Aug 10, 2012 Update

Sorry for not getting an update out yesterday, we have been pretty busy. Tom and I did take Dad yesterday to see Dr Heidari, an infectious disease specialist, that Dr Trang recommended.

We had to wait for a bit, but we were there just over 2 hours. Dr Heidari is very thorough and wanted a complete history of dad from as far back as we could go. Tom and I had a couple of debates over when something happened or dad had a procedure, time just seems to blurr and it was easy to confuse when something happened. Dr Heidari asked us for next week to pull together as much information as we can, including a timeline, procedures with results and any lab tests with results for as much as possible. John must have known what this doctor was going to ask us, as he was pulling together all the information in a blog that we can use.

Since Dr Heidari did not have any tests other than the CT Scan, which he said Dad has osteomylitis in both ears, he said he was going to put Dad back on medication similar to what he was on before to start out with. So Dad is on Daptomycin and a second different drug call Zosyn. Dr Heidari said the Zosyn is better at fighting infection in the skull than cefeprine. He has ordered these meds for 42 days, with Dad getting the Daptomycin every other day and the Zosyn every 6 hours. Both are give in a drip form, with each one taking 30 minutes to administer, slightly different than last time.

Overall Dad’s mood is much better than it was a few days earlier. Yesterday when we were waiting in the doctors office Tom asks Dad how his vision was. Dad said it was better and I asked if he could see Tom’s face clearly, Dad turns, looks at Tom and screams, saying maybe he could see him a little too well.

Dad is eating better, eating two scrambled eggs for breakfast and a good lunch. He particularly likes Deb’s home made chocolate chip cookies!

Dad wanted to go through his checking account last night, we found a couple of errors, but we got it cleared up. Also, we are working on getting a power of attorney for all five kids. This will give us the ability to ask questions on Dad’s behalf as well as hopefully use his credit card when we have to buy something for him. Catie, we will have to get you to sign it, scan it in and send it back.

Aunt Margie called today, she could tell that Dad is not doing well. She asked that we give her regular updates. She was pretty upset over hearing Dad.

Next week will be pretty busy as it looks like we are getting some company. Will and Krys left their house and are heading out with the kids. They hope to be here Monday. Sarah and the kids will also be coming down Monday as well. Amelia will also be coming out Monday and probably leave on Wednesday. Tommy will most likely come down on Friday and stay the weekend.

Dad has appointments Monday through Thursday next week, getting an x-ray on his chest, and an ultra-sound on his abdomen on Monday. Tuesday we go back to Dr Trang, Wednesday it is Trevor and Thursday it is back to Dr Heidari.

That is about it for now. Tom feel free to add anything I missed.

Love to all,

Bill