Irv Update - March 2011 #1

Dear F&F;

We have been doing really well lately. Such a relief. Irv had checkups with his gastro and cardio docs last week. His liver function tests were elevated, again, but the doc figured it was due to no prednisone during Irv's bowel blockage time so he increased the dosage back up to 40mg/day. Cardio guy said to continue the aspirin and Atenolol until the end of March and then if no more episodes of a-fib he can probably stop them. Irv is finally eating normally again so that is helping his heart.

We are still waiting for the medical records from the hospital, St. Charles, for which we have to pay about $60-100! Bastards. Then we will have them all and can send them up to Dr. Gluck in Seattle at Virginia Mason. His assistant will review them and weed out all the duplicates and arranged them for Dr. Gluck. He will review them and decide what tests, procedures or other docs he wants Irv to see/have while there and the assistant will get all the appts. close together. Then we will be informed as to when we should arrive. Probably near the end of April. Irv's gastro doc last week said that VM has seen about 100 cases of autoimmune pancreatitis. Dr. Koteen was encourage they will be able to sort out a good regimen for Irv to follow so his liver function tests will get back to normal, perhaps will a different class of drug other than steriods. He named them but it was unfamiliar and I don't remember it.

Winter weather has returned to Central Oregon. We had one night of -21º, but mostly in the 'teens at night and 25-40º days. Lots of big wind today, which is unusual for us. Little snow, but it is forecast for the entire week ahead. We had a nice day yesterday and took a longer snowshoe trip with the dogs than we normally do. (Usually no more than a mile.) Yesterday morning we had a small herd of elk in the backyard. We've seen signs all winter but it was the first time we actually saw them.

That's it.

Penny