Sunday May 10 -- Mother's Day

The only IV dad has going right now is Heparin (which is a blood thinner) because of the blood clot in his right arm. He also has "food" going into the feeding tube in his stomach. But he is able to eat by mouth some now so maybe he can soon do away with the feeding tube food.

Today dad sat up (on the side of the bed) for around 10 minutes this morning. This is great. I didn't know he could last that long. While I was there he sat on the side of the bed and I fed him some lunch. He tired quickly so he had to lay back down. Next thing I knew he was sleeping. Guess sitting up can wear a person out.

Dad has more strength in his arms that just a few days ago but he is still unable to feed himself or hold a cup of water. But I think at the way he is trying that he will soon be able to conquer this.

While dad was sleeping the nurse walked in with a walker. She said that she had ordered it so it would be ready for when dad is ready. I don't know how long that will be. The nurses and I tried to help dad stand up today but he just couldn't do it.

Dad is coming along great. I am shocked at how far he has come this past week. I know we still have a long way to go but we are off to a great start right now.

Keep those prayers going up for dad and me.

Kathy

Wednesday April 22 Earth Day 2009

The Precedex hasn't been working so well. Dr H said they will play with the dosage to see if he can get it to work for dad. The only thing is that one of the side effects of this drug is that it can cause your heart rate to go down. Not a good thing. So they have had to cut the drip on and off because dad's heart rate goes down.

Today when I was there and dad starting waking up you could tell he was getting agitated and I was trying my best to calm him down. Nurse S goes and gives him some Versed. I asked her why because dad wasn't that bad and she said because we can't risk him getting bad before she gives him something. I guess she is right but it really upset me. I was really hoping to be able to calm dad down without any Versed.

They have started measuring the pressure in dad's bladder. The bladder pressure test tells them about how much pressure is in the abdomen. Nurse S says we want a number no higher than 20. Dad was at 18 so they are going to do this test every 6 hours. I don't know for how many times or days. I guess it depends on the numbers.

Today they started dad on Heparin to try to dissolve the blood clot in his right arm. I thought he was already on a blood thinner. I also thought Dr H said they were lowing the dosage because maybe that was why dad needed blood from time to time. I am really confused. But I know he needs to get rid of the blood clot some how.

Dad's feet is swelling again but they are giving him something for that.

I called dad's primary doctor (his doctor BEFORE all this happened) and left a message with his nurse about dad. I asked if he could check out what is going on with dad and what he thinks about the treatments dad is getting. Dr G has not called me back yet but I didn't really expect to hear back from him today. I do think he will call me but I don't know how much he will want to get involved in dad's case. Have to wait to see.

Keep those prayers going up for dad and me. Don't forget to send up prayers for Aunt Betty.

Kathy