A tiny improvement?

I completely forgot to post here yesterday.

There are indications that John is losing some of the fluid. The sodium level has changed but I can't remember if it's increased or decreased, but his nurse told me it's moving in the right direction. She also said his stomach is not as taut and the skin isn't shiny like it has been. He has actually gained a few pounds, but that doesn't mean he isn't losing fluid. She was waiting for a call back from the hepatologist, but I haven't heard anything yet as to next steps. Maybe he'll just remain on the diuretics a bit longer.

He was dressed and in a chair at lunchtime, but is still very tired. The speech pathologist saw him and is upgrading his diet so that is good news. I believe he was going to physical therapy after lunch. I'm sure he can't do much, but a little is better than nothing.

He really enjoys the extra visitors he's been seeing, our cousins Tom, Darryl and Cathy, to name a few. It perks him up a bit.

I called UPMC yesterday inquiring about official notification of their denial. They said a letter was mailed to the assisted living home on the 19th. I had checked his mail last week and it hadn't arrived yet, but last night I checked his mail and it was there. They listed "co-morbidities" and deconditioning as the reasons. The co-morbidities I assume refer to his closed head injury and hip problem. The deconditioning I understand, but the other 2 I don't. The letter also alluded to the possibility of reconsideration if his condition improves, but I'm not optimistic UPMC will change their mind. We have to present John to AGH in a different light. His records from Phoenix should help and so should engaging in more conversation with AGH than we did with UPMC.

As always, your prayers and encouragement are greatly appreciated. Also keep Lili Rose (Jeff's wife) in your prayers. She is having a laporoscopic procedure to look at and/or remove some uterine fibroids tomorrow morning. xo