Paul's Update - 08/18/06

Dear Friends:

Paul didn't want to take his meds this morning Each time Dad asked him to open his mouth he would clench his teeth closed. Finally he nodded "yes" that he would let Tabby do it but when she tried he wouldn't do it. They would tell him what the medicines were and asked him if he wanted to have another seizure and he shook his head "no" but he still didn't want to take them. Tabby finally got him to take them. It is another display of defiance along with not allowing them to dress him or clean under his arm (where the rash is). I'm sure it is only because he knows he CAN have control of those things! After getting dressed and breakfast they went outside for a bit. Another beautiful day!! He sat on the swing for a bit. They stayed out for about 1 1/2 hours. After lunch he sat up for a while watching TV. Dad & Tabby went to Lowes to get some laminate flooring for the downstairs. They put Paul in bed to rest before they left. Tabby got a really good deal on some custom flooring that was discontinued and discounted about 90%!! They plan to do the downstairs first and then move upstairs and do the living room and office. It will make getting around much easier for Paul and the wheelchair! Dad was able to walked Paul a bit going in and out of the bathroom today. He still has some difficulty but he is doing it. He has been looking at us like he wants to say things to us. It must be frustrating to see us and want to communicate and NOT be able to! It is hard for us ... I can't imagine what it must be like for him! He seemed to eat better today. He ate his dinner in about 20 minutes which is quick for him. He had melon for snack tonight and he used his fork and stabbed it to get it. This is a new technique ... he usually just lifts his food with his fork without stabbing it. So far we don't see any adverse effects from the decrease in medicines. We are at the Depacote level he was at before the last seizure. He is currently getting an average of 500mg a day (actually 600mg one day & 400mg the next which average out to 500mg) and 1000mg of Depacote. We see some improvements already as evidenced by his alertness! We pray that we are on the right track and will continue to see these improvements and more!!

Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl