During my 2 week elective in geriatrics I had a few patients who were in the rough situation they are in because of their drinking habits/addictions.
One is thought to have Korsakoff encephalopathy from years of drinking. It took doctors a while to figure out what was going on with this man and really shows the importance of a good social/addictions history when taking people in. It also shows the importance of getting a collateral histroy from family. One or two drinks a day (that the patient said he was drinking) would not cost the thousand dollars his daughter said he was spending monthly. He has tremors and no short term memory. His family is dissapointed with how things have turned out, not surprisingly.
Another has chronic pancreatitis, after acute pancreatitis and years of abuse (Scorpion stings are my class's favourite cause of acute pancreatitis). Her digestive system is blooey (technical term). Bingeing on alcohol = a bad idea.
My usual glass or 2 of wine every night have turned into none - 1/2 a glass.
Here's an article on how to determine if your loved one has an alcohol problem. Or, I guess, you.
No comments:
Post a Comment