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Now that I'm at a keyboard, I can type more. Dad had his colonoscopy yesterday at about 10:00 a.m. The doctors immediately discovered ulcers all over in his colon. This was the obvious culprit to Dad's bleeding and they were able to cauterize many of them. Because there were so many, they couldn't get them all. Hence, Dad is still bleeding, but not as heavily. He has received 7 units of blood, 2 or 3 units of platelets, and I believe 1 unit of plasma since he got into the hospital on Monday morning. For perspective, we only have about 15 units of blood in our system at a time. Rough times, for sure!

The doctors believe that the ulcers are being caused by either a viral infection called cytomegalovirus or a bacterial infection called c.diff (a shortened version of a long name). Dad already has c.diff, but they just don't know if that's what's causing the ulcers, too. They sent a biopsy from the colonoscopy to the pathology lab, and it should take about 3 days to get the results. In the meantime, they are keeping Dad stabilized with electrolytes, blood cells, antibiotics (for the c.diff and to prevent other infections), and zofran (for nausea).

As for Dad's spirits - He's very, very subdued and doesn't say much. He's totally conscious and aware of everything, but just not in a conversational kind of mood (I'm sure nobody would be). He's trying to rest, but it's tough when you're being poked every hour and have to get up every hour to pass blood. The hospital staff is doing a pretty good job of staying on top of his tests and medications. He had an awesome nurse the past two nights. That was a blessing, for sure!

Mom was able to go home last night and get some rest. I took the graveyard shift, and I'm now home getting ready for bed. :) Dad is in good hands in the Intermediary ICU, and we're hopeful that once they know exactly what's causing the ulcers, they'll be right on it. As for now, we're glad that he's on 24-hour surveillance and that he's stabilized. He can pull through this! I'll post something as soon as we know what is causing his ulcers.