Dad Update VII

So...we're kind of in a "holding pattern" now.  Dad had the tracheostomy yesterday.  He now has a two inch tube connected to an incision in his throat connected to a bag on the outside of his body to assist in breathing.

He currently has a feeding tube up his nose, as the tracheostomy makes it impossible to "eat".

The liver doctor has been called back in, because of elevated levels of something (can't remember at this point) are causing concern.

So...he'll probably be in the ICU for another 4 or 5 days (bringing the total up to 21), and will then possibly be transferred to the respiratory ICU, in which he could be for several months.

At this point in time, mom is facing the DAUNTING task of taking care of some legal stuff...signing up for medicare, looking into VA assistance, insurance issues, etc.  Laws are very tricky when something like this occurs...designed to protect the hospitalized from letting people take their money, institutionalize, and generally SCREW with them.  Unfortunately, they also prevent spouses, children, etc. from getting things worked out.

So...send your good wishes and prayers mom's way, as she tries to navigate this potential minefield of taking care of bills, insurance, and legal crap...

Since nothing new is really happening at this point, and we're still in that dreaded "holding pattern", updates will only come as needed.  Keep checking back...the way things have been going so far, it's SURE to be an interesting journey...

THANK YOU for your concern, prayers, good thoughts, and love...keep it coming!!!!