I just spoke with Liz who is finally on her way home after a very long day (it's 10:30 now). Her report (hope I do not mess anything up in the translation):
Dad spent the day in the ER at Crozier and finally got into a room in the ICU cardio vascular unit this evening. At least the ER was not so bad and he slept most of the day.
After the vomiting, he was dehydrated and had a temperature. His blood pressure was low, heart rate and respiration high. They put him on IV, oxygen, antibiotics, and increased steroids. Also back on the catheter, I think to monitor his output. His vitals got back to normal, except the BP which was still low (95/37). They then put him on something else to raise it. It went up some, but would be good if it went even higher.
They think there is some infection -- probably pneumonia. Chest Xray showed no food (aspiration could get food in lungs), but maybe it wouldn't show. He may have septicemia/sepsis or be on the cusp of it. That would lower the BP. They took a culture and will know more in 24-48 hrs. Meanwhile, they are keeping a close eye on him.
This is all pretty bad, particularly since Dad is so frail to start. I'm really glad Liz could stay with him through all of this and Dor, Julie, and David came tonight, too. Visiting hours in ICU are fairly restricted (12:30-2:30, 4-6, 7:30-8:30). I think someone -- probably Liz -- will bring Mom over tomorrow.
Hang in there Dad!
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