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← Return to Lewy Body and weight loss
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After much deliberation and getting opinions from medical and others with experience with LBD and other MCI's, I have canceled the colonoscopy/endoscopy. The other doctors did not see this as a necessary procedure at this stage of LBD. I thought about the stress on both of us trying to get him to take the awful liquid, not being able to eat for 24 hours, repeated visits to the bathroom, the actual procedure and anesthesia, and the unknown of the after effects of the anesthesia......there were just too many unknowns and I didn't feel that it was needed in our already chaotic, unpredictable life. The doctor has the easy part......my hubby and I have the before, during, and after to consider. Thank you for all of the excellent advice and the priceless concern. It really meant a lot to me and helped to make a decision that has given me peace. I know it is the right one. Hugs to all!
Replies to "After much deliberation and getting opinions from medical and others with experience with LBD and other..."
I am so glad to read this. I just came up on your question (albeit late) and know from my own experience with my husband's LBD that Abraham is NOT your friend when dealing with dementia. He's late stage LBD now after having been originally diagnosed early onset Alzheimer's four years ago at age 54. He's lost about 75 pounds now in 7-1/2 months and has less and less interest in eating, despite doubling his appetite stimulant Rx. My husband's been given roughly six months now if he continues at present rate of decline. I hope you end up with more time.
Very wise. My husband, 92, was dx'ed with MCI IN 2019 and that is progressing to mixed dementia, albeit not rapidly. This summer he had cataract surgery and before the first surgery I spoke with the very kind and compassionate anaesthesiogist who assured me he would be given the very least amount of propofol to get through the very quick surgery. She was right: when I went to recovery, several minutes after surgery was complete, he was alert, not groggy and cheerful. For the second surgery two weeks later I again spoke with the (different) anaesthesiogist and he assured me everything would be the same and not to worry. But when I when to recovery, he was groggy, confused, and it took a long time to discharge him because he wasn't coming out of it. When I later read the online notes about the surgery I saw he'd been given fentanyl instead. 😡 His dentist wants him to proceed with a lot of invasive and punishing dental work and instead we've changed to a dentist who has presented us with a more appropriate procedure. (Our dentist had proposed $10,000 bridge work, implants and root canals. ) From my experience, you've made the right decision.
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@teacher502 I respect you for making such a difficult decision. But, I do feel that I was too abrupt and unkind when I responded to you yesterday and I’m sorry. The discussion brought up so many memories for me when I had to say no to my dad’s doctor. I was my dad’s MDPOA and my mother asked me to talk to the surgeon and make a decision. The surgeon told me that he wanted to amputate both of Dad’s legs because of poor circulation in his feet. I said absolutely not. Dad was 93 and a retired army officer, and he would never accept this surgery. We argued for a bit but I won out.
I wish you and your husband all the best. How lucky he is to have someone like you to care for him! Becky