Didn't get this updated yesterday! Sorry about that!

Neither had a good night on Friday night. Bill was so winded when we got to bed and I think it was getting to him some, although he wouldn't admit it. More than a few tears were silently shed, from both of us. When we got up yesterday morning, just tryining to sit up was a chore. I suggested that we go to the ER, but that didn't go over well. Finally made it to his recliner. Blood pressure was above 100 so, didn't have to adjust meds.

After some breakfast, Bill settled down and seemed to be breathing better. His weight had gone up more than it should have during the night, so I know he had some fluid build up. But, because his ankles weren't swollen, he didn't believe me!

Bill felt good enough that I left him alone for a few hours and went to Ryan's for Kiyann's birthday party. Was gone a couple of hours and he was doing fine when I came home. Ate a pretty good supper and stayed quiet all evening. His bp was back down last night so again held the Coreg and Inspra. But, he had a better night last night.

Had a good pressure this morning, weight was down a little, and he ate a good breakfast, scrambled eggs with cheese. He also felt well enough that he wanted me to go to church this morning.

Came home from church and Emily, Bryan and the girls were visiting. The girls hadn't seen him since we got home from Florida and they had been needing some lap time with grandma and talk time with pa. As soon as they left Mistie's mom brough Kayden and Kiyann over to visit. They had asked me yesterday where pa was so they needed to see him too. By the time they left he was pretty tired.

We put a lawn chair in the bathtub this afternoon so that Bill could take a shower/bath. He managed to get it done alone, but he was really pale when he came out. He also said his mouth is sore again so took a pain pill. He hasn't had to take too many of them which is also good.

He's been tossing around the idea of going to church this evening since it's a shorter/informal service than the morning service. Don't know if we will or not. Just have to see when the time comes.

I hear the freezer opening, he must be hungry, which is a really good sign. I think I'll go see what he's up to. I need to clean the kitchen up after lunch anyway. I also need to put up the peaches Ron brought us yesterday. Will post later to let you know if he made it to church or not.

Wow, only 1 post today! It's been a very quiet day for Bill. He got winded and weak walking to the bedroom last night. I think it is because he took all of his meds last night and the Coreg was 1 of the culprits. He had to get up twice in the night, still don't have all of his systems back to normal yet, and was breathing very hard both times when he came back to bed. We both slept in a little, he didn't get up until 8:30.

Blood pressure was up again this morning so he took all of his meds, but he's had a film on the roof of his mouth that's bothering him and he now has some infection pustules on the roof and back of his mouth. I called the dentist and he called in a mouth rinse and wants to see him next week. Bill did start feeling weak this afternoon after walking to the kitchen and bathroom. Checked his bp and it was down, but still at 90 so not too bad. He hasn't left his recliner since.

He ate well today. Managed 2 scrambled eggs this morning and 2 helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy and some cottage cheese for supper. I think he just had pudding and coffee for lunch. I got him some Ensure today. He noticed how thin his legs have gotten so he knows he has to have something even if he doesn't feel like eating anything.

We're going to watch the baseball game and then go to bed. Kiyann's birthday party is tomorrow. We don't know yet if we will both go, me go, or both stay home. We'll only know tomorrow.

Unless something happens tonight, this is it for today!

Today has been a better day. Bill has mostly stayed in the recliner, but when he as gotten up he has not been dizzy or winded. He has just moved very slowly all day. He did manage to shave so he feels better.

The swelling has gone down on the side of his face where the infection still is. I can actually see his dimple again! He's got a pretty good bruise on his jaw on that side also, so there must have been some pressure there during the procedure.

His fever has come back up but not as far as last night. We've already started the Tylenol. The other good news is that his bp tonight was 106/54 and his heart rate was 65. Those are excellent numbers and for a prize he gets to take all of his meds tonight! Ain't he the lucky one!!

I ran to the office today and then to Walmart for some more food for Bill. But, in the process of trying to make sure there are things here for him to eat, I've not gotten anything for me! Since we only had 1 day from getting home from Florida before going to Memphis, there is no food in the house! Guess I'll go to the store again tomorrow!

