Expert: Clyde - 2/12/2009

Question
My dad has been an alcoholic for years.  He recently divorced, stopped eating, and drank around the clock.  He decided to quit 8 days ago and ended up in ICU on day 5 where is sodium level was very low, potassium level very low and platelet level at 47.  He seems to be getting worse and blood work shows maybe internal bleeding but they have not found it yet.  I am at a loss on where to go from here.  He is on suicide watch, strapped down and being give Ativan to ease the edge. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Lori,
   I generally would not answer this question because it out of my expertise from the medical standpoint, but I thought I would offer what little I could in the way of experience.

   I have been, and I know of many alcoholics who have been,in very serious physical condition from their drinking.  Severe alcoholism disrupts the entire body physiologically and it takes time for the effects to wear off and for the body to heal.  Body organs are brutally damaged from the onslaught of the alcohol and that causes all sorts of blood chemistries and body enzymes to be skewed way out of the normal ranges.

   I can only say that he is in the best place he can be right now with doctors and nurses who can tend to him and try their level best to help his body return to some semblance of normalcy.  We can only hope and pray that those doctors are prescribing the care that will bring him back as quickly as possible.

    I will keep your dad in my prayers and hope for the best.  You will also be in my prayers as I ask God to strengthen and encourage and comfort you as you experience this precarious time for your dad.  Prayer works.

   Please write again if I may be of any further help in listening to your fears and concerns and share in the joys you may experience when things turn around for him.

Grace and Peace,
Clyde