OMG.......I'm soooooo beside myself, scared, confused.

Thank you ArmyWife, for explaining the process so nicely!

Any time medical interventions are needed, it can be a hard choice what to do.
Using less invasive things, is usually good, if not for quality of life, then for avoiding more serious things that can cause more problems.

MMendez, so glad surgery she had seems to be working out OK, so far!
Hope it keeps working well...and her behaviors stay simmered down.

A D&C can really resolve much.
I, too, resolved to avoid male Docs ever again, as long as possible!
A D&C might cause menses to stop entirely, too.
If fibroids are removed at same time, and maybe clean out some endometriosis, it can also get rid of much pain.

Infections, leaking parts, or pain, in an elder who cannot identify or deal with it, can cause behavior issues, as well as medication issues.

Maybe I am slipping a cog, but did someone mention "mesh repairs"??
[[maybe I have that on the brain...]]
[[soap-box here]]
PLEASE question when a Doc plans to do repairs using a "mesh patch/sling/plug" of either man-made or cadaver materials.
IN THEORY, these should be a godsend for doing repairs--for some, they are. It is a total gamble.
IN REALITY, thousands of people have had YEARS/lifetime of terrible adverse effects.
My DH has to live with an open, draining abdominal wound the rest of his life, due to 3 mesh hernia repairs gone horribly wrong--and his is a fairly "tame" problem.
An elderly neighbor lives in constant pain, constant leaking from bladder, has had repeated corrective surgeries for bladder sling mesh-mess, and gone from independent to almost impossible to move about her house in the space of a few years. Her meds are a nightmare, as the Docs keep using meds to make results of the mesh repairs "work" for her.
Another friend had a mesh sling to help a prolapsed uterus, again with miserable, life-long adverse results.

KNOWING as people age, side effects are more, and harder to deal with, knowing elders have a harder time figuring out or recognizing what's wrong,
WHY does medicine keep doing things that keep making problems worse?
IMHO, it seems failure to consider the Risk: benefit ratio, in context to the vulnerable person in front of them, and considering maintaining "quality of life".
Sometimes, those choices are really, really hard to make.
But when the results go well? priceless!

For what it's worth, If this was my mother I would know that she was simply scared to death of the D&C. And this is how it manifests. My mother goes over stuff like this in her head until she is completely unmanageable. I guess it's her subconscious trying to get away from the fear. Tell her you canceled the D&C then see if the symptoms get any better. (My mother was over anxious about her cataract surgery....mentally she just couldn't handle it...and to date says she is going to do it....but never will) She's 80 and has dementia.

Good news!!! Just saw your new post. Hang in there!!!! Your Mom is blessed to have you!!!

Seroquel.... I agree it knocks Mom out, I call it the happy pill, "it took the Wicked Witch away" it crushed that Witch, like Dorothy's house. It brought The Good Witch to the munchkin land ....but ....The other Evil Witch is watching for a vulnerable moment to appear and take over.
Mom is all the Witches, The first Witch... that's the one that is no longer there.... Mom before Dementia, the Good Witch.... This is Mom on Seroquel.... the Ruby Slippers (no place like home) she want to be there but needs help getting there, Mom's personality, as known her before Dementia, The Evil Witch....is Mom not on the Seroquel, but with still living with Dementia.
I have seen this all happen to my Mom because at one point she was like a new woman on the Seroquel it was like magic. Then.... as I said earlier Mom ditched her pills, and she got all sorts of weird, not sleeping, not dressing, not showering etc. Prior to her NH.
At the nursing home they said they had to ween her off, I warned them the Evil witch will come out. They didn't believe me, because Mom was sweet to them, but I noticed her decline and that's because, "I" know my Mom, they didn't see the change that I saw clearly. I had meetings with staff told the Dr's etc., they said it was OK it's just you that she is mean to. I didn't care what she was saying to me, I knew she was ill. I just wanted her happy. I explained that I do not want you do drug her if she doesn't need it, but you'll be the ones that have to deal with her when "the other Mom" comes back. So they weren't comprehending and insisted that this is a rule that it could be harmful to take Seroquel and to keep increasing the dosage was harmful, so they need to reduce the dosage. So I thought to myself ... they will only understand if they see for themselves, so I let it ride, knowing Mom will eventually show them what I was trying to tell them..... Let them learn the hard way!!!! Well... one day I get a call "your Mom is not acting right she's not conforming to things as she was before, her behavior has changed Drastically...., she wont sleep, wont dress, wont shower etc. What do we do?" LOL ..... I had to say "I told you so!"
I spoke to her Psychiatric doctor and she explained about why the weening was necessary. It is not good for any med like that to be taken long term, increasing dosage would be necessary, because it won't work after awhile at same dosage, and increasing dose is not good for the liver and brain, long term. So after discussing this fully with the psych Dr. we came up with a plan. I explained my Mom's personality and told the Dr the things that make her happy so when she had a conversation with Mom to evaluate her she'd understand my Mom's inner self. I explained how the Seroquel brought her back, loss of memory still existed but still like the Mom I knew.
Then I urged to do something that would be a solution without harming Mom. The Dr understood I was just looking out for Mom's quality of life not trying to fix the Dementia. So she is still on the Seroquel they increase SLIGHTLY and decrease SLIGHTLY (over months of time ) monitoring closely ...in conjunction with a mild anti anxiety med. Zoloft. I make sure If I see a sign of Mom's behavioral change I have the nurses log it so that the Dr's see it and it's noted. This seems to work perfectly and Mom is happy as the "Good Witch".... well she's at least comfortable where she is and no trouble with her daily needs. Although... I think she's stuck in munchkin land, but at least the Wicked Witch is Dead and doesn't bother anyone anymore!!! The munchkins steal her things but at least she's clean and eating and signs and dances.
I am telling you all this because it is important you understand that the various changes in personality are effected by this type medication. Long term is harmful to health and can create behavioral changes that are caused by dementia. At first I thought it was a easy fix but I have learned that it is a fragile part of Mom's new routine, that if not handled carefully, can cause a lot of change in her health and behavior!!!

