Bill ended up in the hospital again, this time with C.Diff (major bleeding and diarrhea). They put him on Vancomycin before releasing him after a couple of days. In tests it showed anemia; malnutrition, blood problems (which could have been exasperated by the C.Diff infection); nodules on lungs (test for previous Valley Fever showed negative); some mild calcification of the aorta valve; mild aneurism in that area as well; and lesion on tail of pancreas. Kids do not think he is in any danger as all findings seem to be in the 'mild' range. One heck of a lot of 'mid' problems to my way of thinking. He has lost over 5% of body weight in a month. Now coughing and having problems swallowing. No apatite. Family doctor advised to follow up with CT or MRI in 3 to 6 months on lungs and pancreas. Has an appointment with family doctor on the 11th.
At least the diarrhea has stopped (he had problems getting to the bathroom in time). Is receiving some more home health - which he resists. He finally consented to a shower yesterday after refusing for over 4 months (he would use shower wipes only). Even hospital or NH couldn't get him into the shower!
Has been angry/grumpy more lately (thank heavens for Seroquel - which has helped a lot).
A few days before ER/Hospital he fell backwards into the tub - required another 911 call as I couldn't get him out.
I'm thinking cumulative effect of so many 'mild' problems is not good - and kids are holding out 'mild' as a lodestone that there really isn't anything wrong. Thinks 162 looks good on his 6 foot frame (he is almost down to skin and bones). Yesterday slight swelling of his ankles. Kids really don't want to talk about symptoms.