Lost Son's Updates on Dad with Hep C, Part IV

He is where he needs to be, Alex. The transplant team knows how to deal with this type of thing. I am sure he is not feeling very good. Getting the fluid tapped will hopefully give your Dad some relief. Where is his MELD today? Big Hugs

Who said we are sane?? *wink* Hard to watch those we love become more and more sick.

Of course you can get the blood numbers for MELD! Just ask. Never worry about asking questions when you need to know anything. Now you know you know how fast things change, so you won't wait in the future. No one wants to be in hospital but that is right where he needs to be when he has problems. Keeping him alive until he is at the top of the list....that is the goal. Big Hugs

It's amazing how he can be at home alone for the past year and now there are 12 people crowding his bed crying. Not saying it's not genuine but why wait til you think someone is dead? I had to leave the room. Not just because it is so full but I can't be around that sadness and negativity I need to keep fighting.

It's not looking good though

Thanks WD

I just had to witness my dad get poked 3 times with no success for a paracentesis. They kept hitting a vessel and didn't want to bruise him up. They said someone would try tomorrow.

It was a rough moment for the family. Everyone was crying including my dad with some tears. I finally did what I never wanted to and broke down in front of my dad. And sure enough he took notice. His other kids and brothers and sisters were crying and he told them it'd be ok. Then he looked over at me and said "what's wrong bud? What did u hear u didn't like? Ure the strong one..."

I quickly wiped my tears and walked out. I am now here in the hallway with the feeling of fire in my stomach.

My aunt went as far as calling an old friend that had a transplant to see if he had contacts or ideas....

This news has spread amongst the family like wildfire now which my dad didn't want. But I guess it's a good thing.

It's likely that difficulty breathing is related to pressure from the fluid in his abdomen pressing on his diaphragm. Are they using ultrasound to guide the paracentisis probe?

David, yes they used an ultrasound to try it. I was in the room and saw the black mass they went after and thought it looked good. Then they kept hitting the vessel. I will say they were student doctors. And we're going to leave it to IR tomorrow. I did not take kindly to rookies being there but I also know it's part of the deal.

I am trying to be Strong and after that comment by my dad it showed me that much more that I need to keep fighting for him. My dad is a mans man and my crying to him is fear and giving up as opposed to emotion. Regardless that's how he is so I need to hide that.

One thing that came to light to the family today was he needs a transplant or it's over.

I am still very very positive but am not immune to the fact that the mortality rate for a MELD of 26 is 47%.

I think most people already think my dad is dead. Family friends and even nurses are clutching his hand as they change shifts saying take care if I don't see you again and good luck.

I don't think I've ever in my life been happy to know Monday is coming. At least then doctors will be back in full swing and I can have a conversation with the coordinator and resume the search for dual listing.

Alex, Breaking down in front of your Dad finally is not a bad thing. I wouldn't encourage you to let that happen frequently, Your human and it's gonna happen. I say this from my point of view. Your dad and I see things pretty close personality wise, as best I can tell. He needs to have the comfort of you holding down the "fort" should all hell break loose. Compassion (to the point of tears) from guys like us is distributed out moderately at best. Only time I get choked up is when I see another guy tearing up. You know he's in a world of hurt if you see tears. I, like you, have to walk away or lose composure. Call it machismo or whatever you like. Too little of what you, your dad and I have has been removed from the male society in my humble opinion. Continue on as usual my good man. Your doing your father more good than you know.

I suppose it's easy for me to sit here and cast dispersions on the way the attempted to do that paracentesis or by those wielding the needle. I do however find it a bit hard to swallow that a proper physician wasn't called in to do the procedure. Particularly when he is in such a compromised condition. Everyones different and I'm aware of varying circumstances but myself being considered a chronic ascites patient have I heard of such problems with veins. Where are they pulling the fluid from? His Arm? What form of magnifying glass was used in place of imaging equipment? (Sarcasm). Me thinks a heart to heart discussion is warranted with the coordinator.

Ziff

I've been exactly where you are, do you know your dad's INR and creatinine ? I wouldn't give up hope yet, we didn't until the doctor told my father he is dying and then my dad decided to let go and let the pain go away and peace takeover.

If you ever go to Minnesota, let me know, I'm really close to the border, just got back from the states North Dakota with my mom and sister. Dad wanted us to take a trip there when he was sick, but we couldn't leave him. Thinking of you.

Ziff, I think I need to have a heart to heart as well. I haven't been too happy with some of the things I have seen. But don't want to get anyone on my bad side during an ordeal like this. But the way they failed on the attempted tap and then 2 hours ago they couldn't get a blood draw and gave up until later...just has me very concerned. They are starting a new antibiotic IV today. I think it's more specific to the bacteria. So not sure if it's a whole new 7 day cycle or not. I hope being Monday we get more answers tomorrow.

I'm really starting to worry that I might not be able to move fast enough to get to Iowa. Now I know what you all meant when you said this can go from high to low overnight. That's how it feels it happened.

I am not sure of his MELD as of today but again I will find out later.

Hoping for a better day...

Sending both of you love,
Nancy

Thanks guys, my dad's roommate has liver cancer and they have found strength in joking about how bad the food here is. They have been here together since last Wednesday and he hasn't had one visitor...he also has an amputated leg. It's so sad to see he is alone. It's also sad to see him take a stroll outside to continue smoking...

This morning was also tough as I sat in the waiting room and there was a family crying hysterically as they were preparing to say goodbye to their dad...it was truly heartbreaking. Not much one can say.

I talked to the social worker about getting my dad to Iowa she was going to speak with my dad and plead my case.