********* Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 So my dad's doing worse. His BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is up, his creatinine is up, his white blood cell count is up. All bad things. Plus, his blood oxygen saturation, which is the one thing that has been stable, is going down now into the 80's, so they can't consider taking him off the vent now. His sputum culture came back positive for a bacteria, so he is in contact isolation; that just means we have to wear gowns and gloves to be in his room. So he *does* have a hospital acquired infection, and they are treating it with heavy duty antibiotics. The infectious disease doctor/team is keeping a close eye. Things are moving in the wrong direction. Toward death, not healing. My poor mom is crumbling. I can't be there every day with her, which she understands. I asked her Sunday when I was there with her what exactly she needed from me right now. (She had my youngest sister over cleaning and getting groceries for her the day before.) She said she just wanted my emotional support; that was what meant the most to her. She looks OLD, even though she's not; she's just 54. I feel bad updating everyone now. It's all so depressing, I don't want to spread the gloom around, you know? However. God is good, ALL the time. I praise him today as every day. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. - Nahum 1:7 If the Lord lets my father linger like this for weeks, and then he dies, He still gets my praise as much as if He restores my dad to health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Oh, Bethany. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twilight Woods Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 So my dad's doing worse. His BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is up, his creatinine is up, his white blood cell count is up. All bad things. Plus, his blood oxygen saturation, which is the one thing that has been stable, is going down now into the 80's, so they can't consider taking him off the vent now. His sputum culture came back positive for a bacteria, so he is in contact isolation; that just means we have to wear gowns and gloves to be in his room. So he *does* have a hospital acquired infection, and they are treating it with heavy duty antibiotics. The infectious disease doctor/team is keeping a close eye. Things are moving in the wrong direction. Toward death, not healing. My poor mom is crumbling. I can't be there every day with her, which she understands. I asked her Sunday when I was there with her what exactly she needed from me right now. (She had my youngest sister over cleaning and getting groceries for her the day before.) She said she just wanted my emotional support; that was what meant the most to her. She looks OLD, even though she's not; she's just 54. I feel bad updating everyone now. It's all so depressing, I don't want to spread the gloom around, you know? However. God is good, ALL the time. I praise him today as every day. The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. - Nahum 1:7 If the Lord lets my father linger like this for weeks, and then he dies, He still gets my praise as much as if He restores my dad to health. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. (1Cor 1:3-7). God is good and he is faithful. I'm sorry that you're having to watch your parents suffer; praying for healing for your Dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: Bethany, just as God so wisely chose the right time, and place for our birth, He does choose the right time and place for our death. This is a comfort to me, though I know it isn't for everyone. The verses you chose made me think that perhaps it might be a comfort for you also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: I'm so sorry! I'm a little teary reading your post because my dad is in ICU with heart problems, too. It's so scary! Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: and prayers. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: I'm praying and will continue to pray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug:Bethany:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: strength and peace for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 If the Lord lets my father linger like this for weeks, and then he dies, He still gets my praise as much as if He restores my dad to health. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! I am blessed by your testimony in this. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: I'm sorry it's so hard. Praying for you and your family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: Praying for grace and peace from the Lord to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! I am blessed by your testimony in this. :grouphug: Absolutely :iagree: Please, don't EVER hesitate to share. It is our privilege to share grief with a sister. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Munchkins_mama Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 I'm so sorry, Bethany. That does not sound good at all. :sad: I was just reading about those levels today when reading about kidney problems so I understand what you're talking about. I'm so sorry, Sweetie.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:Hang in there, pray, and do what you can for your mom.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 How amazingly difficult, praying for your family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Bethany, I am so very sorry. I wish the news was different. But you are a testimony, and I admire your courage and strength. Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I'm so sorry, Bethany, but please don't hesitate to post whatever you're feeling. We want to be here for you, and anyone who finds the thread too depressing can just click away and not read it. I wish there was something that could be done to help your father. