Headed Towards South America By Vehicle: BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS

Returning to the USA from Mexico cost us a small bag of potatoes due to an agriculture prohibition. Otherwise, our return crossing into the USA was uneventful. You can guess who was still driving … headed to the VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. But, because Dad was not well enough to survive another day of travel we pulled into the first hospital we came to … the Valley Baptist Medical Center, Brownsville, Texas.

Room 1290

The hospital wasted no time admitting Dad late Tuesday afternoon, 13 March 2012. After a series of tests, Dad was transferred to room 1290, where he is today. Diagnosed with pneumonia … the hospital removed 1.3 liters of fluid from Dad’s right lung and sent it off for further testing. A few days later, on Monday Dad was taken down for another procedure … the cardiologist slid a camera into Dad’s heart to look around. Then, the morning of 21 March 2012 they removed 1.5 liters of fluid from Dad’s right lung.

Now, the cardiologist plans to implant a pacemaker after Dad’s body is rested up. On Monday they plan to search for blood clots in Dad’s throat, etc. Then, within 24 hours they plan on implanting a pacemaker which should make Dad much more comfortable. Apparently Dad’s heart is not pumping at regular or full capacity causing fluid to backup. The red tide we encountered on N. Padre Island, Texas earlier this winter really wrecked our trip and Dad’s health. Nevertheless, the outlook is good … it is just getting there … that may take a little more time.

In case you are wondering … Dad’s hospital room has a chair that pulls out into a bed … Guess who has been sleeping in it … It’s not Thomas and Didymus (they are under 12).