Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mr. Bond is Home

I'm writing this update as we watch a season two episode of 24 - our new found addiction. Nina Meyers is the mystery who keeps coming back. Jack Bauer is a hero who survives it all.

Much more important, however, is an update on my dad:

Last Thursday dad was moved from the ICU to the Critical Care unit where the doctors kept a close monitor on his heart rate. One thing we did learn from this is that my dad's heart is in excellent condition resting near 50 beats per minute. He's not a marathon runner, though the doctors asked several times how he was in such great condition. I attribute it to his daily runs on the treadmill and nightly bowls of Schwan's ice cream.

He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday night and is still in recovery mode at home, but he is making progress (and is enjoying not eating hospital mystery food)! The doctors continue to monitor his blood level which requires three visits a week to the cumidin clinic. His head still aches, but the pain is in control. A funny side note is that dad gained twenty pounds during his one week stay in the hospital. One of his many IVs consisted of sodium chloride to retain water in his body and keep pressure off of his brain. While at home he continues to take three salt tablets three times a day for the next two weeks, so it will be a couple weeks before he loses the water weight. It's quite funny - his concern now is not that he still has a blood clot in his brain, rather, it is how soon he will lose this weight. The blood clot should dissolve within six months to a year. It takes time to break down, but he will return to full strength soon.

I'm grateful that dad came home before I left for New York. I didn't want to have the image of my dad with oxygen tubes, IVs and heart monitors left in my memory until I see him again. Thanks to so many friends and family members for your love, support and prayers. We are seeing so many blessings from the Lord pour into our family.

9 comments:

April said...

I am really glad to hear that your dad is doing better and I pray his full recovery is smooth. You have such a wonderful family. Loves to you!!

The Brooks Family said...

I am so glad to hear that he is doing better.

Kristina said...

Everyone at my work is hooked on 24. I guess I should start watching it to see what it is all about! We actually watched one episode back in Nov. and we had no idea what's going on. Maybe if we start at the beginning, it will make more sense.

I'm glad to hear that your Dad is doing better! I hope he is back to normal soon!

The Hansens said...

We are so glad your dad is doing better! It sounds like he's making a great recovery!

Autumn said...

I am so gald that you dad is doing much better!!! What a great father you have and the lord truly is blessing your family!! Love you guys!!

Kelsi said...

Glad to hear everything is ok! I kept checking your blog.

The Wright Fam said...

I cannot even tell you how happy and grateful we were to hear that your dad was home and doing better. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers and it has been so hard to be so far away (as you know)! I am so glad that you were able to be there with your family! WE love you guys!
PS- I am loving the 'new' blog look!

The Wright Fam said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!!! I hope you have a fabulous day! We love you!

Camille said...

JamievI'm so sorry about your dad!! I had no idea. Anyway, I wanted to tell you happy birthday today! I have no idea what your phone number is because I never update the new phones I get. I love you and hope you had a great day. I will find your number on my old phone and call you soon.