The labs continue to come back as expected. Also, today is the last day for antibiotics for the UTI — all of the labs and the symptoms indicate that it is gone. We did get get moved into a regular room yesterday afternoon just in time to watch the GA/FL game. We are thankful for being able to get more rest as it is quieter up here. The Heparin IV was removed as scheduled as she is now getting a shot twice a day of a medicine that we can and will administer at home to prevent new clots.
Julie has been continuing to improve in strength and general well-being. She was up walking 3 times today and walking 2 full laps on each time out. She is now starting to actually want visitors (but if you come visit please make sure you are not sick or been around people that are sick), watch TV, check Facebook, talk on the phone, etc.
The clamping of the NG tube did not work out so well — she was having problems with nausea even before they clamped it and eventually vomited — forcing them to turn it back on. Friday afternoon the doctor decided to keep her on it throughout the weekend and try clamping again on Monday. However, tonight the tube came out by itself so they are going to try leaving it out. Pray specifically that her bowels start up fully and that she not experience nausea or vomit — if she vomits they will have to put a new tube down her.
We still expect to be in the hospital for a number of days as they are keeping her on the TPA (feeding tube) until she is able to slowly progress through the various diet stages to slowly introduce food back into her intestines and is able to eat enough calories without the TPA to continue to heal appropriately.
Julie is experiencing no pains and is not receiving any pain medicine (not even the Tylenol).
Ben