To lose 10 pounds by Aug 10,2008

Well dad went home from the hospital this week and is doing fine.  I am back to a more regular routine.  I went to the dr today and my have a stricture they are going to do a scope next week to see if it is that or possibly the beginnings of an ulcer.  With everything we have been through in the last three weeks there is no telling.  It could be just stress but better safe than sorry.  I am working on getting my protein and water in and look forward to a better week.

My dad is doing much better but I am coming everyday and staying for at least 2 to 3 hours while my mom gets a bath and eats at home.  I have to say each day he is doing more and more.  Today was very eventful he was able to walk to the nurses station and back and he took a shower.  I know when I had my surgery that that first shower feels so good but it does wear you out.  He is supposed to go home on Tuesday and that will be good as he will be around familar things but he has to learn not to use his arms as he has sternal precautions. 
I have been trying to keep up with my fluids and protein.  The other night I came home and knew I did not eat enough protein so I sent my husband to Wendy's to get me a small chili.  Otherwise I am doing what I should.  I'll weigh in tomorrow and that will tell the story.

Well I've tried to be compliant but have had a hard time getting everything in.  I did manage to lose 2 pounds this week.  I am very thankful for that but I am even more thankful to my dad having a successful surgery.  They ended up doing a 3 vessel bypass and he has done great.  Hopefully by tomorrow he will be moved to the telemetry floor and will begin his cardiac rehab.  Thank you for all your prayers as they mean a lot.

We have been at the hospital for the last 2 weeks with my father.  He went in for chest pain and they discovered via cath he has a 95% blockage in his heart.  He is scheduled for open heart surgery on Monday as they cannot get to the area via angioplasty.  So with all that said my eating has been lacking.  I have had a headache for three days and have been trying to drink.  I have not felt much like eating but when I have it has been something high in protein.  I am sure my headaches are because I am not drinking enough.  I'll be so glad when Monday is over and he is on the mend. 
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Well went to the ortho appt today about my knees.  They did xrays and said I have arthritic changes but that he knows in my getting the weight off that they will help with the deteriation but that it probably won't take away the fact I may be looking at a total knee down the road.  Problem is no cartlidge in one knee.  At this point all I can do is keep up with the water therapy and losing weight.
I have had a hard week this week worried about my son and I know I am not eating or drinking enough.  I am keeping my food diary as that is giving me a visual of what I need to do.  I am hoping my son will get his meds and be able to have some peace until he gets out of the Army in two months.  I don't know why they are giving him such a hard time.  The command he is under has never been to war or out of the states because if they had they would be sympathetic with what he has been through.  I feel for any vet who has PTSD as it is something they live with each day even with medications.  I am hoping my son can get through this and move on after Army life to civilian life.  I know he plans to go on to college and hopefully with him having a plan and structure this will help him.  I know if the Army is anything it is structured but if you don't have support with what you are going through it can be like a foreign country with no one speaking English or understanding what you are saying or going through.