Tiredness

Monday was not a good day for Ed.  He is tired and has no energy.  He forced himself out of bed for dinner but only walked enough to get to the chair.  He is trying to eat although nothing appeals to him.  They drained another 3L of fluid from his abdomen late morning.  Of course, the more fluid that is removed, the more proteins are as well.

It was an emotional day as well as we talked to Dr. Bowers, Matt (NP), and Dr Zesiger (palliative doctor) at various times throughout the day.  Everyone there seems to really like Dr. Z...I can see why and the same level of comfort we found with Dr. Bowers, we recognize in Dr. Z.

The swelling continues to go down...really just in his ankles and feet now.  But Ed is discouraged by the loss of muscle tone.  Like I care...

We did not talk about moving to Elaine on Monday.  The fluid is still infected and the infectious disease specialist was consulted in terms of antiobiotics.  His liver continues to work hard but is failing.  So we continue to take it day by day.

Ed did try to watch the Red Sox opener but with the parade of doctors and nurses, he really didn't see much of it.  I think they won...

I have to say, though, the nurses have been tremendous.  And you know you've been there too long when you get to know all of them.  And for them, they typically see patients move in and out in a few days, so Ed has been a great source of education for the wonderful student nurses who work there as well.  And since they usually only work one day a week, it is rare to see the same patient again.

Today is another day.  May your prayers today be for comfort for Ed...