Over the Scare

Thursday night, while I was downstairs writing my last blog, Mom was helping Dad shower. As he finished bathing, he became nauseous and lost his dinner and what seemed to be most of his liquid intake for the day. Following this his bowels decided to begin working again and he lost even more body fluid. As he got into bed Dad felt very weak and dropped off to sleep just after the nurse attached his heart monitors. (Those little tabs they stick all over your chest when you are in the hospital:))

When the CNA came in a few minutes later, she couldn't waken him. I joined in calling his name and shaking him, mom also hurried over and shook him, but he was not to be aroused. His monitor showed okay oxygen and pulse readings, but the CNA became alarmed when she felt for his pulse and found it very weak. Quickly, she pushed the "All Staff" button, an alarm rang, and within seconds what seemed to be a dozen people rushed into the room with the "Crash Cart." They called his name, dropped his bed, and rushed around doing all those medical emergency team things you see on TV. Mom and I backed over to the corner of the room, mom sat down and I held her hand as we helplessley wathced the drama unfolding before us. As we retreated, I checked the monitor again and the numbers were still in the normal range, I couldn't understand what could be happening.

Looking back, it was surreal, almost as though we were watching this happen to someone else. The medical lingo flew, questions, answers, commands, verifications...and they were getting the paddles ready for difibulation. With all the medical staff surrounding him, we could not see Dad.
Just as true panic began to set in, I heard a gravely voice say,"What are you all doing here?"
Mom didn't here him, so I reassured her that he was awake and talking. The next thing he said was,"Where is my wife? Is she okay?" Mom heard that and holding back tears answered that she was doing alright.

The team continued to read monitors, question, answer, check records, confer, infer and so on. In the end, they ordered blood work, an EKG, IV fluid and decided Dad had a vasovagal response (look it up on wikipedia) and fainted- probably due to the stress of vomiting and dehydration. I also assume the overall stress of the past two weeks contributed to his response.


As the team filtered out of the room, they all offered kind words and encouragement the on call Doctor and Nurse Practitioner stayed to answer questions and offer support. It was just after midnight when Dad fell into a restless sleep. His breathing seemed deep and somewhat labored, and Mom didn't want to leave so she sat in a rocking chair and watched over him until around 3:00 AM. When Dad began to rest more comfortably, Mom consented to go to the hotel to sleep. I drove her downtown and came back to spend the rest of the night here in the room with Dad.


Needless to say, I was relieved when Mark and Megan arrived later in the morning. A social worker came by to talk to us about our "scary night" We continue to be impressed with the quality of care Dad receives here as well as the care and concern shown to us as family members. Jon Huntsman's vision of a warm, caring and professional facility is well realized.

Love to you all- except Dayna K., I'm going to cut off her little typing fingers. This has truly been a group effort. Mom is at the top of Dad's support list. She has done all she can to be here for Dad and to do things at home that Dad normally does. Dennis and Debbie have been troopers, driving Mom back and forth and doing things for her on the home front. Debbie is Mom's best hairdresser and Dennis' sense of humor keeps us all laughing! Jacob spent a night with Dad and he is our source for answers to medical questions. Tim gave us all a reprieve last week and Dad very much appreciated his visit. Nathan was Tim's back up man and we all enjoyed seeing him! Mark and Megan arrived just in time to help us with these last few unexpected days in the hospital. Megan kept Grana company at home and helped her with some chores around the house. Mom and Dad are looking forward to visits from Steve, Ashley and family and from Shelly and her family in the next week or two.

John has been my emotional support and Liz and Matt have helped keep the home fires burning. Matt and Josh have cared for Gramps' yard and cleaned the pond. Aubrey and Emily did some deep cleaning for Grana and Em also collected their mail. I know I have probably forgotten someone, so many have helped. Mom and Dad have appreciated the all the visits, phone calls and cards. All this support helps so very much. We know Mom and Dad will continue to need help through the next few weeks and I'm grateful so many are so willing to be there for them.

Dennis and I were talking about how grateful we are that we do have the time to help. Dennis is retired and I am off for the summer. If this had to happen, the timing couldn't have been better. Tim can take some more time through Family Medical Leave and will be back up when he is needed. How can we feel this is really a service, when Mom and Dad have devoted so much for us. I think we are all just giving back a little of what Mom and Dad, Gramps and Grana have given to us.