Jim and Kristen stopped at Outback today and had THE Cheese Fries after having Dim Sum this morning. No offense to the Chinese, but I think the cheese fries won. I never knew anybody could be so happy about cheese fries. I think Outback should consider featuring Jim in a commercial.
Jim continues to do well at home. He is eating without any problems which is wonderful and something Jim has to get use to. He is administering his antibiotic IV to himself (through his PIC line) each morning as he continues with the 3 weeks of CMV antibiotics. Jim’s energy is increasing and his breathing [...]
Jim’s first day out of the hospital has been going very well. The home health nurse came by and gave Jim his IV. But the eating has been amazing today: For Breakfast: eggs, sausage, yogurt, and a pop tart For Lunch: three Chipotle tacos Jim even got his exercise by going out and getting the [...]
I am so happy and excited to be home right now, more than even when I got out after the lung transplant. I made it through the first big test after the transplant and I’m still alive! That feels really great…and the shower was pretty good too. Thank you to everyone who has kept me [...]
Jim was released from the hospital tonight and is back at home. Since 1996, Jim has dodged one bullet after another and there have been lots of bullets. He is a very brave person. The home health care will begin tomorrow and the drugs were delivered today that will be infused. I hope Jim can [...]
The infectious disease doctor was explaining that CMV is generally found in solid organs (like lungs) and that valcyte (the drug jim has been taking orally) works on blood CMV and ganciclovir works on tissue CMV. He also said that lung transplant patients use to get a year of ganciclovir to deal with the CMV [...]
Jim is suppose to be released today but … Jim was just called by UCLA and told Blue Cross would not approve the home health care until Jim pays $1795. The UCLA person had no idea who Jim was suppose to pay. Jim’s insurance agent said that is illegal for Blue Cross to demand payments [...]
Dr. Ross came by a little while ago and confirmed that Jim would be leaving the hospital tomorrow. Jim still needs to complete a 3 week dose of antibiotics (currently on day 11) for likely CMV. Dr. Ross explained that pathology was not able to confirm CMV in the biopsy but it was still likely [...]
Jim got another unit of blood today because his hematocrit dropped — the doctors don’t think he is bleeding but there is no explanation for why Jim needed more blood. Jim is on a regular diet now and expects to be released from the hospital tomorrow.
Jim had soft foods last night for dinner and this morning for breakfast. He said everything went well and there was no discomfort. Jim will likely be released in the next few days. It will certainly be wonderful if Jim is able to eat without any problems when he is released — he has had [...]
Jim’s diet just got promoted to soft liquids and Dr. Ross feels confident that Jim will be released this week. I am taking today off from being with Jim at the hospital; however, if any of Jim’s friends want to visit Jim is in Room 510A. This week is your last opportunity to see the [...]
Jim’s attending doctor just came in to brief Jim on his condition. The pathology from the colonoscopy is pretty complicated and the doctors are still trying to understand it. They think that Jim has both a virus and a bacteria infection in his cecum. The likely virus is CMV but the “stain” is showing negative [...]
The Physical Therapist is taking Jim for his first walk since going into the hospital last Thursday. Jim is stable on his feet and walking without assistance. I hope this means that they are looking to release Jim soon. Still no word from the pathologist about the biopsies that were taken from Jim’s ulcer site [...]
The GI doctor who did the colonoscopy told Jim that all they know so far is that Jim has a gigantic bleeding ulcer — the largest they have ever seen. Samples were taken and sent to pathology. Also, the treatment that Jim is getting has stopped the bleeding and reduced the inflammation which are both [...]
Jim is back from the colonoscopy — everything went well and he is alert and happy the procedure is over. The preliminary word is that Jim had a bleeding ulcer. The official word will take much longer but I wanted to give everybody a heads up with the little we know. Jim has some swelling [...]
