ORANGE, TEXAS

After leaving Houston we spent the night sleeping in a rest area along I-10.  Then in the morning (23 April 2012) we stopped in to see our friends.  Dennis was at work but his wife, Lisa, and three of his children, Aaron, Abigail, and Faith were at home.  We exchanged news, got a few hugs and had a good visit.  We were given some of that green stuff again, snow peas fresh out of the garden, and a salad to munch on the way.  Thanks ever so much!

Waiting For Me To Get The Camera

The Photo

Hugs

Dad and Lisa

Faith

Abigail

Aaron

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Sunday morning after breakfast (22 April 2012) Dad and I stepped into our van and departed Brownsville, Texas heading towards the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.  The VA Medical Center was named after the doctor who did the first heart transplant.

Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center

(Houston, Texas)

We were hoping the doctor in Houston would get Dad's AICD "pacemaker" programmed i.e. tuned-up after being newly implanted … Dr. Mazzola, the Doctor in Brownsville who implanted the pacemaker, was supposed to adjust it but VA monies were not available after Dad left the hospital. 

So, when we arrived at the Debakey VA Medical Center Dr. Wesley Bow attended to Dad … but apparently he was not able to arrange a tune-up at that time.  We would have had to wait in Houston for at least several days if not more before getting the necessary tune-up  and it was suggested to us that we return to Florida and get the tune-up done there.

Dad Waiting For The Doctor

ALTA VISTA

Here are a few more photos of Alta Vista staff members who were involved with Dad during his stay:

Nathanel (LVN)

He Said This Photo

Makes Him Look Like An Angel

Any Comments Or Disagreement?

Leslie (Admissions Directory)

Josey (Physical Therapy)

PHOTOS RECEIVED

Michel Hudon E-mailed us on 7 April 2012 a few photos he took of Dad and I walking on the beach in La Manzanilla.  Thanks Michel… I enjoy adding to my collection of photos other people take of us.

Walking On The Beach

Dana In La Manzanilla

Can't Remember Which One

Is Michel

DR. GOMEZ

JAIME S. GOMEZ, MD

160 Plaza Santa Rosa

Brownsville, Texas  78520

Tel: (956)-504-7121

Wednesday, 18 April 2012, Dad getting ready to leave the Alta Vista facility went to a follow up appointment with Dr. Gomez in his office.

Dr Gomez specializes in Interventional Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disease.   His website is:  jaimesgomezmd.com

Thanks Dr. Gomez!

Dr. Gomez During Dad's Last Visit

Sign On Wall Of Dr. Gomez's Office

WAGON TRAIL

WAGON TRAIL

Brownsville, Texas

Across the street from the Alta Vista facility (i.e. Paredes Line Road) on the far side of the wooded field runs a bicycle path.  As it nears the Mexican Border in Old Brownsville it terminates at the United States Courthouse.  (Dana went for a good long run on it the other day to see where it went).

Apparently, the bicycle path was built to mark the route clashing armies took when they battled.  The sign says thousands of wagons traveled this route.

And of course, Brownsville took its name from Fort Brown when it grew up outside the fortification.  Hum, wonder if Fort Brown was named after a relative of ours?

Looking South

Towards The Mexican Border

Looking North

From Boca Chica Blvd.

Further North

Across Road From Alta Vista

WAR INFO 1846

SMILE FROM COCOA BEACH

Will The Real Roxane

Please Stand Up



HOSPITAL DISCHARGE

On Monday evening (2 April 2012) Dad was loaded into a waiting Brownsville ambulance and transported from the Valley Baptist Medical Center to the Alta Vista Rehabilitation & Healthcare facility at 510 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville, Texas.  Dad was then given bed 'B' in room 49 … called 49B.  Bed 'A' in room 49 was unoccupied so the kind folks at Alta Vista have allowed Dana to sleep in it as long as the space remains available.  There's no phone in the room so friends can't dial in.  Also, we were asked to sign a no mail delivery form because Dad is not a permanent resident and is expected to recover within 20 days (that's when Medicare A runs out).

Street Sign Out Front

Van In Parking Lot

Front Entrance

While at Alta Vista a black and blue mark showed up on Dad's left side with obvious edema.  When Dana bought the bruise to the attention of Alta Vista staff Dad was transported to Dr. Bhondi's office.  Blood thinners were determined to be the culprit and they were discontinued for several days.  Nothing too serious or alarming had happened.

Black And Blue Mark

Trip To Dr. Bhondi's Office

Sorry for the delay in posting an update on Dad's health … the facility (Alta Vista) even has Wi-Fi in all rooms but it does not do us any good (no computer).  Blame Dana, he delayed walking several miles to the Central Brownsville Public Library to use one of their computers/Internet.

Of real importance, Dad is getting much better!!!  He stopped coughing, feels better, and is getting less wobbly on his feet.

After reading this draft to Dad he wanted me to add the following note:

Dad's improved health has been a direct result of Dr. Bhondi and the staff here at Alta Vista.  Thanks!

Photos:  Some Of The Alta Vista Staff

Ruth (Speech Therapy)
She Is Using A Neuromuscular
Electronic Stimulator
To Help Dad Overcome
Swallowing Difficulty

Franco (Physical Therapy)

Taking Dad For A Walk

Ruth Working With Dad

Marilee (Occupational Therapy)

Marilee & Dad

Paco (LVN)

Angelica (Medical Aide)

Victor (LVN)

Victor Having A Smile With Dad

Yvette (Therapy Supervisor)

Romie (LVN)

Rosalinda (CNA)

Ella, Merece Dos Estrellas Oros Y Más

Wendy (LVN)

Need To Retake This Photo

Franco Taking Dad's Pulse

Joe Driving Dad To Doctor's Office