BIRMINGHAM ON WEDNESDAY

Tom goes back to Birmingham on Wednesday.  He is anxious about this appointment.  He is stronger (as they requested) but since we don't know exactly what they are looking for, it is unsettling. 

Tom had a fever last Monday and called the doctor before taking anything we already had.  The doctor called in a different antibiotic and his fever broke on Wednesday.  He is holding a whole lot of fluid - it seems to have come on really fast.  He's been taking lasix too so I don't know if the new antibiotic has something to do with that or not.  We'll see what the Birmingham docs have to say about it.

He has been out to the store a couple of times and went back to the Farmers Market on Saturday.  He's also been doing some cooking.  Physical Therapy is re-engaged so they've been by a couple of times as well.

We're waiting on the arrival of a new lift recliner.  Last year, out of desperation, I went to Sam's and bought a $500 lift chair.  It has done well but got bent/broken a couple of weeks ago.  Tom and I tried to fix it but I think there is no hope.  I went to the medical supply store and ordered a new chair.  This one will fit Tom's height and it has two independent motors so he can raise his feet without reclining and vice versa.  It also has a foot extender so his feet won't hang off the end (he's actually been putting them on an ottoman).  Anyway, his current chair sits at a slight angle so that's been bothering his back (along with the extra fluid weight). 

We are backing down on how much Comfort Keepers is with Tom during the day.  They will be there about 4-5 hours today and tomorrow and then hopefully that will be it.  Tom feels comfortable being on his own.  He will have a unit that he can press that will call the paramedics in an emergency - I hope it will be installed this week.

My parents will be back next Wednesday to stay with Tom while I am out of town - actually, it will be more like they are staying with the dogs.  His sister, Cathy, will also be back at the end of the month.  My Sunday School class has offered to help in any way while I am gone too.  What a huge blessing!  I know Tom will do great and everything will be fine, the anticipation is just stressful for both of us right now.

We ask for your prayers for Wednesday's trip & visit and also that this fluid will GO AWAY!