I'm so sleepy! I've been up for more than an hour, on my second cup of coffee and I could easily go back to sleep. The cats have all been fed and the house is nice and quiet. But I know if I lay back down, I'll be wide awake. So, I'll update this and read my devotion and write in my personal journal and who knows what else until it's time to get Bill up for his meds.
Bill has had a decent week, until yesterday, and it wasn't bad. It just stressed how little he's moved. He did have a breakthrough on Wednesday. I told him I needed him to do something and when he asked what I told him I needed him to get on his treadmill. So he did! He only walked for 3 minutes (may not have been that long since he kept stopping to make sure the counter was working), but even if it was 2 minutes, that's still 2 minutes that he moved. He also did a little bit around the house, emptying the smaller trash cans and getting his own drinks. But yesterday it really brought home how little he's doing. More on that later.
It's been a busy week, off and on. Our little Mouse didn't feel well Sunday. I could tell he had a fever and he didn't want to eat. He was also sensitive on his side when I would try to pet him. Bill said he jumped down awkwardly from the stereo, but a lot of times if his stump hits the floor, it sounds worse than it is. Anyway, I took him to the vet Monday morning and he was really concerned because his fever was 103.3. So he kept him for the day to run some tests. When I picked him up it could have been much worse. He has a urinary tract infection. I've since found that this is common in young males up to the age of 2 or 3 and he's just past a year. It also explains why I was catching him peeing in their beds and the toy box although I thought it was just his age. Dr. Cato agreed that it was probably the UTI, but said we need to get the "other" taken care of sooner rather than later. So this week, when he goes back for his check-up he will come home a new man! They did sedate him this time so they could xray and he didn't fully come out of that until about 11 that night. All he wanted to do was lay in my arms like a baby (on his back, cuddled), so I was prepared to sleep in the recliner, but that's when he finally came around. We went to bed and at 2 when I got up to use the bathroom he was laying in the bathroom, so he needed the cold floor. He took his medicine well for a couple of days with the help of Cheez Whiz on the tip of the syringe, but the last time I shot it straight down his throat and choked him! But, he's back to himself now.
I called the podiatrist to see if I could pick up a prescription of prednisone that we had talked about and was told that it wasn't a prescription but a steroid shot and the cost would be $250! And since this is the dr. who doesn't take my insurance, I decided that was too much, when a paper script would only entail a $20 co-pay probably, so I declined. I called the orthopedic clinic I had gone to a couple of years ago for the place on my Achilles and was really surprised that I could get in yesterday! And that's when we discovered how weak Bill still really is.
I had decided that I wasn't going to push his wheelchair, when it was my foot we were there for. But, I had an idea about the sling that holds the oxygen tanks. I attached it to the front of his walker with one of his medium size tanks on it had him push it around the house. Surprisingly, it didn't add any extreme weight to it and since it has straps for both top and bottom, it was secure enough that it didn't swing. When we got to the clinic in Memphis, even the handicap places are a good little distance from the door and Bill had to stop twice to catch his breath, and then sit before we could make it to the registration desk. When he was able to move again, I told him to find a seat and I would find him after I checked in. So, that told both of us he's really got to start moving. I did pick him up at the front door when we left to make it easier on both of us and it was pretty hot too.
Now, for my foot. This dr. somewhat agreed with the other dr. He said it is plantar fasciitis and it was caused by all the walking I did at the hospital. (I told Bill it is all his fault!). He took a bazillion x-rays with my foot in all kinds of positions to make sure there wasn't a stress fracture or bone spurs or something else amiss. He looked at the inserts that Dr. Duncan had given me and said they were too still and didn't cushion the heel enough. He did explain that at night when resting, my arch is fine and properly arched, but when walking or standing, the longer that time is, the more the tendon stretches and pulls the arch flatter. He wants me to wear New Balance or Brooks shoes and he gave me some gel heel cups to wear. They feel really weird, but they can go in any shoe (won't work well with sandals) and can just be wiped clean with a damp cloth. He also has prescribed a steroid "pack" not sure what that will really be since there was a pharmacy mix-up. He wants to see me in 4-6 weeks and said if it's better I can cancel the appointment. He said there are several different things we can try and aside from surgery, the shot is a last resort. I have some stretching exercises to do and I will do them (especially if I want Bill to do his)! So today I will go shopping for shoes, again.