I am glad to hear she is doing ok. Like I said, just keep a check on her and make sure she does not run a temp (despite having been on antibiotics, they will only last so long in her system after her last dose.) If she is bleeding at all, give her pads to wear... Even if they are Poise pads. Let us know how she is doing tomorrow ok??? Keep her fluids going! Hugs!

My mom is at home and safe. She survived the op and she is just sleeping mostly probably from the anesthesia. But she hasn't acted crazy but she doesn't want to talk either. Just yes and no answers. She seems very distant but like I said maybe just the affects of todays events. Dr. said he did not see nothing unusual no polyps and was clear but still took some tissue for biopsy. It too about 15 min and we were home within a couple of hours after the op. She had to urinate before we left but so far she seems very quiet, not really responding with words, so they said it would be 24 hours before anesthisia will get out of her system. So I'm anticipating her reactions tomorrow. Im praying she will just be her calm self. Thank You All for all your prayers. This has been a scarey situation for me and I am just thankful it is over. HUGS TO ALL AND MANY THANK YOU'S. My heart is content with soo much compassion from everyone.

Sweetie, deep breath. I have gone through three dncs. The last two with abaltion. That last part is a mesh that is inserted into the area to help cauterize the area of little bleeds, and basically give you new layer of cells which helps even out issues sometimes. It did in my case, however a few years later, I have pain issues from scar tissue. My ob/gyn had no clue what he was doing according to my PCP who is female. I swear I will never have another male OB/GYN. Oh and another thing, I have been pregnant 7 times and miscarried 7 times. No children and never made it past the first tri-mester. I have a few issues but none told to me by my OB/GYN that would cause me to do this. Once again, male. Anyway, the dnc with ablation helped control my breakthrough bleeding to the point of not having a period for nearly a year. It is a very short procedure. Typically takes 15 -25 minutes, and you have to be in recovery for approximately an hour while they access you to make sure you are stable to go home. You are up, moving around within a day or two. You may have some bleeding which is normal and it will diminish over the next couple of days. I had hardly any after the first day, but then I have a protein s and c condition which has me clotting more easily than other people. They will give her some pain meds, and have her come in (probably two weeks) for a checkup to make sure she is healing ok. If she has any discharge or excessive bleeding more so than a period for any of that time, get her back in to see the doc asap. Infection has set in or she is having complications and may need steriods to get the bleeding under control. It is rare that this happens, but it can. I am a medical assistant/phlebotomist and former Navy medic. Been there, done that and seen most everything. LOL! The shakiness can actually be a side effect of the antibiotic and/or a reaction to it and it mixing with her other meds. It can be a side effect of Seroquel. it sounds like she needs to be on an antipsychotic like Zyprexa. Oh and I am not sure how long she was on the Seroquel, but keep this in mind... Temporary withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, agitation, psychosis, and motor disorders may occur during dosage reduction of meds, and can be mistaken for a return of the underlying condition. I would call her PCP and tell him/her about her symptoms of the shakiness and ask their opinion since her psych is not available. They may or may not have you increase or lessen her dosage of meds to see if her symptoms subside at all. Especially since she is dealing with insomnia and she will endure shakiness (I know I do after being up two solid days with no sleep and have done so many times in excess of four days up straight.) Your body has a difficult time handling lack of down time. Sleep deprivation can cause a myriad of similar symptoms as paranoia, psychotic tendencies, etc. Call the doc and ask them. They will be better equipped and might pull her in before her surgery. But they do need to know! Hugs!

