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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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87 Year Old, Suffering From Paranoid Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Dementia, Weakness, Passing Dark, Pungent Urine, Thirst. Solution?

Hello! I watch an old woman during the day for a family friend who works full time (she s the old woman s daughter). The old woman, Ruby, is 87 and has had her share of health problems in the past ( paranoid schizophrenia , bipolar disorder , and she is currently suffering from dementia ). She s been unable to get herself out of bed and to the bathroom, so she needs constant watching and help into her wheelchair or onto the toilet since she s unable to stand by herself. Recently, the last two weeks or so, she s been very weak, tired, and quiet. She doesn t have the strength to even pick her head up, or even open her mouth to eat or chew anything more substantial than oatmeal. She goes limp the second I get her out of bed to wash her hair, and she s been having dark, pungent urine the last few days. She s also extremely thirsty and been drinking about 3-4 bottles of water a day, but she s never satisfied. I m sorry if that s an overload of unnecessary information, but I m worried about her and was hoping you could point me in the right direction!
Sat, 12 Jan 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
hi there, nice to know about the concern you feel for the old lady. Your discription suggests that she is not getttin enough fluids which are causeing her to pass a very high concentration of urine hence the smell and colour. As she is mostly not able to fend for herself or inform you about her needs probably she is not able to consume enough water. It would be wise to keep 2-4 litres of measured water by her bedside and give it periodically over the day so that she gets enough fluid. Also to be on the safer side it would be good to get a urine exam done for her to rule out any infection incase as she is in no condition to complain of any symptoms. Also keep checking her vitals regularly so see that she is not having any fever or any condition which might be overlooked as she is not in a position to communicate. Take care
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87 Year Old, Suffering From Paranoid Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Dementia, Weakness, Passing Dark, Pungent Urine, Thirst. Solution?

hi there, nice to know about the concern you feel for the old lady. Your discription suggests that she is not getttin enough fluids which are causeing her to pass a very high concentration of urine hence the smell and colour. As she is mostly not able to fend for herself or inform you about her needs probably she is not able to consume enough water. It would be wise to keep 2-4 litres of measured water by her bedside and give it periodically over the day so that she gets enough fluid. Also to be on the safer side it would be good to get a urine exam done for her to rule out any infection incase as she is in no condition to complain of any symptoms. Also keep checking her vitals regularly so see that she is not having any fever or any condition which might be overlooked as she is not in a position to communicate. Take care