Suggest Treatment For Anxiety, Cold Arms And Lack Of Sleep

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Question: My 81 year old father is full of anxiety, has cold arms and is not resting well. He won't go to the Dr. Any ideas as to what could be wrong? YYYY@YYYY
Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Low blood pressure and hypothyroidism

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Symptoms appear to be possibly due to hypothyroidism and anemia. The cold arms is due to reduced circulation possibly caused by cutaneous vaso-constriction due to reduce body volume.
2. Do get the blood pressure checked. It could be low.
3. Disturbed sleep has led to anxiety and stressful behavior. Medications could have disrupted his sleep schedule. I am not sure, when it was started, but he requires regular sleep hygiene. Minimum 8-9 hours sleep in night, mid afternoon maximum half an hour sleep.
4. Hemogram necessary to evaluate for anemia. Malnutrition and reduced hydration appears to be dominant at present. Improved protein and vitamin supplements is essential.
5. Thyroid hormone profile and hemogram, is necessary for further evaluation. If you have any previous reports, current medications and other clinical history, specifically chronic disease, I can try to be more specific, if possible.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (8 hours later)

Thank you. My Mom will go get a blood pressure monitor and take it at home. You have been a great help. Just to let you know.....he stopped taking his aspirin as he has bruising all over the backs of his hand and arms. I have been preaching to him for years about not drinking water. He never drinks it! We are in AZ and it is even more crucial here. He is losing weight and I believe you are right that he could be anemic. He drinks too much coffee which adds to his anxiety. Thanks again for your help. XXXXXXX Rock

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regular monitoring is necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.

You are welcome.
Nutrition is the most important aspect in the elderly.

Hydration is very critical along side.

Routine evaluation of blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid levels and hemogram is essential, at-least annually.

Coffee can lead to sleep disturbances, and should be avoided after 4 pm. Regular sleep, moderate exercises and involvement in activities with good nutrition and hydration is essential.

Social activities and family involvement will reduce depression risk, which is very high in the elderly.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Dr. Prakash HM

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar