Drews Gram
10-20-2008, 12:15 PM
Good Morning Friends, Mom has been picking at her fingernails for the last 3 months. It wasn't this bad at first. Its now so bad they are bleeding. I mean there is almost no nail left. Its pass the quick. Down into the nail bed and into ther skin. Her fingers are so very sore. The Dr. has no idea how to stop this mindless picking. We always put acrylic nails on her and she loved them. But to be honest its just not sanitary now. She forgets to wash her hands after using the toilet and her nails were always gross. She has Chrohns disease and therefore always has diareah. Also grosses me out when its all over her hands and under those nails. Anyway we changed her anxiety meds but it hasn't helped. I tried to keep cotton gloves on her, forget it.
Anyone else have this problem? Any help would be appreciated.
Mom is on zyprexa and lexapro. If I increase those she is like a zombie. If I change meds its NEVER a good thing for Mom.
Thank you,
Chris
Anyone else have this problem? Any help would be appreciated.
Mom is on zyprexa and lexapro. If I increase those she is like a zombie. If I change meds its NEVER a good thing for Mom.
Thank you,
Chris
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Martha H
10-20-2008, 05:37 PM
Sorry this is happening to your Mom. How can she pick at them with no nails? If her nails are kept so short that she can't pick, would that help?
Or is she biting them?
I know you can buy something to put on nails when a kid is biting them . It tastes awful so they stop. But picking at them with their nails is another problem. I hope someone on this Board who has solved it will write.
love,
Martha
Or is she biting them?
I know you can buy something to put on nails when a kid is biting them . It tastes awful so they stop. But picking at them with their nails is another problem. I hope someone on this Board who has solved it will write.
love,
Martha
Drews Gram
10-21-2008, 01:20 AM
I don't know how she does this Martha. Its the most awful thing. Its hard to explain. She will pick at her finger nails until there is nothing left. She does this with her thumb nail..........or whats left of her thumb nail. Its just the most awful sight to see. I can't figure out what to do. I know its anxiety. I just don't know how to help her stop.
I guess no one has had this problem. Thank you for your concern.
Love Chris
I guess no one has had this problem. Thank you for your concern.
Love Chris
DGabriel10
10-21-2008, 02:28 AM
I am not sure what to tell you Chris. My sister returned Dad's fingernail clippers and he clipped them to the point they were sore before I arrived but I just took away the nail clippers and he left them alone. You might want to check and be sure there are no nail clippers available. You can put "nuskin" on the raw areas to keep them from being so sore but that won't help much if she picks it off. You might also try lotion. Dad picks his skin and I have found that if we keep enough lotion on his favorite spots it makes them slick enough that he can't pick them. Perhaps giving her something to occupy her hands would be helpful as well.
I do hope you find a solution.....
Love, deb
I do hope you find a solution.....
Love, deb
Drews Gram
10-21-2008, 10:01 AM
Thanks deb, I've been thinking about this problem and I may have found the solution. Moms chrohns disease is an ongoing cronic condition. A few months back her Dr. started giving her a very small dose of steroid daily to combat the constant inflamation. I'm thinking that this may be causing the anxiety. We have had to increase the steroid because right now her condition is severe. But only for one week. On the other hand if I stop this med she will get worse and be completely unable to leave her apartment because of the swelling in her colon. She takes 16 pills a day for this one condition. She has COPD, CHF and a host of smaller problems.
I'll call the Dr. today and take her in. I think she may be dehydrated. Or starting down that path. I can't handle another hospital stay. Its pure hell when she is there.
Thank you and wish me luck,
Chris
deb, What is "nuskin"?
I'll call the Dr. today and take her in. I think she may be dehydrated. Or starting down that path. I can't handle another hospital stay. Its pure hell when she is there.
Thank you and wish me luck,
Chris
deb, What is "nuskin"?
DGabriel10
10-21-2008, 11:40 AM
It is just a brand name of a spray or paint on solution that acts as a new layer of skin. There is also one called New Skin. Dad's skin is really thin and he scratches it a lot. We have used it, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. The product works fine..... but Dad keeps scratching....
Steroids are used so common but have such a mirid of side effects. Mom has been given steroids a few times and each time with major side effects. She had various "strange" episodes that for a while we didn't know what was causing them. The last two were the most dramatic. After a week of steroids for a bad case of poison ivy we went through a month of Prednisone psychosis. It was dementia on steroids for sure!!! The last episode was after a cortisone shot in her shoulder. She had an adrenaline reaction that mimicked a heart attack to the point that she ended up having a heart caterization. Each and every episode could be linked back to some form of steroid.
Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits vs the side effects. Nothing is perfect, we just do the best we can :)
Love, deb
Steroids are used so common but have such a mirid of side effects. Mom has been given steroids a few times and each time with major side effects. She had various "strange" episodes that for a while we didn't know what was causing them. The last two were the most dramatic. After a week of steroids for a bad case of poison ivy we went through a month of Prednisone psychosis. It was dementia on steroids for sure!!! The last episode was after a cortisone shot in her shoulder. She had an adrenaline reaction that mimicked a heart attack to the point that she ended up having a heart caterization. Each and every episode could be linked back to some form of steroid.
Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits vs the side effects. Nothing is perfect, we just do the best we can :)
Love, deb
ibake&pray
10-21-2008, 12:39 PM
The only thing with the NewSkin is that it burns some when you put it on, so I'm wondering if it is worth the effort? It does form a protective barrier, but it's a booger to blow on while it dries and forms the coating.....shudder.
DGabriel10
10-21-2008, 02:48 PM
You are right IBake.... guess I had forgotten that because Dad doesn't seem to exhibit pain. He will tell me he doesn't like that stuff but doesn't react to it when I put it on him. So let's scratch that idea :)
Love, deb
Love, deb
Drews Gram
10-21-2008, 04:48 PM
Thanks Ladies for trying. After I ask about the "nuskin" I ran to get my hair cut and it came to me......."Oh, thats what she meant". Her fingers are so raw I'm sure it would burn. She is very confused today. More than usual of course,not feeling very well, can't remember how to use the phone, not eating much. It makes her tummy hurt. I really think I'm in big trouble soon. I know its coming. I feel it. I have been having that certain "feeling". I know it sounds far out there. But when I start feeling this way something is going to happen. Always does. Last weekend I couldn't rest or relax. Its like radar. Anyway Ladies, again, thank you for being there even if no one can help with this problem. Your still there.
Love to all, Chris
Love to all, Chris
jagsmu
10-21-2008, 04:48 PM
Hello chris,
well my mom doesn't not pick her nails but she scratchs until it drives all of us crazy, after we had her to the doctor numerous times and he said that there was nothing medical causing the itchies we have tried everything, I finally went and bought some Lanicane spray and although it does not help the itchies she sprays it on and seems to get some relieve, perhaps it just gives her something else to do with her hands I am not sure..... she still scratches but she also uses her spray so at least she does not scratch until she is raw....as for the fingernail picking, how about putting bandaides on and she will pick at those and then replace them as she picks then off... give her something to pick at and give her hands a change to heal..
well my mom doesn't not pick her nails but she scratchs until it drives all of us crazy, after we had her to the doctor numerous times and he said that there was nothing medical causing the itchies we have tried everything, I finally went and bought some Lanicane spray and although it does not help the itchies she sprays it on and seems to get some relieve, perhaps it just gives her something else to do with her hands I am not sure..... she still scratches but she also uses her spray so at least she does not scratch until she is raw....as for the fingernail picking, how about putting bandaides on and she will pick at those and then replace them as she picks then off... give her something to pick at and give her hands a change to heal..
DGabriel10
10-21-2008, 05:12 PM
No Chris.... what you are feeling is NOT far out there. It is your internal alarm system giving you warning that something is coming that you need to be prepared for. It means you are intune with your Mom. I have had those same feelings.
Here is why I believe it is real. I had talked to my Mom earlier in the day. I never called her twice in one day. I had called her because I had "that feeling". She assured me all was well. I could not shake the feeling I was having and called her back later in the day.... just as she ran out the door to go to Dad. He had suffered his first massive heart attack while I was sitting at my desk debating the stupidity of what I was feeling. I talked to her boss that time. He kept telling me everything was ok.... that Mom had just gone home for a while but I knew. He finally relented and told me what was going on. I have had those feelings sense and I have learned to listen to them.
So listen to yourself.....
Love, deb
Here is why I believe it is real. I had talked to my Mom earlier in the day. I never called her twice in one day. I had called her because I had "that feeling". She assured me all was well. I could not shake the feeling I was having and called her back later in the day.... just as she ran out the door to go to Dad. He had suffered his first massive heart attack while I was sitting at my desk debating the stupidity of what I was feeling. I talked to her boss that time. He kept telling me everything was ok.... that Mom had just gone home for a while but I knew. He finally relented and told me what was going on. I have had those feelings sense and I have learned to listen to them.
So listen to yourself.....
Love, deb
ibake&pray
10-21-2008, 05:45 PM
Chris, It's that guardian angel of preparedness that is warning you that something is amiss. Daddy called to me the week before he passed. As clear as if he was sitting across the room from me. Called my name. I answered him and turned to look for him, but of course he wasn't in VA., not when he was living in Minnesota.....Listen to those angels. They are trying to tell you something isn't right and you need to be ready. Learn to listen to them because they are there for a reason.