The meds were not at the pharmacy when we got into town and they are now closed through Monday. But, I got an email from Walmart saying that my prescription was ready! So they sent it to the wrong pharmacy and I could have had it last night since we had to stop at Walmart on the way home anyway. So, I'll run out there this morning and pick it up. The email showed the cost was a whopping $3.85, much better than $250!
So, that's been our week for the most part. Even though I'm tired I feel like we need to just get away for a bit without having a goal in mind or an appointment to go to. So, may see about just taking a ride. Oh yeah, Bryan's son Christopher was sworn in as a city police officer this week. He's wanted to be a cop for a long time, but his mother's family owned the local Dominos franchise and he was the manager. But, a difference of opinion with corporate caused him to resign, so he was able to pursue the academy. We're really proud of him. Now I wonder if he will overlook his Grandma speeding through town!
Have a good holiday week-end, but remember the reason for the holiday while you are enjoying your barbecues and parties.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Saturday, May 18, 2019
It's a pretty but warm and muggy Saturday morning. It was already 70 at 5 when I went out to feed the cats. Some storms are supposed to develop this morning and then again this afternoon, but we are supposed to be on the "slight" side. But I don't think they were counting on it being this warm, this early.
We've had a good week and an interesting day in Memphis on Tuesday. Bill had his appointment with Dr. Burbeck, the pulmonologist. Her office is across the drive from the hospital (actually connected by an underground tunnel) so we planned on stopping to see the nurses after the appointment.
I decided against valet parking and that was the wrong decision. Of course there was no outside parking available so went to the Outpatient Parking garage. They don't have many handicap spaces and, much to my dismay, 3 of them were taken up by construction equipment! There were also work truck blocking the drop-off area. But, I drove around and around and finally found a spot on the 3rd level. So, got Bill's oxygen switched over to one of his big tanks, attached it to his chair and off we went to the elevators....which were out of order! That's what the work trucks were for. So, called security for the shuttle. Got Bill transferred into the van and made the mistake of telling the driver that we wanted to go to the concourse level. Actually we wanted level 1. But, no big deal, there are elevators, or a ramp so just a little extra pushing.
Instead of arriving really early as usual, we were right on time because of the elevator mess. And, I don't know why I bothered to do the paperwork online with the online check-in because I had to fill it all out again. And, even though it shows his insurance cards on file, they didn't have them so had to get them out again. Only a little inconvenience, but still.
Anyway, got back to a room and went over the meds and vitals and then he was swooped off for a Pulmonary Function Test. They do one of these at every visit. This time he pushed his wheelchair since the O2 was attached to it. They wanted to see how he walked with and without O2. When they checked his level before starting out he was at 95 which is fantastic for him. When he came back to the room they were pushing him so walking without it must not have gone really well. But, they said that his numbers were really good compared to last time. Of course the last time was when he was immediately admitted to the hospital.
There was quite a wait for Dr. Burbeck but she said that she had a new patient before us and they take longer. But, as long as his O2 held out we were good. She gave him a thumbs up and said that he looked and sounded good. She only heard a little squeak. She made no med changes and said she would see him in 6 months, but she was only a phone call away if we needed her.
After that we went across to the hospital and upstairs to see the staff at Restorative Care. The nurses were amazed! They all remembered him and just couldn't believe how he looked. We talked about a certain doctor some and that he wouldn't be treating him anymore and I filled them in on how he did in rehab. The speech therapist came over and was so glad that he had signed the waiver to eat and was not having any problems.
Then it was off to ICU to see those nurses. When we got to the doors I had Bill get out of his chair and push it in. The 2 nurses at the desk couldn't believe it was him. They came running around the desk to check him out. The rest of the staff was in a lunch meeting and Kellye went and got them all. They too were amazed at how he looked. We didn't see some of our favorites or any of the PCAs. But, that's a chance you take. We also stopped off in step-down and saw Brian they grabbed a quick lunch in the cafeteria. Of course all of the moving through the hospital was foreign to Bill and he couldn't believe that I had walked those halls for as long as I did.
Took the shuttle back to the car and headed home. It was a long day, left home at 8 and got home a little after 3. But, it was a nice day and not a lot of traffic.
Haven't done much else the rest of the week. The weather got to me finally, stuffy and a 2 day headache. It finally rained Thursday some and that fixed it. The sinus medicine I took actually made me feel worse so I stopped that.
My foot started bothering me more (maybe from all the walking Tuesday) and I went by the dr. yesterday. She said if I needed to I could get a steroid shot, or some Prednisone, but they were closed. I took one of Bill's prednisone pills yesterday afternoone with more Ibuprofen and it finally settled down. So, I'll try again on Monday. So far this morning it's not too bad.
We got my car tagged yesterday and I couldn't find the letter we needed from the VA showing that he is exempt from paying personal/real estate taxes, so went to the courthouse to get a copy, but they weren't open yet. So back home to look again. Usually I put that straight into the lock box after we take the original to the courthouse, but I had every year except the current year. Then I got the idea to check the VA online and low and behold I could print it off! So back to the DMV and we got right in, no one else there. So, that's taken care of for another year.
I noticed yesterday that Bill was not getting as winded as he had been when he was walking in the house, and he wasn't coughing like he had been. So, maybe the break in the weather worked for him too. I've been trying to get him on his treadmill, for even 5-10 minutes, but it's a hard sell. But, I'll keep working on him.
That's about it. The rest of the week was just normal, every day stuff. We don't have any plans for the week-end, but then we never make plans anymore much. And we don't have any more appointments on the horizon until November except for my eye appointment in September. So, maybe we'll venture out some just to get Bill out and moving. He's been wanting to take a walk around the block. Maybe I can get him to do that. I'll pull the oxygen cart for him so that he can use his walker. He usually doesn't use it, but the sidewalk is not even so, just to be sure...
OK, all for this week. I hope everyone had a good Mother's Day last Sunday and have a good week coming up. See you next week!
We've had a good week and an interesting day in Memphis on Tuesday. Bill had his appointment with Dr. Burbeck, the pulmonologist. Her office is across the drive from the hospital (actually connected by an underground tunnel) so we planned on stopping to see the nurses after the appointment.
I decided against valet parking and that was the wrong decision. Of course there was no outside parking available so went to the Outpatient Parking garage. They don't have many handicap spaces and, much to my dismay, 3 of them were taken up by construction equipment! There were also work truck blocking the drop-off area. But, I drove around and around and finally found a spot on the 3rd level. So, got Bill's oxygen switched over to one of his big tanks, attached it to his chair and off we went to the elevators....which were out of order! That's what the work trucks were for. So, called security for the shuttle. Got Bill transferred into the van and made the mistake of telling the driver that we wanted to go to the concourse level. Actually we wanted level 1. But, no big deal, there are elevators, or a ramp so just a little extra pushing.
Instead of arriving really early as usual, we were right on time because of the elevator mess. And, I don't know why I bothered to do the paperwork online with the online check-in because I had to fill it all out again. And, even though it shows his insurance cards on file, they didn't have them so had to get them out again. Only a little inconvenience, but still.
Anyway, got back to a room and went over the meds and vitals and then he was swooped off for a Pulmonary Function Test. They do one of these at every visit. This time he pushed his wheelchair since the O2 was attached to it. They wanted to see how he walked with and without O2. When they checked his level before starting out he was at 95 which is fantastic for him. When he came back to the room they were pushing him so walking without it must not have gone really well. But, they said that his numbers were really good compared to last time. Of course the last time was when he was immediately admitted to the hospital.
There was quite a wait for Dr. Burbeck but she said that she had a new patient before us and they take longer. But, as long as his O2 held out we were good. She gave him a thumbs up and said that he looked and sounded good. She only heard a little squeak. She made no med changes and said she would see him in 6 months, but she was only a phone call away if we needed her.
After that we went across to the hospital and upstairs to see the staff at Restorative Care. The nurses were amazed! They all remembered him and just couldn't believe how he looked. We talked about a certain doctor some and that he wouldn't be treating him anymore and I filled them in on how he did in rehab. The speech therapist came over and was so glad that he had signed the waiver to eat and was not having any problems.
