Did finally see the doctor about 1 pm. I realize it is much later but Cathy and I were anxious to get home and take showers and we have had visitors since then. It's amazing that even though we're sitting up here "all day" we're busy or something because the time really goes by. I guess that's a good thing though.
We did get to talk to Tom's kidney doctor and his PCP. The kidney doctor reported that the kidneys are improving - this was exciting news. They have stopped the medicine that forces the kidneys to "do their thing" and they are "doing their thing" on their own. Of course, not at full strength but they're better.
His PCP is still very guarded on his condition. Levels are coming down slowly. The "fever" was 100.6 - the doctor didn't seem concerned about it. They changed his blood pressure medicine again because his heart rate was elevated last night. He's still lethargic, however, when his friend Dennis went in this evening, he opened his eyes and nodded answers to questions. Again, I know where I rank :-). The ammonia level is still too high. This is what they think is making him so lethargic. The medicine they can give him to help this needs to work from his stomach. So, Tom needs to be alert enough to take it by mouth or they could insert an NG tube (this tube goes in the nose to the stomach) and administer it that way. The NG tube might cause some bleeding - his blood is not thick enough for that right now. The liver provides the clotting factors and the liver is not functioning so they are giving him Vitamin K to help thicken the blood. The blood is not thick enough yet and it would just be easier all around if he were alert and could just drink it. That is our specific prayer request for tonight.
Tom's sister Debbie, and Cathy's husband Dave headed back home today. Debbie will be back on Wednesday. So Cathy, my parents and I are holding down the fort for now.
Again, the prayers are working. Please continue to lift Tom up.
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