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May 30, 2007
Missing in action
Alison wondered if I had been kidnapped in Rockville, as that's where my last blog entry left off, and I have to say I wish that was the case. In fact, Matt and I have been in New York since Monday night as my dad suddenly got very sick with some sort of bacterial infection and is currently in intensive care. For background, my dad is one of the healthiest people I know--he will be 59 in a couple of weeks, rarely misses a day of work as a high school principal, and works out about five days a week. He developed cold/flu symptoms this weekend and then on Sunday night passed out in the bathroom and had more gastro/diarrhea symptoms. Although he did not want to go to the hospital, my mom took him the next morning to the ER, where they thought he was just dehydrated. Things progressed and I won't go into great detail but the symptoms got worse and his mental status was quite altered. (We left for NY at this point.) At 2am we got a call that he was being transferred to the ICU where has remained ever since. He is getting massive doses of antibiotics, fluids, etc. and the doctors are still trying to figure out what is causing this infection (which is in his blood but seems to have started in the colon). He is intubated and sedated and very sick...needless to say we are all extremely scared and the uncertainty of knowing what to expect is especially worrisome. It was amazing to see how many friends and family members have been to the hospital with us, brought us food, etc. and are just being so supportive. The doctors are expecting him to stay in this state in the ICU for days or even weeks, so Matt and I made the tough decision to come back to D.C. tonight to check in at work and try to get back to at least a semi-routine. I am hoping and praying that my dad improves and I expect to be back in NY this weekend.
As for my exercise the past few days...well, Monday I had a good elliptical workout in the gym (before leaving for NY, of course) and then Tuesday I was just too emotionally and physically wiped out to do anything. This morning I had gotten a decent night's sleep and my knee was feeling good and I just had to try to run for sanity's sake. It may have improved my mental health but my knee feels as stiff and sore (in back, less so the more recent side-of-knee issue) as ever. But I can't really think about or even worry about myself right now so I'll just keep cross-training and hope that can at least help me with stress relief.
This entry was a complete rant and I apologize. We are starting a blog for updates on my dad and I will post that link as soon as we get it up and running. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Posted by becky at May 30, 2007 11:40 PM
Comments
Becky -- My heart goes out to you. This all sounds tremendously traumatic and I know it's so very hard to be away from your family when things like this erupt. Your dad sounds like he's a tough cookie though, perfectly set to fight this infection to the max. I hope you see some improvement very soon. Stay strong and have faith...and don't be afraid to rant when you need to.
Posted by: Carolyne at May 31, 2007 7:50 AM
"the doctors are still trying to figure out what is causing this infection"
Becky, this seems very unusual. The whole scenario is horrific and I sincerely wish for all the best and for your father's health to return.
A collected thought: if the doctors really have no idea, like they are not even sure if it is a bacterial infection, and say it was a virus of sorts, it would be questionable strategy to give massive doses of antibiotics.
As a personal example, my 4-y-old son is just getting over mononucleosis. Nothing major but still it lasts for months and recovery is very slow and gradual. During his illness and our dealing with it, I heard at least a dozen stories of patients, especially young ones, getting "cover" antibiotics with misdiagnosed mono which made things very much worse... Like weakening the immune system just when you need it most.
Advice sucks in situations like this. I renew my sincerest best wishes to you and to all your family. But try to get as much information from the doctors as you can. In our extended family we have several doctors at hand, which can seem like a blessing; sometimes it is pure hell. In times of trouble it makes for some high energy moments, but the need for clear information and as much empirical data available as quickly as possible, is really second nature.
Given you are living in NYC in 2007, the amount of uncertainty in this account is troublesome. My thoughts are with you and all your dear ones.
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at May 31, 2007 10:52 AM
You and your Dad are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there during this tough time. I'm glad that it sounds like you're getting a lot of support.
Posted by: Caitlin at May 31, 2007 11:18 AM
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family Becky! Hang in there and don't forget to take care of yourself too. Remember the human body is amazing and can rebound despite the worst of circumstances!
Posted by: Beth at May 31, 2007 2:18 PM
Becky,
I am sending healing vibes for your father and strength vibes to you. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Meghan
Posted by: Meghan at May 31, 2007 7:45 PM