Then it was off to ICU to see those nurses. When we got to the doors I had Bill get out of his chair and push it in. The 2 nurses at the desk couldn't believe it was him. They came running around the desk to check him out. The rest of the staff was in a lunch meeting and Kellye went and got them all. They too were amazed at how he looked. We didn't see some of our favorites or any of the PCAs. But, that's a chance you take. We also stopped off in step-down and saw Brian they grabbed a quick lunch in the cafeteria. Of course all of the moving through the hospital was foreign to Bill and he couldn't believe that I had walked those halls for as long as I did.
Took the shuttle back to the car and headed home. It was a long day, left home at 8 and got home a little after 3. But, it was a nice day and not a lot of traffic.
Haven't done much else the rest of the week. The weather got to me finally, stuffy and a 2 day headache. It finally rained Thursday some and that fixed it. The sinus medicine I took actually made me feel worse so I stopped that.
My foot started bothering me more (maybe from all the walking Tuesday) and I went by the dr. yesterday. She said if I needed to I could get a steroid shot, or some Prednisone, but they were closed. I took one of Bill's prednisone pills yesterday afternoone with more Ibuprofen and it finally settled down. So, I'll try again on Monday. So far this morning it's not too bad.
We got my car tagged yesterday and I couldn't find the letter we needed from the VA showing that he is exempt from paying personal/real estate taxes, so went to the courthouse to get a copy, but they weren't open yet. So back home to look again. Usually I put that straight into the lock box after we take the original to the courthouse, but I had every year except the current year. Then I got the idea to check the VA online and low and behold I could print it off! So back to the DMV and we got right in, no one else there. So, that's taken care of for another year.
I noticed yesterday that Bill was not getting as winded as he had been when he was walking in the house, and he wasn't coughing like he had been. So, maybe the break in the weather worked for him too. I've been trying to get him on his treadmill, for even 5-10 minutes, but it's a hard sell. But, I'll keep working on him.
That's about it. The rest of the week was just normal, every day stuff. We don't have any plans for the week-end, but then we never make plans anymore much. And we don't have any more appointments on the horizon until November except for my eye appointment in September. So, maybe we'll venture out some just to get Bill out and moving. He's been wanting to take a walk around the block. Maybe I can get him to do that. I'll pull the oxygen cart for him so that he can use his walker. He usually doesn't use it, but the sidewalk is not even so, just to be sure...
OK, all for this week. I hope everyone had a good Mother's Day last Sunday and have a good week coming up. See you next week!
Friday, May 10, 2019
Good Morning!
I'm doing this today for no reason other than we have been having internet problems, and right now it is working. For how long is unknown. AT&T is coming tomorrow, sometime between 8 and 6.
This week hasn't held anything special. We finally got rested up from our trip to Mayo. I got some appointments made for Bill with the pulmonologist and the eye dr. I wrote down the times and days...yesterday and today....and then got them backwards in my head!
We were supposed to be in Memphis at 7:45 yesterday morning for the pulmonologist and I thought we were supposed to be at the eye dr. at 1. Then today is the eye dr. at 1 while I thought we were to be in Memphis.
I got the Memphis appointment rescheduled for June, and then got a notice that there was a cancellation for next Tuesday, the 14th. So I grabbed it. And have it on the calendar and a reminder on my phone.
This is the first time, in all of these years of drs. that I have mixed up appointments. I said on Facebook yesterday that I need to turn in my Superwoman cape, and most of the comments were very positive, just to shake it off, plump it up, iron it and go for it. One person even suggested I forget the cape and hold out for the tiara!
Anyway, that's been our week. We've had lots of rain and Ryan had to come and trim the hedges. I'm hoping the yard guys come today. They are only mowing part of the yard and I want it all done this time so that it is more the same length. With the 2 different grasses, Bermuda and Fescue, I'm thinking they don't want to mow them together so that they don't intermingle. But, for what we pay for the maintenance, I want the yard to look nice and right now it looks like crap so much that the neighbors are complaining.
Well, just got the message that the internet is down again. I'm going to try something really fast with my phone to see it that will work. Otherwise, I'll just save this and post it when it's back up.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
I'm doing this today for no reason other than we have been having internet problems, and right now it is working. For how long is unknown. AT&T is coming tomorrow, sometime between 8 and 6.
