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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Disc Disease In An Elderly Person

My mother is a 86 year old women with degenerative disc disease who has refused to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, has poor appetite. She was in a rehab facility, and abruptly refused to have physical thearapy. She complans of abdominal pain, which has been worked up resulting in a diagnosis of constipation. She is fully cognizant, alert, oriented. Interactive with computer devices, and TV. She participates in conversations about family, members, and people in the facility. She insists that she does not want hospice. Family very frustrated, about her decline. What to do. She lays flat in bed with head slightly elevated, 24 hours day.
Mon, 4 Nov 2019
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

It is possible that your mother may be depressed, this diagnosis is common in the elderly and would cause a lost of interest in performing activities. This means that she would not want or have the energy to go to the bathroom or get out of bed or eat. Loss of appetite is another one of the criteria for depression. You may want to consider an assessment for this condition.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Degenerative Disc Disease In An Elderly Person

Hi, It is possible that your mother may be depressed, this diagnosis is common in the elderly and would cause a lost of interest in performing activities. This means that she would not want or have the energy to go to the bathroom or get out of bed or eat. Loss of appetite is another one of the criteria for depression. You may want to consider an assessment for this condition. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician