Today was uneventful as far as any new procedures being done, but Bill made some progress. He was only give 1 unit of blood until about 7 this evening and then it was decided to give him another one. His numbers had dropped a little, but nothing major.

His kidneys have taken a little hit but are responding to medication nicely. Dr. Patel said that for the first time his potassium is normal which really surprised him.

The heart has continued to beat and the beats are getting more regular and stronger. The pumps work like dialysis, removing the blood from his body and pushing it back through the top of the heart. His day nurse Nikki said that it actually looked like the heart was starting to push some blood through the bottom on its own. He is also a healthy pink and he hasn't been that since before the last heart attack almost 5 years ago.

The main concern now is not his heart but his brain. They are going to lighten the sedation some tomorrow to see if he responds to basic commands. But, Dr. Patel said not to be concerned if he does not. Sometimes it can take 3-4 days after sedation is stopped to see any results.

The CT scan Monday will check for any brain swelling or areas that look like they have been affected by stroke. The TEE echo will also tell them more about the condition of the heart. Depending on what the echo shows, Dr. Patel may lower the right pump and see how the right side of the heart responds. If it can be strengthened enough to remove the right pump they will then concentrate on the left, which could mean another LVAD. Whether or not this would be permanent or not isn't clear. My understanding was that it would be, but Emily and Bryan were under the impression that it would be temporary. But, we'll cross that bridge when it gets here.

All in all it's been a good day even though these are just baby steps. But, they are steps forward so they are in the right direction! John and Heather got here about 8 and went to the hospital with Harris and Beth. Emily and Bryan have gone to the hotel and I'm sitting here in the relative quiet by myself. I've finished my peanut butter toast and I'm thinking it's about time for bed. We shall see what tomorrow brings!