Dad is out of surgery and all went well. The surgeon bypassed 3 vessels and removed his left atrial appendage to get rid of the atrial fib that he was in (the funky heart rhythm that started the other night). I was thankful for this because it will cut down on one medication that he will need to take when this is all said and done.
We just were allowed to go back and see him for a few minutes and I am sure everyone else would have a different opinion, but from a nurses perspective, I think he looks good. They had him on a touch of Dopamine (a medicine to keep his blood pressure up), but it is at such a low level that I am sure the nurse will be able to turn it off shortly. Because they fixed his heart rhythm, I believe they will turn that medication off shortly, as well. They were getting ready to start his sedation back up to make sure that he stays calm and comfortable. He will most likely also stay on the breathing machine for at least the day (hopefully more). He still has his PICC line from the other day and now has a new central line with Swan Ganz (a fancy internal measuring device for my non-nurses), an a-line and a total of 3 chest tubes. The surgeon did say that his lung definitely has an abcess and he didn't want to get involved with that today. He is going to treat him with antibiotics and see what happens in a few days. He may need to surgically fix that as well, but it is a wait and see kind of thing. Dad's white blood cell count has cut in half since his admission, so he is definitely already responding to the antibiotics that they have him on.
Today they are really going to cut back on the visitation. They asked for 2 hours to get him organized and settled and then will allow us to go back two at a time. I think that they saw how rowdy we were in the waiting room....reminiscing was a good way to pass the time, but we laughed a little more than I think they expected. They actually put us in a private waiting room they call the quiet room....what were they thinking!!! With my family, this room will never be quiet, but it is nice that they have allowed the rest of the visitors some quiet time away from us.
I will try to do at least one more update later today, as I am sure that we will get more information later.
It sounds like we get one more day to gather our strength, so I am thankful. As soon as he gets his strength back and the tube out, the true test will begin.
Once again, I have been amazed by everything! I thank God for all of you and everything that you have all done for me and my family! We are so blessed!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dad - Day 6 - Part 1
Well, dad is back in the OR now. He went back at about 830, as scheduled. We are camping out in the surgery waiting room , and have pretty much taken over a nice lil corner. Dad is severely out numbered by women, and if he had the ability he would be rolling his eyes about now.
When we saw him this morning, he was still on the sedation, and they had added a pain medication drip, so he looked much better. As soon as his sister, Carol, spoke to him, he turned his head to her quickly. We joked that we know who his favorite is. I joked and said we should manicure his eyebrows while he is asleep and he immediately turned his head away from me. Good to know Propofol and Fentanyl cannot tame his stubbornness!
While taking a potty break at about 920, I ran into the phyisician's assistant that is scrubbed in for his surgery. He said they hadn't started yet, but had a new central line and swan in and had been having a difficult time getting the a-line in. He said they were about to begin the actual surgery and that he still thought they would be out by noon....I held back my laugh out of respect, but really I do not think that they will be out in under 3 hours. We shall see though!
I will do multiple updates today, as both my mind and hands are hard to keep still, and I am sure that we will have periodic updates through the day.
And, as always.....thank you all for everything!!!!
When we saw him this morning, he was still on the sedation, and they had added a pain medication drip, so he looked much better. As soon as his sister, Carol, spoke to him, he turned his head to her quickly. We joked that we know who his favorite is. I joked and said we should manicure his eyebrows while he is asleep and he immediately turned his head away from me. Good to know Propofol and Fentanyl cannot tame his stubbornness!
While taking a potty break at about 920, I ran into the phyisician's assistant that is scrubbed in for his surgery. He said they hadn't started yet, but had a new central line and swan in and had been having a difficult time getting the a-line in. He said they were about to begin the actual surgery and that he still thought they would be out by noon....I held back my laugh out of respect, but really I do not think that they will be out in under 3 hours. We shall see though!
I will do multiple updates today, as both my mind and hands are hard to keep still, and I am sure that we will have periodic updates through the day.
And, as always.....thank you all for everything!!!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dad - Day 5
Let me start off by saying that I am humbled by all of the support. I am humbled by the outpouring of offers to help with Delainey, cook meals, do favors, etc... I am very humbled by all of wonderful friends and support that I (or more accurately, we) have both back in California and here in Indiana. This situation has been very eye opening and I am just amazed (and extremely thankful!).
