Ladies and Gentlemen Elvis is Back in The Building!

This blog post is being brought to you today by the people of Brigham and Women's who are keeping a close eye on Dad's numbers. 

We received a call Friday night as Mom and I were about to walk out the door to head to a Christmas party. It was the hospital calling to tell us they wanted Dad to the hospital STAT. Well that made everyone kind of freak out a little. He was just here on Wednesday and they said everything was fine! So we packed up all Dad's equipment (they wanted him to bring all his own gear this time) and piled in the car.

When we got here he was admitted about 10 minutes after we got through the door. That was kind of scary too. We had no answers and a lot of rushing.

Dad is back on the 7th floor and we have a few nurses that we had before and we were happy to see them again. We know he is being well taken care of.  Our view isn't all that bad. We can even see a few Christmas lights on trees outside :)

The odd thing is that Dad feels fine. His numbers as far as the LVAD were where they should be but they were concerned that clots could be forming because his blood was so thick. Last night they told us best case scenario they put him on high doses of blood thinners and it takes care of his blood levels and number and we get to go home Monday or Tuesday, the latest. Worst case scenario...they would have to replace the pump!!! Well that news was not well received by anyone.

Today Dad had an echocardiogram and last night we were told he may need an inter esophageal echocardiogram. This is where they go with a camera down the throat to get a better picture of what is going on. This procedure requires sedation so they put Dad on a no food order until further notice.

Mom and I went down to the cafeteria for breakfast so we wouldn't be eating in front of a hungry Dad. We stopped into the friendly neighborhood gift shop and were not disappointed :)

One should never be without, inflatable fruitcake, a rubber chicken ornament and an emergency Santa kit...with inflatable beard!

Dad jokingly told us to bring him back a Christmas tree...so I did! A little LED light Pop up tree :)

Around 1:30 we met with Dr. Stewart and a few other doctors. He said they would not be doing the inter esophageal echo and Dad could order lunch...he was already one step ahead of them for he had ordered lunch in anticipation of being able to eat!

They said his numbers were creeping up and that they would not know for sure when they could wean him off the Heprin drip and move him over to Coumadin. They keep checking his blood every few hours and they are monitoring his vitals 24/7. They are watching to see what changes take place in a 48 hour period. They are confident that due to the fact that he feels so good that he will be home for Christmas :) Thank goodness because we would hate to miss little miss Julie's first Christmas.

Mom and I took a few walks today to stretch our legs and get some food. They have a few trees up here decorated for Christmas. Between the halls and the gift shops at least there is some Christmas here. 

Dad even came for a long walk with us around the corridors. He can't leave the floor, but at least he can move around. What a difference from the last time we were here!!!

So I will keep the blog going again while Dad is here to keep everyone updated. Thank you all again for everything you have done and continue to do to move us along this journey. 

Please include the Connecticut families in your prayers tonight. They need all the support and prayers that anyone is willing to offer. The teachers are truly heroes who saved the lives of so many innocent children and some made the ultimate sacrifice.

Until tomorrow,

Laurie