Atarax for itching
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Andie, when ammonia level is high, it causes rapid changes in personality. We experienced it with our Dad near his end. Our usually easygoing Dad suddenly became a different (meaner) person. It was very sad, and we kept trying to reason with him, but it only made things worse. As difficult as it is, try not to take it personally. This isn’t your “real” Dad or your Mom’s “real” husband. Its the horrible disease showing its face. There isn’t much you can do, except have doctor prescribe meds to reduce ammonia levels. Don’t wait for Dad to make cognitive decision. You may need to call doctor without his ok. Its not easy, because it sounds like you and Dad have had a healthy relationship up until this time, and its tough to go against a parent’s wishes and make your own decision, but you probably have to. I do remember that feeling of being incredulous that my Dad was acting that way. It was only later that I understood it. Prayers to you, your Mom, and your Dad.
Donna
lost my Dad, age 73, on May 27, 2010Oh Andie, I am sooo sorry. I dont know what to say but hang in there. Cancer has not been in our family except my mom who had brain cancer 20 years ago. I felt helpless, there was no internet and no books written on cancer. All I could do is be by her side everyday til the end.
Hugs coming your way!!
Thanks all,
Well today was another bad day. Dad has stopped taking the tablets but he is still not functioning well. He was very angry today, which is not my Dad at all. He said he is fed up of it all, if it’s not one thing it’s another and he really wishes he was dead. I was shocked as I’ve never heard him talk like this and with such anger. I can understand how frustrating it must be and my Dad has always been a very proud and private man. He is upset that Mom is going to have to start helping him wash.
His main problem is being breathless, I asked to call the doctor but he shouted at me and said it would be a doctor on call and he only wanted to see his own, so to leave it until Monday.
Mom is beside herself and I feel like a little girl lost as I really don’t know what to say or do as I know I can’t make it better.
We did sit and watch Star Wars together and he ate a bowl of tomato soup and a round of bread.
I know this sounds dreadful and I hate myself for thinking it but I really wish I could give him something to end all this as this isn’t my Dad anymore and I don’t want to remember him like this.
Im still shocked at how quick it has all happened, he was laughing and joking Wednesday, and although still ill he wasn’t half as bad as this. I know we would have to get this point someday but I didn’t think we would get here so soon. I hope it is partly the tablets and perhaps when they are out of his system he may perk up a bit.
Best wishes to all
Andie, I’m sorry for everything your family is going through. The pills your dad are taking for itching sound really strong. If he doesn’t adjust to them, the doctor should try something else. My dad used nivea lotion that the pharmacy added cloves to. He also took anti itch pills that did not make him sleepy. We also mixed a power in juice to take bile out of his system. I wish I knew the name of the anti itch pills he took. My dad also lost so much muscle mass so quickly. My dad at one point told the social worker he felt like a burden too. We could understand this at first because we would have done anything for him and made it feel completely normal. I think he felt this way because he became so
dependent on us for everything and it was so hard for him to lose control. His hospice nurse came once a week for about 1/2 hour and an aid came twice a
week. We did not get much help at all. I pray for strength for your family. You
are doing a great job talking with your parents! They raised a terrific daughter. Best wishes to you. PamAndie, please let your Mother know that just because Hospice comes in that does not mean she takes a back seat. She is still in total control. I sat with Hospice here every visit they made and made sure I was part of everything. In fact if Teddy was too tired he would say, can you talk to my wife? Honestly, having the nurses in will bring some peace and security to everyone.
Thanks for that Gavin, it certainly is putting him in a deep sleep and is acting as a tranquiliser. Seeing as Dad was doing really well before these tablets I think these are causing the change in him. As for the Macmillan Nurse coming in, I think as long as Mom is happy Dad will be.
Jen, I did tell Dad he is not a burden and he would do the same if it was one of us, which made him cry. This broke my heart to see. Each day is getting so much harder, I just hope he manages to remain pain free. Mom and Dad will celebrate their 38th Wedding Anniversary in March and Mom also turns 60. I hope my Dad is still with us for them to celebrate these dates.
It seems that as soon as we sort out one thing another problem appears. Hopefully we can sort this and have a few good days again.
How is your Dad Jen? Hope the bed is helping his shoulder.
Thank you all for your kindness,
Love to all x
Hi Andie,
I’m glad to hear you say that your mum is coming round to the idea of the Mac nurse coming in now, does your dad feel the same way?
