Hi, My Mom Is 79 And In Good Health, Except

Posted on Sun, 2 Dec 2018

Question: Hi, my mom is 79 and in good health, except has been not remembering things a lot lately, and her ankles have been swollen for a week and she is weak. She is eating and drinking fine, but i am concerned. She wouldn't let my sister take her to her dr apt on Friday. She has taken sleeping pills and anti depressants for the last 10 years, and thinks she may have taken the wrong dosages because she found her pill bottles in rooms where she doesn't usually leave them. Does this sound like something we need to take her to ER or Urgent Care before Monday when we will call her doctor?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is fine to wait till Monday

Detailed Answer:
Hi Llprange,

I am sorry to hear about your mother's problems. There are several potential causes for the symptoms you describe, e.g. heart failure, kidney disease, etc. If she does not have chest pain, breathing difficulties or fever, it is OK to wait til tomorrow, Monday.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (3 hours later)

It does help, but according to my sister, mom had told her she is having trouble catching her breath. However, when I asked mom over the phone last night, she said she is breathing fine. I guess we will just keep a close watch today and call her doctor tomorrow. Thank you,
XXXXXXX Prange

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
That sounds good

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

It sounds chronic more than anything. I am sure she will be fine.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T