Thoughts and prayers please

Hi all. Sorry I've been MIA. My dad was admitted to the hospital on Saturday. Long story short, he went to the ER because after getting up from a nap, he went to use the bathroom and started to pass out, he fought it, bounced off some furniture (hitting his head and requiring stitches) and lost control of his bowels. His stool was black and the doctors determined there was blood in it. So far they've taking a chest xray, some doppler of the artery in his neck to check for blockage, ultrasound of his heart and stomach, CAT scan for hitting his head, EKG for his heart, then yesterday an EGD and colonoscopy to find the source of the bleeding. No ulcer or colon tumors were found. They decided they were going to do a stress test today and if that was good, he could go home today. HELLO??? Did they find the source of the bleeding?? *he STILL has black stool* Oh, and they did have to give him 2 pints of blood because he was so anemic (blood loss will do that) before they could even do the EGD and colonoscopy. So Dad and I have both decided he's NOT leaving there until the find the cause of the problem, AND FIX IT! Your thoughts and prayers for him would greatly be appreciated. Also, he just recently started a new job after being unemployed for nearly a year, please keep hopeful that they'll keep his job open. He was so happy to get this job because it was less physical, more money, and most importantly less stressful. I appreciate all you can muster. Hugs to all!

Sounds like he has or HAD a GI bleed at some point. At least the blood is dark.. that could mean it was an old bleed that has since "fixed" itself.. I'd keep an eye on his stools though.. if it continues to be black or gets brighter red make sure they follow up asap on it. Is he on iron? that may make it dark in appearance as you know but also since he is anemic sounds like he definently was bleeding at some point or still is.. they may start him on iron now if he wasn't on it already and this will make his stools continue to look dark black or greenish. Does he have any other symptoms? Any abdominal cramping, bloating? I am praying for him.. you got many prayers being lifted his way with this group! Glad to hear about the new job.. thats a great thing. I hope he can keep this job and be happy with it. Keep us posted.. I am glad you are there by his side being his advocate, unfortunately sometimes patients families have to make a strong stand to get the type of care they want. I will say in the healthcare professionals defense that after all those tests are done and they can't find anything.. sometimes that is just the way it is.. ends up being an idiopathic diagnosis (meaning we can't figure it out the source of it..sigh) and could have "fixed" itself in the meantime or be on its way to resolving itself now and so you can't find the source. More than anything though, sounds like they have ordered all the appropriate tests given your dad's symptoms and treating them as they should.. but I can understand wanting to know why and the source/root of the problem. My fingers are crossed for you. So glad you are a lady who understands health care somewhat and can be his angel he needs right now and help make sound decisions regarding his care. So many patients just do not have that.. he is one blessed, lucky guy to have a daughter like you. Praying for you all... Let me know if I can help in any way ok? I am a phone call away. I can listen ALL day.. if nothing else.

Melissa, thank you so much! My concern here is that they looked at the stomach and the colon but nothing in between. Doc even admitted that...so I *we* would like to see that area checked as well. He's not on iron and they DID test the stool to confirm the blood. I also forgot to mention the blood pressure issue in that it's pretty low. Especially for him since he takes medication for it being high. He'd not had any meds for it since being in there and it remained low. Other than that, there have been no other symptoms. No bloating, cramping, burning, etc. I do understand the healthcare system for the most part. My mom has lupus and for the longest time she was the queen of "idiopathic" and some times still is. We've remained calm and patient thus far, just were really concerned when release was discussed, but any treatments or recommendations were not. I should also note that this hospital is one of concern, meaning 3 people in our family were overlooked at some point who had serious health concerns, and my husband's grandmother was sent home after a major heart attack instead of having surgery to correct the blockage. She died 2 weeks later. *note on that, I wasn't there for that so I don't know ALL the details, but from what he says, they didn't inform him (or her) of the blockage.* That could all be not entirely true, but just the info that was passed on to me, hence my concern of that hospital. Thanks again Melissa, and I'll keep everyone posted. I just may call...I was holding it together pretty well, but I'm starting to feel alone in this. Hugs, Shawn

You call me anytime.. ok? PM me if u wanna make that call, I will give you my #'s. *HUGS*

Shawneena Sorry to hear about your dad being sick I will definately keep you guys in my prayers that they will find the problem, take care of it and that his job will still be there when he is back on his feet. Thoughts and Prayers Mini Me

Thanks so much Mini Me, we sure could use all we can get! hugs, Shawn

Shawnee I will for sure, I know medical problems with loved ones are soooo stressful and scary... BIG HUGS TO YOU!!!! Erin

Thanks Erin, we're hanging in there. Hope you're feeling well.

Oh, Shawn...I just read this post and saw that you updatd with a . My heart goes out to your dad, you, and your family... Prayers on their way to you all! XOXOXO Ro going to see your update... hope all will be OK... Smooch... Ro

Thanks Ro...it will be.