July 24, 2009

I (Laurie) spent a couple of hours with Dad this morning. Here is the update:

1. The chest tube is not ready to come out. In the x-ray this morning there was a tiny pocket of air. The tube was put back on suction and the air pocket should resolve itself. The tube should come out tomorrow or the next day.

2. Dad was a little swollen this morning from water retention. He was given Bumex and this should resolve itself throughout the day.

3. He should be on solids this evening. Yeah!

4. He is on lovenox (a blood thinner). The dosage was increased. We don't want blood clots.

5. Dad walked from his bed to the window in his room today. That is very good since he couldn't even sit up yesterday.

6. Once Dad walks around a bit more the orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Barker) will check the x-rays to be sure that there is no movement where the breaks are in the pelvis.

Dad had a sponge bath and a shave. He is very sleepy, but seems in good spirits. Once the chest tube is removed Dad will move to a rehabilitation unit with a Doctor Hilmo (occupational therapist). This will help him prepare to come home. He will be using a walker. He seem to be making a lot of progress.