A Few Days in the Hospital

Philip and I visited Fran this morning and found her to be weak and sleepy. The doctor on call for her regular physician (who happens to be on vacation) wants to watch her for a few days or so here at our local hospital where Philip works.

Her downslide began about 2 weeks ago when we noticed Fran was weepy and a bit confused. We have seen the signs before of what a UTI can do to the elderly. A test was given and showed positive for a UTI. Antibiotics were started and Fran started to feel better for a few days. Again the same symptoms and yet another antibiotic started.

Three mornings in a row Fran was described by her nurse as “unresponsive” and extremely difficult to wake. Yesterday was the third morning and Philip felt she needed to be transferred to the hospital for further testing. Could it be seizures??? Maybe but Phil says not likely. Most likely this is a result of a progressive UTI that has invaded the blood and caused mental changes and total body fatigue. It could also be due to Mom’s response to her medications, which are periodically adjusted for a variety of reasons.

We are glad she is in the hospital for a more intensive evaluation and IV antibiotic therapy.

We will keep you all posted everyday or so of Fran’s progress. Continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Maribeth