My DW's pain levels

Ronk246 · November 16

Hi Y'all,

My DW of 57 years was diagnosed two and a half years ago. She is currently between levels 3 and 4, in my estimation. Our GP prescribed Memantine 10 MG twice a day and Donepezil 10 MG once a day at her diagnosis. I don't know if or how much that helps her. I asked our GP about 6 months ago if he felt they were doing anything, he thought she should stay on both.

She has continued her pleasant personality to this day, always thanks me for my efforts. Recently, she has been complaining a lot about back, neck and head aches. Our GP has increased her medication of Tylenol with Codeine, #3, 300 MG to five times a day. When I told him about her constant complaints about pain, he refused to increase her dosages, said that is not unusual for dementia patients.

Please don't suggest we see a specialist in dementia. When we went through the three hour testing originally, the PA who gave us the results was so cold blooded in her presentation, we were both in tears. My DW may not have much of a short term memory at this time, but I know I would never put her through that again

I'm curious about how this compares to others in similar circumstances. I'm not really doubting our doctor's decisions, just wondering.

As always, thank you all for your responses and so grateful for this website.

charley0419 · November 16

my wife in same stage diagnosed 3 yrs ago on same exact prescription meds. Shes holding her own mo driving but notice last few short memory bad. Has neck and back pains but always had this

SDianeL · 4:52AM

The 2 meds Memantine and Donepezil are supposed to help them focus. I saw no difference when my husband was in Memantine but kept him on it because there were no side effects. Those meds do not slow progression. The problem with PWDs saying they have pain is that it’s difficult to know if the pain is real, imagined or just that they are more aware of the pain. Perhaps an anti-anxiety med might help. If you could get her to a Geriatric Psychiatrist they are best to regulate dementia meds. They are familiar with dementia and should be very caring and not put her through any more testing. Your DW seems to be at the max dosage recommended for the Tylenol. Too much can cause liver damage. Doctors don’t like to prescribe strong pain killers. It may cause her to be a fall risk. Maybe something topical?

trottingalong · 3:27PM

My DH has pain and I don’t know what’s real and what’s imagined or how bad it really is. And if he hurts, he’s hyper focused on that particular pain.

Maru · 4:15PM

I have 2 thoughts. 1) what is causing the pain? Has the doctor ruled out all possible causes?

2) Is the pain al or imagined? If it is real, then there is a cause (see #1). With Alz there can be all sorts of imagined things. If it is imagined then you don't want your LO to to be taking Codiene, which itself can cause migranes. Have your tried non-medical things for her back and neck pain…heating pad, neck and shoulder massages?

My DH had itchiness from Exelon that continued for 6 months after stopping the drug. After trying every possible anti-itch meds and creams without improvment, I came to the conclusion that something got stuck in his brain. ( He is a natural born complainer) Eventually, he just forgot about the creams and has been itch free.

Good luck. Answers are often elusive.

My DW's pain levels

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