Oh What a Night!

I just went thru almost 24 hours without sleep, save for a couple of cat naps.

I was up at around 3 am surfing the web, when Mum called. She said that Dad was breathless, and gasping for air, and needs to go to the hospital asap. I called for the ambulance, while Mike, Nic and myself made our way to the hospital Emergency Room.

At the hospital, the doctors and nurses attended to my Dad while we waited around, trying to stay awake. Our heart sank when the Doc told us that Dad is seriously ill, and need to be intubated to help with his breathing. They will also need to ward him in ICU to observe him, and put him thru' his dialysis treatment. The Doc also said that his condition isn't very good, and there may be a chance that his condition may take a turn for the worse, and we are to be prepared.

Mum broke down at this point, lamenting about how she should have spend more time with him, should have talk to him more...At this point in time, I have my regrets as well. I do find it a bore listening him to him ramble about stories of days gone by. Despite his ramblings, I still do love him dearly. It was a really sad to see him all hooked up to the machines, and seeing him so uncomfortable with the tube down his throat. It was such a sorry sight, and i just felt so helpless seeing him lying there.

The nurses usher us to the Family Lounge where we could rest, and for the next 8 hours, we waited...

At around 5 plus in the morning, a family of 22 adults and 4 children (not above the age of 6) descended upon the Family Lounge like nesting crows to an angsana tree! In the small tiny room next to the ICU, there was chattering, and giggling, it is hard to imagine that they are anxiously awaiting the news of their loved one who is warded in the ICU. It felt more like a Hari Raya gathering. For a person who hasn't slept a wink, i was pissed with the noise, and the inappropriate festivity in the room. Argh..

Dad was hooked up on the dialysis machine at around 7 am. As the machine works its magic, Dad regains his ability to breathe on his own again. He look and felt better, and have been transferred to the general ward this afternoon. It seems like a close shave for my Dad...i guess God is still doing up my Dad's room :)

"In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."