Refusing Treatment

LewisB · August 13

My DW has moderate-to-advanced AD. I am her caregiver and managing without help thus far. DW has arthritis in her thumbs and frequently suffers from strained muscles in her lower back. We have seen specialists for both problems. The doctor's instructions were to use diclofenac sodium gel for the thumbs and lidocaine patches/ice for the back. She is frequently in more than moderate pain, but adamantly refuses to allow me to follow the doctors' instructions. I welcome any suggestions.

Damiross · August 13

I'd like to know, also. Most times, she refuses to take any pain pills. She doesn't like the patches or ice or heating pad.

SDianeL · August 14

I would talk to the doctor and explain. Perhaps pain meds you can crush and put in food or liquid you can put in drinks or shakes? I gave my DH CBD gummies for his knee pain. In memory care they gave him crushed pain meds.

harshedbuzz · August 14

@LewisB

This is a tough one. Normally, I would avoid agitating a PWD with optional medication. Could it be neither condition is an issue now? Both of these kinds of pain typically flair with use; perhaps she no longer engages in the activities that trigger intense pain. I have awful arthritis in my thumbs but mild symptoms unless I'm sewing or kneading bread. Is she complaining about pain or are you getting behavioral clues?

Is she progressed to a degree that you could offer to message her hand/back for her an apply the diclofenac to her hands telling her it's lotion? Would either specialist or her PCP clear her for an oral version of a NSAID which could be hidden if needed?

HB

Colacho10 · August 14

To add on to other great ideas in comments, maybe ask your doctor for a lidocaine spray. The patches can be uncomfortable. Another thought is to apply a warm towel to her back. Sometimes warmth and comfort can be useful, even if it's not a pain med.

Also, to add on the idea of back/hand massage, you can first try to make it a routine by applying some lotion that smells nice for a few days. Maybe she will accept that, and after that, you just change it with diclofenac gel.

Keep trying, something will work eventually