Medical question, possible trigger definitely TMI

[SockFluffInTheBath]

FIL is in hospital, was taken in 2 weeks ago for kidneys. Short version is he had a long term catheter, pulled it out a few months ago and refused refit. His bladder can’t empty completely, infection sets in…

Catheter refitted, set for discharge Monday then coffee grounds vomit. Refused camera to locate bleeding. Profuse bloody vomit yesterday, stood him to clean and a lot of blood fell out from his bottom. 4 pints of blood transfused. Agreed to the camera, which was set for today. Today he’s still losing blood and is now passing out. They’re transfusing more but he’s apparently too sick for the camera.

DH is on his way to the hospital now. Is this likely to become a game of trying to outpace the bleed with transfusions?

Sorry to hear this, Op, it must be very worrying for you and your DH.
The short answer is that your FiL is currently very unwell, and the treatment will try to stabilise and hopefully improve his condition sufficiently to allow for whatever investigations are needed to find out where the bleeding is coming from and what can be done to stop it, and then, if possible, to treat the cause.

He sounds very poorly, the transfusions will not stop the bleeding but will help replace the blood loss, I expect he will be on other medication for the bleeding and passing out now. Thoughts are with you all.

He is extremely unwell.

Thank you for the replies. I think my last sentence seemed flippant, I’m not entirely coherent at the moment. I suppose I meant I wondered (in absence of DH with news) what outcomes might be possible.

My DD lost almost her entire blood volume in an accident (and survived) so I’ve seen what can happen, but an unwell 80-something is a different kettle of fish.

It sounds like internal bleeding which needs to be found, the only way would be the endoscope unless they open up with surgery and it sounds like he is too unwell and unstable for either at the moment. They can give drugs to try and reduce the bleeding and help the blood clot but at his age and with already medical problems they will have to think about the possible causes and his chances of recovery.

I would also worry about whether his kidneys can cope with the large amounts of fluids/blood needed to replace such a large bleed.

DH is home. Lap team want a GA and there’s no way he’s well enough. Trying to stabilise him, will do it if they can, otherwise waiting for the inevitable haemorrhage. That’s pretty much it then.

DD18 wanted to see FIL so DH took her in. Matron reckons he’s not got long now, but he was happy to see DD. He’s comfortable and not scared, so that’s good.

Just read your updates, Sock.
It’s difficult time for you and your family, but it sounds like he is comfortable and being looked after, which is good. 💐

Hospital started ulcer meds last night. No bleeding this morning so FIL was taken in for endoscopy this afternoon, just out of theatre and waiting on news. I have laparoscopy stuck in my head, but it’s endoscopy. I don’t know what he’s made of, but it’s clearly strong stuff.

They found and treated an ulcer. I didn’t realise you could lose so much blood from an ulcer, they gave him 6 units of blood yesterday and fluids on top. Phew.

That’s good news. Hope he makes a good recovery.

Good news,Op, hope he recovers well and quickly.

Hi OP, I know this is old now but just wanted to know how your FIL is doing? I've got a similar situation occurring with my MIL only the endoscopy failed to fix the situation.

Hi @WorkMess2025 sorry to hear you’re going through this with your MIL. He’s been ok since (in terms of this issue). Have they offered an alternative or further treatment options for your MIL?

Thank you for replying, I know this is a few months old! Glad to hear he healed well. She did have a procedure through an artery in her groin straight after but that's failed too. So I suppose maybe they try that again? Or surgery? I'm not sure. They've giving her blood but it all seems so worrying. She's in HDU so at least we can be with her a little longer.

That sounds very hard for you, I’m sorry. I hope your MIL is comfortable and not distressed or in pain.

Thank you, I think she's frightened but otherwise comfortable.