I commented to Bill a little while ago that I was getting tired and he told me that I had worked hard today with errands and taking care of him. I told him that I didn't feel like I had done a lot, so if I'm this tired and don't feel like I've been busy, I'll be ready for bed at noon when I am busy!

OH!! I almost forgot, we heard from Mayo and we will probably be going down the end of August to have the LVAD (heart pump) implanted. Julie told the the committee how the testing had taken it's toll on Bill and they agreed that it should be done. Ideally they have the patient come down, talk to the LVAD nurse and attend a class on how to use the equipment and then make a decision on having the procedure. But Bill told her that we weren't coming back home until it was done. We've already researched it and know basically how it works. For those of you who want to know more about it, go to the Thoratec website. They are the makers of the device and have some videos of people with the implant and how they live their lives. We should know by the middle of next week exactly when appointments will be scheduled with the doctors but we will need to be there the end of August. I'm making phone calls tomorrow to make sure the condo is available and we are making lists of things that need done before we go.

So, quite a long update tonight, but the day has been productive. And since Bill seems to be doing better, we can all look heavenward and say "Thank You". Goodnight all!

Amazing what sleeping in your own bed can do!!! We were both getting pretty concerned last night. His fever spiked at 102.9 so we started with Tylenol. All Bill could eat last night was a small cup of pudding, only because he knew he had to eat something. His bp was also all over the place again and he could hardly walk. He was very dizzy and weak.

But, by bedtime his temp was down to 99. We went to bed...in our bed...and set 2 alarms on my cellphone for meds. We woke once at midnight for the 1st dose and then both of us slept well until the other alarm went off at 6 for the 2nd dose. I got up shortly after that and was surprised when Bill got up about 7.

He looks much better this morning and he's taking his time moving. I've been telling him that he needed to take his time after he stood up if he was dizzy. His bp this morning was 102/61 and his heart rate was 84 so he'll get his Coreg this morning. One of the drawbacks of being off the Coreg and Inspra is that those 2 drugs also regulate his heart rate. Since he has been off of them for a few days, his heart rate is increasing some. So, something else to keep an eye one.

I had to go through his meds last night and dumped an entire bottle. I hope I got them all picked up! We'll check his bp again before he gets his meds. He also wants to try some oatmeal this morning. So, after the little nap he's taking, we'll see about some breakfast.

Today is the day to call Julie and let her know what he wants to do. We also need to get his appointment made with Dr. Burnett for follow up with all of this stuff and talk to the dental clinic. We also need to talk to some family to let them know he's home. So much to do...so little time!

All for now!

We made it home about 4:45 and are both exhausted. Bill is still very weak and he has the chills again. He's in the recliner with my Cubs blanket. He could barely walk into the house and then had a coughing spell. That is something new.

His O2 was 93 when we left the hospital so there is no oxygen. I'm going to find a monitor tomorrow so we can keep track of it. He took his bp while I was getting prescriptions filled and it was 120/60 both times that he took it. Before we left the hospital it was 137/54 so the nurse took it again and it was 88/52. Something is going rapidly wrong but so far no-one seems too inclined to find out what it is. I think the chills are in response to the infection in his mouth and going from the air in the car to 100 degree heat to the air in the house.

As I said, I've filled his scripts and bought a few groceries so that he can have something to eat. He may want to sleep in the recliner tonight, so I'll probably be on the couch. But maybe we will get some rest.

More tomorrow.

YAY, we finally get to come home! Dr. Hess was just here and he said we can go. He's going to adjust some of his meds and we may go home with some oxygen. Respiratory was just in also and he's still staying about 88-91 sat.

He will have to take the pencillin for 2 full weeks and it has to be taken around the clock so we still won't get to sleep all night, but it will be worth it for him.

He did better with lunch today, tomato soup and crackers! He soaked the crackers in the soup so he got a little more substance into him. He's very tired of liquid and semi-liquid foods. When we get home we'll probably try some mashed potatoes. His weight has gone up a little from a low of 166 to 168 today. He needs to be at about 172 so he needs to gain a little more. I see milkshakes in his future!

