First of all I have to thank my family here for the prayers and support.  I've said numerous times that the CH family acts more like a church is supposed to act than most churches do.  I'm grateful.

I'm sorry I was not able to update sooner, but I'll try to make it brief.  We had to put Dad in the hospital yesterday afternoon because he just was not responding well to any of the treatments being tried on him.  The meds he was on were causing hallucinations, and no Vitamin M was not in use.  Because he was so restless and irritable they sedated him, hoping he could get some needed sleep.  I'll not bore you with all that happened, but suffice it to say in the middle of the night he quit breathing and his ears turned blue.  My brother was in the room and called for help, but before they could put in a respirator he started breathing again and the color returned.  They moved him to ICU to monitor him a bit more closely, but his morning they couldn't awaken him when they tried to.  We don't know if it was the sedative lasting longer than normal or what was the problem, but it looked like we were going to lose him.  Most of the family that was in the area got there.  I had basically said my goodbyes Sunday night and Monday morning and was not able to get there until 7:30 this evening.  All the reports I got during the day got worse and worse.  When I got to the hospital at 7:30 this evening things were totally changed.  It was almost a party in the room.  The Drs, who had been trying all day to figure out what was wrong and what to do for him came in with the results of blood tests taken this morning about 5:45, after I was on the road down there.  Having said my goodbyes Sun I would not have gone back, wishing to remember Dad as I have known him rather than as I was seeing him basically disintegrate before me, but Linda wanted to go and try to say goodbye if he became lucid.  I'm really glad I went down.

What the Drs finally discovered was that he had had a mild MyoCardial Infarction during the night and congestive heart failure caused by a swollen gall bladder which had inflamed the liver causing it and the kidneys to swell and basically shut down and to squeeze the heart.  Once that was determined they were able to start treating the heart issue and the Gall Bladder issue and Dad was sleeping peacefully on his own.  They are pumping a bunch of fluids loaded with vitamins through an IV to try to re-establish the nutrition that he has lost over the last several weeks so that his body can recover itself.  The Gall Bladder problem did not present as it normally does, so it was not even suspected until after the blood tests came back.

Because of the heart attack Dad is to weak to undergo surgery, so they will be trying to get the swelling down on the Gall Bladder with diet and drugs until the heart has a chance to heal enough to remove it.  The Dr said that if Dad doesn't have another attack he should have a full recovery.  The heart will be weak, and he as well, but he should recover and be able to live productively again.

Thanks again so much.  You guys have no idea what this place means unless you've also undergone something like this.  Please don't quit praying.  I know that is the only thing that saved Dad's life.  There were just to many "coincidences" that happened.  BTW, the best definition I've ever seen for "coincidence" is "God working anonymously."

One funny thing and I'll quit.  Just to show you how much Dad had recovered in just two hours time, a new nurse come on the shift about the same time as I got there.  She was giving Dad a shot and trying to make him more comfortable and asked him if he needed anything or if he hurt anywhere.  Dad said "Wrinkles!"  We all thought he was just a bit out of it as he had been, but she asked, "Wrinkles?  What is wrong with wrinkles?"  Dad said, "They make my butt look funny!"  The sheet had gotten wrinkled under him and was uncomfortable, but the best part was that he was feeling enough better already to make a joke of it.

Gratefully,
Jerry

Sounds as if they're beginning to get a handle on it, Jerry.  Hoping to hear that the good news continues. 

All our best to you and your family.

George

Great news and it's amazing how you can tell how someone is bouncing back once their sense of humour returns.

Best wishes for a smoother path towards recovery for him.

I am so happy to hear your Dad had a turn for the better, and may he continue to improve!
Our prayers will continue for him for as long as needed!

Wonderful!  Hope he continues to improve.  How's your mom?

Carolyn

good to hear brother. hope it continues

Glad to hear things are improving.  Continuing to say prayers....

Good news.....I love the sound of it.

Charlie

That's great news Jerry! We've been dealing with a similar situation with Joe's dad since just before Joe left on his trip. Slow to recover from  heart surgery, always complications due to his other medical conditions. Nearly lost him the first week in ICU but he's turned it around too, thanks to prayers of many. He's home now, released from nurse visits and PT visits. Of course it's up to him now to continue his PT and general good health behaviours. But at least he's on a good path and Joe can breathe easier as he continues his journey.