Update 8.26.15

We went to the UWMC today to have blood drawn, have an echocardiogram, visit one of the LVAD coordinators and see the surgeon.  And then a chest x-ray was added at the end.  It was a long day, busy day.  Clifford, the VAD coordinator who trained John, Colleen, Jen and Mick on the machine, spent a lot of time with us.  The clinical trial that we are in required the echo, the x-ray and some paperwork. 

Dr. Mokadam seemed pleased with progress, how much better John feels, how much his weight has gone down (16 pounds since coming home) and that his legs are much smaller.  The water weight is slowly going away.  There is still some liquid in the lungs, mostly in the left side.

The INR today was perfect, 3.0.  The target is 2.5-3.5, so 3.0 is right in the middle.  With the medicines that have been added and their effects on INR, we will have it tested again on Friday.  So, an INR last Thursday, Monday, Wednesday and again on Friday.  Lots of blood draws. 

People are marvelous.  John's sister Nancy and brother-in-law John drove over from Yakima on Sunday to spend a few hours weeding and doing irrigation type work.  Amazing.  Thanks.  Then on Tuesday, Jinny, one of John's Master Gardener friends, came over and spent time weeding in the front.  Amazing.  Thanks.  It is so good to have these reminders of just how wonderful people can be.

I want to thank all of the friends and family that sent cards and supportive texts and emails.  They were all uplifting and really appreciated.

Colleen and John