As for dad, today has been pretty much the same. I got a phone call from the hospital in the middle of the night just to let me know that dad had gone into another funky heart rhythm (afib, for my nurses) and they started him on medication to control it. Besides that, he has been behaving himself. He is still on the breathing machine and still sedated. He does need more medication today than yesterday and still opens his eyes occasionally and we can still tell when he is mad (a good sign, in my opionion).
I talked to the surgeon and surgery is on for tomorrow at 8:30am. For now, they can only attempt to fix the heart and will need to try to bypass 3 and possibly 4 vessels. His lung looks more like there is an abcess and he doesn't want to risk introducing the infection into his heart cavity. He said that after the heart surgery we will see how things go and may still need to do lung surgery in a few days.
We are not sure how long he will need to be on the breathing machine and will have to see how that goes. Typically, people come off after a few hours, but dad is a bit more complicated. We are going to try to have an early night tonight so we can get up here early to see him before surgery.
Aunt Carol (dad's sister) and Auntie (aka Aunt Brenda, mom's sister) are both here now and I am so thankful!! Even with all of the support we have had, it is nice to have both of them here as well!
Continued thanks for EVERYTHING!!!! Words can not express!
As for dad, today has been pretty much the same. I got a phone call from the hospital in the middle of the night just to let me know that dad had gone into another funky heart rhythm (afib, for my nurses) and they started him on medication to control it. Besides that, he has been behaving himself. He is still on the breathing machine and still sedated. He does need more medication today than yesterday and still opens his eyes occasionally and we can still tell when he is mad (a good sign, in my opionion).
I talked to the surgeon and surgery is on for tomorrow at 8:30am. For now, they can only attempt to fix the heart and will need to try to bypass 3 and possibly 4 vessels. His lung looks more like there is an abcess and he doesn't want to risk introducing the infection into his heart cavity. He said that after the heart surgery we will see how things go and may still need to do lung surgery in a few days.
We are not sure how long he will need to be on the breathing machine and will have to see how that goes. Typically, people come off after a few hours, but dad is a bit more complicated. We are going to try to have an early night tonight so we can get up here early to see him before surgery.
Aunt Carol (dad's sister) and Auntie (aka Aunt Brenda, mom's sister) are both here now and I am so thankful!! Even with all of the support we have had, it is nice to have both of them here as well!
Continued thanks for EVERYTHING!!!! Words can not express!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dad - Day 4
Well, this day has been chaotic....to put it lightly.
I called the ICU for an update this morning and all was pretty much the same. I got myself ready and was on the way to take Delainey to school when I got a phone call from the Cardiology NP saying that they wanted to take dad down for a heart cath within the next hour. I was a bit upset because over the weekend they had stated that this could wait until dad's lung situation had improved a bit. The way he is now, he is not going to tolerate laying flat. The NP stated that dad's lung wasn't improving/getting worse and there was concern that he was going to need lung surgery. With his heart status the way it is, they wanted to get heart clearance before putting him under for lung surgery. I understood the rationale but was very concerned about how dad would tolerate laying flat for prolonged periods at time. We agreed to go thru with it, and they took dad down for the procedure and discovered that he has extensive heart damage and needs open heart surgery. I was afraid of this happening and tried to talk to dad about this exact situation yesterday, but as expected, he wouldn't talk to me about and just kept saying we'll see when that happens.
I called the ICU for an update this morning and all was pretty much the same. I got myself ready and was on the way to take Delainey to school when I got a phone call from the Cardiology NP saying that they wanted to take dad down for a heart cath within the next hour. I was a bit upset because over the weekend they had stated that this could wait until dad's lung situation had improved a bit. The way he is now, he is not going to tolerate laying flat. The NP stated that dad's lung wasn't improving/getting worse and there was concern that he was going to need lung surgery. With his heart status the way it is, they wanted to get heart clearance before putting him under for lung surgery. I understood the rationale but was very concerned about how dad would tolerate laying flat for prolonged periods at time. We agreed to go thru with it, and they took dad down for the procedure and discovered that he has extensive heart damage and needs open heart surgery. I was afraid of this happening and tried to talk to dad about this exact situation yesterday, but as expected, he wouldn't talk to me about and just kept saying we'll see when that happens.
