Thank you to everyone who offered your support and sympathy about my dad-in-law yesterday. Matthew and I greatly appreciate your kind words and thoughts.
We’re still in Georgia, scrambling to get as much cleared off our respective plates as we can before heading north.
Matthew’s mom called last night. It’s hard to get a clear picture of what the situation is from here, but they have my dad-in-law heavily sedated, and it seems his kidneys have now shut down. At one point he started waking up and began fighting the respirator, and they had to up his dosage to knock him out again. I don’t know what any of that means, prognosis-wise. Is it standard procedure to keep someone sedated full time who’s on a respirator? I can’t imagine it’s comfortable having a breathing tube down your throat, but is it something you can’t be conscious during?
The specialists have him on various meds, and Mom-in-law said that they’re watching to see whether they have any effect. But she doesn’t know what effect they’re hoping for. And no one seems to know or is willing to say whether there might be a chance he’ll be able to breathe on his own when they take him off the respirator.
Writing Stuff
Editing:
– Many editing passes and a rewrite on a story I’ve been sitting on after its last bounce. Working does help to keep me distracted.
Received:
– Contrib. copies of Faeries #21 with French reprint “Returning My Sister’s Face.” Still awaiting payment.
– Contrib. copy of Modern Magic at long last.
*many hugs and much strength*
Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help in any way.
I’m hoping he will recover.
The reason they typically keep people with a breathing tube sedated is because they struggle against the tube, and can damage their throat and vocal cords. And it makes many people feel like they are choking.
*hugs* Best wishes!
*Sending prayers and wishes for strength your way*
Eugie, my husband is a (gasp) hospital CEO here in Maine. Do you want me to run any of those questions by him? Or would you like to email him directly? He can explain how things work in general and/or in Maine hospitals, if you want. I don’t know if you need it, but the resource is there if you want it.
Good luck.
In all the fuss yesterday, I missed the news about your dad-in-law. I hope everything turns out for the best. Take care of yourselves.
Generally people ARE sedated while they are on a respirator. The discomfort of the pipe down the throat distresses anyone, and most people do fight it; so the doctors knock patients out. Keeping people sedated is also less traumatic on the body if someone is really sick.
And it definitely helps to have some form of distraction. Last year I had a book of Sudoku puzzles. They kept me sane.
Aouch…
Hang in there. You’re still in my thoughts.
Ah, Eugie, I’m so sorry. You, Matthew, and his family are all in my thoughts, and I’m sending out as much strength for all of you as I can.
Biggest hugs.
M
Oh, Eugie, I hope things turn out well for you. :hugs: Definitely thinking about you and praying for you!
I’m so sorry to hear about all this, Eugie. {{{Hugs}}} I’ll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there.
Gisele
Oh, dear. I’ve been hiding out, trying to get some writing done and selling the hubby’s art. Anyway, just saw the FIL saga on your LJ.
Hugs, prayers, and good wishes your way. It may look bad, but sometimes the human spirit is a powerful thing.
Pat K.