At Lakewood

Hi All,

I called the hospital this morning and spoke with the nurse taking care of dad today. Her name is Lorraine and she told me that dad is doing OK. He had a small bowel movement last night. That's agood sign, since it means that the obstruction may be able to be treated without surgery. She said he still has the NG Tube in his nose (which goes down to his stomach) but that he is taking a laxative and it seems to be working. She said that there is still no decision on surgery because they are waiting to see if the laxative will do the job. The Hospitalist (that's a doctor who takes care of hospitalized patients), Dr. Tawa, will be making his rounds this afternoon and she said we'll know more about dad's future care after he sees dad. I'll be calling her again before she leaves at 7 tonight and post more then.
Joe

Back in the Hospital

Hi All,

Just a quick post to update you on dad being in the hospital again. As far as I understand, he was taken by ambulance on Friday night/early Saturday morning to Lakewood Medical Center because he had blacked-out from stomach pain. Once there the ER docs admitted him for Bowel Obstruction. He was given a CT Scan, medication for his pain and a nasal/gastric tube to suction his stomach contents. I spoke with his nurse at about 10am on Saturday morning. She told me his vitals were fine and he was awake but groggy from the drugs. I also spoke with his doctor (Dr. Garbara), she told me he was doing well and that they were waiting for the results of the CT Scan to determine if they could treat him with chemical therapy or if they were going to operate.
Cynthia called me on her way to the hospital and told me she was going to meet Katie (who was swinging by to pick up Pat) at the hospital that morning. I told her to make sure the Lakewood hospital orders dad's medical record from the Long Beach VA hospital where he had his diverticulosis surgery several years ago.
Cynthia called me in the late afternoon to tell me they were just going to keep him for observation tonight and see how he does. Pat is staying with Cyn tonight and they'll be going to see him again tomorrow. Hope to learn more then. Keep him in your prayers.
Love,
Joe