I have to say that I was very please with the thorough examination by Dr. U in the emergency department. Dr. U determined that Dad's condition was not arthritis or tiredness as Dad keep insisting, but neurological. He immediately ordered a CT scan, X-ray and EKG. Dad was still his jovial self although he could not walk or support his weight.
Later that night, on Christmas night, we (Aunt Gweneth and I) saw the CT scan and I saw it. Subdural hematoma with a bit of swelling and a mid-line shift. All of this as the cause of all of the neurological issues. Dad's mind was telling his body to work, but the brain was unable to coordinate.
We were then able to meet with the consultant Dr. Lewis who was able to review the results recommended that Dad be seen by a neurologist. It just so happened that a neurosurgeon from Trinidad was flying to Mount Saint John Medical Centre to operate on 2 other patients.
Dad was able to be seen by Dr. K. He wanted to do surgery (Burr holes) on Dad but spoke to the family and gave us time to decide whether or not to have the surgery done in Antigua. (Click here for a video on Burr Holes--graphic content!)
Dr. K explained that Dad's condition was "not an emergency" (An emergency to Dr.K was a condition where he would have to intervene within 4 to 12 hours or the patient would get worse). Dad and I decided that he should come to NY to have the surgery. Dr. K cleared Dad to fly. (There are mixed opinions about flying with Subdural Hematoma. Most doctors will not clear a patient with this condition to fly) Dr. K then flew back to Trinidad on Sunday.
Dad was moved to the men's surgical ward where he remained for the next 7 days. Dad had mixed reviews of the medical staff. Some of the nurses were excellent and some of the nurses on staff need a bit more training in bed side manner. Dad had lots of visitors (but no TV so he was bored).
A few of the visitors began to notice that Dad was getting a bit more lethargic as we got closer and closer to returning to NY. At first I thought he was tired because there was no TV but then I noticed that his speech was getting slower, he was unable to keep his eyes opened for more than a few minutes and he was unable to write. I prayed and prayed that he would make it to Wednesday, 12/31.
Tuesday night was a bit nerve wrecking. I made sure to pack up some of dad's clothes and make sure that arrangements were in place for Mom.
On Wednesday, 12/31, We packed up the car with the bags and the kids and headed to the hospital. When I got there, Dad was pretty much dressed but was still very lethargic. Although, an ambulance was "booked" to take us to the airport, I was not ready. I called my friend and he was able to get an ETA for an ambulance. An ambulance arrived and Dad was whisked away to the airport.
We arrived to the airport and I was able to return the rental, check in and have dad off-loaded from the ambulance and onto the wheel chair. The AA representative wheeled us through immigration, scanning and had us wait in the area right before boarded. The plane had a bit of mechanical issues, and was delayed a bit.
Later that night, on Christmas night, we (Aunt Gweneth and I) saw the CT scan and I saw it. Subdural hematoma with a bit of swelling and a mid-line shift. All of this as the cause of all of the neurological issues. Dad's mind was telling his body to work, but the brain was unable to coordinate.
We were then able to meet with the consultant Dr. Lewis who was able to review the results recommended that Dad be seen by a neurologist. It just so happened that a neurosurgeon from Trinidad was flying to Mount Saint John Medical Centre to operate on 2 other patients.
Dad was able to be seen by Dr. K. He wanted to do surgery (Burr holes) on Dad but spoke to the family and gave us time to decide whether or not to have the surgery done in Antigua. (Click here for a video on Burr Holes--graphic content!)
Dr. K explained that Dad's condition was "not an emergency" (An emergency to Dr.K was a condition where he would have to intervene within 4 to 12 hours or the patient would get worse). Dad and I decided that he should come to NY to have the surgery. Dr. K cleared Dad to fly. (There are mixed opinions about flying with Subdural Hematoma. Most doctors will not clear a patient with this condition to fly) Dr. K then flew back to Trinidad on Sunday.
Dad was moved to the men's surgical ward where he remained for the next 7 days. Dad had mixed reviews of the medical staff. Some of the nurses were excellent and some of the nurses on staff need a bit more training in bed side manner. Dad had lots of visitors (but no TV so he was bored).
A few of the visitors began to notice that Dad was getting a bit more lethargic as we got closer and closer to returning to NY. At first I thought he was tired because there was no TV but then I noticed that his speech was getting slower, he was unable to keep his eyes opened for more than a few minutes and he was unable to write. I prayed and prayed that he would make it to Wednesday, 12/31.
Tuesday night was a bit nerve wrecking. I made sure to pack up some of dad's clothes and make sure that arrangements were in place for Mom.
On Wednesday, 12/31, We packed up the car with the bags and the kids and headed to the hospital. When I got there, Dad was pretty much dressed but was still very lethargic. Although, an ambulance was "booked" to take us to the airport, I was not ready. I called my friend and he was able to get an ETA for an ambulance. An ambulance arrived and Dad was whisked away to the airport.
We arrived to the airport and I was able to return the rental, check in and have dad off-loaded from the ambulance and onto the wheel chair. The AA representative wheeled us through immigration, scanning and had us wait in the area right before boarded. The plane had a bit of mechanical issues, and was delayed a bit.