Tuesday, 5pm

Hi all readers,
Not sure I'd menioned that on Saturday Anne had a low grade fever for awhile.  It went away with some Tylenol.

On Sunday she had a good quiet day, sleeping alot, and she walked one lap around the 400 foot block, late afternoon, without stopping.  I don't remember much else happening on Sunday, maybe it will come to me as I write.

On Monday another low grade fever was detected and it got the doctors attention.  Around 7pm we learned that Dr. Ebrahim had ordered a chest xray, and blood work. 

Anne also learned that there is concern for 2 blood clots.  One is near the pelvic area, and the other in the chest.  It seems that these are expected, maybe routine whenever someone spends alot of time in the hospital and it not up and around much.  These are treated with blood thinners, but doctors do not spend alot of time tracking or studying them to see if they are dissolving.  It's seems like they are common, treated casually.  They can be dangerous though if they make it to the lungs, especially if they are large.  Remember David Bloom from NBC news.  Anyway, Anne is being treated for these. 

Last night Anne and I enjoyed hamburgers from Room Service.  Anne ordered us each one, with cheese, and loaded with all the condiments you can imagine.  I cut Anne's burger in half and I got upset when she went for the second half.  She was enjoying it so much I was certain she'd soon be in severe pain, calling for meds, and that I'd be here late all worried about her.  Well, the burgers were fantastic, and big, she was still raving about it today, and, she never became sick after eating the whole thing.  I'd have bet money otherwise.

At around 8pm we headed down to have the chest xray done.  I stayed with her because I don't like her having to go down to the basement alone where the xray dept is.  It's kinda the older part of the hospital.  They kind of drop you in a parking area to wait, then they call your number and you go in, then they park you again until the transport person comes to take you back to your room.  Anyway, it went quickly.  We were back in the room by 9pm.  Our concern was that the xray might reveal something serious causing the low grade temps, such as pneumonia or something like that.

Today we learned the good news that there is no pneumonia to be found.  A urine test did conclude that Anne has another UTI.  Perhaps caused by the catheter being used for so many days?  Anyway, all good news.  The UTI can easily be treated. 

Blood tests results from last nights draw were not available today.  So, we hope those tests do not show any other infections beyond the UTI.  Dr. E. warned that the pic line is a possibility, and so are the 2 small incisions from the stent procedure.  We hope for all good news coming out of the blood work.

Today Anne ordered a chicken sandwich for lunch, which looked as good as the burgers did last night.  She loaded it with condiments and enjoyed again, and without sickness afterwards.  I am amazed or should I say I give up trying to figure out this girl.   

She took 3 walks around the 400 foot block today.  Everyone is happy about how she's doing. 

Today Dr. E. called the fever and UTI minor setbacks.  He seems in no hurry to send Anne home.  He has reduced her Lasix dose to one pill daily, down from 2.  She has lost 47 pounds of fluid weight and he said he'd like to see her loose 10 more.

Our prayers are being answered. 

Sorry I left you hanging yesterday.  It was a long day with activities will into the evening keeping us busy.  And thanks for returning today to keep up with Anne's progress.