Thanksgiving was a remarkable day for many reasons. Unfortunately, it also marked the beginning of Grandpa H's unknown malady. From November 27 through December 4, he began to manifest symptoms including dizziness, slurred speech, and skin rash. As we watched in bewilderment and tried to decide how serious his condition could be, he became increasily unsteady as he walked and even began to talk in his sleep, very loudly I might add. At times we thought Grandpa H was talking on the phone with someone; it was as if he was carrying on a distinctly one-sided conversation with amazing lucidity in spite of the fact that his eyes were closed and he was obviously asleep.
Upon further investigation during an appointment with his cardiologist on Tuesday, it was discovered that Grandpa has been taking Benadryl for his itching. Let it be known that an 88-year-old should never take Benadryl because it can cause vertigo and delerium.
Tuesday, at his regular dialysis session, he was fairly unresponsive, in the nurse's opinion, after finishing his treatment. The nurse advised Greg & Nancy to take him to the ER and, thankfully, with her assistance, Grandpa's admittance was expedited. Grandpa is now resting comfortably in The Christ Hospital, having blood drawn and tested, and a CT scan performed. Grandpa's ammonia level is too high and his liver function is out of range. The CT scan is not specific enough to show if he had a stroke.
As of Thursday evening, Grandpa H had been moved to the Rehab Unit and will have physical therapy on a regular basis. We don't know yet when he will come home.
In the meantime, Grandpa would enjoy cards, visitors, Hershey's chocolate, or a pastry or tea ring from St. Lawrence Bakery.
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