This week hasn't held anything special. We finally got rested up from our trip to Mayo. I got some appointments made for Bill with the pulmonologist and the eye dr. I wrote down the times and days...yesterday and today....and then got them backwards in my head!
We were supposed to be in Memphis at 7:45 yesterday morning for the pulmonologist and I thought we were supposed to be at the eye dr. at 1. Then today is the eye dr. at 1 while I thought we were to be in Memphis.
I got the Memphis appointment rescheduled for June, and then got a notice that there was a cancellation for next Tuesday, the 14th. So I grabbed it. And have it on the calendar and a reminder on my phone.
This is the first time, in all of these years of drs. that I have mixed up appointments. I said on Facebook yesterday that I need to turn in my Superwoman cape, and most of the comments were very positive, just to shake it off, plump it up, iron it and go for it. One person even suggested I forget the cape and hold out for the tiara!
Anyway, that's been our week. We've had lots of rain and Ryan had to come and trim the hedges. I'm hoping the yard guys come today. They are only mowing part of the yard and I want it all done this time so that it is more the same length. With the 2 different grasses, Bermuda and Fescue, I'm thinking they don't want to mow them together so that they don't intermingle. But, for what we pay for the maintenance, I want the yard to look nice and right now it looks like crap so much that the neighbors are complaining.
Well, just got the message that the internet is down again. I'm going to try something really fast with my phone to see it that will work. Otherwise, I'll just save this and post it when it's back up.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Seems like it's been a long time since I've been here. Maybe because it was such a hectic week. But, God is good and He got us to Florida and back with no mishaps, but more importantly...Bill had a great checkup!
I must admit I was tired this trip and was glad that I had given us a free day before all of the appointments started on Wednesday. We did a little shopping and both of us got haircuts. If any of you are in the Jacksonville area and need a haircut, see Kelly at Hair Cuttery next to Target on Beach Blvd.
I also realized that I had not packed us enough clothes and our shopping was actually a bust. The shirt I got Bill was too small and the one I got for myself was too big, even though it was by a company that I've worn before, in the same size that I wear. I haven't decided if I'm going to return it (Walmart) or wash it and see if it shrinks some. But, we made do.
Wednesday started the tests. Labs were first and then we were able to have breakfast. We also had about a 2 1/2 hour wait before the next appointment. I think I've said before that the campus is three buildings all connected. The labs were done in building 3, the cafeteria is in building 1. So it was quite a trek. The next appointment was in building 2, but the best waiting area is in building 3, so we sat in the atrium and listened to live piano until it was time. The volunteers play the piano daily and it is available for anyone to play. Some are really good, some not so much. And, no, I haven't played it. The old fingers don't work as well anymore and I don't carry music with me. Anyway, back upstairs to get across to building 2 for an echo. This time I was able to go with him for the echo, and those just fascinate me, watching the heart work.
After that it was on to building 1 for the final 3 appointments. They were all done in the same area, one right after the other, and on the same floor we were already on. The buildings are connected only on certain floors so sometimes it's go across to a building then up or down in the elevators. When the final test was done, it was back to the beginning in building 3 since that is where I had parked. We had also made an extra trip to the car to swap oxygen tanks, so a lot of walking...for me. Bill got to ride in his wheelchair. And, by the way, the sling that we got that fits the back of the chair worked beautifully! The tank was totally out of the way, yet I could keep an eye on the gauge to see how full it was.
The first night we were there we went to our favorite pizza place, and the first bite of that pizza was so good. I just sat and closed my eyes. We devoured the entire thing in very short time. Bill was restricted the next night because of the labs and bone scan so we ate salads, his with grilled chicken, mine with crispy (I wasn't restricted). So, Wednesday night we went to a little diner in Jacksonville Beach that we like and I told Bill he could eat anything he wanted. He ordered fish and chips. It also came with a salad and, as the restaurant is owned by Greeks, it was of course a Greek salad. I enjoyed mine, except for the olives, and Bill ate some of his and then the fish came. There were 4 huge pieces of fish, piled on top of homemade french fries and a bowl of green beans. He just looked at it and I just told him to eat what he wanted. He ate EVERY piece of fish, and most of the fries! I told the waitress that it was the most he had eaten in 4 months!
