Hi all. This message applies to those of you who have gone to see my father lately. The doctors are concerned that he may have contracted meningitis. They don't think he has it but he is displaying some of the common symptoms. They have begun to treat him as though he has it. The problem is that they are not going to test him for it because doing so would involve getting brain fluid and they do not want to compromise his brain pressure or anything like that. So - here is where those of you who have visited him lately come in - the doctors have advised that those who have been in close contact with him should contact their primary doctors to get the pill Cipro, a one time dose, that treats meningitis. Meningitis is contagious and can be very serious if contracted and left untreated.
I am sorry for this news because we don't even know if he has it or if any of us could actually contract it but we would rather be safe than sorry. Common symptoms of meningitis are high fever, throwing up, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. I am not a doctor but we have done some research and that is what we came up with. Getting the pill is not a big deal - we just called our doctors and told them about the situation and they called in a prescription for Cipro without bringing us in for an appointment. Cipro is a one time pill and takes care of the situation. Remember, the problem is that he is NOT being tested for it so we won't know if he ever had it. We also don't know where to draw the line in terms of when you last saw him, how close you got to him, etc. You can call my mom and I but we don't really have many answers because we are not doctors. You can contact your doctor or the Medical ICU at Strong at 275-2642. We have spoken with Dr. DeWitt but I am sure he doesn't keep the same schedule everyday so just mention the situation and they should be able to hook you up with the appropriate source.
My dad is already being treated as a precaution so starting tomorrow, it will be safe to see him again. This is a freak thing - not something that is his fault or could even be controlled - but we understand if you have any hesitation in visiting him. Yet, this has been taken care of via medication so it should not be a concern in the future. Thank you for all of your love and support.
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4 comments:
Dear Lindsay,
The thoughts and prayers of Brian's Scout Troop remain with you and your family. I will pass along word of this 'bump in the road' as well as the great progress made each day. Your faith and courage are an inspiration to all of us. I will call Brian to help him prepare for his Life Scout board.
Mr. Maginn
BSA Troop 195
Lindsey, Please check this article from this website. Have they tried this treatment for your Dad? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8024432&dopt=Abstract
Sounds just like what he is going through. Here is what the abstract says: Fever of central origin in traumatic brain injury controlled with propranolol.
Meythaler JM, Stinson AM 3rd.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35233-7330.
Central fevers are known to develop in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are believed to be caused by injury involving the hypothalamus. Described are three patients admitted with very severe TBI secondary to motor vehicle accidents. Initial Glasgow Coma Score ratings were 3 or 4. Head computed tomography (CT) scans showed intraventricular hemorrhage in two cases and no focal injury or bleeding in the third. All patients had decorticate posturing and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, manifested by tachycardia and profuse sweating. Each of these patients developed high fevers ranging from 38.9 degrees C to 40.6 degrees C during their hospitalization course. Centrally mediated fevers were indicated after fever workups failed to show an infectious or inflammatory source. Propranolol 20 to 30 mg every 6 hours reduced the temperatures at least 1.5 degree C within 48 hours. In each case, when weaning from propranolol was attempted, an increase in temperature to greater than 38.0 degrees C reoccurred within 3 days. Repeat workups for infectious or inflammatory causes of fever were negative. The fevers were reduced after a reinstitution of propranolol. The propranolol was continued until all signs of autonomic dysfunction abated. Central fevers after TBI have been reported to have been treated successfully with propranolol in two children with decerebrate posturing. Pharmacological, neurophysiological, and anatomic studies provide evidence of a significant central nervous system role in the regulation of blood pressure and temperature.
sorry the above blog is from Linda
Walt....hurry and get well before Lindsay spends your refund!
By the way Walt...the sabres are ready to go all the way. So hurry up and get well so you can cheer them to the Stanley Cup!
Cousin John
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