The challenge has changed from a sprint to a marathon, and we're now from a minute by minute situation to a day-by-day situation.
My father's situation is improving day by day, and it's such a blessing. He's dropped ~50lbs of water weight, so he's sleeping much better. (This is the course over 10 days) and his lung doctor came in this afternoon (while I was there with my husband) and said his lungs sound 100% better, and that most of the infection seems to have cleared out of his system. And after seeing the remains of the infection -looking like a combination of apple sauce, strawberry koolaide and chocolate pudding- that was wonderful news.
I haven't had a chance to speak with his cardiologist, to ask about how his heart is doing. It seems that when he was brought in last Wednesday, he was tachycardia, and they ran some tests, and it showed that his left ventricle was operating at 20% efficiency (as opposed to 50-60% for normal people) so that is why the fluid was backing up into his system. Hopefully, they will run another Monday to see how it's looking now.
He's been sitting up in a chair, and complaining of being hungry most of the time. Until we get his weight down another 30lbs or so, his diet will continue to remain a strict one.
His internal medicine doctor said that he would like to keep him in there until the middle of next week, so they can finish his antibiotics, and also let him continue losing his water weight. The one drawback on all this is that he has absolutely no strength in his legs right now. He needs an attendent (or me!) to help him up out of the bed, or the chair, or to take him into the lavatory. So, this is difficult, since he is still 270lbs.
So, the next step in his personal therapy (and his hospital therapists are a joke, since all they are working on are his arms, when it is his legs and hips that need it the most.) is getting him to stand, and walking around the room. That will do him 10x the good for him.
I've also convinced all of the nurses in the hospital wing of the benefits of Udderly Smooth for his poor legs.
Gratutious non-paid endorsement of product
He has cellulitis, and his legs get soooooooo dry and flaky. After washing his legs, I massage that creme in, and it holds the moisture in for 8-12 hours. (Which is perfect for my schedule for him.....)
Lastly, he has acknowledged that it was't luck that brought him through all this, but grace. So, I've been giving him "food for thought" before I leave at night, or when I leave for work, to give him something to think on.
He doesn't understand why he had to go through this, (and I haven't asked, since it was meant to be...) but I am trying to help him see that he was meant to go through it, and that he does have continued purpose for his life. What that is, isn't up to me to see. I'm just there as a humble servant, using my gifts, and following my calling.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks to all, (including Cingular, which having their mobile to mobile plan has allowed me to call my sister and my husband daily for multiple minutes at a time and it not cost any additional money!) from those who have made a difference, and those who have remained in the background to silently support. You have (or maybe you do) no idea how much your support and prayers have bolstered my faith, and gave me support during this crisis. I couldn't haven't done any of this without G_d's blessing, and JC's sacrifice.
May your lives be blessed 10x over.
---Maigrey