Today, when mom and I were faced with the decision, neither of us thought that dad would listen to what needs to be done and didn't think that it would be a good option for him. The doctors wanted a decision right then, and I said we needed to try to talk to dad. They took him back up to ICU and I tried to talk to him about it. He was still very drowsy but was able to tell us that he wanted to try the surgery. I made him repeat it to me a few times and I told him he needed to decide now, because if so, we needed to transfer him to another hospital quickly. He said "then lets move". So the scramble began....
The hospital arranged for his transfer downtown to a bigger hospital. As they were getting ready to move him, his breathing became more difficult and they decided to intubate him. They also put him on heavy sedation, and by the time we got downtown, they were able to wean off the two cardiac drips they had him on. His heart rate and blood pressure were much better and he breathing is much more relaxed now that he is sedated and the machine is doing most of the work for him.
We have family coming in to be here with us and we just learned that the plan is for open heart surgery on Wednesday. They delay is because the cardiothoracic surgeon is ill today. They will most likely fix his lung as well, during the surgery, if he tolerates it.
Right now we are pretty much in a wait and see position. I will keep the updates coming and appreciate everything from all of you. Please know that we are getting all of the well wishes but just haven't had a chance or the clarity to respond.
Thank you again to everyone!
The hospital arranged for his transfer downtown to a bigger hospital. As they were getting ready to move him, his breathing became more difficult and they decided to intubate him. They also put him on heavy sedation, and by the time we got downtown, they were able to wean off the two cardiac drips they had him on. His heart rate and blood pressure were much better and he breathing is much more relaxed now that he is sedated and the machine is doing most of the work for him.
We have family coming in to be here with us and we just learned that the plan is for open heart surgery on Wednesday. They delay is because the cardiothoracic surgeon is ill today. They will most likely fix his lung as well, during the surgery, if he tolerates it.
Right now we are pretty much in a wait and see position. I will keep the updates coming and appreciate everything from all of you. Please know that we are getting all of the well wishes but just haven't had a chance or the clarity to respond.
Thank you again to everyone!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Dad - Day 3
Well....here we are....Day 3 in the ICU.
Today has been a rough day.
On the way into the hospital around 11, I got a phone call from the doctor saying that dad had a rough start to the day. He had some more irregular heart beats and his pain was still really bad. They were concerned that this was a combination of his lung issues, as well as some cardiac issues. They consulted a cardiologist and she agreed that dad was experiencing some cardiac issues and most likely a small heart attack. Because of his risk factors and his current state, the decided to plan for a heart cath. Initially we were going to go thru with it for Monday, but after I started thinking about it, Dad is not going to be able to lay flat for the procedure and for 6 hours after. He has been sitting up in a chair position for the past few days. They had already started medically managing him, and have him on a nitroglycerin drip, so the cardiologist believes that we should wait a few days until his lung issues improve.
He is still getting his PCA pain medication and had gotten some medication in between for his heart related chest pain.
I made him a meatloaf, since he had been talking about it, and he took a few bites. He is eating some chicken and dumplings right now, and has ate more than I expected.
This afternoon he is really confused. He doesn't realize that he is in the hospital most of the time and keeps thinking that we are going out to dinner. He also keeps asking who is here when he hears the nurses at the desk.
In his clear moments, he has vowed that he will not smoke again and has said that he will do whatever the doctors say he needs to do. I think this has all scared him straight, although I have seen this in the past, just not to this extreme. I hope and pray he keeps to his promises!
He has been nice to everyone, for the most part. Occasionally he lets out a grumpy statement, but I am impressed he has done so well. He has pulled off his oxygen and pulled at his O2 sat probe a few times, but after I reorient him, he calms down. I have warned the nurses that they may be in for it tonight. Hopefully he will just sleep all night!
After all of this cardiac stuff began, I called mom and she started making arrangements to come home. She should arrive around 10:30 tonight and I have a feeling she will come straight here. She is stressing out horribly, and although I understand, I hope she can hold it together once she is here!
Again, I appreciate all of the support! Please do not think we are ignoring phone calls or texts! I appreciate them all. I have just had a hard time responding to all of them and I am sure mom has too.
I will keep the updates coming, and please keep the prayers and thoughts coming!
Thanks again!
Today has been a rough day.
