Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Noon Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

They moved Ed to his room around 2:00 AM and we had our last phone call of the evening around 2:30 AM.  We both grabbed a little sleep -- they actually left Ed undisturbed for 3 whole hours until they returned to draw blood and check vitals at 5:30 AM!

Dr. Menco came in a little bit ago and Dr Mazur will be back this afternoon. They have Ed on 2 different IV antibiotics for now until the bacteria are cultured and identified (probably not until tomorrow afternoon) so Ed will be cooling his jets at Los Robles for the time being.  Dr. Menco will keep him until his whites are sufficiently recovered to provide protection from infection.  We were scheduled to go to UCLA on Friday for a consultation with Dr. De Vos regarding the stem cell program, but Dr. Menco says it's unlikely that we can keep that appointment, which is his gentle way of telling Ed that he'll be staying put for a few days.  Ed's pretty frustrated and not happy about it, but I've confiscated his shoes, pants and car keys, so it's going to be more difficult for him to entertain thoughts of quietly slipping out unnoticed! 

I did save some good news for last today....... the blood work shows that Ed's albumin is up -  a good indication that his body is processing and metabolizing food.   Albumin (the protein level in the blood) is, as Dr. M puts it, "kind of a good indicator of general health."  Ed's was so low before - down to 1.1 but it's now it's at 3.1  (normal range is 3.5 to 5.5) so that's progress, as they say!

Time to get some work done here and I'll check in later this evening and let you know how our patient is doing.

2 comments:

  1. Good job on the nutrition! Now I don't have to worry about your hypoalbuminemia or hypoalbuminuria any longer (you can't imagine how many times in a day I have to transcribe that!) Look at it this way that with every cloud, there's a silver lining. Your improved nutrition should help you to fight off whatever comes your way. Our prayers for you continue.

    Liz - it appears definite that we're moving to Dallas - it's just a matter of when - if the contract is awarded to them in 2 weeks, the move is NOW, if not, they want him for certain in August for another large project. Can you imagine me in Dallas? I'm having a hard time picturing it myself! Love you both! Jeanne

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  2. Hi Ed, if you want to sneak out I will come get you! (Sorry Liz, just kidding!) I know you brother and I am sure you are sick of being in there --- but stay the course and we will toast to your albumin health as soon as you are up to it. Love you guys, TC

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