Hi Judy,

Me again! Here is alittle more information about the more serious complications you can get from cellulitis. Septicaemia can occur if the bacteria that is infecting the skin and tissue gets into the bloodstream. This can lead to a condition known as septicaemia (blood poisoning). Symptoms can include fever, fast heart beat and breathing, low blood pressure which causes dizziness when they stand up, a change in mental behaviour, such as confusion, or disorientation, diarrhoea, reduced urine flow, cold, clammy pale skin, loss of conciousness.

Any of the above symptoms requires urgent medical intervention

Christine

I did not really answer the main part of your question, sorry!

The usual treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics. Side effects usually associated with antibiotics are diarrhea, vomiting and yeast infections in women. Occasionally, in some cases, side effects are more serious and they can affect the function of the kidneys, liver, bone marrow, or other organs. A blood test can identify if this is the case.

It does not make my answer any different though! Again, if the patient's mental state has deteriorated and she has become more confused, disorientated or agitated then your action must still be the same. She needs to see a doctor urgently. Only he/she will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.

All my best wishes

Christine

Judi

2/16/10 2:52pm

Thank you Christine for your help.  We actually have been working closely with the Doctor.  I was just actually inquiring if the medication they gave to her had the 'power' to speed up her dimentia.

 

She is the sweetest lady in the world.  A very good patient.  Never complains or argues.  She appreciates everything we all do for her - and even answering her same questions 1000 times per day - doesn't even matter to me or my husband.

 

My sister in law is the one that lives with her and needs a break very often, so of course we are worried about her.  She is retired now and has the time - but I don't think she has the stamina for what this calls for - and doesn't want to leave her Mothers side.  We of course are still working and can only do as much as we can.  The oldest is also retired but she lives 3 hours away and her health isn't all that great - but comes down to help - but only can handle it for a day or 2.

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer.  I was just inquiring if the medication was the cause.  Her Doctor said it could clear up or it could get worse.  Other than this, she is really very healthy - her appetite is absolutely out of this world for an 89 year old person - and she has a wonderful sense of humor.

 

Thanks again.  Judi

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

2/16/10 3:19pm

Thanks, Judi. How lucky she is to have such loving people to care for her. I'm glad you are working with the doctor. As I mentioned, medications can do strange things.

 

The very best to you all.

Carol

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

2/17/10 9:55am

Judi

 

Your ‘patient' sounds a lovely person. It is good that she has retained her sense of humor as Alzheimer's disease takes its toll.

 

I am sure any help you can give to your sister in law helps her. She has taken on the role of primary caregiver but it is important that you help in any way you can. I think your role of finding out information on drugs and the effect of disease on Alzheimer's is an important one. As a primary caregiver you can sometimes be too close to problem and not see important aspects and issues of healthcare.

 

It is good that your mother in law's doctor is actively involved with her treatment. Even with his/her close monitoring of the treatment it can sometimes still be difficult to say whether it is the drugs, the infection, her Alzheimer's disease, general deterioration of organs with age, possible side effects of medication, or psychological trauma of coping with poor health. It could be a combination of all of them! The patient still requires treatment for what can be a life threatening disease.

 

Hopefully her mental state will return once she cellulites responds to treatment.

 

Good to hear from you

 

Christine