I found this on Atarax that may be of interest to you –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyzine
Hugs,
Gavin
I’m so sorry for all you are facing right now Andrea. Your parents are incredibly lucky to have you there, standing by their side through this. I can’t imagine how sad it would make me to hear Dad talk about being a burden, and hope your own Dad quickly realizes that this is not the case… he would do the same in a reverse situation and it’s what we do for the people we love.
I hope his system gets used to the pills quickly and these side effects wear off a bit, and I hope they allow the nurses to come in very soon… it sounds like your Mom (and yourself) could use a bit of extra support to get a bit of rest, or at least get some answers to explain the sudden onset of symptoms.
Thinking and praying for you Andrea… I’m here (and on facebook) if you need anything!!
Jen
Thanks all,
We will be talking to the DN and doctor on Monday. The DN only comes Mondays and Thursdays now Dads drain is ok. It does say the side effects should wear off after a few days, when the body is used to them. Dad started taking them Tuesday, he was ok Wednesday it all started last night. When I went to see him this morning he was ok but within 30mins of taking his tablet he was out of it.
The doctor wouldn’t prescribe anything for Dads breathlessness a few weeks back as he said his lungs were clear and he still shows no signs of ascites. I think because he more or less sits in the chair all day apart from getting up to go to the toilet he has lost all muscle strength and the breathlessness is due to his weakness. I have read that an electric fan can help with this so I am going to take one up tomorrow, I’ve also printed off some breathing techniques off the cancer website.
Mom and Dad have kept putting the Macmillan Nurses off but Mom is coming round to the idea now so hopefully she will ask them to come in soon. I feel so sorry for her, whilst she wants a break she doesn’t want to leave him either. Dad is worried she won’t cope but I have promised him I will go back and live there when the end draws near so she won’t have to cope on her own. He seemed more settled once I told him that.
Thanks for listening
Andie,
I am sorry to hear this. Like Teddy, my dad never got the itching after he had his stent fitted so I can’t recommend anything else that mey be of use for the itching. I tried to look for Sarna cream that Lainy talks when my dad did have his itching but I couldn’t find it here in the UK and I don’t think we get it here.
And yes, it is heartbreaking to hear our parents talk like this that they feel that they are a burden. My dad talked like this on a couple of occasions and I just talked with him and made sure that he knew that he wasn’t a burden in anyway. But it is still hard to hear none the less.
I do agree with what Lainy and Marion have said about speaking with the doctor right now if you can. Was the DN round today, and if so what did she say? We know what you are going through right now and I am thinking of you and your dad.
Hugs,
Gavin
Andie – Is it possible to get Hospice to come to your Dad’s home? They came into my home when I needed them….and they will give a few hours or 24 hours/day if needed. Perhaps this would be a solution?????
Andie….it appears that your Dad is experiencing side effects from the medication. There is a balance of keeping your Dad comfortable while simultaneously allowing him to function. Andie, at one point progression of the disease requires more extensive intervention. You may be at this point. I would speak with the physician.
My heart is with you,
MarionOh, Andie, I am so sorry to hear this. Teddy never itched after stints were put in. When he did itch I used a cream called Sarma and he actually found ice packs to help or a cool shower. I am not a doctor but sure sounds like a new pill and I would call the doctor. There are many other things that can be tried, I am sure. When Dad says feeling like a burden, that goes with the territory, I heard that too and it made me feel just horrible as you start to question yourself, like, and I complaining without realizing it? Hope you can get some answers today.
My Dad has been prescribed Atarax to help with his itching. We are not sure if he is going down hill fast or whether it’s the side effects of the tablets but since he’s been taking them he’s really out of it. He is falling asleep mid sentence.
It does say it may cause drowsiness and it’s also given for anxiety but he’s almost in a trance.
Anyone else had these tablets or symptoms?
Can any other non drowsy tablets for itching be recommended?
He had a bad night last night where he knocked his drink over, instead of shouting for mom, who was upstairs, he cleaned it up himself, which made him very breathless. This scared mom who thought he was having an heart attack! Dad told mom he wants to go in hospice for a few days to give mom a break as she doesn’t seem to be handling things very well. This upset mom even more. I went up and had a good talk with both of them, it was heartbreaking to see Dad cry and say “I’m useless, I can’t do anything anymore I’m just a burden”. When I left Dad had agreed to stay at home for the time being and then 30 mins after taking his tablet he was asleep. We seem to be having more bad days, the big man upstairs certainly likes to test our strength!
Thanks for reading
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