All for now, will update when we finally get home.

Good Morning! I think we are finally outta here today! Dr. Beattis (sp) FINALLY came in at midnight. He checked Bill's mouth and there is one place that is oozing some pus which is probably what has caused the swelling and pain. But he's already on penicillin so he said to stay on that and it should take care of it. But he saw no need to keep him here. He also said that the blood cultures taken Monday weren't growing anything which is a good thing.

We don't know if the denture clinic will want to make the impressions with an active infection (I'm thinking not). But we are going to stop by there on the way out of town and see what they say. Bill is still very weak and he won't be able to sit in a waiting room all day waiting for the dentures, or walk around stores, so it will have to be broken down into 2 days anyway.

His blood pressure dropped again in the night. At 11 when it was taken it was 93/52. This morning at 6 it was 83/52. He's also staying very winded on any exertion. Just sitting at the side of the bed wears him out. He's going to ask Dr. Hess about that this morning to see if there's something he can take to help get it up. He hasn't had his Coreg or Inspra since Sunday. Those are the 2 Beta Blockers that also lower blood pressure. He is taking them because they also regulate heart rhythms. The usual treatment for the low pressure is fluids and withholding any pressure meds. But since both of those have not worked, we have to find something that will.

It doesn't help, mentally, that Dr. Burnett is out of town. He's so familiar with all the meds and has tweaked them so much that it's easier to rely on him than on Dr. Hess, who is a fine doc. He's just not OUR doc and isn't as familiar with Bill's history.

So, that's the latest from room 3239 at Baptist Memphis. Can you tell I'm beginning to feel like a news reporter? Either that or I'm completely losing it!!! Not to worry, just trying to find different ways to keep this interesting! I'll let you know more after the doc comes in.

There has been no sign of the infectious disease all day. Shift change has come and gone and we are still here. The night nurse said this doctor usually makes rounds at night. Seems to me that would be ok for your own patients but when another dr asks you to see a patient that he says can be discharged from his care, the consulting would make the effort to accommadate both the dr and the patient.

Bill is doing well. His bp was up to 99/52 at last check. It should be checked in just a little while. He's been moved up from clear liquids to full liquids, meaning cream soups and milk, puddings and ice cream. He may start getting some Ensure to give him some extra protein until he can bite on his gums.

He's looking better today, more like himself instead of someone sick. He's still getting winded when he moves around. Going to the bathroom wears him out. I'm beginning to think he needs to be on O2 most of the time now until he gets fixed.

So, here we sit watching tv. Both of us are wanting to get out of here. I know Bill's ready to be unhooked from all of the equipment and move on to the next phase. I'll let you know when we know!

Good morning everyone! We had a pretty good night although I don't know how much Bill slept. His fever went down and the Lortabs kept the pain in check, but he has some swelling on his right jaw and he said it is very sore even down into his throat.

He had a wonderful breakfast of chicken broth, jello and apple juice. Didn't get all of the broth down but ate all the jello and drank all of the apple juice. The girl from food service told him that for lunch he gets more jello and a popsicle!

Dr. Hess has been here and he said that he wants an infectious doctor to take a look at the labs and check him out. If he gives the ok we can still leave today, but if he wants to do some more tests he'll need to stay another day or two. Bill is ok with that although he does want to get his dentures made. One thing we hadn't really thought out when we had decided to spend the night at a hotel to get to the denture lab when they opened was what I was going to feed him! I guess I would make a run to find a grocery store with a deli to get some jello and juice. I told him we may have to go home and then just get up early in the morning to be back in Memphis by 7:30.

So, until we hear from the other doctor and know if we're leaving or not, I'm going back to reading my book.

Hadn't planned on adding anything else tonight but we have a slight complication. He's running a fever, 102.2 and was having chills. The dr. has ordered some antibiotics and lots of labwork to see if it is something to really worry about or just a result of the surgery.

He also just had a pain pill and he said it is working well. It has some Tylenol in it so it will probably help with the fever also. The labs were just done and the chills have subsided. Blood pressure is still dropping, went from the high of 110 to a new reading of 89/50. They have discontinued the continuous O2 sat readings since his last few were above 90, but the O2 is still being used.

