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My Dad is going to be 93 in January. He has atrial valve problems, a pacemaker, vascular dementia, history of strokes and heart attacks. He is in a nursing home because of his delusions and refusal to let anyone into his home to help him.
Last week he tested positive for Covid. 4 days later he had an “incident” where he stopped responding and stared off into space for 3 minutes. After a doctor’s virtual visit he was transported to the ER, then admitted to the hospital for IV treatment for an upper respiratory infection.
One day later he was sent back to the SNF. He also had a UTI that the hospital failed to inform the nursing home and so he was not getting medication for that for a day.
after less than 24 hours at the SNF he was transported back to the hospital because his O2 kept falling.
My question is can UTI’s cause O2 levels to fall? With the Covid mixed in to the mix?
I hate to keep calling the hospital for updates because he is on a Covid floor and they are very busy. He also has never allowed anyone to put DNR on his records, Does that mean they would intubate him?

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I am so sorry that your dad has Covid.

I can’t answer your questions. Others may be able to.

Will keep you and your dad in my thoughts.
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Do you have a medical POA? If so, you may be able, for humane reasons, to refuse permission for him to be intubated.

When my LO was diagnosed I stated that I preferred that she NOT be hospitalized and NOT be intubated, and although there was language in her paperwork that supported my request, it was clear to me that the decision had been based on my request. I also asked during that conversation if she should be placed on hospice, but that didn’t become necessary.

My LO’s residence had accessible oxygen, but were not equipped to perform intubation. She recovered after being ill for about 3 weeks, and tested virus positive for over 3 months longer.
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To answer your UTI question I don't think there's any connection to O2 levels. Your dad has Covid and that's most likely causing it to fall. My MIL is 87 and in LTC. She had covid this past May but has no other health issues (just cognitive/memory and refuses to get out of bed). She signed a DNR. She had a fever and they put her on 5 Lt of O2 per day and gave her Tylenol for comfort. She was very lethargic and weak, barely ate or drank for 4 weeks. They put her on hospice the 4th week and by the end of that week she began to recover. She is now 100% back to her pre-covid self. Elderly do survive, but can't speak to when they have other health problems. If you're his PoA or next-of-kin you they will consult with you regarding his treatment. And you are correct to resist contacting the hospital...they are running on all cylinders as it is. May you have peace in your heart.
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