Tuesday, July 13, 2010

An Unexpected Turn For The Worst

Today was one of the worst days of my life. Dad is now paralyzed from the waist down!!! At 1 am he got up to go to bathroom and as he was walking back to bed his legs just went numb and gave way. My mom called my brother to come help get him back in bed. At that time he was able to wiggle his toes so mom thought it was due to the double dose of morphine. When I got there today dad told me that his legs were still numb.... I asked him to wiggle his toes which he did slightly but I also noticed that he could not move or lift his legs so I immediately called the doctor's office. Grace the nurse informed me that the morphine would not cause such a reaction and that I should call 911, which I did.
According to what I was able to understand and absorb... there is swelling around the tumor located in his spinal area and the swelling is causing pressure that is affecting his spine causing the paralysis. The next 48 hours will determine if the paralysis is temporary or permanent. The swelling could be due to tumor but also to the radiation he is receiving. I am not getting any clear answers from the doctors and I am very frustrated and non trusting of what they tell me. So far the doctor's have been wrong on all accounts.
He finally was taken from the ER to a room around 8:30 pm (approx. 7 hours in ER). I am so exhausted and numb myself. When I left dad he was resting comfortably. I can't imagine what he is thinking or feeling... I wish there is more that I can do... I feel bad for leaving him there... I feel so helpless!!!

1 comment:

  1. Thinking of Uncle Alec right now. Hoping and praying he is feeling a little less pain today. I pray he is visiting with his wonderful family. I hope someone will share with him that I am praying for him and that I have shared a prayer request with all of my friends on FB, of course. I have prayed for many of their friends and family and now it's time to return the favor, lol.....we need all we can get. Much love to the Uncle Alec and his entire family!! With <3 (love)Dawn and Family

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