On the way into the hospital around 11, I got a phone call from the doctor saying that dad had a rough start to the day. He had some more irregular heart beats and his pain was still really bad. They were concerned that this was a combination of his lung issues, as well as some cardiac issues. They consulted a cardiologist and she agreed that dad was experiencing some cardiac issues and most likely a small heart attack. Because of his risk factors and his current state, the decided to plan for a heart cath. Initially we were going to go thru with it for Monday, but after I started thinking about it, Dad is not going to be able to lay flat for the procedure and for 6 hours after. He has been sitting up in a chair position for the past few days. They had already started medically managing him, and have him on a nitroglycerin drip, so the cardiologist believes that we should wait a few days until his lung issues improve.
He is still getting his PCA pain medication and had gotten some medication in between for his heart related chest pain.
I made him a meatloaf, since he had been talking about it, and he took a few bites. He is eating some chicken and dumplings right now, and has ate more than I expected.
This afternoon he is really confused. He doesn't realize that he is in the hospital most of the time and keeps thinking that we are going out to dinner. He also keeps asking who is here when he hears the nurses at the desk.
In his clear moments, he has vowed that he will not smoke again and has said that he will do whatever the doctors say he needs to do. I think this has all scared him straight, although I have seen this in the past, just not to this extreme. I hope and pray he keeps to his promises!
He has been nice to everyone, for the most part. Occasionally he lets out a grumpy statement, but I am impressed he has done so well. He has pulled off his oxygen and pulled at his O2 sat probe a few times, but after I reorient him, he calms down. I have warned the nurses that they may be in for it tonight. Hopefully he will just sleep all night!
After all of this cardiac stuff began, I called mom and she started making arrangements to come home. She should arrive around 10:30 tonight and I have a feeling she will come straight here. She is stressing out horribly, and although I understand, I hope she can hold it together once she is here!
Again, I appreciate all of the support! Please do not think we are ignoring phone calls or texts! I appreciate them all. I have just had a hard time responding to all of them and I am sure mom has too.
I will keep the updates coming, and please keep the prayers and thoughts coming!
Thanks again!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Dad - Day 2
Well, Ryan just came and picked the munchkin up, so I figured it would be a good time for an update.
Day 2 has not been much different than Day 1, thus far. I stayed here at the hospital last night until 11ish and then headed home. I was exhausted since I had only a few hours of sleep, so I figured I would go to bed and get up early to come back and chat with the doctor.
My plan didn't work out so well. Delainey woke up at about 7:30 and I put her in bed with me and fell back asleep until 9:30. We made it to the hospital at about 11, which ended up working out because the doctor came in about a half hour after we got here.
Although he is still in a lot of pain, he must have gotten some sleep last night, because he thinks that the same nurse has been taking care of him the whole time. He isn't confused or anything, but he has lost track of time. He has the same day shift nurse back, but last night he had another nurse.
So far his labs have all been normal. No sign of infection at this time. The final cultures will be back tomorrow but so far, so good. His white blood cell count must have been high from stress and maybe his regular medications. The CAT scan was also good. It showed obvious changes due to his COPD/smoking, but we expected that. They also found a few pneumoceles, which are like little cysts/weak bubbles in the lung. Most likely one of these popped and started this whole problem. Having more increases his chances, of course, and the first 6 months is the mostly likely period of having another issue. If it does happen again, they may have to be more invasive.
The only thing dad can do to prevent it is to stop smoking completely. The doctor told him this, but he was sleepy, so I repeated the conversation to him again. I told him that if he kept smoking that this could easily happen again and he said "it's not going to happen again". He wasn't saying it like he was invisible, but more like he wasn't going to let it happen. The doctor had suggested I throw out his cigarettes while he is in the hospital. Well.....you all know dad and I didn't want him to murder me when he got home, so I told him that and asked if he wanted me to and he said no, he will do it when he gets home. I think that he may get more out of it if he does it himself. And if he lights up again, I am sending him to live with one of you!!!!
The doctor also decided to downgrade his status to a step-down status, but will keep him physically in ICU as long as they have the room for him. His vital signs have been much better and they also decreased his chest tube to a less invasive setting (water seal for my nurses). He lasted a few hours, maybe, but then let out a big cough and went into distress. Most likely his lung collapsed again. They had to put him back to suction before they got the xray, so we don't have proof, but everything points to that and he is doing much better now. A little discouraging, but he just isn't ready yet.
They gave him some extra pain medicine during that episode, so at the moment, he is completely out....which is good. He needs to start moving around more, but he is very afraid. The pain is so bad that he thinks he is going to hurt himself more if he coughs, moves, deep breathes... We have explained that he will end up with pneumonia, but he is still scared. I am hoping the new pain medication regime will make him more comfortable and allow him to feel better about moving.
