Hi All,

Ed’s health continues to improve! 

To complete dialysis urine must be collected for 24 hours, and then a blood test when it’s brought in. The first TWO times it was collected and submitted something went wrong. Collection again Sunday, Dialysis Monday-but luckily third time was the charm-results came back good on Tuesday and we were able to get the port removed at the Nephrology center in Maplewood on Wednesday. We are so thankful that Ed’s kidneys have recovered. No more dialysis!

Ed saw the Infectious Disease Specialist at Abbott on March 17, and antibiotics have been stopped. A heart pill has gone from twice to once a day. Ed graduated Occupational Therapy, and tried driving for the first time.  

Physical Therapy has transitioned from strength to endurance. It was so great to have them re-do a test where you hold your knee up and they try to push it down. At the first visit Ed’s knee went right down. But this week he could hold it against the strongest push!! Home Health and Physical Therapy plan to discharge Ed at the end of next week! Cardiac Rehab will start the first week of April in Grantsburg.

Ed’s cough persists but has improved.  He doesn’t have any pain but does feel weak. We still have appointments every day next week, so the journey continues, and we are so incredibly thankful for your prayers, cards, and calls.  We are feeling very close to “normal” and look forward to visits soon!

Here’s a little summary of Ed’s experience, since I’m thinking this will be the final update.

January 17 became ill and went to Spooner ER by ambulance. Diagnosis: sepsis (blood infection).

January 19 a bed was found at Abbott Northwestern Heart Hospital in Minneapolis. Tests showed the infection had settled in his previously replaced heart valves and could only be cured by cutting it out. Open heart surgery on February 3. (The human tissue aortic valve cost $50,179.50!) He was at Abbott for 29 days (22 on med/surg floor and 7 in ICU). Lots of ups and downs.

February 17 discharged to Lyngblomsten Care Center.  February 26: home (Day 41).

We expect continued improvement in strength and endurance and Ed being able to do the things he likes to do soon. He did resign from his position as Town Chair, and his church leadership position ended in December. Time to focus on his health and recovery. And family and friends :-)

With Love,

Dianne and Ed