The procedure to address the deep vein thrombosis was done this morning and went well. They inserted a filter in his abdomen so the blood clot does not go to his lungs. In many cases, they treat the DVT with anti-coagulants. However, that is not an option for Dad as he will never be able to take these types of drugs again (the inability of his blood to clot was the reason for his stroke).
Unfortunately, there will be pain and swelling in the legs for weeks. And the key to getting the blood clot dissolved is to get him and up and moving around. So, Dad better be singing (as they do in Madagascar), "I like to move it, move it". Maybe we need to get the grand kids up there singing along!
Dad will also have another cat scan today. Yesterday, they raised the bag that is currently connected to his shunt (and collecting spinal fluid). This process helps them see if the spinal fluid is draining on its own or if there is pressure on the brain caused by the bag being raised. The cat scan today will be able to tell them if the brain is swelling due to this process. The good news is that the spinal fluid that is draining through the shunt is much less red which means the blood around the brain is also dissipating.
Dad is also being moved to a private room today which I sure he will be happy about. In addition, he has been more lucid for longer periods of time the last couple of days. yeah! Little victories every day.
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