He is also afraid to eat. He said he got congested last night after eating a pop tart, which made him cough, so he is afraid to eat. I tried to explain it was probably the sugar, and a "real" meal will probably been fine. I finally had him convinced and had ordered a tray for him. Of course, this whole thing happened right when the tray arrived, and he didn't eat. I honestly think he may not remember this episode because of the drugs, so I will try again to order him food when he is more awake. If I leave here at a decent hour tonight, I will probably go home and cook up a few things for him, too. He needs his protein to heal, so I will see what I can do. The menu, although good for the rest of us, doesn't have much that appeals to him.
Well, that is pretty much it! As long as things stay calm, I will update again tomorrow. Thank you again for all of the support and well wishes! They mean the world to us! Love you all!
Day 2 has not been much different than Day 1, thus far. I stayed here at the hospital last night until 11ish and then headed home. I was exhausted since I had only a few hours of sleep, so I figured I would go to bed and get up early to come back and chat with the doctor.
My plan didn't work out so well. Delainey woke up at about 7:30 and I put her in bed with me and fell back asleep until 9:30. We made it to the hospital at about 11, which ended up working out because the doctor came in about a half hour after we got here.
Although he is still in a lot of pain, he must have gotten some sleep last night, because he thinks that the same nurse has been taking care of him the whole time. He isn't confused or anything, but he has lost track of time. He has the same day shift nurse back, but last night he had another nurse.
So far his labs have all been normal. No sign of infection at this time. The final cultures will be back tomorrow but so far, so good. His white blood cell count must have been high from stress and maybe his regular medications. The CAT scan was also good. It showed obvious changes due to his COPD/smoking, but we expected that. They also found a few pneumoceles, which are like little cysts/weak bubbles in the lung. Most likely one of these popped and started this whole problem. Having more increases his chances, of course, and the first 6 months is the mostly likely period of having another issue. If it does happen again, they may have to be more invasive.
The only thing dad can do to prevent it is to stop smoking completely. The doctor told him this, but he was sleepy, so I repeated the conversation to him again. I told him that if he kept smoking that this could easily happen again and he said "it's not going to happen again". He wasn't saying it like he was invisible, but more like he wasn't going to let it happen. The doctor had suggested I throw out his cigarettes while he is in the hospital. Well.....you all know dad and I didn't want him to murder me when he got home, so I told him that and asked if he wanted me to and he said no, he will do it when he gets home. I think that he may get more out of it if he does it himself. And if he lights up again, I am sending him to live with one of you!!!!
The doctor also decided to downgrade his status to a step-down status, but will keep him physically in ICU as long as they have the room for him. His vital signs have been much better and they also decreased his chest tube to a less invasive setting (water seal for my nurses). He lasted a few hours, maybe, but then let out a big cough and went into distress. Most likely his lung collapsed again. They had to put him back to suction before they got the xray, so we don't have proof, but everything points to that and he is doing much better now. A little discouraging, but he just isn't ready yet.
They gave him some extra pain medicine during that episode, so at the moment, he is completely out....which is good. He needs to start moving around more, but he is very afraid. The pain is so bad that he thinks he is going to hurt himself more if he coughs, moves, deep breathes... We have explained that he will end up with pneumonia, but he is still scared. I am hoping the new pain medication regime will make him more comfortable and allow him to feel better about moving.
He is also afraid to eat. He said he got congested last night after eating a pop tart, which made him cough, so he is afraid to eat. I tried to explain it was probably the sugar, and a "real" meal will probably been fine. I finally had him convinced and had ordered a tray for him. Of course, this whole thing happened right when the tray arrived, and he didn't eat. I honestly think he may not remember this episode because of the drugs, so I will try again to order him food when he is more awake. If I leave here at a decent hour tonight, I will probably go home and cook up a few things for him, too. He needs his protein to heal, so I will see what I can do. The menu, although good for the rest of us, doesn't have much that appeals to him.
Well, that is pretty much it! As long as things stay calm, I will update again tomorrow. Thank you again for all of the support and well wishes! They mean the world to us! Love you all!
Friday, April 29, 2011
An update on Dad...
Well, I know that some of you have heard, but I know there are many that have not. I just wanted to give you all an update on dad.
As most of you know, dad has pretty much been sick since he and mom arrived in mid-March. He has had no energy, a horrible cough and has generally been feeling pretty bad. He has his good days, but has definitely not been himself.
