Medical Mayhem

I know many of you are eager to hear about Brian's injury update, and trust me, I'll get there.

But I'm a journalist after all, and I have to start with the most serious news first.

My dad was admitted at a local hospital today after having shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Unfortunately, the doctors discovered several serious problems. I'll try not to get too technical, but he has several blood clots in his lungs, his heart tests have been irregular and his kidneys aren't functioning properly. He's also anemic.

But the good news, and I know it doesn't seem like much after writing that sentence, is he's his old ornery self. All of you who know my dad know that's a very positive sign. He's cracked about half a dozen jokes with each doctor and nurse. Sometimes, I think I see them mentally saying to themselves: "OK, get back to the task at hand. Enough joking. Stay focused." Then, of course my dad pulls out another wise crack - usually related to one of the many wires he has attached to his body.

Even though he's remaining jovial, the serious nature of his health isn't lost on him. These are all life-threatening conditions that need to be carefully monitored. I've spoken with two of his doctors today, and am quite impressed with them - particularly Dr. H., his primary care physician. She insisted he go to the hospital this morning. She also reiterated how serious his condition is several times.

On our plate tomorrow, will be a battery of tests - particularly aimed at the heart. We're hoping that the heart irregularities have been caused by a strain from the blood clots, but realize there could also be separate heart issues that need to be addressed.

The doctor is also completing several tests on his kidney and when I arrive first thing in the morning on Friday, she should have some results on that issue as well. The heart tests will take place throughout the day on Friday.

Dr. H. says it will take Dad several weeks to recover just from the blood clots in the lungs and he will need to remain on medicines for that issue for many months.

I must admit that even though this is my hometown hospital, I always worry about being at a smaller hospital for potentially life-threatening issues. But, the standard of care has been excellent. Dr. H. is monitoring Dad's progress on her computer throughout the day while she's at her office seeing patients. She returned my call in minutes and put up my "reporter-style battery" of questions, which can cause even the most sane person to lose their mind. All of the nurses are updating his chart on their laptop computers and Dad's getting poked every few hours. I'm comforted by that, because I know they're very closely watching all of his conditions.

Now, on to Brian's status. Unfortunately, his knee is a disaster - to put it bluntly. Basically, ever ligament that could be torn was torn. His ACL, MCL and LCL, were all torn.

The good news is just the ACL needs to be repaired and the other ligaments are expected to heal. We have surgery scheduled for next Thursday. He'll be in serious pain for one week, but one week after surgery he'll start rehab and should return to work.

Liz and I are staying at my mom's and will be here until things improve for my dad. Luckily, Brian's been working from home and is able to hobble around the house quite nicely now.

My boss has remained incredible as we've been cobbling from one medical issue to another. Everyone keeps telling me: "These things happen in threes. What will happen next?" That's not something I want to hear.

Right before I started the blog, we had a medical scare with Liz. If we must have "3 medical issues" I hope that can count as our third.