Dad and I agreed together that it would be beneficial for all parties involved if I were to attend Mom's annual physical with Dr. N., so that's what I did yesterday. Mom was not too anxious about it, however, she did exhibit her usual stress about "getting there on time." Dad and I have grown accustomed to this behavior, and we find ways to stretch the time with little distractions so we are not too early.
We were able to be with Mom the whole time, first with the nurse taking blood pressure and checking weight and height (gained eight pounds, lost a couple of inches in height) and such, and then the examination with Dr. N., who is fantastic with bed side manner, I've observed the two times I've met him (the first time was when Dad was in the hospital.)
Dr. N. immediately picked up on Mom's anxiety and rapid breathing/panting thing she's been doing for a while now. Dad and I have gotten so used to it now,we don't notice it as much, but Dr. N. really took the time to calm Mom down and spoke gently with her until she was ready for a bit more examinations. He checked out her right hand (not much that can be done, I suppose), and other vitals, but his main concern was her anxiety, and after a little discussion and research, it was decided to try and lessen the dosage of the Namenda. I couldn't be quite sure, but now that he brought it up, it does seem as if the panting thing started after she was on that drug for awhile.
So, we'll see. The dosage drop starts today, in a slow fashion. The downside is, of course, this could weaken her cognitive performance, and we sure would like for her to hold on to that as long as possible!
She is scheduled to go back the doctor in six weeks.
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