q
Comments (25)
If its been 4 years, and no serious plans, you two are purposely keeping things separate for a reason, maybe just offer to help with something else to make up for it, maybe something you are more experienced at helping at. Your friend should understand that if you aren't good at or experienced at this, it wasn't fair for her to take the offer in for free labor. People make a living off using others to get their jobs done, and this is probably not so here, but its good to keep your boundaries and be fair. It's not fair for her to blame you she has to pay for something she would have paid for anyways. It wasn't fair to delay it saying you would get it done, but she should know you don't know much about it. I don't think she should be mad, you don't really owe anything, but what ever you decide to do would be nice. I don't think you should have to pay for anything though, it's her house.
...See More
OT Odd Question for My Pink Rose Loving Friends
Q
Comments (8)
My reply vanished in the android pad attempt to post..... But years ago mom and I planned to paint the bathroom. The vintage beadboard in white and the walls in a pale golden tone. Dad said "Pink! They use pink on the walls in institutions to calm the troubled minds" So I bought him the paint chip samples to pick his pink.....and boy did he pick a pink! Pepto Bismal. The white was banished as too hard to clean and was painted that horrible pink. He saw it and said it was too pink and let me paint the upper half and ceiling a very pale (in comparison) shade of pink. But all these years later that pink bathroom still glows. I do not want to use that shade of pink! And yes the bathroom is on the list of things to update. I looked at some paint chip samples at HD and think I will use the one I linked. I like the darker shades and figure using the lighter one will end up looking much darker. I wonder if I should "be-jewel" the tool peg board :) Here is a link that might be useful: Maybe?
...See More
Question about elderly
Q
Comments (13)
This is probably too late to be of much help but I wanted to lend a little support... my dad, too, had emphysema and your description fit what he went through. He needed frequent naps (right down to the pre-dinner nap) and also had bowel problems. I think they finally isolated the latter to meds and were able to make some adjustments that helped. It must be embarrassing for your husband to have this kind of problem (but I love that he blames it on the cat) :) I hope it gets/got resolved with your dr. visit. The sleep issue probably won't go away completely -- emphysema is hard on the body and will continue to make him tired. And age does make a big difference. Exercise helped when dad could manage it -- he would walk some -- but it just made him feel a little better, it didn't make the fatigue go away. Cutting out the smoking would help your husband but it doesn't sound like he wants to give it up. I know it also contributes to fatigue. Doctors don't/can't oversee the health of individuals the way they used to -- because we see so many specialists, etc., a primary care or other physician just doesn't always know everything that's going on -- so it's important for you, as an advocate for your husband, to keep on top of things and make sure the questions you have get addressed by the drs. Don't be afraid to talk to the drs. as long as you need and ask as many questions as you need to get the information that will help. A friend of mine goes to the dr. with her elderly mother; because the dr. has a tendency to rush in and rush out before they could ask questions, my friend moved her chair in front of the door and sat down as soon as the dr. came in. The dr. got the hint, sat down, and took all the time they needed. I've found most drs. are really responsive and like that patients are trying to participate in their own health care but sometimes they need to be brought to a halt to get their attention. It sounds like you're really taking charge and I admire you for that. Best of luck to you... let us know how things are going!
...See More
Doctor's Question Saves My Friend
Q
Comments (38)
I hope no other readers felt I was 'judging' them, or anyone. I don't mention anyone's weight to them (nor do I gossip about it). Should someone tell me she is 'fluffy', 'curvy', etc. I would be silent. I DO wonder if encouraging avoidance of the word 'fat' is helping anyone. Sometimes we talk about things like this around the KT. I'm not attempting to enlighten anyone; just asking if my 'take' resonates with anyone else. Chrysalis -- I haven't said a word about health costs due to obesity. We do have epidemic obesity. I wonder about the causes, and possible 'cures'. I told the story because I thought it might help someone to *consider* if there are psychological reasons contributing to a weight problem. I have questioned, not made judgements. I feel sympathy for the stressed military spouses we see on TV. I wonder if they could get some support and help! I am *asking* if anyone else had wondered the same things. No person in our culture wishes and hopes to be fat. (Well, we've heard of a few, unique individuals!) I know there are non-psychological reasons for some people to be fat. Is there something wrong with asking people to consider if therapy could help them if they are struggling? As for me, personally, I am now a scrawny little old lady, but I was an unhappy adolescent of 150 lbs. and unhappy again as a middle-aged housewife at 140 lbs. I suspect my current ills are genetic inheritance, but also just part of wearing out -- and living in a society where I am tested to discover the ills!
...See More
cathie54
18 years ago
This probably is not going to answer your question, but...

I'm not that old, but I've always been hard to wake. And it seems the older I get, the harder I am to wake. I've always 'heard' that older people need less sleep, and I beg to differ! lol!

Now the serious stuff. What kinds of meds (DRUGS!) is your friend being given? And what doses?!! You need to find out and 'research side effects' any drugs your friend is being administered...that could be key to why not waking up.

Another thing...I saw a Documentary - TWICE! - on TV (yes, I know, 't.v.') about a lady and (son?) who went vacation to Australia (I think AU...it was a couple years ago I watched it).
So the Mother had an odd thing about 'seeming to be DEAD'! She actually had no pulse, heartrate that showed up on any monitors. So it happened while vacationing in AU - again, and son tried to explain to EVERYONE that this happens - "she's not dead!".
Of course, they always look at him like he's in denial.

Come to find out, she DID awake...AGAIN...in the morgue! This was like the third or fourth or??? time this has happened to her! (Spookey, huh?)
Some kind of odd thing with her, but she'd be dead & several days later alive again.

OK, I'd take a serious and close look at any/all drugs, strengths of each, times administered, etc.

Maybe your friend just doesn't want to wake up until "I'm good & ready"! Talk to your friend...maybe that's what's going on?
(I know, some days I wake up & feel like the whole day is 'bust', so I just want to go back to sleep...)?

Not a good healthy thing for someone like me - that's why I usually DO get up. But someone older & in nursing home - who knows?
agnespuffin
18 years ago
She may have had some kind of stroke. Or a big temporary drop in blood pressure. Or she simply could have been in a deep sleep and dreaming. The efforts to wake her seemed to be part of the dream, so she didn't respond to them.
enjoyingspring
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your responses, the only drug she is on is Cumidin (sp) a blood thinner.

I too thought he may have had a stroke but they did a CT scan and it came back negative.

Related Stories

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

EARTH DAY 5 Ideas for a More Earth-Friendly Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Consider increasing the size of garden beds, filtering rainwater and using plants to reduce energy use

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Share Your Solutions To These Design Dilemmas

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

7 Questions for Design Superstars

By Annie Thornton

Share Your Know-How Now on The Houzz Questions Board

Sponsored