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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diabetic With High Blood Pressure. Suffering Chronic Hiccups. Stopped Insulin. What Can Be Done?

My father in law is 72 years old a type 2 diabetic (approximately 10 years) with high blood pressure. For several months, he has been suffering from chronic hic-cups - to the point he could not eat and was recently prescribed thorazine. Prior to this we have noticed that since Fall of last year he has: changed from sleeping during the night to sleeping during the day - sometimes as much as 18 - 20 hours a day; become disinterested in normal hobbies and his grandchildren; has periods of confusion, not eating properly, let his personnel hygiene go and we have recently discovered that he stopped taking his medications sometime around late February including his insulin. He refuses to see a Doctor or acknowledge that something is wrong. What can we do?
Wed, 25 Sep 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Most probably your father in law is experiencing the symptoms of depression. Please keep in mind that mental disorder (particularly depression) are often associated with diabetes.

In addition, age is also a factor in contributing to senile disorders (mental changes due to age).

Therefore, I could suggest to let one person look after him, never let him alone. Try to slowly suggest to your father-in-law the normal activities explaining that sleeping is not good to overcome his current problems.

However, I would suggest to be as patient as possible to avoid further problems.

With regards to his hiccups, to my opinion, it might also be related to problems with the central nervous system (this is also supported by thorazine prescribed by his doctor). However, I would suggest to talk to his doctor to exclude other problems related to stomach or intestinal tract.

At last, be patient. Diabetics, especially, aged-people are more difficult to treat when mental disorders appear. Try to be as close to your father in law to help him with patience.

Hope it helped!

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Diabetic With High Blood Pressure. Suffering Chronic Hiccups. Stopped Insulin. What Can Be Done?

Hi, Most probably your father in law is experiencing the symptoms of depression. Please keep in mind that mental disorder (particularly depression) are often associated with diabetes. In addition, age is also a factor in contributing to senile disorders (mental changes due to age). Therefore, I could suggest to let one person look after him, never let him alone. Try to slowly suggest to your father-in-law the normal activities explaining that sleeping is not good to overcome his current problems. However, I would suggest to be as patient as possible to avoid further problems. With regards to his hiccups, to my opinion, it might also be related to problems with the central nervous system (this is also supported by thorazine prescribed by his doctor). However, I would suggest to talk to his doctor to exclude other problems related to stomach or intestinal tract. At last, be patient. Diabetics, especially, aged-people are more difficult to treat when mental disorders appear. Try to be as close to your father in law to help him with patience. Hope it helped!