DH's scary journey from 102.7* to 105.6* ~ UPDATE post #33

[4nana]

I apologize in advance for my lenghtly thread ~ however with so many illnesses upon all of us, I really feel the need to share.

It began like any other day, but soon our world would be turned upside down. My dear 72yo DH, who has always been a pillar of strength and health, became very ill and sadly I came close to losing my loving soul mate of 45 yrs.

DH didn't feel up to par all day and that night started a fever of 102.7*. As there is so much sickness in our area we figured it was a 24 hr. bug like many people have. Next day he awoke feeling great, no fever! However by late afternoon he became very ill, almost passing out. I took his vitals, which were not good w/BP 68/55 and his temp was back up so cooled him down, gave him a baby aspirin, as I wasn’t sure what was happening . Thankfully one of our DSonIL's happen to be visiting, so we decided to take him to closest medical center. The Dr. did bld work, felt it was an infection, gave him two shots of antibiotic, said he needed to be hospitalized immediately and he called an ambulance.

Upon arrival at our local hospital 20 min. later, poor DH was shockingly 105.6* and delirious! ER did an EKG, lung xray, more bld work and proceeded to pack him in ice bags and a cooling blanket, oxygen and several IV drips, incl. two antibotics. I was so relieved our SIL was there as he helped reason with DH and help hold him, as he was thrashing about and I didn’t want to see him strapped down as dr had mentioned. I’ve seen 105* fevers in children before, but never in an adult nor witnessed such delirium from a fever ! The attending ER doctor informed us he was critical and if his temperatures remained that way for long he would suffer brain damage or even worse, we could lose him.

Friends, those words hit like a ton of bricks ! I kept thinking how quickly he escalated to critical and ‘what if’ we had not brought him in immediately . Somehow I managed to stay calm, as I have always believed in a higher power and by the grace of God my faith was sustaining me. By now our daughters have arrived which was a great comfort, as the next few hours were very unstable and frightening.

Thankfully by that evening the meds/ice began working, his temps began to drop to 103* range and he was no longer combative. As ICU was at capacity, Dr determined he need to be transferred asap and we chose Georgetown Univ Medical Center. Altho over an hour away, has reputation of one of the best. The Dr called GUMC relaying his critical status and arranged for Medivac to transport him. I can never thank this great ER medical team enough for their quick actions and helping save my dear DH’s life! By the grace of God I guess, DH has no recollection of what happened during his delirious hours.

We arrived at GUMC Hospital 1a.m, with Critical Care Drs and nurses waiting and wasted no time with medical assistance and testing. For the next week, a dozen Drs. from several depts worked his case, as his illness had partially collapsed his lungs, he was jaundice and his liver, gall bladder, pancreas, were very inflamed. They were all baffled, I can’t begin to tell you how many tests and much blood work they ran hourly through out the week….believe me they left no stone unturned. I never left his side, as luckily they provided me sleeping arrangements in the private CCU room with him.

Altho Drs at first suspected sepsis, after much testing and consultation ruled it a terrible virus. Then, like a miracle, our prayers were answered and he began healing, just as quickly as he gotten sick. On day 3 all his numbers began to improve and he wanted to get the heck out of critical care unit of machines, tubes, hoses, wires, beeps, etc., and wanted to walk. By day 4 he was in regular room, by day 6 he was ready to be released! He amazed his doctors and thankfully his fever caused no long lasting effects, but sadly the virus culprit was never labeled! At his weekly ck up Dr was impressed how he’s bounced back, but will continue monthly testing on liver as enzymes are still slightly elevated.

Friends, I shall never look at a fever or virus the same way again ! I am once again reminded how much we take for granted and how quickly our lives can cange in a heartbeat ! This has been quite an experience and we own so much to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, staff, hospitals, EMT teams, and definitely our God. Also our loving family and friends for their much appreciate support and prayers.

I do apologize for my rambling, if you’ve gotten this far, thank you for reading .
Please remember to tell those closest to your heart how much you love and appreciate them daily, as we have no idea what tomorrow may bring . We have since been blessed to celebrate DH’s 73rd BD , are truly praising God for his recovery and the many blessings bestowed us! You can bet, as seniors now facing huge medical bills, we are also so very, very thankful we have afforded to keep our health insurance!

Sending hugs, prayers, pixie dust, that everyone takes good care and stays well!

[KAMKIM]

Originally Posted by 4nana

I apologize in advance for my lenghtly thread ~ however with so many illnesses upon all of us, I really feel the need to share.

It began like any other day, but soon our world would be turned upside down. My dear 72yo DH, who has always been a pillar of strength and health, became very ill and sadly I came close to losing my loving soul mate of 45 yrs.

DH didn't feel up to par all day and that night started a fever of 102.7*. As there is so much sickness in our area we figured it was a 24 hr. bug like many people have. Next day he awoke feeling great, no fever! However by late afternoon he became very ill, almost passing out. I took his vitals, which were not good w/BP 68/55 and his temp was back up so cooled him down, gave him a baby aspirin, as I wasn’t sure what was happening . Thankfully one of our DSonIL's happen to be visiting, so we decided to take him to closest medical center. The Dr. did bld work, felt it was an infection, gave him two shots of antibiotic, said he needed to be hospitalized immediately and he called an ambulance.

