Monday, April 13

1am Family report: Just checked in and the nurse was in with dad. He has already received his IV Bolus and now is getting the unit of blood through transfusion. The nurse , Arianna, who answered phone said his vitals are maintaining and the bloods will further bring up his blood pressure - which is currently at 97. He is maintaining oxygen at 1 Litre and that is holding steady. She said he is alert and he even winked at her earlier.

12.30pm Family report: Call just in from Dr. Kramer - a Gastroenterologist at Greenwich Hospital. He mentioned that he was aware of dads bloody stools from last night. Obviously they need to search to see where this bleeding is coming from - the stomach or the colon. Typically with the Corona virus, they are not recommending these invasive procedures, however since there were bloody stools again this am, they are going to have to move ahead with a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. This way, if they find the bleeding they are hopefully able to stop it while in there. There are few risks of the procedure, they include: additional potential bleeds, tears and infection (minimal) and anesthesia risk. He is currently at 1 Litre of oxygen and holding steady, however you never know how he will do in a procedure, so there is a chance of re-intubation to keep oxygen levels under control. The plan is to do the procedures tomorrow am, as they have just started the liquids to clear is insides. Of course, if his vitals seem unstable at any point, they will get it done tonight. Goal is to clear out as much from his colon as possible.

1pm report: Dads had a bit of a setback with some new internal bleeding, this time in his GI tract. After another unit of blood and a additional liquids via IV, they feel it is necessary to now conduct a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Doctors are prepping him now as he has started the liquids required to clean out your system. The procedure will be done tomorrow am, of course he becomes unstable at any point they will get it done today. Obviously none of us are happy about this just praying that they find and extinguish it at the source.

2.30pm family report: This is Dr. Kramer. He will be completing dads colonoscopy and upper endoscopy tomorrow morning 7.30. The procedure should take about an hour and i will hear from him immediately after. He has given me a heads up that the anesthesiologist mentioned that there is a decent chance that he will need to be intubated for his procedure. This does not mean that he will remain intubated - the plan is for this to be temporary for the procedure only, that is the plan but of course - as we know anything can happen and slight chance he could end up on a ventilator again. The plan is to lightly sedate him for the procedure, however ultimately they wont know what kind of sedation will be required until they see how he handles the procedure. It can range from light IV sedation to full blown sedation if they have to move to intubation. Currently, he is now receiving another unit of blood as they see this as a benefit to bolster his numbers and keep him stronger. In the event that his blood pressure drops or it seems like the bleeding is picking up, they will then do the procedure today - but again, ideal for full bowl prep cleanup before this type of thing, so tomorrow is ideal. Once inside (him), the plan is to hopefully find the bleeding - the Dr. will be prepared to clip, cauterize or medicate the region to stop the blood flow - although he mentioned with any luck, the bleeding will stop on its own.

2.30pm report: Dr. Kramer will be completing dads colonoscopy and upper endoscopy tomorrow morning 7.30. He has given me a heads up that the anesthesiologist mentioned that there is a decent chance that he will need to be intubated for his procedure. This does not mean that he will remain intubated - the plan is for this to be temporary for the procedure only, that is the plan but of course - as we know anything can happen. Currently, he is receiving another unit of blood as they see this as a benefit to bolster his numbers and keep him stronger. In the event that his blood pressure drops or it seems like the bleeding is picking up, they will then do the procedure today - but again, ideal for full bowl prep cleanup before this type of thing, so tomorrow is ideal. Once inside (him), the plan is to hopefully find the bleeding - the Dr. will be prepared to clip, cauterize or medicate the region to stop the blood flow - although he mentioned with any luck, the bleeding will stop on its own.

Getting used to this whole mask way of life...