Got some bad news/good news today!

Bill got his staples out and is greatly relieved to have them gone. He's actually missed not being able to be on the treadmill! He can start again, but he was cautioned to work slowly back up to where he was.

Now for the news. We found out today that a piece of his pump is now defective. It's not a defect that, at this time, will need replacing. It is a sleeve that covers the lower end of the line that connects the pump to the top of his heart. This sleeve is like an accordian and is supposed to adhere to the bottom of the connection to keep the line from getting crimped and twisted. This has happened to another patient and it would mean another surgery to replace the line and sleeve. That's the bad news.

The good news is that because of this, Bill will stay listed at 1A, at the top, until he is transplanted! There is an exception that can be used because of the problem and he will stay there until either transplant or pump replacement. The last 2 weeks will not count against his 30 day period and that will now only be used if the pump does have to be replaced.

So, it is working in his favor and since he's having no problems with it, there is no need for worry. Dr. Patel is determined that Bill will be transplanted sooner rather than later. He also thinks that Bill needs to go back to work after transplant! We discussed it some and don't think that he will do that. It may be time to just enjoy retirement and the grandkids. We also have a lot of things left to do with the house so I don't think he will have any problem finding things to do when we do get to go home.

So, we are excited about this new development. We don't have to keep an eye on the calendar as much as we did before, watching the days creep closer to the end of the 30 day period. Keep everything crossed and the prayers going. I'll let you know as soon as we know something new.