Update on Papa

Lee's dad (Papa) is still in CICU. He was diagnosed yesterday with an ileus (intestinal blockage) and pleural effusion (fluid around and inflamation of the lungs). The nurses attempted to put a tube down his nose into his stomach to release some of the built up fluid and air as he looked like he could deliver triplets at any moment. They tried to insert the tube six times without success. The doctor was notified and he said to hold off on any other attempts until today. He was in a lot of pain yesterday. Today his belly looks a little better and his pain is less. The doctor came in around 2 today and said that he looks better than yesterday. His echocardiogram on his heart came back almost normal which is a huge answer to prayer. He is on antibiotics for the pleural effusion. He also is getting Lasix which makes you get rid of excess fluid in your body.....then they are giving him iv fluids so he doesn't get dehydrated. Hmmm....See if you can figure that one out! He rested a lot today. I don't know if his days and nights are mixed up or if he's just tired after not having slept for three or four days. He will wake up and say hey, but he seems to not want to talk much. I'm sure he's exhausted. They are going to try to get him up to a sitting position tomorrow in his bed. The hospital beds can be made into a chair so we will try this to get him used to sitting up again. We don't know if the dizziness that he suffered with three years ago sitting up will return. CC is hanging in there. I can't imagine having to watch your spouse go through what Papa has been through. She hasn't left his side except at night when visitors aren't allowed. They are an amazing couple! Please keep Papa and our family in your prayers!