Paul's Update - 10/29/06

Dear Friends:

Sunday was a really good day. Paul was up early (the time change made it an hour earlier than usual), Max was up early too! Dad got to Paul's and he was up and ready to get his day started. Since the nurse left early yesterday and wasn't feeling well ... it was hard to know if we would have her show up today. Well ... she didn't. Dad ended up missing our usual breakfast with Bill & Ronda. Paul was able to get his shirt on and even put on his shoes by himself!! He seems to be doing so well lately and we are very grateful! Once he was up and dressed they got prepared to go to church. It has been a couple months since Paul was able to come to church and it was so nice that they were all able to come. Max was his usual cute self ... and everyone enjoyed seeing him. He looks so much like his dad ... many people commented on that! After church Dad & Tabby were able to get Paul back home and get lunch. Later in the afternoon they worked on getting Paul to stand up with the walker. They had him stand up and sit down a few times and then stand up holding the walker. He did pretty good. He is so much stronger these days. Alysa (our granddaughter) and her friend Nadia were at Paul's house today with Carolyn. They cut pumpkins for Halloween. Paul was able to go outside and watch them. It was a beautiful day and Paul enjoyed the outing. Tabby tried giving Paul 2 sleeping pills last night. She said it didn't really help ... Paul was still up several times in the night. She doesn't want him to take three pills because it knocks him out so soundly but two pills doesn't make him sleep soundly enough! What a dilemma. She is also concerned that he is having some trouble with depression since he seems to be understanding so many things lately and seems disagreeable more often. Until the drug changes are complete the neurologist will not consider any new anti-depression drugs. Hopefully we will hear from the doctor on Monday and can start reducing the Dilantin again. It shouldn't take long to eliminate this drug but it will be a couple of weeks at least. We pray that he won't have any setbacks during this round of reductions ... especially since he has been doing so well!

Have a great day!! Lynne & Carl