So, an "update" of sorts on my MIL

[ECB]

I've posted here and there about my ILs.  There are still a lot of frustrations with them.  But lately, things were getting REALLY weird w/ MIL.  Totally uninvolved in what was going on around her, very hard to have a conversation with, etc.  We know there are depression issues at hand, but things were getting weird that we were starting to wonder about dementia or even Alzheimers.

A while ago, BIL told DH that he thinks MIL is addicted to Oxycontin.  I forget what she was taking it for, but whatever the reason - it was no longer a reason.  But she was still taking 2 pills a day. 

Then, last week, when DH took DS down to visit them, as they were getting ready to go out to lunch, FIL tells DH that MIL hasn't gone out in over a month.  She's gone outside, but she hasn't gotten in a car to go anywhere.  Refusing to go to dr appts, etc. 

DH was "WTF" about it.  But somehow, that day, FIL had an appt lined up for her and was specifically going to talk to the doctor about the Oxycontin.  He wants her off of it.  I don't know if FIL arranged the appt knowing that DH was coming and it was an excuse to get MIL up and out and THEN to the dr (FIL isn't really known for thinking things out like that, though, so... not sure how it all came about).

Even at lunch, they ordered and a minute later she asks "have we ordered yet?". 

Well, we saw her on Sunday.  For one, she was dressed in an outfit that wasn't black (which was ALL we've seen her in recently) and second, she actually seemed much more engaged and with it!  DH hasn't had a chance to talk to his dad about it - what happened at the doctor (FIL doesn't like to talk about this stuff when MIL is around, and it's hard to get him alone).  BUT it seemed like there was an actual change.  She actually even tried to engage DS, which was huge.  She has stayed SOOOO distant from him for the longest time.

I'm HOPING this is a sign.  While there are still other issues at hand with them, if at least her fogginess/ disassociation to everything has been solved by getting her off oxycontin (or at least lowering her dosage) - it's a step in the right direction.

[cuddlyevil]

I am so glad she seems to be improving! I hope it sticks!

[margarita]

Wow. Well, like you, I am hopeful that this gives you some answers, and that the situation continues to improve. Either way, talking to the doctor and getting this done was a very positive step.

[partiallysunny]

I hope this is a step in the right direction, as well. It's a great update and I hope she keeps improving.

I know with my own father that lowing his dosage of pain medication (or just plain taking it correctly) makes him more coherent and less confused.

[ECB]

Jun 19, 2013 12:30:20 GMT -5 partiallysunny said:

I know with my own father that lowing his dosage of pain medication (or just plain taking it correctly) makes him more coherent and less confused.

We really witnessed this w/ my aunt and specifically w/ Oxycontin.  She was on way too high of a dose and her thinking was just SO muddied and weird.  Once they adjusted her dosage, it made a HUGE difference. 

[starrieskies]

I hope she continues this progress! It sounds very promising!

[captainmel]

That seems like a good sign. I am hoping for the best for her in the long run.

[Muddled]

Sounds positive!

[tiramisu]

Glad to hear she seems to be doing better. I hope she keeps up the positive gains!