It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride since our last post. On Thursday dad was scheduled for the endoscopy to place a few stints to drain his bile ducts. When the doctors went in, they found that surprisingly, it was all clear! His liver enzyme numbers went down, hemoglobin went up, and they didn’t find any bleeding. All good news! Our celebration was brief, as he was then told on Friday that he would need a different procedure. They would put a tube in an area of the liver that is holding too much bile and direct it into the stomach. The procedure would be fairly simple, but they needed to get it scheduled. In the meantime, they wanted him to stay at the hospital. They put him on IV blood thinner for the blood clot near the heart. They were also watching all of his numbers closely (liver, kidney, hemoglobin). Dad had a pretty crabby nurse on the day shifts over the weekend. He worked hard all weekend to win her over. Not shocking to hear that she is now his new BFF. (My dad’s words- Now that he authored the last update, he has opinions on how I write things.) LOL

Monday (yesterday) came, and dad was able to be discharged! They were happy with how his numbers were trending. For now, the procedure to place the tube may not even have to be done if the numbers continue to do well. If it does happen, it would be an in/out procedure. Dad is happily back at home, tending to his gardening and putting the finishing touches on his pergola. 

We are always so thankful for your prayers and support! Thank you!!!

*****

Here’s the long-awaited hospital highlights:

St. Francis:

• Friendliest nurses and staff (Seriously the best! One even called him on her lunch break while he was staying at Mayo to check in on him!)
• Parking (No parking ramps!)

Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park:

• Quiet location
• Landscaping

Abbott:

• Food (second place)
• Speedy delivery service (helicopter) 

Mayo in Rochester:

• Intelligent doctors
• Outdoor space
• Decor
• Comfortable beds
• Food
• Cute babies (at the St. Mary’s NICU anyway)