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Richard (Dick)’s Story
Site created on November 8, 2019
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Dad was admitted to St. Mary's / Essentia Health Hospital in Duluth Tuesday, Oct 29 with severe abdominal pain. He was kept comfortable and doctors treated him conservatively hoping the bowel obstruction, the source of his pain, would move on its own. Unfortunately, this did not happen and he had surgery on Sunday, Nov 3. The surgeon told us he didn't know what he would find inside. Surgery took 5 hours and the surgeon explained he had an obstruction, a twisted bowel and multiple perforations in his small intestine. Very, very serious and he became septic (no cancer was found). He was moved to the Surgical ICU where he has had a personal team of outstanding nurses. He was on multiple suppressors to monitor his blood pressure along with large doses of antibiotics for the sepsis. Because he didn't seem to be improving, the doctors felt a second surgery was necessary to see if there were any other issues with his intestines. This decision was a good one as they found another perforation and removed a portion of the small intestine. When the surgeon came to tell us this after the 2 1/2 hour surgery, we were hopeful and relieved at what he found. Back to SICU where he was monitored 1:1 with his amazing care team, he was hooked up to over 12 medicines/monitors regulating his pain meds, antibiotics, blood pressure, heart rhythm and lung function. He continues to be sedated so he can heal and will wake up when his body is ready. Thanks to all for the prayers, the multiple prayer chains, and the wonderful, amazing medical staff at St. Mary’s.
