Good thoughts for my dad/ Take your antimalarials

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

09/17/2005 03:51:05 PM · #28

Thanks folks.

Today was definitely better than last few days - he seems to be a touch more positive in attitude again and looking a touch more lively. He's still using a special oxygen mask and has various lines going in through his neck now rather than arm and a few other things that I don't want to get into. But the lungs have cleared up somewhat so he's breathing a touch easier. He didn't need the heated oxygen today, just regular stuff.

Whilst I was there during the afternoon the doctor in charge said that they'd decided instead of the feeding tube to try high calorie liquid drinks instead and Pop managed an entire one so that's good news.

Also the doctor suggested that the malaria should now be almost gone so it's now about dealing with the secondary stuff - breathing, lungs, strength etc. He also said he envisaged Pop being in hospital another 5 days or so - which doesn't seem so bad and seems a very positive thing to say - and he's a very considered and careful man - not one to throw out false hope. Anyway, Pop is still feeling utterly drained and having breathing trouble etc but seems to be looking forward towards recovery now.

I'll be back there tomorrow morning. Today I've been able to stop worrying about the possibility of the worst case scenario, and I can tell the doctors have too - there is a definite change in their attitude.

Apple iPhone

09/17/2005 04:00:05 PM · #29

Give Pop our thoughts, hugs and your friends love, (including me) and tell him he needs to get better quickly :)

Big Hugs Kavey :)

zarniwoop

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D

09/17/2005 04:07:27 PM · #30

Thank goodness. I'm so happy that he's into the recovery stage. I really hope that the worst of this ordeal is over for all of you.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

09/18/2005 10:28:09 AM · #31

I just got back from today's visit, I was only there for 4 hours today.

Long story short, he's improving steadily, still with a few lines in and some oxygen too, but less than yesterday, fever gone, strength returning a touch with the calorie drinks. It's slow but definite.

We asked the head honcho doctor about the disease and he said there were 4 types of malaria; one malignant and 3 others of which vivax, which he has, is one. I asked, in shock, if the malignant one is even worse than this has been and they opened their eyes wide and said no, no, no, not at all. Usually the three non-maligant strains (including vivax) don't present like this at all and they often see the patients as outpatients only; the impact is not usually this severe. My dad has been presenting atypically for vivax, which none of them has ever seen before, and has been presenting more like the malignant strain, but they know he definitely has vivax.

Anyway, further down the line they will give drugs to make sure it doesn't hide in the liver, which malaria can often do, and therefore prevent a recurrence in the future.

He's looking a little less exhausted and a little more himself today which is great!

Canon EOS-60D

09/18/2005 10:30:51 AM · #32

My thoughts and well-wishes are with your Pop and the rest of your family...you included. Hope Mom is holding up well through all the chaos...hospitals are tough places to be. I'm so glad that he's improving, albeit slower than we'd like. Hugs from across the way! :)

09/19/2005 01:12:25 PM · #33

double post, removed

Message edited by author 2005-09-19 13:37:51.