CROWNS

Tom went to Dr. Rutland for a follow-up appointment on Monday morning.  Apparently things are good because we haven't heard from them!  That would mean that the potassium level is back in line.  The scales indicated that Tom lost 20 lbs over the weekend so that is a bit of a concern.  Dr. Rutland requested Tom make an appointment with Dr. Dunn (kidneys) just to make sure the weight loss is not upsetting the kidneys - even though the kidney numbers looked good.

Tom already had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Dunn for next week.  We tried to move that to this week but there were no openings. 

I am currently waiting on calls from Dr. Rutland to verify that Monday's blood tests were OK and from the UAB Liver Center to verify that they received the new labs and to find out if, by chance, they moved Tom further up the waiting list.  I also want them to know about the weight loss.  It does not seem that Tom is dehydrated and he's eating like a horse so hopefully it is just the excess fluid.  He is getting around so much better now.

One of the other items that the Transplant process "recommends" but does not require is clearance from Tom's dentist.  Well, Tom didn't really have a dentist . . . until yesterday.  I made him an appointment at my dentist and 4 hours later, Tom emerged with two temporary crowns, two replaced fillings and an appointment for next week.  Kudos to Dr. Rick King and staff in Hillsboro Village for rearranging their schedule to go ahead and do all of that work yesterday, for finding a lab that can make the permanent crowns in one week instead of two, and rearranging their schedule for next week so that Tom and I can go a the same time to have our teeth cleaned and Tom can have the permanent crowns "installed".  Once that is done, Tom will have the clearance letter from his new dentist!

Needless to say, he had a long day yesterday but was quite the trooper.  I know all of that work had to hurt!

Tom continues to do well with Physical Therapy.  He has it three times again this week.  I have been helping him with some of his exercises and he's doing better than I expected.  I hope he can keep improving his strength - I would love to see him stop using the walker really soon!

There's not much more to say at this point.  We continue to wait and pray.