Serious Side Effects

Occasionally, Seroquel can cause serious adverse reactions such as panic attacks, feeling hostile, impulsive behavior, uneven heartbeats, uncontrolled movements, sudden numbness on one side of the body, problems with speech, balance problems, loss of coordination, or thoughts of suicide. If you have any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately

Seroquel is prescribed "off label" for people with Alzheimers. My mom's doc told us that up to 400 mg a day are prescribed for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Off label means that they have found the drug useful for dementia but it is not what the drug was designed and manufactured for. Seroquel has been very helpful with my mom and helps with the sundowning. While taking it she settles down much more easily and sleeps much better. Seven and a half mg, is not very much at all, but maybe she is having an allergic reation to it or something.

Hope all went well today. How old is your mom?

she is on half of a 15mg so she is taking about 7 and a half mg. I was reading on seroquel and it is for skitsofrinics(however you spell it) and phsychosis. I know the dosage is way more like 300-500mg but still wow. That seems crazy for me. But talked to the doc about D & C and it is not gonna be that intense they are just going in to get a biopsy so its not like a regular one where they scrape the whole inside. She will be in there at 7 s.m. Sooooo.................. Update tomorrow. Keep your prayers coming my way cuz Im gonna need them. Lord Help Me Through This AMEN

How much seroquel are you giving her? My mom started on it just over a year ago with 12.5 mg, half of a 25 mg pill. We are now up to 62.5 mg once a day about 4:15 or so. It really helps her to unwind the end of the day and provides a good night sleep for both us, most of the time.

My mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer at the age of 81. Why are they doing a D&C? Cancer can be diagnosed with a PAP smear. My mother had not had a PAP in about 20 or 15 years when it was ordered for her at the age of 80, 5 years ago. She ended up needing a hysterectomy which was when we all began to notice the memory difficulties. The general anesthetic during the surgery may have sped up Alzheimer's in her. I would definitely get a PAP smear before they subject her to a D&C. What is her age?

Antibiotics can cause candida. The brother of one of my employees was acting like he was totally drunk and even had a high blood alcohol level but definitely had not been drinking anything. They found out it was candida(yeast) in his blood from the antibiotics he had taken. As far as a hysterectomy, I had mine with the robot and it wasn't bad at all. Just make sure the physician has plenty of experience with it.

Bleeding is not something to be ignored. I wouldn't ignore this, if a surgeon is aware of her mental complications prior to her surgery they should explain to you what is the best thing for her. Don't be afraid to be proactive and give the Doctors a heads up on what's been happening daily, her behavior changes etc. The Doctors don't know what you know unless you tell them. You may want to suggest a consultation between a neurological doctor and the surgeon.

SHe use to be on Metformin but now she not on any meds for diabetes. She was borderline diabetic and I also monitor her blood pressure and sugar levels. She gets an A1C test every 3 months. My mom had a simple laproscopic gallbladder removal that wasnt so simple because it landed her in ICU for 8 months. The surgeon had tore into her bile duct and it leaked biled into her stomach causing 3 big abcsesses in her stomach. Did major surgery and placed 3 tubes to drain the abscess and also put a feeding tube because everytime she ate she would vomit from so much bile in her stomach. I stayed by her night and day until she was able to come home. I nursed my mom back to health. She was still borderline diabetic, on Many pills for high blood pressure, cholesterol pills,completely not here mentally from being on morphine and many other pain meds to just a couple meds,vitamins and aspirin. I had her tube removed and coached her to eat, she hadn't walked in 8 months and I worked with her daily to walk. They wanted to put her in nh for rehab. and only about 4 days of that and I brought her home and helped her walk, use the bathroom on her own (because she was on cathiter too long and lost function) and all the while my dad was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer on hospise at home and on seperate meds. It was a very hard time. My dad has been gone for a year this past Dec. Ive always taken care of my parents but on the daily its been almost 2 years now. I'm Scared.............. and I dont know what to say. I mean yeah I could postpone her surgery but seeing her bleed the way she does is scarey too. They both are important to me.(finding out why shes bleeding and saving her from being under anestisia). Ive got 1 day to decide and all your answers are so helpful and I understand what everyone is saying but I still feel confused... I hate seeing my mom go through SOOO much, I cry myself to bed often just thinking about her. I have sooo much compassion for her it takes over me. She didnt realize my dad was gone until it was 5 months. To wake up out of whatever she was in for 8 months and find out her husband is gone is HORRIBLE. Her life turned upside down. 50 years!!!! Now all she talks about is going home to him. I can't even imagine that for myself. What do I do???

