Dad's COVID-19 Fight - Post #1 (November 20)
Hi Everyone -
I've been trying to find a way to keep everyone updated on Dad's status and think this is the perfect site. Here is entry number one. Dad tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday (November 16). He was a little tired throughout the week but nothing serious. On Thursday (November 19), his caretaker indicated that she thought his condition had worsened and we decided to air on the side of caution, due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, and have him taken to Jennie Stuart Medical Center. He had a temperature of 101.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course... my Aunt Fran (his sister) continues to be a complete Saint, per usual. The Emergency Room Department kept him about 2-hours before transferring him the the Progressive Care Unit (PCU). Thursday (November 19) evening the nurse called to tell me that Dad's heart rate was extremely high and that he was breathing too quickly to get enough oxygen. Around 10:00 pm he was sedated and moved to a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dad received the antiviral medication, Remdesivir and seemed to have responded well to the treatment by Friday morning. I also gave permission for them to place an arterial line (a common easy procedure that's almost like an IV), so the professionals can constantly monitor his blood pressure and other vitals. Friday (November 20) his vitals remained well and his temperature went back to normal. The nurse told me to expect him to be in the hospital at least 7 to 10 days with at least 4 to 5 days in the ICU. This morning (November 21) the nurse informed me he had a quasi-okay night. He was given medication to treat low blood pressure, which seemed to work (one dose did the trick). They also had to adjust the ventilator to help get his blood oxygen levels back up (this is a little concerning but not too big of a deal). As of 2:30 pm ET (1:30 pm CT) his vitals remain well and Dad is showing what a fighter he is. I will have another update around 6:30 pm ET (5:30 pm CT). Please feel free to share comments on the website. Also - please post any pictures with Dad on the website. I want to make him an album for when he awakes and has to do rehabilitation... that way he knows how many people love and support him. Thanks again to everyone. Your thoughts, love and prayers mean the world to both Dad and I. [...]
