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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In Leg After Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation?

My Mom is 89 years old.She was in the hospital for 4 days since her INR was 7.6, she was in atrial fibulation and her legs swollen twice their size.Now she is back where she resides however she is a different woman.She need someone to dress her, change her diaper (which she never used before.How could her mind change so drastically in a few days?She can t walk without a walker-it s a nightmare.How can this occur in 4 days, last week she was fine now she can t do anything including walking down for meals which they provide in the dining room. She doesn t ever have to cook but since it s the weekend my husband & I are doing everything-we take shifts.
Thu, 29 Jan 2015
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. In the elderly, hospitalization results in reversible deterioration of cognition. This occurs very rapidly, which results in the drastic changes being appreciated now.
2. She will require constant caretaker support to help improve her cognition, improve meals intake, medications, walking support and personal care. Professional help could be necessary.
3. Along with it, family support and social activities involvement is essential. As i told earlier, it is reversible, and reversal would take upto 2-3 months. If adequate care is not given, further deterioration will occur and she might require dedicated long term nursing care.
4. Medications need to be regular along with followup of INR to avoid, recurrence of events in future.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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What Causes Swelling In Leg After Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. In the elderly, hospitalization results in reversible deterioration of cognition. This occurs very rapidly, which results in the drastic changes being appreciated now. 2. She will require constant caretaker support to help improve her cognition, improve meals intake, medications, walking support and personal care. Professional help could be necessary. 3. Along with it, family support and social activities involvement is essential. As i told earlier, it is reversible, and reversal would take upto 2-3 months. If adequate care is not given, further deterioration will occur and she might require dedicated long term nursing care. 4. Medications need to be regular along with followup of INR to avoid, recurrence of events in future. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.