Continued weight gain. By toolbeltexpert

toolbeltexpert

My dw is continuing her weight gain,last year before everything happened 167 was her weight we checked it everyday then. Now she is 201 and gone from a 18wp pant size to a 24wp and her legs and feet are swollen. I checked with the charge nurse to make sure no other meds were added. She gets 20mg of Escitalopram, and 17.5 mg a day of olanzapine. 5mg am and 2pm 7.5 before bed. I don't know if anyone else was gone down this road and what happened, but if anyone has I would greatly appreciate your experiences. I don't mind too much having to buy new clothes but I am worried about other unforseen issues. They are going to do a blood work and maybe see if it's a water thing. She had gotten Lasix in the geripsych but had to stop it because of heart issues if I remember correctly. I am gonna get her medical records and go back and look at that, I did mention it to the nurse.

Thanks Stewart

Ed1937

If her legs and feet are swollen, it sounds like she is holding water. But could that be the only problem? That's quite a bit of weight gain. I hope they find an answer for it soon.

Marta

Olanzapine is notorious for causing weight gain, as many of the other atypical antipsychotics also can.

Iris L.

Is she eating a lot of sweets? Try to substitute some fruits and unsalted nuts, if she is not allergic.

M1

Second Marta's assessment Stewart, it's probably the medications. Rock and a hard place. They need to watch her blood sugar though, for sure.

toolbeltexpert

I agree with you Marta and M1 I had her blood work done in February and made a point of the sugar. It all came back good last time. The nurse mentioned the bun creatinine levels also were good last time, so labs should be ordered tomorrow if it goes like I asked.

Iris she does have an extra sweet tooth now but it's her food she wants sweet now. Maple syrup on everything at breakfast including scrambled eggs. But she isn't eating at all during the snack times unless I am there and get something.

I was hoping someone had been down the road on this, m1 it is a trade off, the meds are doing a good job, though she has some tremors and her gait has changed she has had 2 minor falls. Now that I write it down it doesn't sound so good? I really don't want to try something else that's why I am asking. Thanks for listening everyone and all the responses. I hate Alzheimers.

BethL

My MIL had vascular dementia. She had a stroke that lead to her being in the care facility. Her activity level was very reduced, and they fed the residents way too much. She said herself they gave her enough food for two breakfasts - and she ate it all. She put on a lot of weight; I don't remember exactly how much, but maybe 50 lbs or so. Stewart, please take a look at how much she is eating. She may have a calorie problem as well as a water retention problem.

toolbeltexpert

Thank you Bethl, I help her with her breakfast everyday I think it is a small portion of scrambled imo 2 pieces of bacon or a Patty of sausage, a bowl of Oatmeal and 2 of the portions of maple syrup. The syrup would be the only thing that maybe too much. The other meals are all really portions that are not excessive. I eat occasionally and I am never full.

This morning they have checked her over good. BP just a little high 133/ 85 they graded her ankle pitting at a 2 and she had a little pain in her calf when they squeezed it.

Lungs are clear heart sounded good. The doc will see her later today and probably dx a diuretic and probably a blood work.

I am glad I can advocate for her, I did get the ball rolling by speaking to the nurse about her weight gain the other day, but I am greatful they listen to me and respond.

Jo C.

I am sorry that this is happening, Stewart. If you look up the meds and side effects, you will see that Zyprexa is a culprit for weight gain and as Marta and M1 have said, as are many of the atypical antipsychotics. There will undoubtedly be a lot of information online. Meds can also interact together making things a bit more problematic sometimes.

Other effects of these meds can be edema and the onset of tremors as you are witnessing which can become permanent and also begin to affect other parts of the body. Weight gain that rapidly is certainly a concern, but the edema and tremoring are also concerns as well as is her cardiac history in light of the edema and weight gain. It may be that consulting with your wife's MDs, including her dementia specialist may be warranted at this time. Sometimes doseages are adjusted or meds changed or even tapered if a person is stable and such med support is no longer necessary. The MDs including the dementia specialist are the team with the knowledge and skills to assist in making an adequate assessment under the circumstances. Nothing is easy with no clear path when it comes to dementia, so wish it were.

In the meantime, if she is physically able to do so, perhaps she could get a bit more exercise. Since she is subject to falls, perhaps doing the low level seated exercise activities at the facility which may be a bit helpful over time; even as simple as balloon toss. A strict dietary restriction in amounts of food and foods she likes to eat may be a backfire for behaviors if too restrictive, so perhaps acceptable adjustments could be made with consulting the dietician.

J