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Hi, My Father Is 92 Years Old. Ten Days Ago
Posted on
Wed, 24 Apr 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 24 Apr 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi,
My father is 92 years old. Ten days ago he started to spend more and more of his time sleeping. His arms and legs are so weak that he cannot walk by himself and feed himself. He was admitted in the hospital. He still is able to eat somewhat if spoon fed. However, he cannot hold conversation more than a few sentences before he fells asleep again. He spends all his time sleeping. All the blood tests come out negative. His kidney number is increased so the doctor gives him IV and antibiotic. Other than that, his doctor doesn't know what is wrong with him.
What is wrong with him.
My father is 92 years old. Ten days ago he started to spend more and more of his time sleeping. His arms and legs are so weak that he cannot walk by himself and feed himself. He was admitted in the hospital. He still is able to eat somewhat if spoon fed. However, he cannot hold conversation more than a few sentences before he fells asleep again. He spends all his time sleeping. All the blood tests come out negative. His kidney number is increased so the doctor gives him IV and antibiotic. Other than that, his doctor doesn't know what is wrong with him.
What is wrong with him.
Brief Answer:
Very likely your father is having a urinary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome at "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and here is my advice:
First of all I am sorry to read about the health issues your father is having. There are many possible causes of a quick deterioration in elderly. The two most likely ones are lung infection or urinary infection.
In the case of your father, because kidney examinations are abnormal and because the doctor is giving him antibiotics, very likely he is having a urinary infection.
Simple infections that most people can easily go through and recover might be more difficult in elderly and cause more serious consequences. This is very likely why your father has developed lethargy (increased sleep) and reduced alertness and is not able to have long communications or walk.
Hopefully with the help of the antibiotics (that will fight the infection) and the iv fluids (that will help him stay hydrated and also flush the urinary system to further clear the infection) he will improve.
I wish quick healing to him and hope this answers your query.
Please feel free to let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Very likely your father is having a urinary infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome at "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and here is my advice:
First of all I am sorry to read about the health issues your father is having. There are many possible causes of a quick deterioration in elderly. The two most likely ones are lung infection or urinary infection.
In the case of your father, because kidney examinations are abnormal and because the doctor is giving him antibiotics, very likely he is having a urinary infection.
Simple infections that most people can easily go through and recover might be more difficult in elderly and cause more serious consequences. This is very likely why your father has developed lethargy (increased sleep) and reduced alertness and is not able to have long communications or walk.
Hopefully with the help of the antibiotics (that will fight the infection) and the iv fluids (that will help him stay hydrated and also flush the urinary system to further clear the infection) he will improve.
I wish quick healing to him and hope this answers your query.
Please feel free to let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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