Subject: Art Thieme in hospital, but better? 5-12
From:
katlaughing
Date: 29 May 12 - 01:21 PM
In my own challenges, of late, I missed out on several emails from Chris about Art. It sounds scary but they progress to better. Thought you all would want to know. Here they are:
22 May 2012 To update all on Dad's status, his health has taken a strange turn. Over the past several weeks, his mental state has been deteriorating. While cognitive issues are part of M.S., this extends beyond this. Over the past three weeks, he has gone from lucid to completely incoherent and delusional. He has been in the ER twice since Thursday. He was admitted this morning at 4:30 a.m. They intend to keep him there at least overnight and are continuing to run tests in search of a reason. There is an infection they are currently treating with antibiotics, but it seems insufficient reason for this level of confusion. I'll post as I know more.
As of midnight last night not a lot had changed. Dad was still in an Observational Unit and will hopefully have a room by now. They tried to do an MRI twice but were unsuccessful. They are trying again this morning. CT and blood work came back normal. He's getting fluids and is being treated for his urinary infection. Will update if this morning brings any changes.
Dad's MRI is still too early to tell, but it looks clear as does the EEG. Final report late tomorrow or early tomorrow, but they are concentrating on the infection as the most likely cause. According to the nurse, he is currently able to understand that he is in a hospital. Hopefully this trend continues as the infection diminishes.
23 May - The MRI came back clear. The issue is likely completely due to the infection they are currently treating. His appetite is back as well. He has a slight fever now which means his body is fighting back, and he has a better indication of where he is at and why.
"Pick away on the ol' banjo. Keep the guitar strumming.
Put more water in the soup. There's better times a'coming."
26 May Dad's back at the nursing home. His mental state isn't greatly improved but his infection is cleared up. However he's got a staff infection now. Going over there tomorrow and will send an update after.
Chris
29 May Spent the morning with my folks Sunday. Dad is more aware, but there is much that isn't there. He's no longer on antibiotics, but I don't know why yet because of the holiday. I'm calling a couple of his doctors today for updates. I also talked to physical therapy asking for them to target a couple key areas. I'll find out more on the staff infection, but I was told by the hospital that the case wasn't severe. When I was there, he wasn't running a fever. If you visit, please be aware that he is easily confused and his emotions may change drastically from moment to moment. He has a lot of difficulty talking on the phone, and it is hard to understand what he is saying more often than not. Mom is holding up fairly well. She has her own physical issues besides the mental strain. She'd doing what she can to care for him.
That's all for now.
Chris
I'm sure any good thoughts, etc. would be appreciated.
kat
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sj
