antcardiostatus

Hey, Adam here, self reporting from the hospital step-down unit - So the labs are looking good, and we're going through the process of discharging me from the hospital.  I'll have a few followup appointments in the next couple weeks as well, but that's all.  Thank you all for your encouragement in the comments, it really propelled me through the entire ordeal.  ...and home

 Adam has been working on stairs with his PT team.  We've been sitting out in the sun on a deck off the PCU that is a nice change of scene.  We're working on getting a peddler brought to his room so he can be ready for the upcoming Gira.   Pain management is mostly under control.  Worst thing right now is the uncomfortable bed and the waiting to get his blood thinner regiment in place.  It'll likely be at least a few more days here.  Adam is happy to see folks, please reach out to him to coordinate times.

We are waiting for a driver to get Adam over to the PCU.  Blood work continues to trend up.  Only really gating factor to full release is getting his Coumadin regiment in place.   Next stop PCU.

 Adam is down to just a single IV for blood thinners and a port for making blood draws quick and easy.  He can perambulate more or less on his own and is putting in the work.  Blood work continues to show improvement.  He's working on getting a muscle relaxant to hopefully sleep a little better.  Hard to imagine he wont be moved to PCU tomorrow - time will tell.

 Adam has been getting some outside food brought in.  Yesterday some smoothies and fresh fruit.  Today In-N-Out burger, fries and a shake.  His appetite is definitely returning.   It sounds like they are still concerned about the blood work and while it is improving will keep him in the ICU for the weekend at least.  His actual release will depend largely on them getting this blood thinner regimen stable, which they are working on along with this other blood work.  More IV lines out today.   

 The cafe here has been decorated for Prom today to allow longer term young guests a more normal teenage experience.  It is beautiful and very touching to see so much positive energy.  Adam got some good lab results this afternoon and they show signs that the team is looking for to transfer him to the step down unit.  A very welcome sign.  He has taken several laps around the floor, had a good dinner and is now watching the Warriors game.   He has been sitting in his chair, where yesterday he fatigued much sooner and had to return to his bed.  Small steps but lots of positive signs.

 We're about to go take a lap.  They are stopping the Oxycodone and going to only Tylenol unless Adam is really uncomfortable.  He reports that he slept better last night.  A few more ports should come out today.  Adam has been diligent about exercising his lungs with his breath training machine and hopefully will be off the Oxygen tether today.  They are still keeping an eye on some blood labs and that seems to be holding up transfer to PCU.  Everyone is optimistic, it's just taking a little extra time.  To quote Adam - "This sucks".  

 Another flurry of dr. visits today.  His baseline bpm was lowered to 80 by the pacemaker team.  They continue to lower the oxygen and adrenaline.  His PT/OT team were through and he took a lap around the ICU.  This will be a daily thing and as he becomes less tethered to the equipment will be able to do that on his own.  He is about to transition back into the bed to rest.  A full and productive day down here.

 Adam was able to participate in morning rounds just now ( photo below ).  They continue to ween him off the oxygen and adrenaline ( used to help increase heart function and keep blood pressure in a healthy range ).  This has taken longer than we had hoped, but we expect things will continue to improve today.  They are going to add oxycodone to his pain cocktail.  His pain levels have been okay, but not great and they are being responsive about it. He is currently on the phone with the cafe placing an order for some solid food.  A positive milestone.  His dedicated nurse is working on setting up a chair for him to transition into for a spell today.  He is well attended to.