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

Doing Better

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with dad on Friday after his colonoscopy. He was in the highest spirits I've heard him in months! His doctors gave him a excellent, "Clean Bill of Health" and told him his GI track is completely well and healthy. So he can now go back to eating a normal diet and not have to worry. Hopefully he'll put some weight back on and maintain a good, high fiber diet.

On another note, I wish more of you would post. It seems Dean is the only one who has joined so far. Cindy said she did, but I haven't recieved her "New Member" notice from the web site, which is automatic to the administrator (me) whenever a new person joins. She may still need help with registering. If it's not too much trouble Dean, could you shoot her an email and see if you might shed some light on that for her?
Thanks. Keep in touch.
Joe

Another resource

Hey all,

I found another very good resource. It's the Alzheimer's Association and their web site. I got a booklet in from one of the Alzheimer drug reps. It's great. There are more good resources like that on their web page. I suggest you all at least get a good booklet on Alzheimer's (like one of these) and read up on "caregiving". I also saw that they have videos. I think dad might benefit from watching the videos. I'll try to order a set for him. Check it out & let me know what you think.
http://search.alz.org/overview.asp

Later,
Joe

A link to a Senior Care service

Hi,
I found this link to these guys called Senior Care Advocates. They're mostly about preparing seniors for their financial futures, but also can help seniors & their families when an unexpected illness strikes. Check them out & let me know what you think.
Here's their link: http://www.walkersca.com/
Thanks,
Joe

Welcome

Hi Guys,

Glad you made it here. This is where we can post the latest info on what's going on with Dad & Pat. If anyone has news, just post it here when you get a chance. This is also where you can go to find out the latest & keep informed.
This "Blog" can take links, pictures & even sounds. So feel free to post whatever you think will be helpful. Its pretty easy to use one you get the hang of it, so play with it a little and post away!
Take care.
Love you all,
Joe

Pat & dad at Huntington Beach. Christmas 2004