I have given up trying to say they don't exist or that they aren't real. They are they do and they mean it. So just accept that they have a reason and try to figure out what they are trying to prepare you for and you will be better prepared for it. You need to learn to read them...and if you figure it out, let all of us in on the code...!
I have given up trying to say they don't exist or that they aren't real. They are they do and they mean it. So just accept that they have a reason and try to figure out what they are trying to prepare you for and you will be better prepared for it. You need to learn to read them...and if you figure it out, let all of us in on the code...!
Drews Gram
10-21-2008, 06:43 PM
Thank you ibake and deb I know who is here with me. I truly feel their presence. I feel Moms sisters, my best friend Louise and Gram. All very sweet and caring women who know how much I have loved and cared for Mom. Thank you. I do believe that something is happening to Mom. My sister is there now and my turn is tomorrow. The Dr. has sent cipro for an intestinal infection. It has worked well for Mom in the past. We'll see what happens.
jagsmu.....I tried the bandaids. She took them off. Said they drove her nuts. I said "Mom this is nuts. What your doing to your fingers." I went to the bathroom and "off" they came. She made her eyes real big and said "So much for that trick . :dizzy: Thanks for the suggestion. She has me stumped on this one.
Love to all, Chris
jagsmu.....I tried the bandaids. She took them off. Said they drove her nuts. I said "Mom this is nuts. What your doing to your fingers." I went to the bathroom and "off" they came. She made her eyes real big and said "So much for that trick . :dizzy: Thanks for the suggestion. She has me stumped on this one.
Love to all, Chris
DGabriel10
10-21-2008, 07:50 PM
"So much for that trick!"
That actually made me laugh because I have heard the same statement. The cognitive doctor was right.... they don't lose their intellegence, just the ability to use if appropriately. Sometimes it comes back to bit us caregivers. It still amazes me the things that stick with Mom and the things that completely elude her. There is no rhyme nor reason to which is which....
Love, deb
That actually made me laugh because I have heard the same statement. The cognitive doctor was right.... they don't lose their intellegence, just the ability to use if appropriately. Sometimes it comes back to bit us caregivers. It still amazes me the things that stick with Mom and the things that completely elude her. There is no rhyme nor reason to which is which....
Love, deb
ibake&pray
10-22-2008, 01:40 PM
How about bandaids first, then gloves over the bandaids, then use duct tape to tape the wrists of the gloves tights at the wrists soo that it will be a struggle to get the gloves off? At least it will take some time to get it all off.... If you fold the wrist of the glove rover on itself and then tape it snug, that should keep it on for a couple of hours anyway.[fingers crossed.....]
ibake&pray
10-22-2008, 01:41 PM
How about bandaids first, then gloves over the bandaids, then use duct tape to tape the wrists of the gloves tights at the wrists soo that it will be a struggle to get the gloves off? At least it will take some time to get it all off.... If you fold the wrist of the glove rover on itself and then tape it snug, that should keep it on for a couple of hours anyway.[fingers crossed.....] then we could even put her hands in plastic bags...that would limit her ability to do anything, but it would help her fingers heal.....you didn't say she needed to be able to do anything...
Drews Gram
10-22-2008, 02:25 PM
OMG!!!!!!! You have given this alot of thought haven't you. LOL. OK first thing.............Mom would never let me tape gloves on her. Second thing, one trip to the potty and the gloves would be a MESS!!!!!! :eek: Third, as soon as the gloves came off, asuming I could get them on in the first place, she would start picking again. Nice try though. I appreciated the effort. Bless you ibake. You make me smile.:)
Love,
Chris
Love,
Chris
lucky charms
10-22-2008, 04:29 PM
this is just a shot in the dark.. maybe shes picking her nails off b/c she doesnt like the way they look on her finger?.. Hard to read an alz mind..
Maybe just maybe if the fingers could heal.. You could use like a bright red marker or blue and paint the nails and around the whole top portion of her fingers to distract her.. I know strange! I was just trying to think of something creative ..
Wish latex gloves or something like that would work for her..
Take Care
Maybe just maybe if the fingers could heal.. You could use like a bright red marker or blue and paint the nails and around the whole top portion of her fingers to distract her.. I know strange! I was just trying to think of something creative ..
Wish latex gloves or something like that would work for her..
Take Care
AnnD
10-22-2008, 04:56 PM
You might want to look into purchasing some Posey hand mitts. Posey company has what they call Economy Mitts mitts that lock at the wrist. They use them for confused patients to stop them from pulling out their IV tubes or other issues they don't want the hand to get a hold of. They sell them online. I only know of this company that makes all types of restraints but there might be other companies. good luck. I would hope that your doctor has your mom on an antibiotic to prevent any infections from dirty hands...until the nails beds heal over at least.
Martha H
10-22-2008, 05:06 PM
You may have to (or hire someone to) go to the toilet with her and wipe her, and not allow her to do it herself. She is spreading germs everywhere! If her hands are dirty with fecal matter, every doorknob, light switch, the telephone, the refrigerator door, foods, the coffee pot --- gadzooks! --- everything is contaminated.
This alone would be the turning point for me; at a NH this would not happen. She would be in sight of an aide or a nurse all the time, and it would be their job to make sure she is not getting feces on her hands.
Good luck - this is probably the scariest problem that has yet come up on these boards - well, not really - one lady was attacking her grandchildren.
Love,
Martha
This alone would be the turning point for me; at a NH this would not happen. She would be in sight of an aide or a nurse all the time, and it would be their job to make sure she is not getting feces on her hands.
Good luck - this is probably the scariest problem that has yet come up on these boards - well, not really - one lady was attacking her grandchildren.
Love,
Martha
DGabriel10
10-22-2008, 05:31 PM
Could you put the acrylic nails back on just make them really short. Absolutely no longer than her shortest nails. That way they would not be any more difficult to clean than her regular nails and she can pick at them and not her real nails. It would give a chance for her fingers to heal. I found myself riding my bike this morning thinking about Chris's Mom's nails... how bad is that lol :)
Love, deb
Love, deb
ibake&pray
10-22-2008, 06:14 PM
Well, I didn't say she was going to DO anything!
Drews Gram
10-22-2008, 08:22 PM
I love you ladies. I really do. Just wanted to tell you all that your wonderful.
Love Chris ;)
Love Chris ;)
BlueAtlas
10-22-2008, 08:48 PM
Can you give her something else that she could pick at? I'm thinking something she can easily hold in her hands, like a sweater full of lint. Or an ear of corn with silk on it. Or a towel that "accidentally" got washed with a few tissues.
Emily
Emily
Drews Gram
10-22-2008, 10:27 PM
Martha, Mom does try to remember to wash her hands after she uses the toilet. We have hand wipes at her table and next to her chair and even next to her bed. I'm sure that at times if she is alone she forgets. She does have chrohns disease and that is bad at times. When she is sick, like she has been lately, it can be a problem. She has improved since she has gotten antibiotics on board and steroids for inflamation. I was there today and she is definately better. I gave her a good shower and there were no "accidents". Horray!!!
We do wash things down in Moms room. I don't want anyone to think that she, or her place is contaminated. She also has a housekeeper that regularly cleans and washes down things in her apartment.
Thanks for your help.
Chris
We do wash things down in Moms room. I don't want anyone to think that she, or her place is contaminated. She also has a housekeeper that regularly cleans and washes down things in her apartment.
Thanks for your help.
Chris
Martha H
10-22-2008, 11:41 PM
Oh Chris, I am sorry if I came across as criticizing her or your cleanliness. I did not mean that at all. Just that it is hard enough to reason with, protect and contain the Dementia patient without also having to worry about germs and infection.
I am glad you are having some success at this, and I am sure your home is clean enough. I was just thinking of the damaged nails, the diarrhea, and the inabiity to get herself really clean (thinking perhaps more of my mother than yours, as she became incapable of getting herself really clean but resented any interference, as she saw it.)
Good luck with the fingernail problem ...
Love,
Martha
I am glad you are having some success at this, and I am sure your home is clean enough. I was just thinking of the damaged nails, the diarrhea, and the inabiity to get herself really clean (thinking perhaps more of my mother than yours, as she became incapable of getting herself really clean but resented any interference, as she saw it.)
Good luck with the fingernail problem ...
Love,
Martha
jagsmu
10-23-2008, 12:51 AM
I think the idea about lint picking is great, how about a sweater that as those little balls on them from just plain old use... or perhaps something that has some animal hair on it that could be picked clean..
Drews Gram
10-23-2008, 01:15 AM
Dear Martha, Never think that I would take anything you would say to me the wrong way. It is possible for me to be having a sensitive day, we all do. But not here with all of you. The support and smiles you give to me are priceless.
We have been worried about the same things you talked about. Now with the problem with those dreaded nails :eek: We are constantly wiping things with clorox wipes. I know you understand our problems because of your Mom.
I think of you as my friend. Therefore feel free to type away. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Love to all,
Chris
We have been worried about the same things you talked about. Now with the problem with those dreaded nails :eek: We are constantly wiping things with clorox wipes. I know you understand our problems because of your Mom.
I think of you as my friend. Therefore feel free to type away. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Love to all,
Chris