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If she has Alzheimer’s/dementia like your profile indicates, I don’t think steroids will help. What you’ve described sounds like her disease has progressed. My FIL was given steroids after his hospitalization, he declined in rehab and got sent back to the hospital with a UTI. The steroids were supposed to help him get his strength back but they didn’t work.
I think countrymouse said it best. Most of us have limited knowledge of drugs unless they were given to our loved ones. That said. I've seen two generations of my family members with dementia benefit immensly from Prednisone. It's not like the anabolic steroids that athletes use to bulk up they're muscles. I haven't seen anyone get "moon face". It helped with mood, appetite, strength when patient was able to participate in physical therapy. In my mom and grandma I didn't notice any negative side effects associated with the beginning or during the Prednisone therapy. My grandma lost her appetite due to a stroke that seemed to change the way things tasted to her. The one scary thing was just how hungry they got. I kept thinking I was going to wake up with Grandma trying to eat my brains. I was told by her Dr that the reason for better strength had a lot to do with the fact that she was getting the calories needed to build up her strength. The severe hunger did level out but if they start on long term Prednisone maintenance don't let them stop just because they feel better. There was quite a severe discontinuation syndrome. That's the new PC term for withdrawal symptoms. It wasn't like she was craving the drug but unless there is a taper it is very uncomfortable. If they're are no plans for stopping then there's nothing to worry about. I've also known people that go through a severe manic phase. Almost like they're wired. That too goes away. Your Dr should be able to explain the pros and cons but I wouldn't dismiss it just because it's a steroid. It's kind of like the different hormones out there you wouldn't stop taking estrogen just because you've heard bad things about testosterone.
What kind of doctor is prescribing them and why? I know of some people who take them and they can help some conditions, but, if your MIL is declining due to dementia, I'd question if this doctor treats patients with that condition and if he realizes how dementia progresses. Is this for pain? Is MIL on Hospice?
What does the doctor think steroid treatment will probably help?
Steroids have many different uses and can be very effective. But what does the doctor think they might do for your MIL, and what sort of steroid is s/he recommending?
If you're not comfortable with what the doctor explained, it is best to go back to the doctor and ask for more information. We on the forum don't know anything about your MIL's health and we're not medically qualified (mostly).
Do you mean the medication Megace? That is a steroid given to improve appetite and is given for a short period of time - like 1-2 months only. It has worked for many people, my mother included, when she lost weight and lost her appetite. My mom ate and did gain weight. If it’s the medication above, it’s worth a try.
Thank you all , much appreciated .. so the doctor feels the steroids will reduce the pain and give her strength ..my feelings it might reduce pain and give her strength but will it effect the dementia like more confusion , delusions etc .. haven’t read any good things about steroid (prednisone) an dementia .. still exploring and yes getting skilled nursing care for her now
If it's Prednisone the only thing I noticed about mom (she has dementia) was she got so incredibly hungry I thought it was affecting her dementia but that side effect only lasted a couple of weeks and that was one of the reasons the Dr prescribed it for her. Honestly it made her feel so much better I was tempted to try it lol.
My mom is taking Prednisone to help her mood, strength, and apatite. It's also supposed to help her COPD. It seems to do all these things and I haven't noticed any side effects except it does seem to make her skin a little more sensitive than normal.. She was given it before in a two week taper. Started at larger amount then went down a little each day for two weeks. She's now on a permanent maintenance dose.
I agree that not sure what the steroids will accomplish. It could be progression of the desease. Is she having problems swallowing. Is her body absorbing what she eats. If her body is shutting down, feeding her will make her feel bad because the body no longer is digesting it. Does she have a neurologist?
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.
Steroids have many different uses and can be very effective. But what does the doctor think they might do for your MIL, and what sort of steroid is s/he recommending?
If you're not comfortable with what the doctor explained, it is best to go back to the doctor and ask for more information. We on the forum don't know anything about your MIL's health and we're not medically qualified (mostly).
If it’s the medication above, it’s worth a try.
I had a steroid shot for carpal tunnel years ago. It helps.
thank you all
I agree that not sure what the steroids will accomplish. It could be progression of the desease. Is she having problems swallowing. Is her body absorbing what she eats. If her body is shutting down, feeding her will make her feel bad because the body no longer is digesting it. Does she have a neurologist?