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Question: Sepsis
| justtc
- Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:53 pm |
My father was recently diagnosed with sepsis, in his case urosepsis. He is 81 years old, and has a long list of other medical conditions including diabeties, congestive Heart failure, Arthritis, and macular degeneration, blood clots, and the list goes on.
Prior to the diagnosis, my father stopped making sense, and showed many of the signs of having a Stroke. He started having halucinations or dillusions, Im not sure which is the proper term. The doctor insured us that once on the Antibiotics that would stop in a day or two, but it continued for about 5 days and then miraculously it stopped and it appeared my father was going to pull through.
After a few days of being "normal" my father seems to be reverting back. Is this a sign that his condition is getting worse?
Unfortunately I'm not the family member that has the authority to ask questions, and she won't ask them on her own so I would appreciate a few suggestions of what I should demand she ask the doctors!
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| Theresa Jones, RN
- Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:24 am |
 Hi justtc,
Sepsis, especially in the elderly, is very serious and may become very debilitating. Also, just the fact of being out of the normal every day environment has the potential to cause confused episodes. Since his symptoms seem to be worsening again, has he been febrile, had repeat blood and urine cultures done? Sometimes an adjustment of dosage or a change in the Antibiotic altogether is indicated. In my opinion, at the very least, an inquiry to the general labwork results in comparison to the previous ones, as well as cultures, and febrile episodes. Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jones, RN
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| justtc
- Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:02 am |
I actually am clueless as to what tests have and havent been done, because I'm not the one in charge of him medically, and the one who is doesnt seem to be willing to ask most of the questions.
I don't believe any tests have been done in the last week or so. The diagnosis was made at a small hospital in WV and before the holidays he was put into a nursing home/rehab facility. The day he was released an MRI was done and we were told he had a small Stroke or tia.
I'm not sure I understand the term "febrile" correctly, but I beliee it has to do with the cardiac muscle... I do know that several nights ago he felt as though he was having a Heart attack and requested his nitro pill. He was extremely upset because he was refused his medication, and it has been since that episode that his condition has worstened.
My own research gives me reason to believe my dad has been dealing with sepsis for quite some time. Several months ago he lost his ability to stand. He is a severe arthrtiic and at the time I thought nothing of it due to his age, health...but now find myself questioning many things.
Could you give me a lfew suggestions to ask ..or have someone ask, his medical provider?
Your help would greatly appreciated.
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| Theresa Jones, RN
- Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:41 am |
Hi justtc,
Ask about Fever, labwork (improvement or decline), urine culture & sensitivity, blood culture & sensitivity, effectiveness of current Antibiotic regimen, for starters. Good Luck and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jones, RN
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