Surprise Visitor!

When I worked on the dementia unit we had to be a bit creative when it came to respecting the patients' rights, but also making sure that we were getting the full picture and that the carers were adequately supported. There was no room for being a stickler for the rules in the interests of both the patients and the carers.

Lucky Girl It is surprising in't it? Apparently not part of the 'protocols'. The last Consultant, an older man, after 2 minutes, asked me to leave the room and wait in the waiting room, so that I could not 'prompt' DH during the testing and consultation. After 25 minutes, he summoned me back in and told me to ensure that DH - read a book every week, walked for at least half an hour daily, did sudoku puzzles, or played chess, ensure that DH only watched TV for a limited time in the evenings. He cut me short when I tried to detail all the things DH did do regularly by choice - work in the garden, saw and chop logs, hoover, watch TV quizzes and usually beat the contestants, etc. etc.

When questioned afterwards, DH had no recall of what had been said to him during the consultation, other than that he had passed the memory test with flying colours. Different story when our GP let us see the Consultant's report. Apparently 'patients are not supposed to see these reports as 'it might upset them'. GP agreed that talking only to the patient when they had chronic short term memory loss was ridiculous, but that such consultations were subject to the same rules around confidentiality as those for any other disease/condition.

Agree with what others have said Granny23 a lovely heartwarming post, helping to restore our faith in human nature. I do hope the medication trial is successful and that you and your DH get some "relief" ( sorry can't think of the right word) from this devastating condition.

What a bonus (for you) that the consultant was drop dead gorgeous too . I hope you told him he was welcome back anytime.

Thinking about you . x

I am very surprised indeed that he has only just clocked that you need to talk to the main carer in these situations - how did he ever get to a consultant position without working that out!!! It is good that he has clocked it now - better late than never! - and extra good that he is a nice chap.

But I am sorry to hear of the diagnosis - it must be hard for you all.

When I worked on a dementia unit, we had a raft of available support - day hospital, carer support scheme, CPNs etc. I hope that these might be available to you and your family.

My OH has PD and has had some serious delusional states (mainly about me, which is very difficult for me) and also hallucinations. We are trying to deal with this via drug changes. But I have to say that this is the aspect of his illness that I find hardest to deal with, so my heart goes out to you. One way that I deal with it is that I have a separate email address that my OH knows nothing about (our main address goes to both laptops) and I am able to contact the PD specialist nurse at any time if things are getting bad - I have found that a great support. It may be that you could maintain contact with your CPN - they can be such a support.

Yes, MH is, by and large, the Cinderella of the health service I agree. Conditions such as schizophrenia bear this out and families are generally left to deal with it unless the patient is sectioned - and then that's only temporary.

How refreshing to read your post Granny23

This story brought tears to my eyes.

If only things were the same in all the NHS.
My H had a home visit at the request of the GP 4 years ago.
He was with us for about an hour and referred him for an MRI scan which confirmed Alzheimer's and "some vascular dementia".
I had to ask for the results when we had an appointment with a CPN.
He was tried on a couple of drugs which didn't suit and is now on Memantine.
We had about 3 visits from a CPN and were then returned to the care of the GP.
For 3 years now he has been seen once, at my request. When I asked what help was available I was told they had neither the resources or the finance to offer any and I must approach Social Services. I have decided to cope myself.
I feel quite let down.
For my own physical problems I received wonderful care. Breast cancer and severe arthritis were dealt with with speedily.
An old saying I know but generally MH really is a Cinderella service.

Granny23 it's heartwarming to hear that you and your husband are getting the appropriate care and support

On the matter of the handsome doctor being Dr not Mr, just in case you think he's not senior enough:

Mr is an archaic honorific given to Surgeons (something going back hundreds of years when surgeons didn't go to university and just trained on the job, were looked down on by the more prestigious Physicians ). So people like Cardiologists, Psychiatrists, Neurologists, etc. even if very senior would still be called Dr (clear as mud )

I'm not Central Belt, Granny23 but recruitment is also a problem in this area. I don't know how that can be overcome.

Granny23 sorry to hear that your DH is in this situation, and am sure it's hard for you as well.? What a very good consultant though, turning up like that, a good man I would say ( as well as a consultant.) Do hope the new medication will help.

no experience of demetia but I had a cancer scare a couple of years ago and was seen within 48 hours of my GP appointment ,had every test and scan known sawa gynaecologist and an oncologist and was given the all clear within 2 weeks .I had further checks every three months and when they finally discharged me said thet if I decided a hysterectomt was the way forward for me to call the Gynae dept direct and the doctor would have me in theatre within a week.I can honestly say we have never had bad treatment from NHS Scotland and at that time we were very grateful they were so quick and thorough .Too many people run the NHS down and there are loads of folk like us who have great experiance with our local NHS .

Ah Tricia I sincerely hope that you (and all Gransnetters) can remain in ignorance and never have cause or need to learn all the ins and outs.

SueDonim I also wish that this level of Service was the norm every where rather than an outstanding example of 'best practice'. It has been 3+ years since it became obvious to friends/family and the GP that DH was 'not right'. We have seen 3 different locum consultants who have all been noncomittal, ruled out Alzeimers, so no medication prescribed, and talked vaguely about Vascular dementia and the need to keep DH's blood pressure down. During all this time Forth Valley Health Board has been advertising, offering inducements, but failing to recruit a permanent Consultant. The locums we have seen have been 'moonlighting' from other areas. You will notice that it is Dr not Mr P but he does seem to have been given a permanent post with a view to continuing his studies in order to become the consultant. He said he was new to Scotland (and was liking it very much). I did not dare ask where he was from but from his very dark skin and slightly accented English, I am assuming African Born, educated here.

Yes, a heartwarming story. And also good to know that there are things that can be done to help people with either disease.
I'm really ignorant about the different brain diseases of aging, what are the symptoms, and what treatment can help.

Granny23, I've got tears in my eyes reading your story, what a wonderful consultant and so refreshing to hear. Wishing you and your husband all the very best for the future, with this level of care things will surely be as good as they can be.

What a lovely Doctor - you are very fortunate. That must have made a huge difference for you. Thank you for telling us.

My mum's consultant always used to talk to one of us before he saw mum.

That's amazing, Granny23! It must be a weight off your mind to have your concerns taken so seriously and a plan put in place. I hope both your lives will be easier from now on.

I wish your experience was duplicated elsewhere in Scotland, though. A friend has had next to no help with her dh's dementia. He was refused a consultation at an outpatient clinic because they had decided they wouldn't be able to help him. How they knew that without actually seeing him, I cannot fathom!

Granny23 what a wonderful post, obviously baring DH's diagnosis. It's so good to hear a positive view of the NHS.
I hope the drugs continue to help your DH and of course that will have a side effect of helping you.

By the was in the 70s my mother had the cancer surgeon arrive at their door to examine her as his clinic had been full - the GP had told him her breast cancer needed treatment fast!

I am so pleased to learn that you are getting some really constructive treatment for Mr G and notice is being taken of your observations etc. X X

Granny23 Thank you so much for an uplifting and positive story today and I am pleased your DH is getting the care he needs. Congratulations on your cheerful attitude and on doing your own research. You sound so supportive. I'm sure the consultant realised how caring you are and wanted to help you and your DH more because of it. AND you have a fantastic garden!!!
Hope the treatment helps your DH. And no inviting the consultant round to take a look at your tomato plants!!!