Update from Tom - SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009 08:54 AM, CST

[Guest guest]

They might release me today. Or, they might not.I wish they wouldn't make such statements. I've had my hopes raised too many times only to have them shot down. The biggest issues right now are:

The blood clot. I started on coumadin in addition to the heparin. Coumadin, by the way, has an interesting history. It started its life as a rat poison and is still used as a very effective solution to rat problems. I haven't died from those coumadin pills yet, which should put to bed the claims of some that I really AM a rat!

The challenge with the whole blood issue is getting the levels of medication stable and effective without overthinning the blood. It's pretty easy to do with heparin alone, but coumadin is the more effective treatment but it's harder to stabilize. It is also administered in pill form, not an IV, so I can take it at home.

The next issue is the blood pressure. That has stabilized nicely. I seem to be staying hydrated, and the bp is consistently in the 105/65 range, much better and safer than the 80/50 numbers I was throwing before. Much of that is due to the IV hydration, which I can't really do at home. My stomach still isn't robust enough to take a lot of volume, so my capacity to take a bunch of fluids orally is a challenge.

The drain, which is the biggest problem in my mind, since it's so uncomfortable. I was nice and dry overnight, but daytime yesterday was messy. Despite additional stitches, fluid continued to flow freely. I notice that I only leak when I exhale. If I can train myself to stop doing that, I'll be OK, but that isn't very likely. The flow seems to be slowing slightly. I need it to stop altogether. I still think this is the biggest thing standing in the way of my recovery.

Infections. Those are under control right now. All IV antibiotics have been stopped. Great news!I finally had a decent night of sleep last night. I actually went six hours without needing my pain medication topped off, which hasn't happened in a long time.

So, I'll either go home today, or perhaps Sunday or Monday. I'm very restless about this, and I know I'll be more comfortable at home. There are some business related things that must be done over the next couple days, and I'm the only one who can do them, so I need to get out of here. Yes, I know, it's the patience issue again. I just need to trust God's plan in all of this.

There's the end of my stamina today. I'll post again once I have more info.Tom

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http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasbutler