Sunday's Report

Can you believe it's been 10 days since we entered this "new" stage in our life? Feels like a moment ago, and yet a lifetime ago, all at once.

I'm happy to report that Scott is doing pretty well. His nurse yesterday morning was excellent and called the docs to get Scott's pain medication changed around a bit, which is working better. The only problem though, is Scott "wants to tough it out". I keep trying to remind him that it is easier to stay on top of it, rather than chase it. Scott overall has had very little pain medication-I'm completely amazed. I used to work for Acute Pain Services, and keep trying to convince him he needs more....but he is strong and resilient and isn't taking much. I know it bothers me more than him, because I just don't want to see him hurt.

His sodium and potassium still haven't balanced out and returned to normal yet. They are continuing to give him IV replacement of these to help. He is still on a water restriction but can have other fluids so that is helping. His sodium was at 126 today (normal 135-145).

Scott was carrying a lot of extra fluid and was SO swollen just a few days ago. He continues to receive Lasix (a diuretic to get the fluid off...this diuretic also effects his sodium and potassium levels) and from looking at him you can tell that it is working. His once tight wrist band now easily slips off. He is also having a normal output now.

Today, Scott "hopped" from point A to point B. From what I hear it was pretty amazing. He made a goal to do it and he did! He is trying to weasel his way out of going to rehab, and the evil sister (me) is trying to convince him of the importance of going.

Because of all the fluid and now losing all the fluid, Scott's poor stretched skin is very delicate. He has a few little blisters that are being watched closely.

Remember the blister I wrote about a few days ago on Scott's amputated leg? A special wound doctor came in to evaluate it. He lanced and drained it and redressed it. He also added a third vacuum type drain to Scott's leg and so far this is helping. He did this yesterday and when he looked at it today again, he wanted to talk to Scott's surgeon about redoing Scott's entire leg dressing/drains. We haven't heard anything else on this, yet.

The liver transplant doctor also came in to see Scott today and helped us set some goals and have a timeline. He really feels like Scott's immediate problem is obviously, to get over his current illness and heal well. Scott needs to fully heal from this and right now his liver issues are stable. They will watch his lab results closely, but truly the focus now, is to heal and have the best health possible before entering a risky, big surgery like a liver transplant.

I'm so proud of Scott and realize everyday how important family is. I love my family.