some kind of shot because of the extreme edema in his legs and feet and wanted him to stay in hospital, he refused ( from old school if you can't pay don't do it) ANyway, on Friday he went to his regular doctor who prescribed a pill to eliminate the liquids from lungs I think, its not working, Today, I am very concerned his legs and feet are very swolllen, he is vomiting blood and will not go to ER, insists on waiting until his dr. appt. on Friday. Can someone call an ambulance for someoone else even if they refuse to go to the hospital, I know he won'tlet the paramedics take him.......Just so worried and don't know what to do. He is 77 yrs. old and such an wonderful person. He also won't apply for medicare, I am pretty sure he would qualify.
2006-07-03 20:15:28 · 11 answers · asked by ginger 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
No, he doesn't drink alcohol now, he quit about 20 years ago, but was a heavy drinker at that time.
2006-07-04 06:41:03 · update #1
I CANNOT POSSIBLY DECIDE A BEST ANSWER THERE ARE TOO MANY. I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU THAT TOOK THE TIME TO ANSWER MY VERY SERIOUS QUESTION, SO LET THE VOTING BEGIN.....
2006-07-08 12:22:49 · update #2
Unfortunately, without adequately diagnosing him, it makes treating him very difficult. I would stress to your brother-in-law that going to his doctor is suboptimal. His doctor is just putting a bandage on this situation probably because by ordering test and the likes would be too costly especially if your BIL is self-pay. Try to convince him to go to the ER and get himself admitted. Once he is in the hospital the social workers and discharge planners will help him apply for Medi-care. Remind your BIL that Medi-care is not charity because he paid into it. You might also check if he has any veteran benefits which definitely will defray all cost. While in the hospital, all the necessary test can be done and treat properly instituted. By just treating CHF with lasix is substandard care.
I'm not clear why he is vomitting blood. Does he drink?
2006-07-03 21:03:46 · answer #1 · answered by julius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot force someone to get treatment unless you can prove they are not mentally competent to make their own decisions which takes away their right to do a lot of things.
Sounds like either your brother is stubborn or maybe incompetent. I think you should sit down and have a heart to heart talk with him and find out what his issues are. If money is a problem, the hospital social works department can help him get his bills paid. Take his rear end to the hospital and leave him in the emergency room. Go home and call back about 24 hours later. If he cant get a ride, he cant go home. Sounds dirty, but it works. He will feel much better and it will get him into the system. Also, no hospital is going to refuse him treatment because he can't pay. They get social services involved to find a payor source. If he qualifies for medicare or medicaid, they will back pay. Also,many hospitals have a fund to help pay pts bills when they can't.
PS: I am a registered nurse in a hospital for 11 years.
2006-07-05 04:12:10 · answer #2 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure they probably gave him a shot of lasix for the edema which helps the kidneys excrete for urine and thus rid the body of excess fluids. Also comes in a pill form. In congestive heart failure fluid builds up in the lungs thus actually drownig people in there own fluids. You can call the ambulance to come but you cannot make him go if he does not want to. Try convincing him that he could die from this and if he still insists on staying home your only option is to let him.
2006-07-04 02:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by lifes_heart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congestive Heart Failure is a very serious disease, since he is not responding to the medication prescribed by his regular doctor, It would be wise to have your brother-in-law go to ER or get admitted to the hospital (whichever comes first). Once he is admitted in the hospital, they can give him other diuretics and other medications to reduce the swelling of his legs and feet, as well to help his heart and alleviate that vomiting too.
If your brother-in-law has financial concerns, upon admission, he can request a social worker consult and they can coordinate his case to medicare. Do not forget to tell the admitting nurse about your brother-in-law's financial concern so she can refer him to a social worker.
2006-07-03 21:05:04 · answer #4 · answered by Cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible they gave him lasix in the ER, or some kind of diuretic. It's possible the medicine the Dr. prescribed is not strong enough, or he's not taking it. Yes, you can call EMS if someone refuse to go. Don't mean they will go but they might be able to give hime something while they are at his home with a dr's order
2006-07-03 20:22:22 · answer #5 · answered by bhatcher80@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear that. Just like in humans, heart disease is often followed by kidney problems. The diaper idea is probably the best so you don't have to keep him penned up in a small area, but also don't have to buy new carpet. How long he has to live is unfortunately unknown to any of us (and true for all living things), but it sounds like it won't be really really long as he is quite advanced in age and dealing with serious health problems. Just try to keep him as comfortable as possible - and enjoy him for however many weeks/months/years you still have together.
2016-03-27 03:17:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is vomiting blood, this is an absolute medical emergency. He must go now. Offer him a choice, go to the ER, or go with you to the funeral home to plan his funeral. Anyone his age has been eligible for medicare for 12 years. It will pay all of his expenses if he gets a supplemental policy. These are VERY cheap. medicare will pay most of his expenses if he cannot afford supplemental insurance. If he is ingident, he can get medicaid and that should cover it all.
2006-07-05 15:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by Bette P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please see the webpages for more details on Congestive heart failure- Left / Right. In order to reduce edema, his feet should be placed over a stool / chair (ie in a higher position while sitting). He will suffer from plural edema also, ie, liquid will be accumulated in both sides of the chest. He will suffer from cardiac asthma at night for which he has to be laid in the bed at 45 degree angle ie, his head and body should be heightened as in a slope.
2006-07-03 23:20:56 · answer #8 · answered by gangadharan nair 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds to me like he was given lasix-most common diuretic used today.
yes you can call 911-it will at least get the paramedics out to check him out and they are pretty good about explaining to people (especially elderly people who would prefer to stay home-this happens quite often) why they need to go the hospital. it will help give you piece of mind as well-they will check his vitals and determine whether or not he needs a trip to the emergency room
2006-07-03 20:30:02 · answer #9 · answered by prncessang228 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could also be a sign of liver disease.....i'd get him back to the ER.
good luck! HUGS and Prayers!
2006-07-03 20:27:32 · answer #10 · answered by giggling.willow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