Hopefully, this will be the last entry for tonight. I don't know about Bill but I'm just about ready to turn the lights out and try to get some sleep before we are invaded for vitals! I know it's necessary but they could try to be quiet!

He's been back for about an hour now and doing well. He is still bleeding some and he said 1 place is very sore. He said the tooth there was a molar and really big.

He's getting the feeling back in his lips and tongue and he's shaking...says he's not cold just shaky.

His bp has been good since he's gotten back, right now it's 110/59, the highest it's been in ages! It was 93/53 which is more normal for him. But, he's been through some trauma today and the could be the reason for the bp and the shakes.

So far nothing has been said about any nourishment. Probably wanted to wait until he could feel his tongue so he wouldn't bite it. Hopefully he'll at least get some broth or ice cream tonight. He has taken some water.

Probably won't update anymore tonight. We are both drained and maybe we will get some rest. More in the morning.

It's over! I just talked to Dr. Peck and he said everything went fine. They did have to turn off his diffibulator and hook him to an external one as a precaution because they didn't want it to fire. They did leave the pacemaker pacing. They also inserted an arterial line to directly monitor his blood pressure since it has stayed so low.

As far as Dr. Peck is concerned he could go home tonight. He does have stitches and he will probably ooze some for a little while. But he does not have to see him again unless there is a problem. He said some bone slivers could work through and cause a problem, but he doesn't anticipate that happening. He can also go ahead and have his dentures made.

Dr. Hess, the cardiologist will probably monitor him tonight to make sure his pressure stabilizes and he may tweak his meds some. But, if all goes well he should leave tomorrow. We're planning on staying in Memphis tomorrow night and going to the denture lab Wednesday morning. They advertise that if you come in the morning, your dentures will be ready in the afternoon.

I just talked to the nurse again and she said he's doing fine in recovery and should be about 30 more minutes and they will be bringing him back up. So, until he gets back into the room, this is all for now.

He's on his way!!! They just left the room with him. The nurse will call when they are ready to start. I don't know yet how long it will take, probably just depends on how cooperative the teeth are when they start and how well he tolerates the anesthesia.

More as I know more.

Can we say testy? We finally found out at 10 that the surgery is scheduled for 2. Of course since Bill's been NPO since midnight and hasn't eaten anything since 5 yesterday afternoon, anyone who knows him can imagine how he's feeling right about now. He's not a happy camper and is letting people know it!

Dr. Hess came in for Dr. Burnett and told us that his device may be tweaked some during the surgery, especially if they cauterize his gums. I think that's the plan to minimize the bleeding. Then he said they may tweak his meds to see if that will help with the low blood pressure.

So, until they come to take him away...

The day has begun! I rested better last night but I don't think Bill slept much. However, he's snoring away now. His IV was started about an hour ago but that's as far as it's gone as yet. The nurses have said they don't know any more than we do.

There's also coffee in the nourishment room this morning was made me extremely happy! I didn't have to go to the cafeteria! I have Poptarts with me and that will be my breakfast this morning. I was good and had oatmeal yesterday so today I can be bad!

Bill's bp stayed up better last night after the meds were held. The lowest it got was 87 and the other 2 times it was taken it was 94 and 91. I don't know what the bottom number was. The new day nurse should be in shortly and we'll see what it is this morning.

We're both getting concerned about his weight now. Last Monday at Mayo he weighed 172 which is just about perfect for his height. At home before we left he weighed 171. When he was weighed at admit he weighed 169 which was 4 hours after he had weighed at home with not much for breakfast. Yesterday morning, 18 hours after he was admitted he weighed 168 and this morning at 5, 26 hours after the last weigh-in he weighed 166. His meals for lunch and dinner yesterday were bigger portions so he felt like he had eaten something. Today should be interesting since he's NPO now and who knows what they will give him to eat after the surgery. I'm thinking he's getting some ice cream from the cafeteria!

I'll update more when something happens!