When we saw Stephanie Thursday morning, most of that time was spent going over meds and deciding how we were going to do those. Since Memphis doesn't want to follow him, they don't want to refill the scripts either. So, Mayo is going to do some of those, but leave the insulin to our regular dr., and 1 to the kidney dr., and 1 to Dr. Burbeck. She may also be able to do the kidney one. It's Lasix and Dr. Morris, the kidney dr. from the hospital had ordered it to improve his kidney function, but it will also keep fluid from his lungs, so she, Dr. Burbeck can manage it. Then, it was time for Dr. Patel. So, here's what you've all been waiting for...
The heart is still doing fine. His ejection fraction is 56%, which is pretty good. All of his labs were good, including his Prograf level and his cholesterol is perfect. The bone scan shows no change from the last one, mild osteoparosis, (or however it's spelled), but he takes calcium for that. The chest x-ray does show progressing emphysema, which we expected. But the best news for me was, his lungs sound CLEAR! Dr. Patel heard no unusual sounds, just good air moving.
He did say that the main problem now is conditioning and strengthening and that if he doesn't get stronger, even a little, he will end up back in the hospital sometime during the year. So, he stressed how important it will be for him to continue his exercises from physical therapy. Bill agreed, but it remains to be seen if he will follow through.
There have been a couple of med tweaks. I asked about the one that keeps his blood pressure up since a couple of times I've taken it it has been in the higher range. Dr. Patel said that if it is over 120 to hold it, at least 1 dose a day. He said as long as he stays in what is usual for him, which is low 100s, he could come off it. He also is dropping his Prograf. If you remember when he was in the hospital I asked one of the nurses since they were playing with that level if it was to give his immune system a chance to fight the infection yet still keep it surpressed enough to ward of rejection. Well, Stephanie called after we were on the road and said that Dr. Patel wanted his level at 4 instead of 7...to fight the infection! So, my logic was right. So, we are lowering the dose by just a little bit.
The trip home was uneventful and we got in about 2 yesterday afternoon. I was completely wiped out by the time I got Bill in and then loved on the cats and then got the car unloaded. Mouse was the surprise for us, he actually was very vocal with meows (he usually just chirps and makes his feral cat sounds) and he wanted held, which is really odd. We were in bed by 9, but I didn't sleep real well. We've gone from king-sized beds in the hotel rooms, back to our double bed, which would be OK, but we added 2 cats! Kitty slept on my pillow most of the night (above my head), and Mouse was at my feet. I could barely move! But, back to normal this morning anyway, up by 4:30 for breakfast for them, and then they go back to sleep! But, it gives me time to do this while it's quiet and have my coffee. I still need to get the bills paid for the month and this place is a wreck with cat toys and suitcases everywhere. But, it all doesn't have to be done today!
So, that's it. As I said, God is good! Happy May! Don't forget to watch the Kentucky Derby, Mom. It's on at the same time as the Cubs/Cards game so I don't know if we'll flip it over or not. See you next week!
I must admit I was tired this trip and was glad that I had given us a free day before all of the appointments started on Wednesday. We did a little shopping and both of us got haircuts. If any of you are in the Jacksonville area and need a haircut, see Kelly at Hair Cuttery next to Target on Beach Blvd.
I also realized that I had not packed us enough clothes and our shopping was actually a bust. The shirt I got Bill was too small and the one I got for myself was too big, even though it was by a company that I've worn before, in the same size that I wear. I haven't decided if I'm going to return it (Walmart) or wash it and see if it shrinks some. But, we made do.
Wednesday started the tests. Labs were first and then we were able to have breakfast. We also had about a 2 1/2 hour wait before the next appointment. I think I've said before that the campus is three buildings all connected. The labs were done in building 3, the cafeteria is in building 1. So it was quite a trek. The next appointment was in building 2, but the best waiting area is in building 3, so we sat in the atrium and listened to live piano until it was time. The volunteers play the piano daily and it is available for anyone to play. Some are really good, some not so much. And, no, I haven't played it. The old fingers don't work as well anymore and I don't carry music with me. Anyway, back upstairs to get across to building 2 for an echo. This time I was able to go with him for the echo, and those just fascinate me, watching the heart work.
