Supporting Our Dad Through Organ Failure & Recovery

Our family vacation to Florida quickly took a turn for the worse when my dad was admitted to the hospital with signs of multiple organ failure.

I created this page not only to share updates but also to provide a space for thoughts, prayers, and support as we navigate this difficult time.

Timeline & Updates

9/27/25 – Saturday

We arrived in Florida and Dad retreated to his room to rest — not unusual, as the medications he takes for chronic nerve pain tend to wear him out. But over the next day, concern started to grow. He wasn’t eating, hadn’t gotten up to use the bathroom, and seemed confused and disoriented.

9/29/25 – Monday

He still wasn’t improving. No appetite and growing confusion. We called EMS, and they found his blood pressure dangerously high and his blood sugar very low (he’s a Type 2 diabetic). After stabilizing him slightly, they transported him to the nearest hospital.

Once admitted, lab tests revealed severe fluid retention and high toxin levels in his blood. He was quickly diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, and signs of kidney failure began to show. Doctors admitted him for further monitoring and recommended beginning dialysis.

9/30/25 – Tuesday

A catheter was placed in his heart for dialysis, scheduled to begin that morning. When Mom and I visited, he was "pleasantly confused" — he recognized Mom, but not me. He responded slowly and wasn’t himself, but could follow simple commands.

His condition suddenly worsened when his blood pressure dropped critically low. The hospital team acted fast, moving him to the Cardiac ICU and starting multiple medications to stabilize him. Despite the risks, doctors initiated a 12-hour dialysis session late that night. Mom stayed at the hospital overnight as he remained in critical condition.

10/1/25 – Wednesday

He made it through dialysis, but doctors didn’t see the output they’d hoped for. He rested most of the day and remained confused, but calm. Nutrition was started through an NG tube. Doctors planned another round of dialysis — this time over 24 hours — to attempt again to remove fluid and building toxins.

10/2/25 – Thursday

When we arrived, he was finishing his 24-hour dialysis, and for the first time in days, we saw a spark return. He saw us in the hallway and said, “Finally!” — he’d been waiting. He recognized both of us and even asked about his granddaughter, Reese.

He’s still confused at times and doesn’t fully grasp the situation, but his labs are improving, and they’ve started tapering some of his medications. He was still having trouble getting rid of fluids after dialysis so they performed a procedure that removed 7 liters of fluid from his abdomen.

He is remaining stable. We're now discussing a possible transfer to a hospital that specializes in transplants. As soon as today or tomorrow.

Where We Are Now

There’s still a long road ahead. We don’t know yet when or if he’ll be able to transfer closer to home. We’ve also learned that insurance will likely only cover his initial ER visit, as this hospital is considered out-of-network. The rest — including ongoing care, travel, and potential transfer — may fall entirely on our family.

Additional family is coming to be with him while we return home briefly. My mom will regroup in Minnesota and then drive back to be by his side for as long as needed. Between medical bills, lodging, and travel — the costs are mounting.

We don’t expect anyone to give. But if you do feel moved to donate, know that it is deeply appreciated and will go directly toward Dad’s care and related expenses.

Most importantly, please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers — whatever form that looks like for you.

Dad is a man of few words, fiercely private, and stubborn as hell. We know he's going to fight like hell, too.

When he eventually learns about this page, I have no doubt he’ll be mortified — but hopefully also filled with hope seeing how many people care about him and are cheering him on.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

– Annie and Family