My 83 yr old mother was diagnosed with aortic dissection “in the arch” (that’s the only way it’s been described) 3 weeks ago. Diagnosis took 6 days and then we were immediately told she would require surgery and she didn’t have much time to decide if that’s what she wanted. She was told she might not make it through the night. Mom declined the surgery due to her age and the described risks involved in surgery.

The doctors advised the family to gather as they could not say how long Mom had to live. They said it could be hours, days or weeks. So we gathered and said our goodbyes. Her pain continued and she was treated with narcotics. Her BP spiked continually for many days in the morning.

Mom’s BP seems to be stable now and the doctors are advising discharge from the hospital. My concerns are many, of course, but what has me most troubled is a recent (within the last 3 days) change in Mom’s personality and behaviour. She is almost manic. That’s the only way I can describe it.

Prior to the acute pain that lead to diagnosis Mom was 80% bedridden, increasingly socially isolated, complained daily of general aches and pains that kept her from enjoying her life, described her health and well-bing as diminishing, wouldn’t leave her home, and couldn’t walk more than several yards within the residence where she lives with her walker without being winded and unsteady.

In addition to the physical decline, I had suspected depression or onset of some sort of dementia as well.

She is currently taking a slew of BP meds, Digoxin and a Fentinol patch daily (forgive spelling) and something for thyroid. But as I say, it’s her change in personality that has me concerned. She is presenting to the doctors and nurses as a very positive and energetic person always making jokes, flirting, and the life of the party. That is an aspect of her former character but it’s like she’s stuck there now. And it’s the only channel she has. Also, her mobility has inexplicably transformed to where she says she “has” to get up and move and she practically runs with the walker now. She is hallucinating people in her room who clearly are not there. She reports wild dreams. She cannot identify voices of family on the phone. She can’t discern the difference between a joke and reality. She’s gone from laying under the covers and cowering to having no covers, adding hospital pants to her wardrobe of hospital gowns and yesterday when I went in to see her she was scratching and fondling her genitals through the hospital pants and oblivious to her actions in my presence. This behaviour is sudden and not typical for her. She has become outspoken, demanding, self-centred, and has no apparent regard for the feelings or needs of others. This is not like my Mom.

The doctors want to discharge her in 24-48 hrs (we were just informed today) and I am concerned that discharge is unsafe and unwise. Have you heard of anyone else experiencing radical and sudden changes in personality and behaviours. Sorry this was so lengthy. I value your opinion and would appreciate any comments you might have. Thank you

Sincerely,
Deb