Thursday, March 26

John had another pretty good night, which is always good news. They have increased the amount of the main IV medicine and his heart seems to think that is a very good thing. The medicine works by making his heart pump stronger, which means his need for diuretics goes down and that will help keep his electrolyte levels more stable. The main issue is that it will tend to "burn out" his heart more quickly, so it is not a perfect fix.

The physical therapist finally ventured back in, but has decided that he can ride the bike on his own just fine. He had already been doing that a few times, for short periods, so a truce seems to have been called. I guess most of their patients are not nearly so self-motivated, and they are used to urging folks on rather than slowing them down.

They have given him diuretics again today, so we will see how the afternoon goes. The doctors and nurses are very good about drawing blood and checking his levels when we feel they need to, probably because every time we have requested it he has needed potassium or something else. Most patients are not nearly as aware as he is about how he feels, and how his body responds to medicines, so they have been very supportive about listening to him.

Thanks for all of your support!