Monday, December 14, 2009

DNR

My Dad has a DNR order. (Do not Resuscitate) I never gave that order much thought. Today I have, many times. Here is the update on my Dad.....

Sunday he went into the ER for vomiting and a meter that read HI. His blood sugar was over 1,300. No reason. I went to visit my Dad for a few minutes before work this morning. I had to see him with my own eyes before going on with my day. A bit too comfy on morphine (he has hip and back problems) so he pretty much stared right through me. His blood sugar was down to 900. Two hours later my mom called me at work. Labs results showed he had a heart attack, which was the answer to the high blood sugar they say. He was going in to the Cath lab, so I left work to be with my mom. Results aren't good. 9 or more cardiac vessels blocked at 70% and one artery 80-90% blocked. Regardless, they say his heart is nice and strong. This isn't good for anyone. Especially not for my Dad. He isn't healthy. He is a Dialysis patient. A smoker. He has COPD, a history of of TIA, blindness, amputation, severe neuropathy, Charcot's foot. This is very, very bad.

Then came the D5. After my Dads cath procedure, his blood sugar plummeted. From 900 to under 60 in just a couple hours. Just like that. Insulin drip still going. How is that even possible? Even 6 hours after sedation for his procedure he still wasn't fully awake. Blame that on the cocktail of drugs. He has no idea what has even brought him to the hospital.

The surgeon came and spoke with us briefly. We want him to consult again tomorrow when Dad is more understanding of what open heart surgery could mean. I don't think my Dad can recover from a surgery such as that. His risk of infection, or secondary infection is just too high. Worse, they want to take the veins from his leg for the surgery. How can you take the veins from a man with SEVERE neuropathy? His risk of infection from that alone is huge, and thats just his leg. Then there is his crazy high risk of DVT. Pneumonia. Coding on the operating table. DNR. I'm pretty emotionless today. I only cried when it was time to leave. I didn't want to go. I still want to go back. A part of me still thinks my Dad will refuse the surgery. He's been through so much. He knows. He knows that the risk is huge for someone in his condition. Please pray that my Dad remains comfortable. I think right now we need to pray for a miracle. Miracles do happen.

11 comments:

Meri said...

Kelly, I'm so sorry. What an awful situation! I'll continue praying for your father, and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh kelly! My heart is breaking right now. I got my mom involved, she is on it. I think she will be a great resource for you guys right now. Such a hard decision to make. I don't think we give him enough credit. As stubborn as he is, maybe he knows himself better than we think. I have a feeling that all you are hearing right now is blah, blah,blah. All things aside, you know I am a part of this family too and damnit I am fighting right here with you guys!
Loves,
Tami Lou

Amy said...

Miracle do happen and we'll pray for one! Thanks for the update...praying for peace in your heart tonight1

LakeLady said...

My prayers are with you. I undersand your wounded heart. Whatever the outcome, please remember that your Daddy has you as a daughter therfore, he is provided with great joy. I am so sorry.

Hallie Addington said...

Oh Kelly. I am so sorry. I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I'll be praying- miracles DO happen.

phonelady said...

prayers and hugs coming your way and I hope all and everyone is well soon . I know this is hard for you and your family .

Tracy said...

Wow Kelly. I will definitely be praying. Yes, miracles DO happen!

Keep us posted today.

Joanne said...

Praying for you Kelly, and for that miracle too.

Anonymous said...

*hugs* sending prayers to your dad, you and family....
~Tammy

Heidi / Jack's Pack said...

Oh, my goodness, Kelly, I really feel for you and your family right now. I'll keep praying and sending good vibes your dad's way.

Beth said...

Kel, I'm so sorry - I just saw this! Hugs and prayers coming your way - please, please let me know if I can do anything for you at all, K?

Love you!!!!
b