Update on My Dad

I just want to thank everyone for your constant thoughts and prayers for my dad.  It's easier for me to just write a general update on here rather than reply to several emails.  Many of you know that my dad was transferred to Johns Hopkins last Wednesday.  It has not been what we were expecting at all, but it is what it is.  I just got back from visiting with him and was finally able to talk with a doctor for the first time since he was admitted.  Since he's been in Baltimore, he's received dialysis a few times as scheduled.  They tried to add an extra day over the weekend, but were unble to get any fluid off due to his blood pressure dropping so low.  He has all kinds of CT scans, and MRI, sonograms, etc... of his stomach to see why that has become so bloated.  He had a lot of extra fluid in his abdomen and was causing him a lot of pain, but they wouldn't give him any pain meds because they were afraid it would slow down his breathing.  Last night they finally decided to drain his stomach and were able to remove about 3 liters.  He is much more comfortable, but still is very swollen all over.  He said he's had about 24 pounds or so of fluid removed in the past week (between the dialysis and draining his abdomen).  You can imagine how skinny he is at this point.  They found bacteria in the fluid in his stomach and are treating him with antibiotics.  He also has pneumonia and are treating him for that.  He is still bleeding out and no idea what is causing that.  They did a MRI today which showed a very large cyst in his pancreas and he will be having a biopsy of that on Friday as well as some other kinds of testing.  We are going on 7 weeks now of no real answers, just new complications.  How he's held on so long is truly a mystery to me. 

I have no idea who is reading this, but if you happen to know Harriet (or her children), please do not pass along any info regarding my dad.  My dad has talked to her, my mom has talked to her (and is telling her more or less what is going on), and she still feels the need to be more informed.  My dad has made it very clear to me and in his own words, "Tell her to leave me the f**k alone and stay out of my business."  You would think when my dad let her keep the house, boats, and everything else in FL, she would have gotten the hint that he has no desire to ever see her again in life, but some people don't catch on so quickly! ;)

Anyway, I am supposed to be getting a call from another doctor tomorrow morning with a little more info.  (I am seriously not holding my breath!)  And will update with any changes.  Thanks again for the prayers! :)