5/3/16 evening update

Our advocate, Mariah, immediately this morning got us reinstated to 'Independent Mobility" status.  She ran into a bit of push back but would have none of it.  And she got her way.  She fights for us daily and we really appreciate her.  She is a constant in a fluid world.  Other staff have differing opinions.  Ask three staff and you might get four answers. 

Down for another x-ray. to see how the lung drainage is going.  A lot of fluid came out immediately after the surgery yesterday.  810ccs.  An additional 270 cc's at noon today.  Progress, but we don't know what the goal is.  Maybe it is the proverbial moving target!!  Another of the proverbial moving targets is a release date.

Another medicine dose changed.  They monitor blood levels very closely and change dosages as indicated.

The lung suction device was vacuum controlled but they shut off the vacuum and now they call it "water seal".  I believe that "water seal" means gravity controlled.  The change means that drainage has slowed and they don't want to pull out too much fluid.  There is an x-ray scheduled for 8am tomorrow.  I think the fact that it is scheduled and scheduled so early is so that the doctors can see the results before they see me during their rounds.

Trivia for those who care:  This is day 23 in here.  Really expected to get out within 10-14 days.  I am this year's 17th heart transplant and number 709 all time for the UWMC.    

John