Upon arrival at our local hospital 20 min. later, poor DH was shockingly 105.6* and delirious! ER did an EKG, lung xray, more bld work and proceeded to pack him in ice bags and a cooling blanket, oxygen and several IV drips, incl. two antibotics. I was so relieved our SIL was there as he helped reason with DH and help hold him, as he was thrashing about and I didn’t want to see him strapped down as dr had mentioned. I’ve seen 105* fevers in children before, but never in an adult nor witnessed such delirium from a fever ! The attending ER doctor informed us he was critical and if his temperatures remained that way for long he would suffer brain damage or even worse, we could lose him.

Friends, those words hit like a ton of bricks ! I kept thinking how quickly he escalated to critical and ‘what if’ we had not brought him in immediately . Somehow I managed to stay calm, as I have always believed in a higher power and by the grace of God my faith was sustaining me. By now our daughters have arrived which was a great comfort, as the next few hours were very unstable and frightening.

Thankfully by that evening the meds/ice began working, his temps began to drop to 103* range and he was no longer combative. As ICU was at capacity, Dr determined he need to be transferred asap and we chose Georgetown Univ Medical Center. Altho over an hour away, has reputation of one of the best. The Dr called GUMC relaying his critical status and arranged for Medivac to transport him. I can never thank this great ER medical team enough for their quick actions and helping save my dear DH’s life! By the grace of God I guess, DH has no recollection of what happened during his delirious hours.

We arrived at GUMC Hospital 1a.m, with Critical Care Drs and nurses waiting and wasted no time with medical assistance and testing. For the next week, a dozen Drs. from several depts worked his case, as his illness had partially collapsed his lungs, he was jaundice and his liver, gall bladder, pancreas, were very inflamed. They were all baffled, I can’t begin to tell you how many tests and much blood work they ran hourly through out the week….believe me they left no stone unturned. I never left his side, as luckily they provided me sleeping arrangements in the private CCU room with him.

Altho Drs at first suspected sepsis, after much testing and consultation ruled it a terrible virus. Then, like a miracle, our prayers were answered and he began healing, just as quickly as he gotten sick. On day 3 all his numbers began to improve and he wanted to get the heck out of critical care unit of machines, tubes, hoses, wires, beeps, etc., and wanted to walk. By day 4 he was in regular room, by day 6 he was ready to be released! He amazed his doctors and thankfully his fever caused no long lasting effects, but sadly the virus culprit was never labeled! At his weekly ck up Dr was impressed how he’s bounced back, but will continue monthly testing on liver as enzymes are still slightly elevated.

Friends, I shall never look at a fever or virus the same way again ! I am once again reminded how much we take for granted and how quickly our lives can cange in a heartbeat ! This has been quite an experience and we own so much to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, staff, hospitals, EMT teams, and definitely our God. Also our loving family and friends for their much appreciate support and prayers.

I do apologize for my rambling, if you’ve gotten this far, thank you for reading .
Please remember to tell those closest to your heart how much you love and appreciate them daily, as we have no idea what tomorrow may bring . We have since been blessed to celebrate DH’s 73rd BD , are truly praising God for his recovery and the many blessings bestowed us! You can bet, as seniors now facing huge medical bills, we are also so very, very thankful we have afforded to keep our health insurance!

Sending hugs, prayers, pixie dust, that everyone takes good care and stays well!

Wow - so glad he is feeling better. How scary that must have been for all of you!

[Boston Tea Party]

Sometimes it is so hard to know when to act. Thank goodness you did. Glad that hear that he is on the mend.

[Pooh_Friend#1]

That is so scary. Glad he is doing better.

[The Mystery Machine]

[KristiKelly]

Wow, that's really scary. I'm so glad he's feeling better and no one else caught whatever it was.

[NMAmy]

I'm so glad to hear your husband is doing better.

[JessicaR]

Very scary. You must have been so frightened. I am so happy he is doing so well now.

[mrsmom]

That is so scary, I am so glad he is feeling better!
Kim

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Oh, how horribly scary. I am so glad he is on the mend! Hugs to you.

[KristaTX]

Absolutely frightening. I'm so glad your DH is okay .

[Trish Bessette]

I was so afraid to open this thread not knowing how the outcome would be and I am so THANKFUL your DH is doing better! The power of prayer is amazing.

4Nana - you are one of the kindest, sweetest souls that I know on the DIS. The good thoughts that you pass on to many of us shows us the kind of person you are. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

I think we can all use the advice you've given to appreciate what we have every day. It is always good to be reminded of that.

I am so happy your DH is doing well.

[Saphire]

Oh, Sandie, what an ordeal! It must have been so alarming as your DH's condition escalated, how frightening! I am glad your family was around you to support you, and how wonderful to know God was with you in the midst of this trouble. Warm hugs to you and your husband, I am sure the coming days will be very special as you appreciate your time together.

[live4christp1]

Dear Sandie,

Wow! Please know that you all will continue to be in my thoughts & prayers. So glad to hear that your DH is doing better now. Will be praying that the liver enzymes return to normal and that there are no further complications from this ordeal. for you.....I know that on the other side of this now it can all sort of hit you with overwhelming of the situation. Take care of yourself too!

God bless!
Cristy

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I am so glad he is better. How extremely frightening. I'm glad things turned out so well.