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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea, Vomiting And Weakness In An Elderly Person
Question: My father in law has parkinson's disease and takes meds warfarin, he has been treated successfully for prostrate cancer and has a catheter. Last Wednesday he sicked up his poached egg breakfast before a day trip he had. He has had vomiting and diarrhoa since. The doctor said he needed to get 8 litres of water down him which we have tried to do even though he has still had diarrhoea. He managed to hold down half a biscuit this morning but still has diarrhoea. He is extremely weak and has had two falls. He is 77.
My husband took a day off work to look after him, he is an only child. I look after my 93 year old and am the only surviving child. My mum and brother died of Huntington's Chorea, I have CLL and suffer from chronic depression. I have recently been under the crisis mental health team and just discharged, so not much use.
I really need to know how to proceed. I am worried about the situation?
I have a number of hospital appointment.s coming up and becoming rather anxious.
Please advise as a matter of urgency Immediately would be good.
Many thanks indeed
My husband took a day off work to look after him, he is an only child. I look after my 93 year old and am the only surviving child. My mum and brother died of Huntington's Chorea, I have CLL and suffer from chronic depression. I have recently been under the crisis mental health team and just discharged, so not much use.
I really need to know how to proceed. I am worried about the situation?
I have a number of hospital appointment.s coming up and becoming rather anxious.
Please advise as a matter of urgency Immediately would be good.
Many thanks indeed
Brief Answer:
No need to grow anxious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone very carefully through your query. You need not panic. Your father-in-law has diarrhea. Such a condition usually lasts for 3-5 days irrespective of treatment and you would have to be patient. Antibiotics or anything else would not help. Management is supportive. He needs to do the following:
* Take plenty of ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost fluids and salts.
* Take juicy fruits like citrus fruits. They contain plenty of potassium which should help in proper functioning of the muscles and in reduction of the cramps.
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast. A component of gastritis could be associated.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
If the urine output is fine you have no reason to worry. The diarrhea will gradually come down in a few days time. Hopefully that should help. Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
No need to grow anxious
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone very carefully through your query. You need not panic. Your father-in-law has diarrhea. Such a condition usually lasts for 3-5 days irrespective of treatment and you would have to be patient. Antibiotics or anything else would not help. Management is supportive. He needs to do the following:
* Take plenty of ORS (oral rehydration solution) to replenish the lost fluids and salts.
* Take juicy fruits like citrus fruits. They contain plenty of potassium which should help in proper functioning of the muscles and in reduction of the cramps.
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast. A component of gastritis could be associated.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
If the urine output is fine you have no reason to worry. The diarrhea will gradually come down in a few days time. Hopefully that should help. Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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