07 September 2008

Another emergency.

Yesterday the hospital transferred Greg to the Intensive Care Unit. It seems they were concerned for his neurological state and a chest infection he has developed. Kay and I rushed over yesterday morning to visit him. He was wired up from head to foot with monitors, tubes and lines. He also had an oxygen mask and was getting antibiotics through a line. He was obviously having difficulty breathing as his chest was heaving up and down, but what was more distressing than any of that was that he seems to be on the verge of dementia and was muttering and rambling gobbledegook and seeing things that were not there. Whether that is a direct cause of the alcohol withdrawal - he has not had a drop since Friday breakfast-time when the ambulance came for him - or whether he now has dementia to add to his ailments, I do not know. Only time will tell. They are giving him medication to cope with the alcohol withdrawal. He still cannot stand or walk and seems to have little feeling in his extremities. The hospital goes quiet over the weekend, but the doctors will all be back in on Monday and hopefully I will get a diagnosis then.

15 comments:

Almost American said...

Oh Rosiero, I'm so sorry! I hope this will at least get you some kind of immediate long-term help with Greg rather than having him sent home again and being put on a waiting list.

Flowerpot said...

oh rosiero what a time you are having - or is this has had? Not sure. Take care and keep strong.

DogLover said...

My uneducated guess is that Greg has DTs - delirium tremens - a dreadful accompaniment of alcoholism. With luck, the dementia will not last.

Rosiero, it really is very important that you get to an Al Anon meeting. You'll be able to talk about all these things there, with people who have traveled the same route as you and know what effect they have. Here, on your blog, most of us are only onlookers, without personal experience of this disease.

The phone number is 020 7403 0888. Do please ring them!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you. Hope things will be okay for you.

CJ xx

abcd said...

I am sorry to hear this Rosiero, I hope you get the help you need for Greg but also for youself and Kay.
I think doglover has given you very good advice you need experienced people to support you.

laurie said...

it's absolutely horrifying to think what alcohol can do to a person. i am so sorry for all you are enduring, and all you must continue to endure.

CeeDee said...

What a vile and terrifying disease this is.
x

Akelamalu said...

How awful for you all. I'm sending positive thoughts to you and Reiki, I hope it helps. x

blogthatmama said...

Thinking about you Rosiero blogthatmamax

Kit Courteney said...

Thinking of all of you. I hope things get easier soon.

Anonymous said...

I think you have a huge heart of gold, and you are possibly the strongest Lady in the world.
Please take the advice of 'doglover', you'll never look back, and wonder how in heavens name you lived without the love and acceptance. You deserve every good thing..Al Anon is one of those things. I wish you much peace.
Vonne~

nuttycow said...

I hope everything is ok Rosiero. Fingers crossed for you.

Elaine Denning said...

You're in my thoughts. How terrible. x

DD's Diary said...

Rosiero, so sorry to hear of your troubles. I know it's no consolation at all but there's a little award waiting for you round at my place. Stay strong, love DD

Unknown said...

I just happened onto your blog...I would also encourage you to try an Al Anon meeting as doglover suggested. Al Anon has been a saving grace in my CRAZY world living with alcoholics!