The day got better as it went along, but the burning question is...why does the day shift leave you alone and the night shift bothers you all night? If anyone knows the answer to that question, please pass it on!!!

We both napped some and talked to Dr. Addington about Bill's blood pressure staying so low. He was not concerned, said his does the same thing. But, I think he has ordered a hold on a couple of his meds tonight so that the anesthesiologist doesn't freak out tomorrow. That is the main concern now, that they won't want to do the surgery because of it. At 4 his bp was 98/62, almost perfect for him. At 8 it was 89/54 and he had not done anything except eat and use the bathroom. His O2 sat is still low, even with the O2. It's staying borderline 89-91 and they would like for it to be 92 to take the O2 off. I've noticed also that when his bp is lower he tends to cough. Don't know if it's related or not.

We still don't know when the surgery will be. The only thing we know is that they are going to start his IV at 6 and they are holding his morning meds. Other than that, only the surgeon knows!

On a good note, our granddaughter Brianna was baptized tonight! Luckily her church streams the services so we got to see it, but not live because the hospital internet was down due to thunderstorms! But we've just watched it and are so proud of her!

Will update again in the morning. Good night everyone!

We both had a terrible night! Of course that's how it goes in hospitals. Bill couldn't get comfortable in bed and his night meds didn't get ordered so he didn't get them until 11. Then the usual vital signs checks every 3-4 hours. Labs were drawn at 3 and his CNA decided that since we were awake it was a good time to get his weight! Another patient started calling for help about dawn and so it went!

His blood pressure stayed low all night but steady at 84/54. This morning it was 94/60. Don't know if they will hold a couple of his meds to see if that is the cause or just what they will do. He's also still on the O2 but the day nurse discovered at shift change that the O2 was not on and his sat level was at 94. I'm thinking it's all coming back to the low bp.

He's also not getting much to eat, even to be on the AHA diet. I have seen McKenna eat more food than he's been getting. That could also have something to do with his bp. He's not getting enough nourishment to fuel his body. I brought him some fruit this morning when I got breakfast, which was another ordeal. There was no coffee in the cafeteria. It was also not busy. The coffee machine in the nourishment room in our wing is out of order and I had to pay for the empty coffee cup because it had the OLD Starbucks logo on it! I was not a happy camper. A nurse told me that the coffee machine in her wing on the same floor was working and to come and help myself. All of this and it's only 8:15!

Anyway, this makes a good place to vent in addition to updating you on Bill. He's already back asleep and I probably won't be too far behind him.

Have a great day!

Here we are in Memphis at the hospital. He has been admitted and already had 1 test run. The surgery is scheduled for some time Monday, don't really know when yet.

Yesterday he had a really good day, especially after all of the travelling. The last day of testing in Florida really tired him out and he was pretty weak coming home. But we both slept well Thursday night and had lots of energy yesterday.

Today his blood pressure is very low and he's weak and cold. Haven't seen a doctor yet, and since his regular heart doc is on vacation, we don't know who he will see this time.

Usually we are on the 2nd floor when we are here, but this time we are on the 3rd floor. We thought it was kind of strange but since it's for oral surgery, didn't really think too much about it. But, as he was being wheeled down the hall we saw the sign that said he was in the Heart Failure Unit. Kind of sad that he has deteriorated this much, even though we can both tell it.

I think he has made the decision to get the pump implant. He asked 4 of his 5 kids for some input and only Mary-Rose has voiced an opinion. The boys have all just said to let them know what he decides. He hasn't talked to Aimee yet and I don't know if he is going to ask Em and Ryan. It's not a decision anyone else can make for him and I think he understands that as well. It's just a big step either way.

I'll keep posting throughout the week-end.

We are done!!! Today's procedure was quite stressful for Bill and they had to use a different anesthesia than they had planned. But, the echo showed no problems, no clots. All of his valves are working properly, his heart just does not pump hard enough. We think from something the dr. said, what was seen on the original echo that they thought was a clot may have been one of the hooks for his device leads. He said there are lots of wires in there that he had to negotiate.

We're finally back in the room. Bill's throat is pretty sore and he hasn't been able to have anything other than ice chips and water. Only ice cream this afternoon and later tonight he can have warm soft food. Nothing hard to swallow.

