HIT, but swingin' back

Hi, all.
I wish I could report that this round of the battle could be a short one, but alas it promises to be anything but. After poring over John B's record of the past week, the hematologists have concluded that, despite the "negative" test result for HIP (Heparin Induced Thrombo-something-or-other -- I'll get it spelled right eventually), all the clinical evidence demonstrates that indeed John was one of the lucky few who is, in fact, "allergic" to heparin (no, there isn't a way to test for that).
Fortunately, the docs had already taken John off that anticoagulant and put him on another one that acts differently.
His legs are still full of clots, and there is no measurable change in that so far.
All we can say is that the situation doesn't appear to have gotten worse. So now we wait for those chew-em-up-and-dissolve-the-suckers enzymes to do their best work. You want to scream "hurry up," but it's pretty pointless. Frustrating and scary, frankly. But there it is. We'll deal.
John remains alert, determined and eager to bust out of this joint. We are still in the embrace of Neuro Science ICU A, but may get kicked upstairs to the general prison population tomorrow. That would technically be a good thing: one step closer to release. The thinking is that if the neuro sheriffs conclude his head is coming along fine, which thusfar it has, then the clots can be monitored and managed upstairs.
It may be many days, even weeks, before the bad boys are run outta town. Tonight, John took his first cumadin dose, another blood thinner that will be the drug of choice for the long haul. John will likely remain on it for at least six months. Sigh. No shaving with a razor, no contact sports (sorry ruggers, but your boy is benched), and absolutely NO getting in a car wreck. Methinks we will take John B. home in the truck, not the MINI.
John's sister, Mary Jo, arrived from Ohio today, and it is good to have her here, ministering to her little bro.......We're a good team.
I continue to be honored and amazed by your many expressions of care and encouragement. I've duly reported them all to his highness, and when he can he'll read them all for himself. We remain thankful beyond measure.
While he waits, John is reading magazines and books, and even texting a bit, so all the rest of his "systems" are good. And he really has the pirate look goin' on........The stitches from one ear to the next, and beyond, are quite a sight. His plan is to develop a line of rakish headgear that will make him look more dashing than ever. He always looks good to me.
I'll continue to try to post at least once a day, and aim for a morning and evening report as long as there is "news." Since I'm the designated news editor, and don't seem able to shut up, expect to hear from me for awhile.
Take care of yourselves, and be well!
Kathy
P.S. Speaking of being well, congrats to Shirley on the recent good news from your doc. Love you, special girlfriend.