'very unwell'. Dr Speak

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My dad was found on the floor of his home yesterday, the ambulance thinks he'd possibly been there for 48 hours. I live 4 hours away and was unable to contact him so was calling everyone and anyone yesterday to do a welfare check on him. He lives a very solitary life, and is a very complex man. Undiagnosed ASD and trauma.
He was taken by ambulance to hopsital and was taken into resus. The consultant called me yesterday and told me my dad was 'very unwell'! I can't get my head around it. He is normally a big strong man and I was hoping he would just need a once over.
What do they mean when they say 'very unwell'?

To add, the consultant told me that if his heart gives up they are unlikely to give him any intervention due to the trauma and his qulaity of life after. I already feel like I'm greiving him but just seriously praying he will rally and pull through.

I'm going to drive to see him today as I can't bear to think of him alone, especially if the worst scenario happens.

@DoAWheelie I'm so sorry xx

Oh, I am so sorry

I'm so sorry for your loss op - it will be a comfort that you got to see him.

@Normallynumb this is what happened. He had multiple issues, including kidney damage. They scanned him and found lesions on his spleen which they suspected was cancer. His tummy was very distended and watching him try and breath was very distressing. I just wish they had given him a large dose of sedative to make his passing easier. I think he knew we were all there and waited till we left to pass. xx

I'm very sorry for your loss and the distress you witnessed. I hope it will be a comfort in the days to come that you made it there to say you loved him.

All the best to you and your family.

I can't imagine. So sorry.

I'm so glad you made it in time.
I was going to post " go now" a consultant in resus saying a PT is very unwell is definitely code for " you need to come now".
Sending lots of thoughts in this time.

I’m sorry for your loss but I’m sure your dad knew you were there, was comforted by your presence and knew he could let go.

Im so sorry about your dear Dad.

I'm so sorry OP. I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that you got to see him and speak to him, as distressing as it was. Wishing you peace in your grief.

I’m sorry your dad is so unwell.
I work in A&E and often use this phrase. It can mean a number of things but it’s mainly a warning shot that someone is very poorly and may get worse. I often use it before I tell them that someone may not survive that admission, but also that they may rally and improve a bit (depending on what’s wrong with them)
That may sound a bit vague. If it was something unsurvivable I would tell them directly though. We try not to withhold information from families.
I hope this helps and apologies if it is a bit brutal, it is not meant to upset. I’m your position I would go back to the staff and ask them to clarify how unwell they think he is. I would definitely take that phrase as meaning come and visit your dad just in case

Oops sorry, I couldn’t see your update before
im so sorry. Just ignore my post

So sorry for your loss OP and glad you made it to him to say goodbye.

I'm so sorry OP

I’m so very sorry, OP. This must all have come as such a shock, and it can’t have been easy witnessing your dad’s distress, but he will have known you were there with him which will hopefully have given him some comfort. I hope you have family and friends who can support you now x

sorry for your loss

I'm so very sorry. Thoughts are with you.

At least you made it there in time to tell him you loved him. That is hopefully something of a comfort.

Be kind to yourself now.

I'm really sorry for your loss - but very glad you got to see him

Sorry for your loss, OP. This was the wording they used about my mum in her final hours. So glad you got to spend time with him

So sorry about your dear dad. I have always been glad that I was able to be with my father in his last hours and I hope that this will bring comfort to you too x

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in that you did manage to see him. That will help you in time.

Sorry for your loss.

What I have tried to encourage people who didn't/couldn't attend when patients pass, especially those who became fixated on that instance to consider is that it isn't so much about the final minutes rather the years and years of support and time before that.

Oh I am so sorry for your loss.
He would have known you were there and would have heard your words.
Hearing is the last sense to leave, and I believe loved ones wait for their moment to pass( My Mum did, I'm certain)
In time, I hope this will bring you some
comfort.