Mom headed back to California this week for work and will be gone until early next week. While she was gone, the plan was for dad to rest and help Ryan and I with Delainey a few days.
Last night Ryan was supposed to go to a work event and dad was going to watch Delainey while I was at work. Ryan called me and told me that dad was feeling pretty bad so he decided not to go. Dad didn't dispute him, which was my first clue that he was really sick. I had told Ryan that I would "make" (haha....as if that is possible, as those of you who know my dad know) him go to the urgent care when I got off work in the morning.
Unfortunately, at about 1 am, the plans changed. Ryan called me at work and said that dad had come and woke him up (thank goodness he and mom are staying with us) and said that his lungs hurt and he couldn't make the pain go away. Again, for those of you who know dad....he rarely complains of pain and NEVER wants to inconvience anyone. I knew he must be bad. I asked Ryan if he thought dad was well enough for him to drive him to the ER or if he needed an ambulance. Ryan (after talking with dad) said he would bring him in.
Ten minutes later, I got another call from Ryan saying that dad couldn't move and wouldn't be able to walk to the stairs. I told Ryan to call 9-1-1 and try to get them to bring dad to my hospital. When they arrived, they agreed to bring him here and Ryan stayed at home with Delainey.
By the time he had made it to the ER, I was still finishing up loose ends and giving report to my relief. I made it down to the ER and found dad looking pretty yucky. His BP was really low (even lower than the last time he was in the hospital) and he was having a very hard time breathing. He also said he only felt a little better with his right arm in the air, so he sat for the majority of the time with his arm held high above his head. What a sight!
After putting in another IV and doing a quick chest xray, they realized pretty quickly that his right lung was collapsed. They put a tube in his chest to reinflate his lung but unfortuantely had to do it without any sedation since his blood pressure was so low. I am sure that all of you nurse friends out there will agree that chest tubes are one of the most uncomfortable things that we see and I feel horrible that he wasn't able to have sedation. His BP stayed low for quite awhile and the doctor only felt comfortable giving him a few really small doses of pain medication. It didn't help him at all.
At about 7am, they moved dad to the ICU and he was seen by the ICU doctor. He told me that he thinks that a part of dad's lung had been collapsed for awhile, but that last night, the rest collapsed. My theory is that he did it when he was unloading the moving truck back on March 19th. In hindsight, he was complaining about his right side and kept grabbing it as he worked. Once he was in ICU, they were much more liberal with the pain medication (that's one reason I love ICU) and he was able to get some relief.
The doctor ordered a PICC line for him, which is basically a heavy duty, more invasive IV so they could give him stronger medication and a lot of IV fluid fast. I stayed at the hospital until they got it in and then went home to take a nap.
When I came back in the early afternoon, I learned that they had a rough time getting the line in place and that they actually had to replace the line three times before getting it where they wanted it. Although it isn't really painful or anything, it just meant that dad didn't get any rest and wasn't able to be in the positions that make him the most comfortable.
Delainey and Ryan were both able to visit him although he slept through most of it. He was able to eat some french toast and sausage at about 3, and he ate every last bite. A pretty good sign, considering he hasn't eaten in days.
They are giving him some strong pain medicine and it is really making him drowsy. He asked me to get him some pop-tarts and just fell asleep with it in his hand....poor guy!
They are getting ready to take him down to cat scan here shortly, just to get a better picture of things. It was ordered earlier, but he was so uncomfortable that they weren't able to take him.
I imagine that he will be here through the weekend and maybe a few days more. He has a major infection, also, but they haven't been able to find where yet (another reason for the Cat scan).
I have warned him that he will be here for awhile and have explained that they will have to start all over if that tube comes out too soon, so I am hoping that he will try to be patient and understanding. Both he and I have told mom that she should finish her work in California, as there isn't much to do here besides watch him sleep. He does much better with the least amount of visitation, anyways, as mom and I learned (the hard way) on his last hospitalization.
I am so grateful for all of my wonderful coworkers and friends that have been going out of there way to check on dad and I and everyone else who have sent their well wishes and prayers. Please keep them coming, because as he gets his strength back....we will need all the help we can get...LOL!
I will try to keep this blog updated over the next few days to keep you all in the loop!
Thanks again for all of the support!
Love you all!!!!
