Is There a Dr. In The House? (1 Viewer)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I feel bad for asking, but I'm trying to figure out if I need to drop what I'm doing and jump on a plane or if I can wait until there's a proper diagnosis before deciding what to do.

My dad's been ill for about a week.  Fever (as high as 102) and lethargy.  Went to the Dr. where they found low potassium.  Treated him and sent him home.  Back at the doctor a few days later and his white blood cell count is off the charts.  Immediately send him to the ER.  Admitted.  Last night his heart rate spiked and he was admitted to ICU, where he was stabilized.  He's out of ICU now.  As of an hour ago they still don't know exactly what's wrong, but have settled on "an infection" that's seemingly tied to his liver or pancreas somehow.  Unfortunately that's all I've got to go on. 

I don't want to grill my stepmom for details or get into worst-case possibles with her, so I'm hoping to get some general guidance.

ETA:  74 and no major health issues.

 

[Galileo]

Not sure of your situation, but if time and money are not a huge concern, then what is the downside to getting on a plane and visiting/supporting both your mom and dad regardless of what the diagnosis ends up being?

 

[parasaurolophus]

Can you ask your dad to give you permission to speak to the doctor? My sister found this very helpful with our dad. She spoke to the doctor once or twice and was able to come in from out of town at a time she felt comfortable. 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Can you ask your dad to give you permission to speak to the doctor? My sister found this very helpful with our dad. She spoke to the doctor once or twice and was able to come in from out of town at a time she felt comfortable. 

Thanks for this.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Do you and your stepmom not get along?  Why are you hesitant about asking her for more info?

 

[simey]

My uncle had some of those symptoms when he was sepsis. I guess since they have settled on an infection they would be looking for signs of it.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Do you and your stepmom not get along?  Why are you hesitant about asking her for more info?

We're tight, but I don't think there really are a lot more details at this point and she's stressed enough I don't want to go to "chances of dying" with her right now.

 

[johnnycakes]

I’m just a drunk on a barstool but...  based on what you have now, I would not “drop everything and jump on a plane.”   Rather, I would wait for more facts to come to light. Perhaps be prepared to drop everything and jump on a plane in the near future...  just not now.  

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Can you ask your dad to give you permission to speak to the doctor? My sister found this very helpful with our dad. She spoke to the doctor once or twice and was able to come in from out of town at a time she felt comfortable. 

Good info here

 

[bucksoh]

Has your dad been on lasix or some other form of diuretic for a while or is it new?  Would explain the low potassium and high heart rate.  Is his fever coupled with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting which also could explain the low potassium high hr.  It sounds like your father might be developing a pneumonia.  Nothing to worry bout for now unless get worse.

 

[Terminalxylem]

A 74 year old admitted to the ICU, with a white blood cell count off the charts, possibly due to hepatic/pancreatic infection? That sounds pretty bad.

The low potassium is probably inconsequential, but the rest warrants a discussion with the MD to determine his status. (S)he will be able to tell you if you need to drop everything.

 

[eoMMan]

I say go see him. 

 

[Chemical X]

do not grill your step mom.  this would make things worse, especially if she is not seasoned correctly or the grill is the wrong size.

 

[bucksoh]

Any update?

 

[[scooter]]

do not grill your step mom.  this would make things worse, especially if she is not seasoned correctly or the grill is the wrong size.

I feel bad for laughing.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

do not grill your step mom.  this would make things worse, especially if she is not seasoned correctly or the grill is the wrong size.

is this mike on?  hello?

 

[gianmarco]

is this mike on?  hello?

Heading down to the Autopsy Club later?

Spoiler

It's open Mike night.

 

[wilked]

It’s not 100% clear but I do feel confident that the crowd-sources FFA opinion will be more informed than the doctor who is physically there