Glad to be home!

Well, I finally left UNC hospitals on Wednesday, October 22 which was two days prior to my previous expectation. The reason for this was described as my Myasthenia numbers had gotten to the point that other plasma exchanges were not  necessary. This determination was, in my opinion, related to the fact  that I almost became unconscious near the end of my fourth exchange. The team of physicians decided that that was caused by my irregular heart beat. In view of this revelation, they decided I should come home with a heart monitor that I am to mail in to them after 14 days.

Meanwhile, I am here with my wonderful wife who, with all her arthritic pains makes every effort to assure my well being. I am so blessed to have such a caring person in my life and she has been that way for the 65 plus years of our marriage. How I was fortunate enough to marry this wonderful person was without a doubt, a gift from God.

Although I have felt absolutely terrible the past couple of days, I feel slightly better right now which is a good thing and hope the improvement continues. Unless there is a major improvement by Monday, I plan on trying to see Dr. O'Neill. I feel sure he will give the correct advice as to the next step I should take. He will probably check to confirm my heart out of rhythm and if he finds it so will make a determination on the next step.

I was fortunate yesterday that I was able to accompany Barbara to her beauty shop appointment  and had  my hair cut and washed. It feel great and I was on the verge of applying for dog tags due to the shagginess it portrayed.

I really enjoyed my stay at UNC hospitals. Not that I like being hospitalized but  because of the wonderful people employed there. They are so caring and at least in my case, make one enjoy being there in spite of the pains and illnesses one might have.

As I told the beauticians at the beauty shop yesterday, when asked how I felt, my answer was, "terrible, but as the hymn goes, we will understand it better by and by".

I am now just praying that I can get back in my Bible Class and to Church. It is lonely in the world  without their backup.

At UNC Hospital

Here I am again! Well, I was scheduled to check in here at UNC hospitals on the 24th of October when suddenly, on Friday the 10th, I became so weak that I contacted Dr. Howard, my Myasthenia Gravis physician and was advised to come to the ER here. On Monday, the 13th they put a catheter in my veins in order to begin plasma exchange on Tuesday. I am scheduled for six of those and they all should be completed by Friday, the 24th and I should be discharged that day. Can't wait for that since I miss my wife and home so much.

I am truly fortunate to be cared for in UNC hospitals. They have, without question the most professional care givers I have ever experienced. The training of everyone in this facility seems to produce people that truly care for the patients well being since they strive to accommodate every whim one might have.

I have an excellent relationship with just about all of them since, having been a patient here many times over the past 10 years I have come to know the majority of those that serve here on the sixth floor which is reserved for Myasthenia patients only.

In addition to the excellent care provided, the meals are  similar to what one would expect in a "high end" type restaurant. They have a wide variety of any type food one could possibly want. The best part is the fact that you can order anything on the menu at anytime day or night and it will be delivered to your room within the hour.

I was visited today by my lovely wife, Barbara who was driven here by my wonderful daughter, Beverly. We were all joined prior to lunch by by talented son Blain. It was a real great feeling to have us all together for a while. Blain, however, has visited several times this week and Lori, Blain's wife took my dirty laundry home, washed it and returned it.

I am so thankful that Lori, Blain and Beverly took the time to accompany me on walks around the sixth floor. Although I really have not felt that great, I realize I have to get some exercise if I am to regain my normal strength. 

I really miss home and Church, especially my Bible Class and am anxious to get back to a daily routine in Danville.

I feel a little distraught today since Herman Parker, a member of my Bible Class was buried. His funeral was at the Church [North Main Baptist] at 2:00 and I would love to have attended.


Just thought I would record this here while it was fresh on my mind.