We had a phone call this morning that was, frankly, quite scary and overwhelming and has certainly made us both think in terms of 'Wow, didn't see that coming!'.
It turned out to be a lady from the NHS Memory Assessment Service, part of the Elderly Mental Health team. She said she'd had a referral for husband from his GP for a full memory and mental health assessment to be organised for him, she asked straight away if husband drives and said that depending on what the result of the assessment is, they may have to send a report to the DVLA. Presumably with a view to him being told he can't drive. Now that's bloody scary, and what a thing to start off with! 😲
All the GP said to us was that he'd refer husband for a brain scan - nothing was mentioned about this full assessment. I'm not saying it's not a good idea - it is, of course. The thought of husband possibly suffering from dementia or Alzheimers has definitely crossed my mind, but this assessment thing does seem a huge first step considering his memory problems etc may possibly turn out to be medication-related, or even as some of you have suggested, a B12 deficiency. It scares the shit out of me, to put it bluntly. And if he does have the start of some form of dementia and has to give up driving, it is going to have a huge impact on our lives, every aspect of our lives in fact. The prospect of that is terrifying. I know everyone will say there's no point worrying until there's actually something to worry about - easy to say, not so easy to do.
Oh, Sooze, what a shock for you both. I won't say don't worry, I can understand you being worried, I would be, too. I do hope that nothing is untoward with your husband, but if there is, it's better to be informed. Thinking of you both and keeping everything crossed. Sending big hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteI say it's a bit too soon to make that kind of decision! The doctor just wanted a scan...not ways to end your husband's life of driving! Ridiculous! I'd call that doctor and ask his reasoning for such a bold move! Especially since there's No Proof of Anything yet!!
ReplyDeleteDon't sit on this...fight back.
hugs
Donna
I agree with Donna...this started when the GP started adjusting(?) your husbands meds....it is up to him to handle it or turn your husband over to someone who can...with the meds adjustment.
DeleteHugs.
Just take each stage as it happens, there is every chance that it is medication related problems but the doctor is doing all the right things just in case it isn't. As you said only earlier today you have a good GP.
ReplyDeleteSooze, is he on statins? Tom was at one time on statins and began to get confused, the consultant said that he should come off of them and he returned to normal. Look on youtube at some of the videos, they explain how statins are not good for you. Briony
ReplyDeletex
I couldn't agree more Briony, statins are the scourge of our times when you realise how they work to lower cholesterol most people are shocked. Cholesterol is the body's building and defence mechanism and when it's high it's usually high for a good reason, not to kill us. Doctors are once again being encouraged to get more patients on them, and they get a fee for doing so!
DeleteI gave up driving when my eyesight deteriorated, where I now live there are a lot of people who really shouldn't be driving. Some of them are really dangerous. I understand the reluctance to stop driving but it is sometimes the safest way.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a real shock to you both and a lot to take on board. Hopefully, it is meds related and things will be OK. xx
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky that we have both trains and buses practically on our doorstep. It's the main reason we didn't sell up and move. At some point Tony will have to stop driving and we'll rely on public transport.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a shock!!! Hopefully as Joy says it is meds related and that will be that.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I would think that having a full memory and mental health assessment is the best way of finding out what is causing your husband's memory loss. Until you know if it is the medication causing it or early onset of dementia you cannot take steps to resolve it. Hopefully it will be medication related and easily resolved. If it does indeed turn out to be dementia related then it's best to know for the safety of everyone. Hopefully the assessment will be soon so that you are not in limbo for too long x
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