He has an enlarged prostate (under urologist's care with meds, but Dr. is unavailable this weekend). He has taken Miralax, and will drink some liquids (Ensure & other liquids), but is so uncomfortable due to bloated feeling. He is 93, and normally a vital, happening guy (still driving & dancing).
Isn't it frustrating how these things always happen on the weekends?!! Richie, hope you can get some help asap for your dad.
If Dad feels bloated, he will not eat as it is too uncomfortable. Something is going on with his stomach/intestines. Did Dad have Ensures before without any problems, or is this his first time? If first time, Ensures contains Corn-sourced maltodextrin which is a starch, which could do a tap dance on Dad's stomach.
The hospital can use a ultrasound on his bladder and determine if it is full. They can administer IV fluids to help with the dehydration. This sounds like a medical emergency, not a wait and see the doc he likes situation.
Once the bladder has burst you risk peritonitis.
The body makes 30 milliliters of urine per hour even if you don't drink anything.
Go TODAY! He has too many problems to be second guessing what's what.
If they can't pass a catheter up the urethra (due to the prostate being very swollen) they can always put in a supra-pubic catheter.
He needs a scan to see if he has a bowel obstruction.
He needs IV fluids and nutrients.
This is not something to wait for. Tell him his life depends on this. GO NOW!
What I have learned: Take loved ones to the ER at the FIRST of any sign of ANY kind of abnormal behavior. The rest is damage control.
Do remember to take time for some self care so you can be at you best as his advocate.
I bet next time you’ll insist he goes to the ER & hopefully your dad learned a lesson and won’t argue with you.
I hope your father is feeling better soon.