dad update: cautiously hopeful

luckii00

I'm feeling a little bit more optimistic/hopeful at this point.

Dad was transferred from Jefferson to Hopkins last Thursday.  I went to visit Friday.  His mental status improved so much--it was like night and day.  He wasn't hallucinating, he was able to hold a conversation, and wasn't getting confused.  Went to visit again Saturday, and he only got a little confused a few times.  Just having him not hallucinate anymore makes it so much easier on us.

The docs in Philly told us his pancreatitis was gone--it's not.  And he has several antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria growing/colonizing in his abdominal cavity.  They're working with the drains to get the fluid out.

He is still having "heart pauses," but they think they've figured it out--sleep apnea.  When he falls asleep, his oxygen levels drop super low, his heart rate drops (like into the 40s), then he startles awake and all goes back to normal.  I'm just glad that Hopkins is working on finding answers to the underlying causes and not just treating the symptoms.

Thank you everyone for your T&Ps--please keep them coming.  It's going to be a very long, slow recovery.  And now that he's aware of what's going on, he's really down.

wlfpkbride

I'm glad to hear there's some progress. T&P coming your way!

jcsntms06

Glad to hear that he's getting the answers from Hopkins. Your Dad and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

KathrynMD

I'm glad he's starting to make some progress.

I'm sure you and your mom are tremendously relieved.

gracie2762

Hope he keeps progressing! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

TheLinkBride

I'm glad they are finally finding some answers.  Good thoughts for a continued recovery!

2have2hold

Thats's great to hear! Glad that your family is finally getting some answers. More T&Ps for a continued and quick recovery!