Update 2 - 4th January 2008

Dear All

Just a brief update on Liz’s progress.

She was home for Christmas, but had to go to the hospital each day for an injection, until the warfarin levels stabilized.

Blood sample taken last Monday, confirmed that warfarin had settled down very well at around 2.4/2.5 (target 2.5 with range of 2.0 – 3.0)

For next few weeks have to go to hospital once a week for blood test to confirm ongoing stability of warfarin. Eventually will be handed back to her own GP for these tests.

Doctors have confirmed that all three issues experienced in mid December are linked in some way (Stroke, Blood Clots and Anaemia).

Still awaiting full results of CT Scan of stomach. There is however an issue which requires further investigation.

Hospital have a weekly meeting to discuss patients that require expertise of a ‘multi-disciplinary team’ (MDT). This includes heart, chest, stomach, stroke, and scan experts etc, so the whole picture can be examined and discussed together to formulate a plan of action. Liz’s case will be discussed on Wednesday 9th Jan, and hopefully we will know more shortly thereafter.

Liz is still at home, but understandably is fairly worn out and depressed after a month of continual tests, scans, blood transfusions and in particular around 40 holes in her arms and stomach from the blood samples, drips and injections! She really is like a pin cushion.

Thankfully the enormous bruise on her left arm, where the blood transfusion went wrong is gradually getting smaller.

Liz is still quite poorly, although the risk from the blood clots has reduced considerably. I can also report that her hand writing is gradually improving. It is now just about legible, although it does take her a little while longer than previously.

I thought this was the easiest way of keeping friends and family informed of progress, as clearly it is time consuming, and in fact impossible to speak to you all by telephone. However, if you do want to telephone feel free. At the moment it is unlikely that Liz will feel like talking, but I am sure she will in the fullness of time.

Thank you all for your support and offers of help, it really is much appreciated.

Dick