Confusion from septicemia, chest infections ...

[Captin Kirk]

My 71 yr old mother is currently in hospital and we are very worried about her condition. She has received chemotherapy in the tablet form up till xmas but due to swelling in her hands, feet and under her eyes, possibly due to the steroids, she has had a break from this. Scans have shown her mantle cell lymphoma has not increased so this has been encouraging. However in recent weeks she had a chest infection which knocked her back and now has been in hospital for the last week with another which has left her on chest drains, catheter and various complications. She has septicemia, this chest infection which is being treated with strong antibiotics and initially low oxygen which has now returned to an acceptable level. The first day or so was touch and go followed by a day of small recovery. Now she is sitting in a chair with a smile on her face and is breathing ok without aid but still has the drains etc.

The reason I am posting is she is very confused and believing she is on a plane or at home and is mixing her words up and talking nonsense. This has carried on for several days and the doctors are unsure what the cause is citing the septicemia, antibiotics, chest infection, fatigue as possible causes but claiming they do not believe a mini stroke has occurred as there are no other physical symptoms. Now I know there are various types of stroke which wouldn't necessarily show itself physically so we are unsure what to think.

The long and short of it is we are worried that the confusion will not go away and she will be left in this condition after previously showing no previous symptoms.

Has anybody else had relatives in this situation and have they recovered without the confusion?

Thanks ...

[bednobs]

not the exact position, but from working as a nurse both in heamatology and medical wards, confusion is very very common with infections especially in elderly people and usually resolves when the infection has cleared.
Strokes usually have some other sort of signs or symptoms such as slurring or mobility problems

[Sqad]

No never.....but I agree with bednobs.

Look at it this way:
1) Mantle cell lymphoma...not the disease one would like to "pull out of the hat" and in itself can cause confusion.

2) Chemotherapy for malignant disease can cause confusion.

3) Septicaemia very commonly associated with confusion.

4) Chest drains..why? lung abscess or pneumothorax...whichever can lead to anoxia (oxygen lack) and confusion.

I can see no evidence in your post, of mini stroke.

Bottom line is that you can take your pick as to the cause of the confusion, but you will have to wait and see, as prognostication in your mothers case for return to normal mental recovery is impossible.