Thursday, November 20, 2008

Results...

Dad went back for his results of all the blood work last week. Everything looks remarkably well! The doctor was very impressed with how good Dad looked. He has gotten so much stronger in these last few weeks. He hasn't used his walker at all in the last 2 weeks. His only ongoing complaint is the pain he still gets every night in his lower legs. He is now on medication to see if we can ease the pain.

We also went to get an MRI this past Monday. We are waiting for the results of that. The doctor is guessing he has lumbar spinal stenosis. That is a narrowing of the nerve opening in the lower back that could be the cause of the leg pain. We will see.

His balance is a little off still. He can't move and turn to quickly as he gets dizzy.
His memory is getting much better. We keep him fairly busy with things around the house. Just getting through all the new life changes and decisions is forcing him to work out some of his memory confusion.

All in all however, he is doing very well.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Getting better everyday

Dad went to his first follow up visit this week to his new primary doctor. They gave him a round of test (EKG, blood work) to see what his new base line is. We have a follow up appointment for two weeks to talk about the results. Dad was pleased with the doctor we picked for him. I'm happy he has someone he likes to help us continue with his recovery.

He is usually walking without the walker now days. However, he slows down a bit in the evenings. He is doing a good job of not pushing himself too hard later in the day. He is continuing his leg and arm exercises daily.

His memory is doing much better. He remembers all people we discuss. He will definitely know who you are now if you call or come by to visit him. He really only has a hard time with details of recent thoughts and conversations. A lot like we all can be sometimes when we feel we are having a "brain fart" kind of day! He is getting good about writing lists and referring to them rather than stressing over forgetting the little things.

I will let you all know how the results come in at his next doctors visit on Nov. 11th. The day before his birthday!

Please feel free to call him if you would like. He is getting a little bored out here sometimes. Not working is hard for him.