Friday PM

I forgot to mention this morning:
Ed is concerned what is being done to prevent blood clots - he is not on coumadin since the new catheter was placed. Dr Lee explained that having poor "kidney blood values" also makes the platelets slippery, meaning the clotting is somewhat reduced and for now Ed should not worry about it. After the catheter is removed - Ed can go back on his one daily Aspirin. This sounds like a very generalized statement and explanation, but not
Ed still has itchy skin and does not feel that he can concentrate really well. Not back to his computer wheeling speeds. Dr Lee said that high phosphate values can cause itchy skin and we already heard that they can effect the mind. That should be a reminder. Ed is not healed just because he is allowed to go home. We are all happy that he is no longer critically ill - but until his blood values return to a better range he will still feel the effects. His hematocrit is still low, so besides his concentration, he will also get tired easily. Please keep that in mind as you visit and call after he is home. This is expected and should not be reason for concern and we all hope that he will steadily improve. I am sure this will be cause for some frustration for Ed, but we need to remind him and ourselves that he is not there yet, but getting there.
I was asked how Jeanne is doing through all this. Jeanne is a strong fighter and takes everything with loving strength and patience. She is focussed on what needs to be done and convinced she can do it all. I agree, she can; but sometimes I wished she recognized that she does not HAVE to do it all and does not HAVE to do it all herself. We love her.
Looking forward to tomorrow - Friederike