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She said if the dipstick (drug store) test came back saying I had a UTI, I did, and I should go to a doctor for a culture to see what kind of infection it was and for treatment. If the test said I didn't have a UTI I could still have a UTI, and if symptoms continued I should see a doctor. So going the DIY route might just delay things.
Relying only on the dipstick test, whether done at home or in ER, is not sufficient. Knowing what I know now I'd always insist on a culture, no matter what the dipstick indicated. But realize that the culture takes 3 days to develop and read. Often an antibiotic is given in the meanwhile.
littlemisskitty, I think the help you need is a culture.
First off, I'm appalled at any ER that would send someone away with a BP that high, especially at her age! Unreal! My next couple of questions, who does her pills? Does someone give them to her? Does she have access to them to take herself even if she sneaks them? Any of those could be an issue. Another probable cause (as we see it a lot in our hospital) is sodium levels too high/low. That can cause a LOT of confusion, plus could tie in the dehydration, etc. Like others have mentioned, does she have a primary care physician that would have her complete medical records? Does she appear to be in pain (besides the erratic behavior). There could be an infection manifesting itself somewhere else like kidneys, bladder, etc. Lots of things to consider besides UTI. Does she have early signs of dementia or has she been fairly "normal" except recently? She definitely needs to be seen by a doctor immediately and I for sure would take her to a different ER, possibly one with a trauma center if there's one nearby, as they may run more extensive tests. And as far as the IV, baloney. We've had tons of patients with behavioral problems that we've gotten IV sticks in, and if they need lifesaving meds through an IV, you FIND a way to keep it in. Any way, she is a danger to herself if left alone for any length of time until you get answers, which SHOULD make her a candidate for immediatel hospital admission. Even if she has a family member with her, we would NEVER send someone home in this state, especially if she's throwing herself on the floor, etc. Please keep us updated on what happens! This is scary stuff!
If I can as a non professional, not Dr or nurse, give my opinion. Antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately, good, bad beneficial et al. Long Term use can lead to c-diff, highly dangerous infection. Good bacteria need to be replaced. I use and have used for 35 years+, my husband my dad and anyone else I can convince, our gut health is so important for overall health.
Take pre and probiotics, I buy them online at Swanson vitamins and they are a life saver, my dad has not had one UTI since he started taking them. I use Dr. Langers 16 strain with FOS (prebiotic). Lots of choices available, I recommend doing your own research to decide what you feel is best. Take them 2 hours either side of antibiotics, I use 2 a day if I need antibiotics, which I haven't needed except after surgery. This helps keep the beneficial bacteria active while the bad is being killed off. So no matter what happens, I recommend adding this to daily regiment. For everyone in the house.
Again, I have no medical training so she definitely needs medical diagnosis and the sooner the better.
Best of luck getting to the bottom of the matter.
Take care to take care of yourself during this hard trial and may God grant you wisdom to know how to proceed. Also, God Bless you for taking care of your grandma.
Hydration was started immediately. When they took the urine sample the physical indications of UTI were there (before the dipstick said no.) This had been her experience before, yet antibiotics had worked, so they tried it. I took her home with the medicine, and she showed improvement within 24 hours. I am glad she didn't have to wait for a culture. Without hydration and medicine, her UTI would have progressed to hallucinations and stubbornness. Good luck figuring it out.
Her medications could be out of sync - only her primary physician can tell you - but some of them also cause hallucinations. Benadryl is bad for causing hallucinations in the elderly.
Any medications needing food at the time of administering them, could cause problems too since she isn't eating but you are medicating her.
Prayers for you and Grandma.
Does gma have a primary care physician ?
I can't imagine an ER discharging someone with BP that high
I'm sorry you are dealing with this - are you in a community with access to more than one hospital ?
It is a struggle for me to get mom to the right facility - 911 won't transport to the hospital of choice which means I have to call a private ambulance
Is it time to call for a hospice evaluation? It sounds like your mom is telling you something about how she feels about her quality of life.
Hospice ( at least the one we had) provided much peace and loving care for my mom. They made sure that she was calm and not in pain. I had hoped, as many others here have reported, that be able to be calm and peaceful would allow her to heal from her injuries, but she did not.
I know that you are in a completely different situation, but it's something to think about.
If she is dehydrated she might need Iv fluids but see if she'll take some coconut water based drinks with electrolytes
If her urine is dark try to get her hydrated ( dehydration can cause the crazies sometimes). Does she like popsicles?