Monday April 20

I finally found out the results of the latest CT scan. And they are ---- nothing. Yup, it didn't show up any infection deep inside that would need attention. Dad's wound does have some oozing pus (according to Dr H) but evidently that is not what is causing dad's low grade fever. Still waiting for cultures to come back.

I asked Dr H (who is the ICU rotating doctor) about one of the medicines they are giving dad. It's called Versed. They have been giving it to dad when he gets really agitated. It does calm him down but it also sedates him which on top of his pain medicine (Fentinal) -- which also has a sedating effect -- has him sleeping more than I think he should be. They say they want him awake but yet the medicines they give him make him sleep, AND I just read that Versed can give the patient a hangover effect. No wonder dad doesn't seem to be aware of everything going on, they are keeping him too drugged. I don't doubt that dad needs this medicine but I think they could reduce the dose or find another drug to calm him without sedating him so much. Dr H said it was something to consider and asked how sleepy the Versed made dad. I just pointed to dad who was asleep through us talking and machines beeping which the doctor found interesting. I saw him write something in dad's chart but I don't know if he is going to change anything or wait for dad's surgeon Dr B to make the call. I do intend to stay on top of this because I don't think it is good for dad in the long run and (I didn't mention to anyone at the hospital) I can't help but wonder if the nurses aren't giving it a little to freely so they don't have to deal with dad, it seems like every time I call to check up on dad they tell me they have had to give him some Versed. Maybe they aren't giving it to him all that often but it sure seems like it.

This afternoon when I went to see dad he was more awake and I know he recognized me because he puckered up and gave me a kiss, he also squeezed my hand several times. He doesn't follow commands all the time and sometimes I wonder if he realizes it's me so when he does the puckering thing I KNOW he knows. And it REALLY makes me feel good.

Oh, Dr H said dad still has pneumonia (I thought it would be gone by now)

Keep those prayers going up for dad and me. Remember Aunt Betty in your prayers also.

Kathy