Recovery certainly has its ups and downs! Dad was feeling pretty good when we left the hospital last Monday, but by the next day, he was exhausted. We just figured it was from lack of sleep, the trip home, etc. A home health care nurse visited Dad on Tuesday. Dad's blood pressure was low. She said he needed to drink more fluids. She came back the next day and took blood for tests ordered by doctors and Dad's blood pressure was lower than the day before.
Jacob (our RN son) and family arrived home from Disneyland Wednesday night and he checked on Gramps Thursday. His blood pressure had dropped lower and Dad had Jake buy him a cuff so he could monitor it on his own. It dropped some more and they called the Huntsman doctors to ask about it. Dad also showed signs of dehydration, and possible infection, so they wanted him back in the hospital. John and I were in Cedar City attending a play at the Shakespearean Festival (Great Expectations- the musical. It was marvelous, by the way!), so Jake drove Gramps to Salt Lake and stayed with him for the night.
After admission, they put Dad on an IV, monitored his vitals, drew blood, ordered a urine culture - all that basic "you're in the hospital" kind of stuff. They found his blood sugar as well as blood pressure was low. Neither Jake nor Dad slept well- wonder why? John and I drove back from Cedar on Friday, picked up Mom and went to the hospital. Dad's blood pressure was up to normal, his blood sugar had stabilized, he felt more energy, and when the doctors made their rounds that afternoon, they released him with the strong admonishment to DRINK MORE WATER!
Sooooo they are home again! Mom is pretty tired, finding that preparing Dad's food, caring for his medical needs and reminding him to drink is a full time job, but she just keeps on 'doin'. Dad is drinking more water and with his new blood pressure cuff, he is monitoring his blood pressure and watching for other signs of dehydration or infection. The doctor never called about the urine culture result so we assume it didn't show infection. He is moving around better, not as weak when he sits and stands and he walks at a pretty brisk pace. Dad says his abdomen is a bit tender, but other than that, he has no pain. He has a follow-up appointment in Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Heather, (Dennis' daughter) had surgery on Friday- tonsils, adenoids removed - not a fun one. Last we heard she was home, in some pain, but doing okay. Dennis and Debbie just seem to go from one medical drama to another :). Shelly and family will be here on Monday afternoon. Mom has invited all of our kids over for a planned pot luck dinner on the patio. Hopefully she will let us do the work and she can just sit and enjoy.
There are a few more photos posted, added Mark and Megan and a couple others, or at least they will be added as soon as I send them to Dayna K or Kirby. My technology has not extended to that point - yet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY !! and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Love to you all. - Dayna
