Ken went straight to emergency in a coma and had 2 cardiac arrests in 2 1/2 hours. After successful resuscitation he was transferred to the Intensive Care "Surgical Reanimation" Ward, which is strictly controlled and monitored. His Glasgow score (Coma measure) was a 3 - dire. His heart and brain trauma were the biggest concern for doctors, as well as his circulation. He was placed on life support or mechanical ventilation and many drugs to treat his problems. Family in Australia were told he may not survive the night. Over the 2 days he rallied in some small ways but remained in critical condition.
10-Sept Hospital 115
May and Karen arrived in HCMC and were driven straight to District 10 and to the Hospital. It was difficult to find the right ward at first as the hospital is like a maze but eventually we made our way to the ICU. We rang the bell before being admitted to talk with the doctor with Bob. May was able to visit Ken after donning gown hair covers and boots - very upsetting. Luckily May and Karen were staying at Hoang Tay 2 Hotel opposite the hospital - a simple little family run Hotel - clean but very basic.
HOANG TAY 2 HOTEL - HCMC
M&K went back at 7pm to see Ken - had to be one at a time for 5 minutes each. Then went and slept. M&K were woken later by a phone call at 11pm to come back to the hospital, fearing the worst, but it was Ken's kidneys causing problems. M&K had to give written consent for "Renal filtration" / dialysis or not give consent. Consented as would give Ken his best chance, otherwise he may have died that night.
11 Sept Hospital 115
After contacting Greenslopes Private Hospital and information about Ken's 2009 Aortic Valve replacement was emailed over. M&K took usb with information for the team of doctors to absorb and print for their file. M&K went back to hospital at 8am - too early but they let May visit with Dad for 10 minutes.
The waiting area outside ICU - May waiting patiently "Let me in please"
Dr An was the doctor with the best English so she updated M&K about Ken's progress around lunch time after her rounds.
M&K took a taxi to Bob's Hotel to collect Dad's bag, and went to the nearby Australian Consulate to collect our official "letter of introduction". Thuy ("Twee") our main contact was so kind, helpful and caring. We farewelled Bob as he was heading back to the tour group in Hanoi. M&K will appreciate Bob's kindness and care for Ken forever! xx
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