Saturday March24th 3:00 p.m.

The doctors have put in another drain to the fluid pocket found in the CT scan yesterday, and they removed the last drain that had contained the VRE bacteria.  Although the ER doctor had given us the diagnosis of a fractured  vertebrate, after Dr. Duvall, Papa's orthopedic physician,  studied the back xray he said he saw no fracture!  Even so, Papa is still in a lot of pain.  They are giving him morphine , but he doesn't like to take it too often. He was going to be given two units of blood today.  He has been started on a new antibiotic which will target the bacteria found in this new fluid pocket.  We are not sure exactly how long he will be in the hospital .  Please continue to remember him in your prayers!

Friday March 23rd 6:50 a.m.

Papa has been admitted to the hospital once again.  He had a fall last night around 10:00.  He was in the bathroom and fell backwards hitting his back on the counter as he went down.  He rode by ambulance to LGMC emergency room. They performed an xray and have found that the T9 vertebrate is fractured.  He was in terrible pain, so they have given him pain meds and is resting well now.He was scheduled for a CT scan this morning anyway , so they did it last night .  There is some fluid in his stomach area according to the scan.  His white cell count had been rising again, which is why the CT was ordered.  We are now waiting on Dr. Breaux to come in. Will update as soon as we know what the results are.

Saturday, March 17th 9:30 p.m.

Papa made it back home yesterday!  He spent a total of 91 days in the hospital.   His wound vac was removed, and he has one drain remaining, along with a couple of tubes that will probably be removed at his next doctor's appointment. His surgical wound is still open quite a bit, so we will be changing his dressing every other day.  Home health will be coming in twice a week and he will have physical and occupational therapy at home also. He is able to walk around, with assistance and a walker, and he still tires very easily.  He is now on a regular diet.  We are all so happy to have him home again. Visitors are definitely welcome !

Wednesday March 14th , 7:50

Good news from the physicians...they are ready to discharge Papa!  Hopefully he will be home by Friday.  !!!!  He will be sent home with the remaining drains and wound vac and home health will be coming to his house.  He will continue his physical therapy at home also. We thank everyone for praying our Papa back to health. He is living  proof of the power of prayer!

Saturday, March 10th, 9:30

Papa got to have his first shower yesterday .  He said it felt so good!  He is continuing to improve daily.  He is feeling well. We are just waiting for the remaining drains to be removed.  He still has 4 drains left, and of course his surgical wound , which is healing slowly but surely.     He is enjoying his visitors , so please come and see him !  He usually has breakfast at 8 and then his physical therapy , so he is done around 9 or 9:30.  If you do come to see him encourage him to sit in his chair if he is in the bed.

Tuesday March 6th 11:00 a.m.

Papa has had one drain removed this morning ...the duodenal drain.  Hopefully he will have more pulled soon!  He is eating well, feeling well and doing his physical therapy.  He is able to have visitors (you will have to robe and glove ) , but it helps to make time go by for him now, so please feel free to visit him.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Thursday March 1st, 7:45

Papa has been moved to the 10th floor.  Room number is 1035.  This is still considered LTAC. He is doing so well....eating with no problem, still on a soft diet and loving it.  He still has a number of drains and the wound vac on his surgical wound.  Doing great with physical therapy, walking with the assistance of a walker and minimal help from the therapist.