He was having a problem with his O2 level. As long as he was on oxygen his level was staying 95-97%. But, once they removed it he would drop to 85-90. This could explain why he has been having such a hard time with exertion. Just another reason to have something done sooner than later.

The plan for the rest of the day is for Bill to sit in the recliner and watch TV and for me to start packing things up to leave in the morning. He has already told me that he's not going to be much help in packing the car. I told him that I packed and unpacked it by myself to get here and I can get it packed again. I don't know how what time we are leaving in the morning or how far we are going to go. I need to check the different routes and see where to break the trip. Probably Atlanta or Birmingham.

Bill just had a call from Julie, our coordinator. She wanted to make sure we had a place to stay and really wanted us to go ahead and schedule the surgery if we were going to go with the pump. She had forgetten that he had to go home to have his oral surgery next week. His blood is still a little thick right now but for now since he has to go off of his blood thinners for the surgery they are going to let Dr. Burnett monitor it. She also said that they will give Dr. B any info he needs. We do need to see if he is willing to monitor Bill after the implant. I don't think he will have a problem with that.

OK, all for today. Time to get packing! May not update anything until Saturday when he goes to Memphis.

Today was a very "stressful" day, only it turned out to be that for both of us. We got to the hospital for the first appointment and got pre-registered. This one was as out-patient surgery since they were injecting drugs during the echo to simulate stress on the heart. However, when we were called back the nurse told us that on the regular echo Bill had Friday a blood clot was found in his left atrium. He didn't feel comfortable doing the test and had conferred with Dr. Yip and he agreed that it would be too dangerous to do the procedure.

They did do the leg stress test to check his pulses and pressures in his legs and feet and he did fine with it. He was really dreading doing the regular treadmill and our other coordinator, Lorraine, was there monitoring it. He lasted 5 minutes, which is longer than before, and did fine with that. Although all of these tests have really taken their toll on him today.

A new test is scheduled for tomorrow. It's an echo that is done through the esophagus. He will be sedated for this one but it will tell them if the clot is something new from being off of his blood thinner for the heart cath last week, or if it is an older clot that was not found before. Depending on what one it is will depend on any further tests or procedures.

We also consulted with Dr. Yip and he said that as far as Bill's overall health, he's in optimum shape for the transplant and he sees no reason that we couldn't be listed. But, he reminded us that the wait could still be several years because of his blood type and because his overall health is good. Bill told him he is tired of being tired all of the time and wants to get "fixed" so I think he has decided to get the pump implant and forego the transplant. We would need to stay about 3 months, depending on his recovery from the surgery. Since this surgery can be scheduled, it will give us time to make more arrangements.

Of course, worrying about this new development has made it harder on both of us today. At least tomorrow we don't have to report until 9 so we can sleep in a little bit and maybe be a little more rested.

So, if anyone wants to give us some input on this, just leave a comment to this message. I don't know if you have to be a follower or not. Or, shoot me an email. We'll take all the suggestions we can get. Either way is a big step.

I'll probably take my laptop to the hospital tomorrow so I can update while I'm there. They told us he will be laying there for "several hours".

Didn't think that I would post anything over the week-end but decided to anyway. We were really looking forward to the 2 days off. However, we've picked up a little bug somewhere and both of us have had a little stomach upset. Bill seemed to do better with it yesterday than I did, but he said his is still upset this morning while mine seems to be better.

We've eaten very lightly, soup and crackers and toast. He's gone back to bed and I'm considering it. Since we have no plans for the day that may be the best thing to do. Hopefully by this afternoon we will both feel better and want to get out for a little bit.

Will update later to let you know if we are both better.

Seems like tonight's entry is being made a little earlier than the last ones. Again it was a very long day. At the clinic by 7 for labs and the last procedure wasn't until 4. We left the clinic in the rain at 4:30 and I found out what rush hour traffic is like here! To get to our hotel when we come off of the highway I need to get over 3 lanes of traffic immediately. Tonight it was impossible! When ended going to the next major intersection and turning right then making a u-turn (which is legal here since most of the roads are divided) and backtracking. Got back to the room right at 5.