As most of you know, dad has pretty much been sick since he and mom arrived in mid-March. He has had no energy, a horrible cough and has generally been feeling pretty bad. He has his good days, but has definitely not been himself.
Mom headed back to California this week for work and will be gone until early next week. While she was gone, the plan was for dad to rest and help Ryan and I with Delainey a few days.
Last night Ryan was supposed to go to a work event and dad was going to watch Delainey while I was at work. Ryan called me and told me that dad was feeling pretty bad so he decided not to go. Dad didn't dispute him, which was my first clue that he was really sick. I had told Ryan that I would "make" (haha....as if that is possible, as those of you who know my dad know) him go to the urgent care when I got off work in the morning.
Unfortunately, at about 1 am, the plans changed. Ryan called me at work and said that dad had come and woke him up (thank goodness he and mom are staying with us) and said that his lungs hurt and he couldn't make the pain go away. Again, for those of you who know dad....he rarely complains of pain and NEVER wants to inconvience anyone. I knew he must be bad. I asked Ryan if he thought dad was well enough for him to drive him to the ER or if he needed an ambulance. Ryan (after talking with dad) said he would bring him in.
Ten minutes later, I got another call from Ryan saying that dad couldn't move and wouldn't be able to walk to the stairs. I told Ryan to call 9-1-1 and try to get them to bring dad to my hospital. When they arrived, they agreed to bring him here and Ryan stayed at home with Delainey.
By the time he had made it to the ER, I was still finishing up loose ends and giving report to my relief. I made it down to the ER and found dad looking pretty yucky. His BP was really low (even lower than the last time he was in the hospital) and he was having a very hard time breathing. He also said he only felt a little better with his right arm in the air, so he sat for the majority of the time with his arm held high above his head. What a sight!
After putting in another IV and doing a quick chest xray, they realized pretty quickly that his right lung was collapsed. They put a tube in his chest to reinflate his lung but unfortuantely had to do it without any sedation since his blood pressure was so low. I am sure that all of you nurse friends out there will agree that chest tubes are one of the most uncomfortable things that we see and I feel horrible that he wasn't able to have sedation. His BP stayed low for quite awhile and the doctor only felt comfortable giving him a few really small doses of pain medication. It didn't help him at all.
At about 7am, they moved dad to the ICU and he was seen by the ICU doctor. He told me that he thinks that a part of dad's lung had been collapsed for awhile, but that last night, the rest collapsed. My theory is that he did it when he was unloading the moving truck back on March 19th. In hindsight, he was complaining about his right side and kept grabbing it as he worked. Once he was in ICU, they were much more liberal with the pain medication (that's one reason I love ICU) and he was able to get some relief.
The doctor ordered a PICC line for him, which is basically a heavy duty, more invasive IV so they could give him stronger medication and a lot of IV fluid fast. I stayed at the hospital until they got it in and then went home to take a nap.
When I came back in the early afternoon, I learned that they had a rough time getting the line in place and that they actually had to replace the line three times before getting it where they wanted it. Although it isn't really painful or anything, it just meant that dad didn't get any rest and wasn't able to be in the positions that make him the most comfortable.
Delainey and Ryan were both able to visit him although he slept through most of it. He was able to eat some french toast and sausage at about 3, and he ate every last bite. A pretty good sign, considering he hasn't eaten in days.
They are giving him some strong pain medicine and it is really making him drowsy. He asked me to get him some pop-tarts and just fell asleep with it in his hand....poor guy!
They are getting ready to take him down to cat scan here shortly, just to get a better picture of things. It was ordered earlier, but he was so uncomfortable that they weren't able to take him.
I imagine that he will be here through the weekend and maybe a few days more. He has a major infection, also, but they haven't been able to find where yet (another reason for the Cat scan).
I have warned him that he will be here for awhile and have explained that they will have to start all over if that tube comes out too soon, so I am hoping that he will try to be patient and understanding. Both he and I have told mom that she should finish her work in California, as there isn't much to do here besides watch him sleep. He does much better with the least amount of visitation, anyways, as mom and I learned (the hard way) on his last hospitalization.
I am so grateful for all of my wonderful coworkers and friends that have been going out of there way to check on dad and I and everyone else who have sent their well wishes and prayers. Please keep them coming, because as he gets his strength back....we will need all the help we can get...LOL!
I will try to keep this blog updated over the next few days to keep you all in the loop!
Thanks again for all of the support!
Love you all!!!!
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