Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Restlessness after Surgery
My 78-year-old grand father had recent hip surgery 15 days ago
Initially (few days after surgery), he had:
confusion and delirium which improved after we started melatonin 3mg.
But for the last 3 days:
during daytime he is mostly normal
At night (after ~9 PM), he becomes very restless:
keeps turning left - straight continuously
cannot stay in one position even for a few seconds
asks to sit every 10–15 minutes, sits briefly, then lies down and repeats
appears sleepy but unable to fall asleep
There are no hallucinations now, but restlessness is severe.
His reports show low sodium (129).
His sugar in today morning - 78
2 hours After lunch (just 2 spoon) - 90
He is also eating very little. He doesn't like taste of anything at all. No juice, no food nothing. He's hardly eating 2-3 spoon. So somehow I started giving him ORS twice a day.
And yes He's very stubborn person - doesn't like to go or stay in hospitals. even for broken bone surgery we had to convince him too much.
Answers (13)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Old age and His metabolic abnormalities will lead to this
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+126
Maybe putting dns rl ns cud serv the purpose...urine output measurement kidney status shud be checked in.. abg needed..ct brain..needed to rule out seizures...review by psychiatrist for delirium and sleep issues..
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It can be due to low salt, anxiety,anemia lacunar infarct in brain.
Feed him rehydrating salty fluids, tab sodamint one every 6 to 8 hours.
If one diuretics, stop it.
Consult his treating physician.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hyponatrimia
Better to consult n treated for hyponatrmia
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
The severe night-time restlessness and confusion your grandfather is experiencing are classic signs of Post-Operative Delirium, likely triggered and worsened by Hyponatremia (Low Sodium levels of 129). In elderly patients, even a slight drop in sodium can lead to significant neurological symptoms, including agitation, sleep disturbances, and altered mental status
Next Steps
Sodium Correction: Sodium level 129 requires immediate medical supervision. You should consult his operating surgeon or an internal medicine specialist. They may need to administer IV saline or specific sodium-correcting fluids. Caution: Sodium must be corrected slowly to avoid neurological complications.
Fluid Management: Since he is already taking ORS twice a day, ensure he isn't drinking excessive plain water, which can further dilute the sodium in his blood.
Environmental Support: Keep his room well-lit during the day and very dim/quiet at night to help reset his sleep-wake cycle. Use familiar objects or photos nearby to keep him 'oriented' to his surroundings.
Nutrition: Try small, frequent high-protein feeds. If he dislikes the taste of everything, consult a dietician for electrolyte-balanced liquid supplements that are easier to consume than solid food.
Monitor Sugar: His morning sugar (78) is on the lower side of normal. Ensure he gets some form of glucose/carbohydrates regularly to prevent hypoglycemia-induced confusion.
Health Tips
For a detailed sodium-correction plan, a review of his full electrolyte panel, and direct follow-up on his mental status, you can consult me directly through my profile.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Low sodium itself can cause restlessness confusion, especially after surgery this needs proper evaluation and correction, please book a consult and I’ll guide you step by step.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Neurological concerns required.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consult neurophysician for that,,medical supervision is much needed
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consult a neurologist and physican in hospital. He need immediate attention . May be electrolytes imbalance
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Postoperative hallucinations
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details. Kindly consult for further evaluation
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.