Refuses to see DR

Eloise0304

My DH refuses to go to next DR appt and I can't force him DR wants to do lumbar puncture but he is too agitated to go thru with procedure as they want him there for four hours. This procedure may not shed any light on his condition, his cognition has been steadily worse and this is supposed to diagnose NPH. I asked DR to propose less invasive

SDianeL

I have never heard of any other test that will be certain for NPH diagnosis. Is your husband on any anti-anxiety medications? Maybe that should be the first step so he may agree to see the doctor? Could he be sedated for the procedure? Another thing the spinal tap will look for is Alzheimer's.

harshedbuzz

@Eloise0304

NPH is one of the few treatable dementias; lumbar puncture is used because it can be therapeutic and improve symptoms if the patient has NPH. There isn't really any other diagnostic that is as conclusive for the condition; treatment would be lumbar puncture and likely a shunt. Best outcomes are before many physical symptoms appear as they may not be fully reversible.

HB

Metta

DH had two lumbar punctures when he was in the hospital. He was not sedated enough for the first with Ativan and would not be still. They had to schedule a second with sedation and NPH was diagnosed. The VP shunt is not always successful. DH was stage 5/6 before surgery and Stage 7 when he came home after a delirium and being drugged and tied to the bed for a week in the hospital with no PT. It took every ounce of my strength and his to regain mobility.

Mobility was the only improvement we saw. The shunt did nothing for incontinence or cognition, and he is declining again after just 3 months.

That said, I would do it all over again. I could not have lived with the “what if’s” if we had not had the surgery. It can reverse dementia for NPH sufferers. That’s extraordinary!

Eloise0304

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/249991#Comment_249991

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/249991#Comment_249991

Many symptoms have been there, increasing over 2 yrs including mobility and cognition. MMSE score is 11 so I think it might be too late for this

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/249998#Comment_249998

talk to the doctors and express your concerns and if it’s too late then I wouldn’t put him through it. Also ask about sedation.

harshedbuzz

@Eloise0304

An MMSE of 11 indicates significant progression. assuming he was cooperative with testing. That said, ambulation can make care in the home by a primary caregiver more doable.

HB

Marla13

In my case, I try not to put my DH through any more agitation unless it is necessary for his safety.

Eloise0304

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/250046#Comment_250046

What is ambulation?

Metta

Ambulation / Ambulatory (Often used instead of mobile or mobility to refer to being able to stand and walk.)

Eloise0304

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/250046#Comment_250046

How is arranged

H1235

If you called the doctor and explained the situation maybe you could get him to prescribe just one pill you could give him to calm him before you go. Would he believe you if you told him you are just going to lunch, then bring him to the hospital after without telling him what is going on. I hope you can find a solution.

jfkoc

Please throughly understand just how the procedure will benefit your husband.

Eloise0304

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/250088#Comment_250088

If I give him a pill he will just fall down and then can't get up. I will try to figure this out, somehow. I am alone in this situation.