Keeping on keeping on

Angela's strengthening program is coming along. She's also getting occupational therapy, to help with some adaptive tools and ideas for dressing (putting on socks has always been a challenge), etc. Her lungs are clearing up. She still has a few issues, none of them at all major, compared to where she's been.

She is still jaundiced. According to her doctor, she will need to have her gallbladder removed. He says it can be put off until she develops significant pain, which the doctor is surprised she isn't having. He said her jaundice and high billirubin readings won't damage anything if they are left for the time being. She needs to stay well hydrated to keep her gallbladder functioning as well as it can.

She is somewhat anemic. According to the doctor, this is not related to the gallbladder. Hopefully, it will correct itself. The doctor thinks this is likely.

Her blood sugars have been way out of control. Angela thinks she has this figured out and has cut back on how much she is eating. She says she feels better, and today she actually had at least one normal reading (on insulin). Again, I am told this is not related to her gallbladder issue.

Her feet and ankles have been quite swollen. This is at least partially due to the fact that she spends a large part of each day in her wheelchair, with her feet down. In the morning, after a night of elevating them slightly, they are better. She has been encouraged to stay up, but she thinks starting tomorrow she'll try to take half-hour stretches of being in bed and elevating her feet in an effort to lessen the swelling.

She continues to work hard at getting stronger. No one has said anything further about a discharge date, but I'm going to ask again tomorrow. I understand that they have a weekly conference regarding all patients' probable discharge on Thursdays, so I may get an approximate answer.

Angela's Bible study group is planning to come see her tomorrow evening, and she is very excited about that. She really has appreciated the visits of those who have come, and the cards, thoughts, and prayers of everyone who cares.

God continues to bless her and keep her attitude positive, and we're so grateful.