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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness After Gall Bladder Removal?

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Posted on Sat, 27 Dec 2014
Question: my dads had a gall bladder removed as there was cancerous growth, hes 79 yrs old so it had to be removed and not replaced.
He has been sleeping excessively ever since the surgery...its the 50th day now....its a graph a pattern which slowly improves, he becomes a bit aware,starts physio, eats orally a bit and then it goes down again....this has happened 3 times in these 50 days
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Post-operative cognition decline.

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. He had a recent surgery, which was cancerous and is recovering from it. At this age, it was very stressful for him. It is commonly seen after major surgeries and is called as post-operative cognitive decline.
2. He is having periods of ups and downs, as he is trying to get back from the stress. His cognition is improving but is taking time.
3. He will require a routine to be maintained, so that his ups dont go to downs.
4. His clinical parameters are fine, suggesting he is physically doing well.
5. Elderly during these periods of stress, mentally get themselves blocked and also block others out.
6. Family support is essential to reduce further cognitive decline. Activities, as much as possible, should involve him. Assist him in moving around. The more he stays in bed, the more it will be difficult for him to get adjusted. Try involving him more.
7. Look for medications, especially if any is causing excessive sleep.

Not to worry, try to involve him and make him XXXXXXX as early as possible.

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

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (44 minutes later)
What foods to give him...he's on RT...not taking orally.....need to change the environment. ...will take him home with RT,tracheostomy tube and central line...he had withdrawn himself. ...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, change in environment is essential.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Yes, he will require change of environment. Home will improve his morale.

Diet, he will require protein rich diet. As he is not taking orally, when started, start of with smaller feeds and slowly increase.

Make sure necessary sterile precautions are taken. Avoid any infections, it could complicate things. Family support is essential at home.

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

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (15 hours later)
Any thing else I can do at home...he still has the tracheostomy tube rt and the central line....how much of fluids needed as hes been on antibiotics for abt 50 days...he had aspirated after the surgery..came off tbe ventilator. ..now breathing on his own...use bipap few hrs
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Fluid as much as he asks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

1. At present, avoid further infection and nutrition are the most important things.

2. As he does not have any edema anywhere or any renal problems, no fluid limit is necessary. He can take as much as required. Nothing too high enough to cause aspiration or too low to cause him dehydration. Make sure his position is proper, if giving orally.

3. Occasional bipap is good and will improve.

4. Having family around and being supportive will help him. Avoid any sort of stressful behavior around him. Allow him to be XXXXXXX and also support him, as much as he needs.

5. Without any further infections, he will recover to as much as previously, possibly within 2-3 weeks.

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

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness After Gall Bladder Removal?

Brief Answer: Post-operative cognition decline. 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. He had a recent surgery, which was cancerous and is recovering from it. At this age, it was very stressful for him. It is commonly seen after major surgeries and is called as post-operative cognitive decline. 2. He is having periods of ups and downs, as he is trying to get back from the stress. His cognition is improving but is taking time. 3. He will require a routine to be maintained, so that his ups dont go to downs. 4. His clinical parameters are fine, suggesting he is physically doing well. 5. Elderly during these periods of stress, mentally get themselves blocked and also block others out. 6. Family support is essential to reduce further cognitive decline. Activities, as much as possible, should involve him. Assist him in moving around. The more he stays in bed, the more it will be difficult for him to get adjusted. Try involving him more. 7. Look for medications, especially if any is causing excessive sleep. Not to worry, try to involve him and make him XXXXXXX as early as possible. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM