My mother was diagnosed with Acromegaly 3 years ago. She underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from her pituitary gland. At the time, the doctors assured us that there would be little-to-no long term side effects. However, right away we all (myself, my father and sister) began to notice marked changes in her. At first they were subtle, but they have gradually worsened over the years.
She exhibits symptoms of (in my opinion) medium/severe dementia, including personality changes, severe mood swings, inability to concentrate, dyslexic-like written and verbal skills, no short-term memory, no impulse control,etc.
On top of this, she exhibits signs of severe depression and now finally advanced alcoholism.
The final straw was when my sister came home at 4 in the afternoon and found her passed out. She had peed all over the house, left the burner on and both doors wide open. We fear that this has now crossed over into the "danger to oneself or others" category.
The problem is that she refuses to seek help of any kind, and whenever she is confronted she becomes either hysterical or just downright vicious.
We know that clearly something has to be done, but we have no idea where to begin.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Hello there,
Sadly my family, too, has been touched with pituatary tumors and the effects of having them surgically removed. I know the medical community may argue with me, but in our cases, there was not a full recovery. One member of my family suffered longterm physical issues, another deals with cognitive.
I don't know if you'll find this helpful, but one of Caring.com's experts answered a question from someone else regarding the topic of refusing to see a doctor. You can read it here. Hopefully you'll find it helpful.
I can't help but to wonder if your mom's refusal to get help stems from fear...both for her cognitive issues and her addiction. I'm anxious to hear from others who have dealt with this.
Oh, what a difficult time for you! I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. *((hugs))
Hi
is it not strange that your mum suffers from all that you have mentioned yet how did she get the alchole as you have said "she exhibits signs of severe depression and now finally advanced alcoholism" does she have money to send someone to buy it or do you stock it at home? Alchole is something that causes depression or what ever mood you are in when you take the first sip, you can even go in for murder or suicide it all depends, so I do not think you are stating the exact facts, one question though
"DO YOU LOVE YOUR MOTHER" that is left to you to ask yourself we do not need to know the answer
Hi,
One in 5 people have Thyroid disease of some type, AND one in 5 people have a pituitary tumor. Pituitary tumors are usually so slow growing they may never cause a problem.
My mom had a pituitary tumor removed also about 1-1/2 years ago. Hers was NOT Acromegaly, but another benign tumor that was not hormone producing. It did however damage the pituitary so that it was not producing thyroid hormone correctly so that her thryroid levels were low(very bad thing). Her behavior changed dramatically after receiving thyroid meds. The possibility exists that your mom's pituitary is not producing the balance of hormones that the body needs, including thyroid and others. The balance can be so delicate and in the case of thyroid hormones, can change a person's brain balance to the point that they are in your eyes psychotic.
My now 20 year old daughter was diagnosed with Grave's Disease(hyperthyroid) when she was 17. Her thyroid was extremely high. Not caused by a pituitary tumor of course. BUT the terrifying behavior changes, severe depression etc, all caused by the thyroid imbalance was amazing! Wrong thyroid levels cause brain changes, not just depression but severe emotional changes with no impulse control and meanness. They don't even know what they are doing half the time. The doctor said there were two types of depression... 1.clinical depression and 2. endocrine based. After she had treatment and finally got balanced with hormone replacement she became my daughter again. That was almost a year from beginning to end.
Hopefully your mom's doctors are continually checking her thyroid and other hormones for correct levels. My mom had her surgery(up through the nose!) and is still being followed by the Pituitary Clinic at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. Also with follow up MRI's. Amazing group!
My best to you...
Thanks to (almost) everyone here for your thoughtful, helpful responses. They definitely help, and have given us a place to start.
As for seawaves, I'm not sure what you're implying. My mother is an adult, and short of having her committed we cannot stop her from buying alcohol. That is a fact. I think the answer to your question is obvious; if I did not love my mother I would not be seeking out advice on how best to help her. Your reply was judgemental, self righteous and completely unhelpful.
Hi Esther,
I think you answered an important question seawaves had. Your mom is buying her own alcohol. And man, don't I know that free will is really powerful.
Does your mom see a doctor for anything? Does she have a primary care physician? If so, can you talk to him or her?
Sunshine, I had no idea pituatary tumors were so common! Good information!
I think with the problems your mom has, alchole is not going to solve it, matter of fact its like a drug that will worsen the situation, do not think it is a pain killer or anything of the sort it will extend the sickness to something else, she has to keep away from it or expect the worse, will power has nothing to do in this problem. By taking alchole it immunes the medication she takes and there is no use of any medicines to cure the symptons she has.
Thanks for your reply I gather by it that you are seeking self piety when anyone can tell you that alchole should not be taken when under medication, it washes out the medication that is taken to cure the sickness in ones system and not help in any way, ask any doctor this!!!
I am fully aware of the effects of alcohol, as I think most people are. The fact that alcohol is not going to solve my mother's problems is completely self-evident. Did you even read my post? You cannot FORCE an alcoholic to stay away from booze, unless as I said earlier, you have them committed, which is not easy. Are you even remotely familiar with Acromegaly, pituitary tumors, thyroid problems, etc? [edited for content] Again, your posts seem self-righteous and totally ignorant.
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