Please keep GLA & his dad in your prayers, thoughts, etc. He posted this message on FB a few minutes ago-
"I wanted to thank everyone for the sweet, thoughtful and wonderful birthday wishes. It's been a very tough day. My dad was admitted into the hospital last night for complete renal failure. His heart rate and blood pressure plummeted overnight so he is in the ICU and is just about to start a 72-hour round of dialysis to try and figure out what is going on. As hard as this day has been, at least I have been able to spend it surrounded by my dear family. And who could ask for anything more on their birthday. Please send prayers and good thoughts our way. I would certainly appreciate it. Love y'all."
Things are slightly scary at the moment...I'm writing this on my phone from the ICU waiting room. They started the dialysis on my dad about an hour ago, and are having to give him epinephrine to keep his blood pressure up and the epi threw him into a panic attack that rivals some of the worst I've ever had-- those that have landed me in the hospital myself. He is so scared and can't breathe and is screaming and crying and is sure he is having a heart attack. To watch this from the other side is so scary. I feel so helpless---they've kicked everyone out of the room except his bitch wife who is doing nothing but yelling at him and basically telling him to buck up. THIS IS NOT THE WAY YOU DEAL WITH SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK OF THAT MAGNITUDE, ESPECIALLY FOR A PERSON WHO HAS NEVER HAD ONE. My heart is breaking for him and there's nothing I can do to help him. I want to be there to hold his hand and get him through this and they won't let me. I feel so completely helpless...
I feel so awful for your dad. I've had many epinephrine shots in my life for asthma attacks and it's a really bizarre feeling if you're not used to it and could make you very anxious. After an epi shot, I always felt like should I run a couple of miles to burn off the energy.
And I've also had those anxiety attacks where you're totally sure you're having a heart attack and are about to drop. I drove my DH crazy for a couple months with those attacks after I had our baby. You're right, telling your dad to buck up isn't going to help him get through the episode. With everything else he has going on medically, I wonder if they can't give him something for the anxiety or a sedative?
I'm praying for you and your dad. You've had a lot to deal with the past few months, haven't you? You need a break.
Can't they kick the bitch out and let you come in? I would be beside myself. Panics attacks are no joke for sure. I've had too many to count. I hope things get better and quick! My thoughts are with you right now.