Friday

Today's addition will be brief.

First an update from Nancy.
Well - I went into the room again this morning and Dad had eaten all of his breakfast with the exception of about 1/3 of his biscuit! With each bite - he gains strength.
I asked him how his night was and he said he had a rough night. He looked good and his spirits seemed good. But he is very sleepy. I will head up to see him at lunch time since I am working from home today.

I went to the hospital over lunch and Dad didn't quite eat as much as he needed to. Appetite wasn't as good as it was for breakfast.
I was there when Dr. Sexton (Lung Dr) came in. He listened to Dad's lungs. He still has fluid in both lung sacs. Left lung worse than right. He said that dad needs to work on eating a lot of protein to help with his fluid retention problem. Also stressed getting up, sitting up and doing his breathing machine religiously every hour.(nothing we didn't already know)

He then said that Dad has a serious blood infection. He is on 2 different antibiotics and will need to be on this for 10-14 more days. He said this kind of bacteria has its own mortality rate. I didn't hear the type of bacteria that Dad has however the Dr. also mentioned possibly consulting with an Infectious Disease Doctor to ensure Dad is on the right protocol of meds. Can't afford for this bacteria to colonize in dad's chest or heart valves. Rusty mentioned he hoped it wasn't from the blood transfusions and I hadn't even thought of that......
Dad was very tired and he dozed off a couple of times while I was sitting there.

I went by a rehab facility this morning and was impressed although it may be very strenuous for Dad at first. They told me that they treat the patient at the level they are at and set goals daily. While PT is their speciality, they do have a medical staff and we will pursue further.

I stopped in this afternoon to check on blood bug and see how Dad was fairing. He looked tired but Mom made him do his breathing exercise anyway. He calls her Dr. Jones. I asked the nurse how long he would be on the antibiotic and whether it had to be administered via IV. She said at least 10 days and it would be done by infusion (IV). This does not mean he has to stay in the hospital though. I am anxious to talk directly to his cardiologist.

Please continue to pray for Dad, he still has a long way to go.

God is good!