Mum is 86. She is in remarkable shape physically and was dealing with minor short term memory loss, which she was aware of and compensated for (lists, calendars etc). Mum has lived alone since step dad died 2 years ago.
PreOp
Mum takes no medication, is physically active, socially active, 100% independent except for minor computer issues. I should note that Mum is an identical twin.
Post OP
Mum has stopped most the post op pain meds (2.5 weeks post op) but depression has set in. Physically she is doing well, she is getting around, even up and down the stairs. Mum had a short depression shortly after Covid shut down most her life and all her activities. But she was able to snap out of it.
I am worried about her now. To top things off a very old friend/former family member, has just died. She was 90 and Mum had known her for 60+ years.
I am very familiar with depression, but was wondering if anyone else has heard of post op depression?
Adding to the story, her sister stayed with her for the first week post op. Auntie is of course also 86 and in great physical shape, but she appears to be slipping mentally. I think that scared Mum.
I am taking Mum shopping in a bit, then going to take her out for lunch and a drive. It is a beautiful day here today and I think getting outside will help. Mum is rarely in her house, she spends a great deal of time in the garden or walking her dog.
Afterwards we went shopping and it really perked up her spirits. Bring house bound since the surgery except for doctor's visits was part of what was dragging her down.
My grandson, her great grandson is staying with me a few days later this week. A visit with him will perk her up too.
I knew about the link between heart disease and depression and was wondering if there is a similar one for surgery.
Thank you for your personal experience. Mum's PT started before she left the hospital. She has daily exercises to do as well as regular PT visits.
Knowing that the depression could last as long as 3 months, will give Mum an end date, it should be over by Christmas.
Finally, I regained normal thinking, but the depression took longer to fade.
When I needed spinal surgery, also a long procedure requiring general anesthesia, I had a lengthy discussion with the surgeon beforehand. I described to him my state of mind after the prior knee surgery. He Immediately attributed my symptoms to anesthesia. Said he understood the phenomenon and had seen it before. He promised he would not allow use of the same anesthesia I had had before.
I'm so glad I talked to him pre-surgery. The procedure went well. (I was 78 yrs. old at the time )My recovery was relatively quick and my mind cleared rapidly after the surgery. I'm just relating my experiences hoping it will be helpful. Suggest you talk to the anesthesiologist WELL before surgery. (No 2 minute introduction then "see you in the OR"). Voice all your concerns to him as well as the surgeon. Best of luck. Knee surgery is tough.
No Mum takes no medications at all. She has weaned herself off the Rx pain meds and is just using Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain management, mostly first thing in the morning and at bedtime.
In my opinion, you are doing the right thing. By taking Mom out, spending time with her and having visits with grandsons are great medicine. Get her out as much as you can. Have friends and family visit or call. It really helps.
I know it has helped me. The patient has something positive and "normal " to focus on. Glad things are looking up.
General anesthesia can apparently cause all kinds of mood and cognitive disorders in elders. Have you been in touch with your mom's surgeon to talk about this? Or has mom done so?
My mom went on a short term antidepressant but it really didn’t help.
I hope this problem resolves itself for your mother. I’d say she has a good chance of coming around since she wasn’t under gen anesthesia.
I want to add something that BarbBrooklyn mentioned, anesthesia. I had a reaction to a sedation drug, either Fentanyl or Propofol (don’t know which one) that caused 10 weeks of depression. I knew it was related to the procedure because the depression began shortly after I came home from the hospital. Fortunately, I looked at the medical report that they gave me and found out the names of the sedation drugs. Didn’t help the depression but at least I knew the cause of it.
I pray for a lessening of your mom’s depression! You are a wonderful daughter to care for your mom and be concerned for her recovery. May it all go well for you all. Please take care of yourself also. ❤️
Even though it is not possible for her to pursue her old group activities at present perhaps there are new activities she might like to enjoy. I'm trying to read some of the million books and articles that I never seem to have time for, listening to all the wonderful music (A-Z) that has been written, playing brain games on the computer and taking up photography and editing. My friend has taken up beading and another friend has taken up crocheting and is making baby blankets to donate to foundations who help struggling parents (and let me tell you, she was a miserable, sad, old lady until she starting crocheting and found a welcoming place for her wares; now she has a smile on her face every day, has learned to use her computer and participates in Senior Center virtual activities); what a difference a little purpose in life can make.
Your Mom is also very fortunate to have a loving and caring daughter to spend time with her. Getting outside, playing with the dog will help both of you and strengthen the already strong bond you have. Prayers, thoughts and hugs to both of you!
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