my dad

[kirkcudbright]

My dad is in the ICU in septic shock. He's sedated, intubated, hooked up 8 IV meds and all kinds of monitors. My brother the RN has been the primary interface with the medical staff, but even I know what e coli means. His immune system was already weakened from chemotherapy, but this progressed pretty fast, from not feeling too well Saturday afternoon to 911 at 6am Sunday. The prognosis is not good, and we've agreed not to try CPR in the case of cardiac arrest (the RN assures us he wouldn't survive it), but he's managed to hold on this long (with a lot of help).

We're in Northampton overnight, will go home tomorrow at least for a change of clothes and feed the cats. Oldest and youngest brothers live in the area, and the other brother is flying in from Wisconsin tomorrow.

Comments

[con-girl.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I hope you get a real visit :((((((((

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

omg. let me know if you need me to mind yr critters. best to the family.

[kirkcudbright.livejournal.com]

Nurse brother summarizes on FB: "For my medically-versed friends: three different vasopressors, amiodarone, midazolam, fentanyl, high-dose steroids, frequent antibiotics, FFP, immunoglobulin. Maintaining urinary output around 30cc's an hour. Sliding scale insulin for hyperglycemia (from steroids). Triple lumen line in right IJ, triple lumen Cortis in left IJ, right femoral art line. Oh, almost forgot about the open groin surgical incision which started spontaneously hemorrhaging this afternoon due to platelet level in the toilet. When they say INTENSIVE care, Dad fits the description. DNR has been signed."

[weegoddess.livejournal.com]

Eep. Oh honey.

[persis.livejournal.com]

*hugs to you all* and *sending positive energy your way* Cherish the time you have with him, and remember the good times. I am so sorry.

oh no ...

[kimberlogic.livejournal.com]

sending love and hopeful energy to your dad and your family
if there's anything we can do for you, we will
*hugs*

[quietann.livejournal.com]

ouch. That really sounds bad... many hugs, I am thinking of you all.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

I second that.

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

Oh dear! That doesn't sound good at all. *hugs* to everyone, and let me know if there's anything I can do to help out.

[goddessfarmer.livejournal.com]

**hugs**

[whitebird.livejournal.com]

Oh, good God, I'm sorry. :/ Hoping for the best, even though it isn't likely.

[ceo]

Oh, dear. You and yours are very much in our thoughts.

[coraline]

i'm so sorry -- that sounds really scary and difficult. thinking of you and your family...

[sunspiral.livejournal.com]

Sending strength and coping energy to you and Francie & Kylie.

[sunspiral.livejournal.com]

And wishing for the best for your dad, of course.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

It's hard when your parent is ill. Take care.

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

Glad you have a medical professional to understand and translate for you and that you can all gather. My deep sympathies are with you all tonight.

[roozle.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of you all. Hoping you all have each other for support at a time like this.

[c1.livejournal.com]

I'm keeping you guys in my thoughts.

[gravitrue.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear things are so dire. Best wishes.

[veek.livejournal.com]

Oh god, I'm sorry. Thinking of you all.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

keeping y'all in my thoughts

#

[drglam]

I am so sorry. I wish you strength.

[tb]

Wow, that sucks. I'm so sorry.

[mamishka.livejournal.com]

*gentle hugs* Best wishes and prayers are winging your way!

[alabastard.livejournal.com]

Good thoughts to your Father and you all.