Un Dia Bonito..en San Francisco

February 23rd!!! Hope that you remembered. 
Ed and I went to his appt with Dr. Bissell of the UCSF Liver Clinic.  We took 2 DVDs of the scans that he had done recently.  There was also a very large questionnaire that we completed before getting there. 

We were early to our appointment.  When we arrived and were parked at the garage I was worried that the long drive had taken a toll on our van and when I tried to restart it the van would not start.  Ed said open up the hood and got it to start for me.  This is the first time that he works on a car in more than 4 months. 

The doctor actually went through the whole questionnaire with us asking questions and making notations.  He noticed that Ed was retaining fluid in his abdomen and legs and mentioned that getting that fluid removed the way that we've been doing is not a good idea because of the high risk of infections.  He said that he would prescribe medication and adjust the one he is taking now so that the fluid retention can be controlled this way.  He also said "you are on a no salt diet, aren't you?"  well, no.  Our liver doctor in Sacramento doesn't really care and had not mentioned it.  Although I admit it seems only logical..duh  why didn't I think about that sooner?  but I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. 

He examined Ed and then said that he and his team would look at the scans and the information that we provided and that he would make recommendations and send that to Ed's primary doctor and to us.  He mentioned that treatment may involve the radiologists and he needs their opinion.  Ed mentioned that we may be going to the VA for treatment because insurance is running out.  The good doctor said that it was a good plan. The VA is doing some good things and we can take his recommendations with us.

We left satisfied that at least this doctor didn't say go home and die.  Ed wanted to walk through the Haight-Ashbury District which is right around the corner from UCSF.  We did and enjoyed ourselves. 

The next morning Ed woke up and made himself 2 pancakes and 2 eggs for breakfast!!  good sign of well being!

Thanks for your support and prayers.