MMendez...no sleeping is another sign of Lewy Body Dementia. If you go to my wall and read my activity you can see back in Oct/Nov all my frustrations over mom's not sleeping. It was up every hour...I was a mess. Please find out about the Lewy Body Dementia and I am sure you will see things that fit with your mom's dementia. It was so helpful to know what to expect and how to handle the journey. I hope for better days for you soon. God Bless.

MMendez I would call the pharmacist before making a change in her medications. If you discontinue a medication that is a psych drug it could really change behavior. This drug is really not recommended for dementia it could cause harm if not monitored carefully. It may take a while before you see a significant change in behavior with a med like this. I'm glad you ruled out UTI infection. If I didn't mention this before...does she have a sugar or blood pressure problem? I just thought of another thing to check out... Vertigo.

Thank You evryone for all of your support this has been such a hard decision for me and today my mom fell again but this time forward. usually it is when she is trying to sit and she is going backwards but today it was forward. She is ok. I got her tested today for uti and she does not have one but I am thinking more on the seroquel that has messed with her. It is prn(as needed) and another post said that it should be eased into the body so I have taken her off of that completely. I will see how she is in the next few days. Thank You all and God Bless Us All. I will keep you posted within the next few days. I put my mom back in wheelchair and put walker away because she is a wanderer all night. Does NOT sleep............

I feel the same as Nanieine...I would focus on your mom's dementia. A procedure of that nature may make it worst. I don't know why these doctors don't see the signs with dementia and keep that under consideration. A D&C is a pretty harsh procedure for someone in your mom's condition. I think sometimes they are thinking about the money. I'm so sorry ...this is not at all easy. Good luck and keep us posted on everything. I will be praying for you. God Bless.

MMendez: I forgot to mention, just as the Mzdaizy did, get as much info as you can about Lewy Body. Both of our mom's were hit quick, and hard. My mom was 95, Mzdaizy's mom was 91. My mom passed away on Jan 1st. You have come to the right place for help. I wish I had known about this site years ago. Thankfully I found it, and found all these great people who guided me to the right resources. The last 3 months of my mom's life were the hardest to deal with, but having the knowledge about Lewy Body really helped me get through it without totally falling apart. We're here for you.

MMendez: If you have a gut feeling to hold off on the surgery, go with your gut. I'm feeling the same way Mzdaizy and Jeannegibbs feel. My mom also had a abrubt change in her behavior. The first time it was a UTI. Dr. prescribed antibiotics and her mind came back in two days! The second time it was pain medication. She had a fall and they prescribedtramadol. It was terrible. All of a sudden she was seeing people, and she didn't even know who I was. Thankfully one of the nurses told me it was most likely the tramadol, so I took her off of it and gave her simple tylenol. Her mind came back. This very last time she had to go to the hospital. They did all kinds of test, and no UTI. This time it didn't go away. She was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Things happened suddenly. It definitely wouldn't hurt for you to do some research on LBD. Your mom may not have every symptom, but you'll be able to tell if she is experiencing many of them or not. What was she like before these antibiotics. Had she ever been shakey or talking to people (obviously seeing them) before this? If not then it really does sound like it could be the meds. If she still has an infection would the dr even want to still do the surgery. Definitely let the know how sudden this came on. Again, go with your gut. If you feel it is best to wait on the D&C, wait. Please know we all care about you and your mom.

She is getting a D & C because they are trying to determine if she has cancer because she is spotting like she is on her period. Not on a daily basis just randomly. I know this is going to set her more into dementia but she is bleeding somewhere and it's not normal. I feel stuck in a very bad position with all of this. I just do not know what to do. Should I cancel D & C and not find out about why she is bleeding and focus on her dementia I don't know. All I know is that I am scared because either way it's not good. And now that she has completely changed I'm more beside myself. Why is this disease so horrible. It's taking my sweet mother away from me more and more. How much more will she take?

