Complications

"Complications"
June 3, 2011

My dad always begins a weekend hopeful that he can make it to Monday's dialysis treatment without another ambulance ride. So, Sunday evening when he began experiencing difficulty breathing, he kept saying, "Don't call (911) yet... I think I can make it." But by 10 pm, he was being taken on an all-too-familiar trip back to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, the dialysis nurse quickly noticed that things were just not going right. Dad was sent to the CCU (Cardiac Care Unit), where they found that the fluid around his heart was so excessive, it was making it difficult for his heart to beat. A quick decision was made to do a surgical procedure to remove the fluid. So, on Tuesday, they made a "window" in the pericardial cavity with a tube to help drain the fluid.

While performing this surgical procedure, they discovered that my dad has a viral infection around his heart. And because of the infection, he experienced pretty significant complications from the surgery twice on Tuesday night. The surgeon was called into his room for extra stitches and readjustments of the tubes. It was an intense couple of hours for both my parents (and probably that medical team as well). Currently, he has 2 tubes removing fluids from his chest and a new PICC line for administering meds, etc.

Thursday, they decided to remove the larger tube from his chest. It was supposed to be a relatively simple procedure, but it ended up causing his right lung to partially collapse. He was in great pain and had much difficulty breathing. It was a frightening afternoon for both my mom and dad, to say the least.

As of today (Friday) my dad is still in the CCU with no idea how long he will remain there. They are still waiting on test results to confirm or rule out pneumonia, and he has been diagnosed with pericarditis. The pain medicine helps with the chest pain as well as the shingles, so he is resting fairly comfortably now.

And knowing that my dad is, quite literally, breathing a little easier... my mom is starting to, figuratively, breathe a bit easier, too.

Comments

Anonymous said…
We are so sorry there were complications and that you had to end up in the hospital and have all these extra procedures done. We are praying continually for you and Patra and your family as this "nasty little disease" just keeps providing more surprises and, unfortunately, not the good kinds. We still pray for miracles to occur and that you will be feeling better soon so you can see that new grandbaby! At least, you were at the right place when the complications set in. Bless your hearts (literally and figuratively) you are such a special family!
Take care all!

Ted & Carol W
Anonymous said…
Oh, Bob, we are so sorry to hear of this situation. You and your family are such special people, and we want to help, but feel quite helpless. We do continue to pray many times day and night for all of you.
Our hearts remain with you during this most difficult time.
Jenny, thanks for the candid update. You are so sweet to share with us. It is almost as if this comes straight from your dad's lips. Please call if we can do ANYTHING at all.
We love you.
Lex and Linda
Anonymous said…
We are so sorry to hear that there were complications with the surgery but hopefully now, you all can get some much needed rest. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Dennis, Patti, Fred and MK
Anonymous said…
Bob & Patra,
You two are so brave! And as I am
sure you know, bravery has nothing to do with "lack of fear" - to fear
is to be human - and only perfect
love can cancel out fear's negative
effect. If we could only see with
spiritual clarity - in times like these - we could see God's angels standing at attention and saying,
"Now Lord?" - and God replying,
"I will tell you when. For now I
am completing the beautiful work that I began in Bob's life many years ago. It is not for you angels to know the day or the hour that I have chosen to place this
trophy in my heavenly showcase. Honor My Sovereignty and observe My
Grace and see My Will unfold."
Bob your situation daily causes me
to seek to become more holy, that I might be the Righteous Man who's
prayers are heard and "availeth much".
Ken Hall
Anonymous said…
Hi to ALL the Buggs,

Know the Perry's think of you often and pray for you often. Thanks for teaching us so much through this difficult journey, we love you ALL!

Only By HIS Grace - Steven, Linda, Shay & Spencer
Anonymous said…
Sooo sorry to hear about all this - continuing to pray for everyone. I really appreciate the updates as I think of you all so often and wonder how things are.
Love you!
Linda Hyde
Beautiful Grace said…
Thinking of you Mr. Bugg and praying for you and your family. You all are such a beautiful reflection of Christ's Love!