Dad update

Dad is definitely improving. His cellulitis started in his right ear, at least that's the thought. The doc called it a perichondritis, or inflammation of the ear cartilage. The eye doc said that his eye is ok, praise God! They still have not been able to evaluate his ear for damage d/t too much swelling. He will be in the hospital another two to three days, he still needs two different antibiotics by IV. The doc wants to make sure that the infection is gone so that it doesn't rebound back with a more resistant strain and really cause damage. The swelling has gone down a great deal, now his skin is shrinking back and starting to peel, it is very itchy and still red, but he can't touch it for fear of having more/different bacteria enter in.

Today they stopped his IV steroids, they will change him over to pills to gradually decrease his dose. It has caused some mood swings, which is a common side effect on the high dose he was on. It has also caused his blood sugars to be very high, requiring insulin several times a day, he is not even a diabetic. Who would have thought that a "little skin infection" could cause so much trouble? He can open his mouth now, so is able to eat a regular diet, which he is happy about :o) .

I just thank God that he went to the hospital when he did and that God is using the doctors at this hospital to treat him. As immigrants (we came over from Scotland when I was a toddler), we really appreciate the care that we can receive in this country. We realize that so many people in other countries would have terrible results, even death, from such an infection, but that we are blessed to be able to receive such good care. I'm not saying health care can't be improved upon, it ALWAYS can, but I wouldn't want to be in any other country receiving health care. Just my two cents worth for the day.

Blessings one and all...