Bill had not been able to eat after 10 this morning so I started getting him something to eat as soon as we got back. I've since cleaned up from that and done 2 sets of books and talked to Emily and the girls. Kenna can't wait for us to get home next week. Of course, her birthday is coming up and she wants us there for that.

Nothing major was done today. He had another neurological consult just to make sure that there was no dementia or damage from the TIA he had in 2000. The first doctor we saw was very young and we think still in training. After he made his exam he consulted with another doctor who repeated some of the same tests and explained to the first doctor how he does things. But, we both thought it was very commendable for him to get another opinion if he was not clear on anything.

We are really looking forward to having the week-end off and being able to sleep in a little. We're both pretty tired still. Of course, we're going to try to look for some housing and I have to find a post office to send some things to the office. Other than that we may not do much at all! Then we only have 5 more appointments on Monday and we are done! Tuesday will probably be another house hunting day, but since we don't know what the final decision will be we can't really lock anything in.

Don't know if I will update over the week-end or not. We will just have to see how things go. All for now...good night all!

Today was an easier day, but still busy.

We neither one slept well last night and I still had my headache when I woke up. Our meeting with the financial advisor was short and sweet. They will accept the Medicare assignment as payment in full for most things and Tri-care For Life will pick up the rest. Tri-care will also save us thousands of dollars each month for medications. We are so very fortunate in that respect.

We also met with the surgeon this afternoon. He does not really recommend using the heart pump. He said that because the "drive line" is outside the body and has more of a chance of infection. Bill has really been considering the pump since it would mean a shorter stay in Jacksonville and that surgery can be scheduled. But, the doctor is an organ transplant surgeon so, to my mind, of course he would prefer to transplant the organ instead of a mechanical assist device. We're still going to see what Dr. Yip has to say about it and we don't see him until Monday afternoon after all the tests have been done.

After all of the appointments and consults, the case will be presented to the transplant committee which meets every Thursday. Dr. Agnew, the surgeon, felt that Bill would be presented next week.

We are both looking forward to the weekend so we can sleep in a little. We're going to see if we can look at some condos and I've been doing a lot of online research for those. Needing one fully furnished with utilities included is a long process. But, until we really know when we will need it we can't make a decision. I've noticed that we are both getting a little testy with each other, but it's all due to being with each other 24/7 and being so busy. At least we recognize that we are tired and we are trying to give each other some space. Not really easy to do in a hotel room!

All for tonight. We have to be there at 7:30 in the morning for labs and the last test isn't scheduled until 4. But, then we have 2 days of r & r!

More tomorrow!

The long boring heart cath day was very surprising to us! We neither one slept well last night. Missed the end of the baseball game and then was up and down all night.

The cath was done differently today. Instead of using the artery in the groin, which necessitates a 6 hour resting period with almost no movement allowed, a vein in his neck was used. The cath lasted about 30 minutes and he walked back into the waiting room with a small bandage on his neck and we were done for the day!

We spent the day in our room. Bill slept most of the afternoon in the recliner and just fiddled around with things. Looked at the computer some and read some. We need to start looking for a more permanent place to stay so I was researching rentals. All of that has led to a killer headache that meds are not knocking back any. We've eaten and cleaned up the mess and now I'm just about ready to call it a night to see if sleep will help.

Oh a very bright and different note, our granddaughter Brianna sent us a text today saying she is going to be baptized on July 24! That was my grandmother's birthday! But, Bill will be in the hospital in Memphis getting ready for his dental surgery the next day so he won't be able to attend. But maybe I can sneak home for the day so that I can report back to him! She's turning into quite a young lady and we are very proud of her!

Tomorrow is another full day so I'm going to try to rest! Goodnight all!

Much easier day today!

We tried to watch the home run derby last night, only made it to the end of the first round and didn't see who won the bat off! Both of us slept much better last night and felt more rested this morning.

Our first stop today was with the infectious disease doctor. Bill has to repeat the Hepatitis B shot. Apparently the ones he had from Memphis didn't take because his blood work did not sho any antibodies. Not a major problem and it can be done after we get home.

