Paul's Update - 08/20/06

Dear Friends:

This has been a mostly quiet weekend. Paul has been somewhat stubborn and hasn't had much energy. He seems to be alert but doesn't want to do anything. Usually he fights Dad & Tabby over taking his medicines (duh!) and getting dressed. Sometimes he doesn't want them bathing him either. Saturday he was outside for a bit. We have a new nurse (I believe her name is Abina). She is very good and we like her. She is also from Ghana just like Dora & Audrey. Dad & I went out to lunch with Bill & Ronda like we usually do on Saturday. When we returned Paul sat outside with us for a bit. It was pretty hot so he didn't stay out long. Sunday was also pretty quiet. Dad didn't go over to Paul's first thing in the morning so Tabby had to let the nurse in. Max has been up a lot during the night so Tabby is pretty tired. Dad called her to make sure she was up and she said she'd been up since 5:30am. She was afraid she would sleep through the nurse's arrival! The day was spent mostly watching TV. Paul was in bed most of the day. He fought with Tabby this afternoon when it was time for the antibiotic (for the spider bite) and a friend who brought coffee by was able to talk him into taking it!! Tonight he took his medicines without ANY fuss! I guess he just gets in a "mood" from time to time ... but then ... we do too sometimes!! We have now been taking only 1000mg of Depacote (as oppose to 1250) since Thursday night. Paul seems to be doing well and hasn't had any adverse side effects. We certainly are thankful for that. Tuesday Paul will go and have blood drawn again to make sure the Dilantin level is still OK to continue decreasing the Depacote. Tabby talked to the insurance people (AD&D) last week again and it looks like they are currently reviewing Paul's case and will probably pay her something ... no telling when though!! She has been working on getting Social Security for Max. She will also be eligible for WIC & food stamps. It looks like she will be OK for the next couple of months thanks to the generosity of our friends and the severance that she has finally received. I really wonder how people who have no support network get through things this tough! I'm thankful that God has provided so many good friends & family for us!

Have a great day! Lynne & Carl