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

LIFESAVERS#2

Because of the large number of staff members at Valley Baptist Medical Center who assisted Dad this subsequent post is added to the post already titled, "LIFESAVERS".

Jose (Nurse Assistant)

John (Nurse)

Nancy (Nurse) &

Dad Now With Pacemaker

Valerie (Nurse)

Marisa (Nurse Assistant)

Lisa (Nurse)

Raymondo (Recovery Room Nurse)

Rigoberto (Radiology)

Dr. Rodriguez & Valerie (Nurse)

Robert (Blood Work)

Dora (Respiratory)

Terri (Nurse)

Dr. Halloum

CARDIO-VERSION

On March 29, 2012 (Thursday) Dad was wheeled down to the recovery room for a Transesophageal Echocardiogram … an ultrasound of the heart from within the esophagus.  The results were positive. Then a few hours later Dr. Mazzola along with Josh (Boston Scientific Representative), Raymondo, and another nurse preformed Cardio-version on Dad.  That is, Dad's heart was shocked to stop Atrial-flutter and the newly implanted (the latest on the market) CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator … a high-tech pacemaker) was tested.  The Cardio-version worked.  Dad's heart is now beating regularly.  AMEN!!!

Waiting For The Cardio-version

This Process Has Not Been Fun

Outside The Room

Josh Getting Setup

Josh & Dr. Mazzola

Raymondo (Nurse)