Since we had 3 hours to kill we came back to the hotel to do some research on medications and just rest. But on the way back our coordinator called and said there was a change in the schedule. Bill was supposed to have his treadmill test this afternoon, but the dr. decided that he wanted to have all of the other tests done first, especially his device check, so that has now been scheduled for Monday. And, our appointment with the nutritionist that was scheduled for next Tuesday was now scheduled for this afternoon. So, Bill could relax because he was really stressing over the treadmill.

We saw the nutritionist and she was very pleased that we were already following a basic healthy heart diet, especially low sodium. After that we saw our nurse practitioner and she was pleased with his overall health. His blood pressure was still low. The first time she took it he was laying down and it was 80/70 which is a very weird reading. The second time it was 80/60 standing. The strange thing is that most people with a pressure that low wouldn't be able to function, yet he's up walking around and talking.

We got back to the hotel about 4 and we've since had supper and got that cleaned up. We're going to try to stay up long enough to watch the All Star game, but don't know if that will happen. Tomorrow is heart cath day so it will be another long day with Bill laying flat for most of the day. Uncomfortable for him. At least I can get up and move around. May take my laptop with me tomorrow so I can update this earlier since I don't know just when he will get released. We will have to see how the morning goes.

Have a great night everyone! Try to stay cool if you're in the heat wave states (and most of you are)!

What a day!!! Up at 5:30 and at the clinic by 7 to start the testing. Labs, chest x-ray and ekg. Bill finally got to eat something then but was very weak. They took 15 tubes of blood, and since it was all fasting labs he didn't have anything in him to boost him up. We then went up to the floor for his pulmonary function test and they were able to get him in about an hour early. He got finished before I had to go to the caregiver class. We then met up just in time for his allergy tests and then could leave for an hour and half.

After a quick trip to McDonalds for lunch and the gas station for a fill-up it was back for an easier afternoon. We met with our coordinator Julie for about an hour and learned so much more than we had learned in Memphis. We were able to get in to see our social worker Elizabeth an hour earlier and that is a good thing since we were with her for nearly 2 hours! She also gave us some homework to do and a wealth of information. We are really on brain overload!

Got back to the hotel and made a grocery list and went shopping. We are both so tired that I don't know if either of us feels like cooking, but we also don't feel like going out. I did pick up some deli tuna salad and egg salad so maybe it will just be sandwiches tonight.

After listening to everything today, we are really disappointed that we went through the process in Memphis. We were not told most of the stuff we learned today about the process. And it seems that the information should be pretty standard at any center. For example no eating at buffets or salad bars after transplant because you don't know who handled the utensils before you and if they were sick or not. Or, no rare meat and unprocessed egg or dairy products, raw fish, etc. Memphis had told us none of this!

But, we will just chalk it up to experience and move on. Tomorrow brings the infectious disease dr and then the dreaded treadmill test, before seeing the nurse practitioner.

Oh yes, we told Julie that his blood pressure is staying very low and when she took it the highest she could get for a top number was 78! They have taken him off the Diovan to see if that is what was doing it.

So, all for tonight. Have a good night everyone!

I should have updated this a month ago! Mayo has said that they will list Bill so we are back in Jacksonville. Testing starts tomorrow and we have full days every day!

One of the drawbacks to being listed here is that we will have to relocate within 2 hours until a heart is available. Another option we have is to get the Heartmate II heart pump implanted. That would only mean a relocation for about 3 months. That surgery can also be scheduled so we would know just when we would have to be here. I have the information on short-term rental properties and after we talk to the transplant folks again and get some questions answered, we will make a decision on that. He could get the implant and still go on the transplant list and would be at the top of the list for awhile so that is still another option.

I'll try to update this daily after we get back to the hotel. I don't know if I'm going to bring my laptop to the clinic everyday. I may bring it on the day of the heart cath since we are pretty much in one place for several hours after the procedure. The other days we are moving around a lot between the clinic buildings.

So, continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We have a long couple of weeks ahead of us!