This is so hard for you, and for dear Mother! The symptoms could mean the uti is still active in her body. It could be a reaction to the antibiotic, I suppose. And it could be her dementia going into overdrive. Abrupt changes are not uncommon in Lewy Body Dementia. I am less familiar with Alzheimer's. Which doctor has ordered the D&C? Discuss the new symptoms with that doctor, and the pros and cons of going ahead with it.

I wish I could offer more definitive answers. As far as whether she will improve again back to her former baseline, it depends on what caused the abrupt change in behavior.
1) If it is caused by an illness (such as a uti) it will clear up when the illness does.
2) If it is caused by a drug it will go away when the drug is stopped and is out of the system
3) If it is caused by the dementia itself progressing it is likely to be permanent. Keep in mind that some fluctuations are to be expected and there may be better days mixed with not-so-good days. Also there may be drugs to treat the new symptoms. I don't mean that there is no hope for some improvement even if this is the dementia progressing.

I guess I'd start with a test to see if she still has a uti.

Warm hugs to you. This certainly is a hugely challenging responsibility, isn't it?

I would suggest you check into what kinds of dementia's there are. There is Lewy Body Dementia that is not usually identified by diagnoses. The only way it is diagnosed is by autopsy. With LBD those are all classic symptoms. You can ask any of the caregivers here that have dealt with this type of dementia that it does happen almost over night and all of the symptoms you mentioned are ones that my mom experienced. It's a real hard road to travel unless you prepare yourself of what's ahead. Google and research Lewy Body Dementia and it will help you understand it more. I found that all the meds they prescribed mom that would help dementia gave her adverse reactions. If you want to read my posts go to my wall...you will see from beginning to end what I dealt with. Bless my mom's heart she is now with Jesus, passed away Jan 9th. But I know if you don't get help or respite it will tear you apart and take you close to the edge. Check out any agencies you have available to you. Area of Aging and Disabilities might be a good place to start. Good Luck and God Bless you for being there for your mom.

MMendez - awe, hugs to you! This is scary stuff. As far as I know, dementia does not have drastic changes as you have mentioned. The UTI's are nasty infections which do cause dilusional behavior and often several antibiotics have to be tried to figure out which one works. I've never in my experience with dementia/alzheimers care come across what you are describing. My father had experienced severe "sundowning" which is extreme confusion and hallucinating due to changes in environment and often happens only in the evening - thus the "sundowning" name. If she is not better in the morning; maybe you should take her to the emergency room. This is most upsetting. Hugs and hugs to you and will keep you in my prayers. Blessings to you.

I give my mom all her medications on time and she was on another antibiotic before but prior to all of this they had done some blood work to see what kind of medications would work with her and when the results came back for her medication the doctor called me and told me to discontine the antibiotic and start bactrim a different antibiotic. Im wondering about serequel if it is to be taken daily at same time why is it perscribed PRN (as Needed)? I was told only to use this when my mom had trouble sleeping which I have only had to use it 2 times in 1 month. My mom is on a baby aspirin, vitamin d3,amlodophine for heart and an antidepressant all those medications she has been on since Nov last year. Nothing different except the antibiotic. She is done with them as of this morning. So I shall see if it is the antibiotic. But does dementia have drastic changes such as this??????

Infections can cause erratic behavior as well. Is it possible she has not been taking her medication or not taken properly? I watch Mom like a hawk and somehow she found a way to ditch them.

It's sounds like she needs to go to a behavioral health hospital. I have experience with seroquel and as far as I know if this Med is not taken routinely it can change behavior drastically. I'm not a pharmacist by any means but, my Mom was slick and she was not swallowing her pills and ditching them, I found them in odd places sometimes days later and this caused a drastic change in her behavior. It also knocked my Mom out she slept like a rock. I believe this is the type of drug that has to be slowy increased and decrease. monitored carefully as in dosages and builds up slowly in the system.
Is she on any other medications??? Medication sometimes has bad affects in conjunction with another.

I am wondering if her medication (antibiotic) is causing some of her symptoms. Seems strange that it has ocurred so suddenly and after she started this med. I would be persistent with her MD for an appt tomorrow. She /He needs to be checking this out. It will be interesting to see if these new symptoms clear once the antibiotic is out of her system. Is she getting adequate fluid intake. Dehydration can do strange things to the elderly, also. Good Luck.

Oh dear I feel for you and I have heard that when they have a UTI this is exactly compounded with confusion. If the doctors do not feel it is good to put her to sleep to do the surgery they will hold off. They know better than anyone and you hang in there. I will be praying for both of you.