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! I am blessed by your testimony in this. :grouphug: :iagree: Praying for you, Bethany. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Bethany, I am so sorry. :grouphug: I will continue to pray for you and your parents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug: I'm sorry Bethany. Thank you for updating us. I've been thinking of you and your family.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: These are for you while you keep company with your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Prayers of comfort for your family during this trying time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Bethany, I hope this verse brings as much comfort to you as it does to me. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 So sorry to see this update from you. Continuing to pray for you & your family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 I'm here with dad. Dh is keeping the boys and working from home. I'll update on his stats when I get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Praying:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinRTX Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Praying here too :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I'm here with dad. Dh is keeping the boys and working from home. I'll update on his stats when I get them. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Praying. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug: i am glad you are there with him this morning. :grouphug: we'll pray for strength and peace, wherever that leads..... re your mom. if someone is cooking for you, is there a possibility of an extra serving that could go to your mom? that way, you know she always has good food at hand, whether or not she is able to eat it..... :grouphug: ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 Dad is having a good day! BUN is down, creatinine is down, WBC is down. Blood ox is up even with less assistance from the vent. Once his BUN comes down to 50, they can try to extubate him. We're hoping nephrology will dialyse him today so he can get that BUN down. The antibiotics he's on for his hospital acquired lung infection seem to be working. They are testing his stool for c. Diff. Anyone can enlighten me on that? On the bad side, he has developed a large pressure ulcer that is getting worse. If it opens, that is a very concerning not only because of infection, but healing will be hampered because of his diabetes. And mom is refusing to be happy about the better numbers, because she's convinced that tomorrow, it will get worse again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Prayers of thankfulness for his improvement! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 :grouphug: i am glad you are there with him this morning. :grouphug: we'll pray for strength and peace, wherever that leads..... re your mom. if someone is cooking for you, is there a possibility of an extra serving that could go to your mom? that way, you know she always has good food at hand, whether or not she is able to eat it..... :grouphug: ann No one is cooking for me, I'm still doing that. But thank you for the idea. Whenever I come up, I'll bring mom some food. My other two sisters don't cook, so they are no help in that department. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Thank you for the positive update, Bethany! I can understand your mom's hesitation to be happy about the news, because she's probably trying to protect herself from another disappointment if the next set of results aren't as good. It's a horrible roller coaster ride for your whole family, and I pray your dad recovers soon. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Dad is having a good day! BUN is down, creatinine is down, WBC is down. Blood ox is up even with less assistance from the vent. Once his BUN comes down to 50, they can try to extubate him. We're hoping nephrology will dialyse him today so he can get that BUN down. The antibiotics he's on for his hospital acquired lung infection seem to be working. They are testing his stool for c. Diff. Anyone can enlighten me on that? On the bad side, he has developed a large pressure ulcer that is getting worse. If it opens, that is a very concerning not only because of infection, but healing will be hampered because of his diabetes. And mom is refusing to be happy about the better numbers, because she's convinced that tomorrow, it will get worse again. C. diff is basically caused by antibiotics. The antibiotics disrupt the normal gut flora, which causes inflammation, and infection in the colon. C. diff causes horrible diarrhea. :( Is your dad continent (able to control his bowels)? If so, then just make sure you all are using soap and water every time you have contact with him (before and after). This includes staff members! C. diff is NOT killed by hand sanitizer, not even the powerful stuff we use in hospitals. If you dad is incontinent, he will be placed on isolation precautions if he does have it. That doesn't mean he can't have visitors; it just means anyone who comes in the room will have to wear a gown and gloves. I'm praying his test is negative. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairyMom Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Bethany, I'm not a believer, but I wanted you to know you've been in my daily thoughts. Peaceful, healing thoughts!! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 Bethany, I am glad your Dad's numbers were better. Continuing to pray for your family. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I am so sorry. Please take care. We have gone through this, and it is gut-wrenching. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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