After that it was on to building 1 for the final 3 appointments. They were all done in the same area, one right after the other, and on the same floor we were already on. The buildings are connected only on certain floors so sometimes it's go across to a building then up or down in the elevators. When the final test was done, it was back to the beginning in building 3 since that is where I had parked. We had also made an extra trip to the car to swap oxygen tanks, so a lot of walking...for me. Bill got to ride in his wheelchair. And, by the way, the sling that we got that fits the back of the chair worked beautifully! The tank was totally out of the way, yet I could keep an eye on the gauge to see how full it was.
The first night we were there we went to our favorite pizza place, and the first bite of that pizza was so good. I just sat and closed my eyes. We devoured the entire thing in very short time. Bill was restricted the next night because of the labs and bone scan so we ate salads, his with grilled chicken, mine with crispy (I wasn't restricted). So, Wednesday night we went to a little diner in Jacksonville Beach that we like and I told Bill he could eat anything he wanted. He ordered fish and chips. It also came with a salad and, as the restaurant is owned by Greeks, it was of course a Greek salad. I enjoyed mine, except for the olives, and Bill ate some of his and then the fish came. There were 4 huge pieces of fish, piled on top of homemade french fries and a bowl of green beans. He just looked at it and I just told him to eat what he wanted. He ate EVERY piece of fish, and most of the fries! I told the waitress that it was the most he had eaten in 4 months!
When we saw Stephanie Thursday morning, most of that time was spent going over meds and deciding how we were going to do those. Since Memphis doesn't want to follow him, they don't want to refill the scripts either. So, Mayo is going to do some of those, but leave the insulin to our regular dr., and 1 to the kidney dr., and 1 to Dr. Burbeck. She may also be able to do the kidney one. It's Lasix and Dr. Morris, the kidney dr. from the hospital had ordered it to improve his kidney function, but it will also keep fluid from his lungs, so she, Dr. Burbeck can manage it. Then, it was time for Dr. Patel. So, here's what you've all been waiting for...
The heart is still doing fine. His ejection fraction is 56%, which is pretty good. All of his labs were good, including his Prograf level and his cholesterol is perfect. The bone scan shows no change from the last one, mild osteoparosis, (or however it's spelled), but he takes calcium for that. The chest x-ray does show progressing emphysema, which we expected. But the best news for me was, his lungs sound CLEAR! Dr. Patel heard no unusual sounds, just good air moving.
He did say that the main problem now is conditioning and strengthening and that if he doesn't get stronger, even a little, he will end up back in the hospital sometime during the year. So, he stressed how important it will be for him to continue his exercises from physical therapy. Bill agreed, but it remains to be seen if he will follow through.
There have been a couple of med tweaks. I asked about the one that keeps his blood pressure up since a couple of times I've taken it it has been in the higher range. Dr. Patel said that if it is over 120 to hold it, at least 1 dose a day. He said as long as he stays in what is usual for him, which is low 100s, he could come off it. He also is dropping his Prograf. If you remember when he was in the hospital I asked one of the nurses since they were playing with that level if it was to give his immune system a chance to fight the infection yet still keep it surpressed enough to ward of rejection. Well, Stephanie called after we were on the road and said that Dr. Patel wanted his level at 4 instead of 7...to fight the infection! So, my logic was right. So, we are lowering the dose by just a little bit.
The trip home was uneventful and we got in about 2 yesterday afternoon. I was completely wiped out by the time I got Bill in and then loved on the cats and then got the car unloaded. Mouse was the surprise for us, he actually was very vocal with meows (he usually just chirps and makes his feral cat sounds) and he wanted held, which is really odd. We were in bed by 9, but I didn't sleep real well. We've gone from king-sized beds in the hotel rooms, back to our double bed, which would be OK, but we added 2 cats! Kitty slept on my pillow most of the night (above my head), and Mouse was at my feet. I could barely move! But, back to normal this morning anyway, up by 4:30 for breakfast for them, and then they go back to sleep! But, it gives me time to do this while it's quiet and have my coffee. I still need to get the bills paid for the month and this place is a wreck with cat toys and suitcases everywhere. But, it all doesn't have to be done today!
So, that's it. As I said, God is good! Happy May! Don't forget to watch the Kentucky Derby, Mom. It's on at the same time as the Cubs/Cards game so I don't know if we'll flip it over or not. See you next week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)