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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
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III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
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V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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What's the diagnosis of his back pain? Has an orthopedic doctor indicated that there's no way to relieve the pain? That would be my first step. If he can get PT, either at home or at a commercial PT site or hospital based PT facility, could that help him become more mobile?
He is going to lose mobility if he's not getting out of bed.
I wonder, however, if this the only reason he sleeps all day. What other meds is he on, and what other medical conditions does he have?
Shirley, I'm sorry to learn that he's had so much back pain - dealing with it all his life must be a really difficult situation for him.
Has he ever had ultrasound or TENS for the pain? I've had it in various PT sessions and found it really helped, especially the TENS.
When i attended a natural healing session hosted by one of the local hospitals (which was and still is a leader in natural alternatives), both acupuncture and deep muscle massage were demonstrated. I had the latter, and was surprised how much it helped. I don't have the long term back issues that your husband does though.
Although it's been my experience that ortho doctors don't like to prescribe back braces because the body can become reliant on it, and muscles can begin to atrophy and become weaker, we bought one for my father. In his late 90's, he needs what support he can get, and the brace helps him a lot. Iit might be something to investigate.
We got his at a DME supplier; I think it was about $40. The doctors we consulted wouldn't script for one b/c they didn't want to address the issue of muscle atrophy, which I understand and which could be appropriate if he was younger.
I think the dementia could complicate the pain, partially in the sense that his world is becoming less understandable, rational and manageable. The ability to rationalize is probably also becoming less.
I would have suggested pain management, even mindfulness (one of the doctors in my area is a specialist in this), but I'm not sure this would be effective or could address his feeling of how bad the pain is, and he's right - only he can know how bad it is.
Sunnygirl is right though about the mental connection, whether it's depression, sadness, anger, or other upsetting emotion. I can always tell when my mental attitude needs adjustment b/c whatever current muscle or orthopedic problem I have is heightened. Typically it's the most intense ortho problem, but sometimes it's the most recent. During really bad episodes, they gang up on me and my jaw, knees, arm and back all act out like really bad children throwing tantrums. That's when I get a good book to read or listen to calming music, or better yet, plan gardens. Chocolate helps too.
I wish I had some good suggestions, but I don't. And I do understand your concern. The inactivity will only cause more problems down the line.
He has dementia. Diagnosed at least 3 years. Back pain has never been given a name. He says first remembrance of back pain was at age 9. It did not prevent his induction into the army nor the dock work as a longshoreman 30 plus years until he was struck by lightning and decided to retire. In 2006 he had surgery for spinal stenosis. He was referred to pain management and received muscle injections and therapy at more offices for this service than I can remember. Seemingly as he ages the pain get worse (so he says) and because he cannot tolerate pain he refuses to exercise to strengthen the muscles. I sometimes think that having dementia, maybe he doesn't know when he is in pain or not. He at one time was addicted to strong pain meds and his primary doctor explain with the government crackdown, he could only suggest Tylenol for Arthritis and exercise therapy. Even today, the first comment is "I need Tylenol." He says no one understands how severe the pain is and thus he is very hesitant about trying to walk. What do you suggest? Oh, by the way, my name is Shirley P. Thank you for any suggestions you all may give.
How advanced is his dementia? Has he been to a Pain Specialist recently? Have you inquired about stronger pain meds? Do you have a doctor who treats patients with dementia and who may be more sensitive to your husband's plight than an average Primary doctor? Some of them don't like to prescribe pain meds. They fear addiction, though, I'm not sure how that applies to someone with dementia, who has their meds administered to them.
Have you considered Palliative Care and discussed it with the doctors?
Does he suffer from depression and/or anxiety? My cousin was disabled with arthritis, mainly in her back, when she got dementia and depression. She started on Cymbalta and it has really helped her pain. Cymbalta is prescribed for Pain, Anxiety and Depression. I might ask his doctor about something like that. I realize that meds effect people differently, but if he is not able to do PT, I'd explore all things that might help him be more comfortable.
Also, my mom's doctor confirmed that sometimes depression can cause chronic back pain. She also went on meds for depression and her pain is decreased.
I have no idea what your husband's condition is, but, I might try to get him a proper diagnosis and then ask the doctors for help with pain treatment, that works despite his dementia.
Agree with all above. Get another medical workup and insist on a full workup -- mental and physical. Then discuss options for pain management. At his age -- DO NOT ACCEPT MEDICATION without being coupled with PT. Its essential to have both and keep him mobile and engaged in working through the process. Too many physicians just want to write a prescription, hand him a piece of paper with recommended excercises and dismiss. DON'T let them or you will watch him take ihis vicadin and vegetate in his chair with no improvement. I've been down this road with my elderly mother as well as my FIL. Yes, its a pain to get them up and going without grumbling to PT but once there they actually enjoy and its good to have the outside interaction.
PT is good, however, sometimes with dementia, the patient is not able or willing to engage in PT. Their body sometimes does not cooperate with their mind. But, if he's feeling less pain with the meds, he might feel more like PT.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
He is going to lose mobility if he's not getting out of bed.
I wonder, however, if this the only reason he sleeps all day. What other meds is he on, and what other medical conditions does he have?
Has he ever had ultrasound or TENS for the pain? I've had it in various PT sessions and found it really helped, especially the TENS.
When i attended a natural healing session hosted by one of the local hospitals (which was and still is a leader in natural alternatives), both acupuncture and deep muscle massage were demonstrated. I had the latter, and was surprised how much it helped. I don't have the long term back issues that your husband does though.
Although it's been my experience that ortho doctors don't like to prescribe back braces because the body can become reliant on it, and muscles can begin to atrophy and become weaker, we bought one for my father. In his late 90's, he needs what support he can get, and the brace helps him a lot. Iit might be something to investigate.
We got his at a DME supplier; I think it was about $40. The doctors we consulted wouldn't script for one b/c they didn't want to address the issue of muscle atrophy, which I understand and which could be appropriate if he was younger.
I think the dementia could complicate the pain, partially in the sense that his world is becoming less understandable, rational and manageable. The ability to rationalize is probably also becoming less.
I would have suggested pain management, even mindfulness (one of the doctors in my area is a specialist in this), but I'm not sure this would be effective or could address his feeling of how bad the pain is, and he's right - only he can know how bad it is.
Sunnygirl is right though about the mental connection, whether it's depression, sadness, anger, or other upsetting emotion. I can always tell when my mental attitude needs adjustment b/c whatever current muscle or orthopedic problem I have is heightened. Typically it's the most intense ortho problem, but sometimes it's the most recent. During really bad episodes, they gang up on me and my jaw, knees, arm and back all act out like really bad children throwing tantrums. That's when I get a good book to read or listen to calming music, or better yet, plan gardens. Chocolate helps too.
I wish I had some good suggestions, but I don't. And I do understand your concern. The inactivity will only cause more problems down the line.
Have you considered Palliative Care and discussed it with the doctors?
Does he suffer from depression and/or anxiety? My cousin was disabled with arthritis, mainly in her back, when she got dementia and depression. She started on Cymbalta and it has really helped her pain. Cymbalta is prescribed for Pain, Anxiety and Depression. I might ask his doctor about something like that. I realize that meds effect people differently, but if he is not able to do PT, I'd explore all things that might help him be more comfortable.
Also, my mom's doctor confirmed that sometimes depression can cause chronic back pain. She also went on meds for depression and her pain is decreased.
I have no idea what your husband's condition is, but, I might try to get him a proper diagnosis and then ask the doctors for help with pain treatment, that works despite his dementia.