Blood Infections

Any kind of infection in the blood is a bad thing. Treatment for them and recovery from them is dependent upon a LOT of factors. Age, general health of the patient, what exactly is causing the infection, how advanced it is, and so forth. The thing about blood infections (aka sepsis) is that they can go very wrong very quickly.

Honestly ... I'd find a way to go see him. Either take public transit or see if I could find someone to take me.

an infection of the blood stream (sepsis) is severe... many people do not survive. if he is on a respirator he si in ICU. I would make an effort to go see him.

My little son contracted a weird blood infection.
It was pretty serious, but he had two days of hospital I.V. antibiotics and a week of oral antibiotics.
He recovered fully.

We never did know what caused the infection. He survived it. That's all that matters. He's never had another one since.

An hour is not that far. It's a pain to make the transfers, but it's worth it to go see your dad. Let him know you are there for him.

Just my opinion and best wishes.

Just came home from hospital from one. For me, I know immediately when it is beginning. Long story. Does he have a fever? When were the cultures drawn? Hopefully, he is being treated as I write this. If cultures are negative they will stop antibiotics. I am not going to lie, it can be a life threatening infection. Sounds like docs are on top of things. PM me if you want more info. Unfortunately, I have lots of experience.

You don't have enough information to know how serious this is. Hopefully there is a family member with him who has conversations with the doctor. I'd ask that person for more information. What does the doctor say about possible diagnosis and prognosis? Does the medical team suggest that you come visit? The only way you can get accurate information is from the doctor.

If this were my father I would find a way to visit. And I'd plan to be there when the doctor is in the hospital. You can tell the nurse that you'd like to see the doctor and if he's in the hospital he'll come to see you. Call ahead of time and ask when would be the best time to visit. Ask the person with your father to have your father tell the nurse that she can give you information. With your father's permission the doctor can call you.

I would not leave my kids home alone. From previous posts I see that you have little ones. And a husband. Could he watch them while you go visit? Do you have a friend with a car who would take you? Now is the time to use your resources.

Good for you for not googling it! The term is too vague and you will just get a lot of scary stuff that may not be relevant to your father's situation and specific infection. And if it's a "possible" infection, that's even less specific.

I am sure it's so hard to be far away. If he's heavily sedated, he may not even realize who is there and who is not there, so try to go easy on yourself. Who else is there with him? Can you get on the phone with the doctor (you will need permission from your father or other family member there, unless you are his health care proxy, in which case you are entitled to the info). Exactly who gave you this "message"? Family member? Hospital?

If he's sedated, they are trying to keep him calm and quiet so the antibiotics can do their job, or at least so they can do proper tests and get a good diagnosis. I guess if you could be sure of seeing the doctor, it would be worth the effort to go through that crazy mass transit schedule to get there. Usually, medical rounds are early in the morning so if you can get there for 7 AM and just stay until the doctors arrive, that would be good. (Unless he's in intensive care and you can't be at his bedside), If you have to wear gloves and mask, fine - do it.

If there's no one there to advocate for him, then make the trip no matter what and let the doctors know that you are his daughter. If someone else in the family is there, make a list of your questions and have that person write down the answers after talking with the doctors. Also, most patients are assigned a case manager from social services to communicate with family members - so look into that. You can probably do some work by phone and then figure out when and how to visit.

Depending on the nature of the infection, it will probably be treated with antibiotics, but how much and which one can vary - depends on severity as well, plus any other medical conditions or medications he has. So there are too many variables here for anyone to really hazard a guess as to what's going on.

Sepsis is a very serious condition. The fact that he is on a respirator and sedated shows he is in a very very serious place. My son went into septic shock 4 years ago at the age of 3 due to MRSA sepsis. Before the drs knew what they were dealing with he was in complete organ failure (heart, lungs, liver and kidney). He spent 21 days on life support with a very grave prognosis (drs were stunned when he did pull through). Over 100 days in the hospital...21 of that in rehab. The damage to my son's body was terrible...and permanent. He is healthy now but will forever carry scars and weaknesses that remind us daily that sepsis is very very serious. You really need to find out very specific information about his condition because this could go wrong very quickly. Again, the fact that he is needed support for respiration is not a good sign. Do what you can to find out what the prognosis is and get there if you can.

Blood infections are serious and if antibiotics don't work then he will get very sick and yes die. U need to know what antibiotics they have tried how many if the one that's in his IV now is working or they are going to try more. You just don't know but I'm sure if the meds don't work the hospital would call u and u can get over there ASAP but no guarantees. Hope that helps. If it goes to his heart that's not good at all and u better to now.

Updated

Blood infections are serious and if antibiotics don't work then he will get very sick and yes die. U need to know what antibiotics they have tried how many if the one that's in his IV now is working or they are going to try more. You just don't know but I'm sure if the meds don't work the hospital would call u and u can get over there ASAP but no guarantees. Hope that helps. If it goes to his heart that's not good at all and u better to now.

Sepsis is scary. It's very serious, mom. This weekend when you don't work, get a sitter and take the bus and go visit him and the family. I don't know that your dad will know you are there, but you will never forgive yourself if you don't get over there and see him. If you can get someone to come with you, that would help.

You're an hour away. I was a half of a world away living overseas when my daddy died. I missed him by 5 hours. Don't let one hour away lull you into missing your dad.

Dawn

I am sorry to hear that your Dad is sick. I hope he gets well soon. Blood infections can be serious. Its good that he is in the hospital and being treated. If it were me, I would hop on the bus and go see him. Good luck to you both!