Paul's Update - 06/02/06

Dear Friends:

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last update. I was sick most of the week and by the time Carl got home in the evening I was not feeling well enough to sit in front of my computer. I have had the flu (I guess ... it was BAD) but I'm feeling better. Paul has had a pretty good week. Nothing earth shattering has happened but he's been feeling a little. The exception to that is of course that the meds are making him pretty dopey! Carl is having to bear Paul's full weight to move him most of the time. He helps a little but not like before the seizures and the addition of new medications. Wednesday Paul had the Physical Therapist come. She worked his foot a little and walked him a bit. He had some stomach problems most of the week so he was in bed most of the day. Tabby had more false labor again but this time it really WAS false. They sent her back home. Thursday was much the same. Paul didn't do much. He complained about his elbow which is a side affect of the Depacote (joint aching). He also has a rash, uneven dilation of his eyes ... more side affects it looks like. Dad & Tabby are convinced that Paul is suffering too many side affects from this drug. Dad took him outside for a little bit but it was too hot to stay out long. He got up a little to watch TV & eat. Mostly a quiet day. Tabby went to the OB/GYN and he said that if she didn't have the baby prior to the 15th of June, he would induce her then. The doctor's office called the hospital and got her scheduled for the 15th just in case!! None of us believes she will go that long! Friday the visiting nurse brought a list of medicines and a list of the side affects of each for Tabby to review. Tabby called Paul's family doctor. She is the one that isn't afraid to change medicines that don't seem to be working. She recommended that we take Paul off the Prozac that he is taking since we cannot see that it makes any difference whatsoever. She also recommended that he start on Topomax instead of the Depacote that he is currently on for anti-seizure medicine. Evidently the Topomax has some difficult side affects for about a month while the body gets use to the medicine but it should be more effective with less side affects than what he is taking now. Dad took Paul in the truck to go to the doctor. He was able to step up on the running board to help himself up onto the seat! It is so nice when he can help!! The Physical therapist & Occupational therapist came today as well. They worked with stretching, walking to the sink etc. They tried to get him to turn on the water but he wouldn't do that. Once the water was on he was able to get himself a drink! When they were at the sink they took the walker away and walked him back to the bed. It was actually pretty difficult for all of them!! He didn't seem to have as much stomach pain today. Although we've had some ups & downs this week ... I am always reminded that there are some less fortunate than Paul. We hear stories of other TBI patients that struggle much more and have healed much less. Families that don't have the advantages of support & help! We hear stories about other trauma victims that don't live and their families have to grieve instead having the opportunity to fight for what we have. Our God has been so good to us. We praise Him and thank Him each day. Thanks for your continued faithfulness and love. We count you among our blessings!

Love & Hugs,