UPDATE February 3, 2008

UPDATE
February 3, 2008

Today is the first Sunday in February. We have much to rejoice over this week. First and foremost, Jack was finally calibrated to therapeutic levels of anticoagulates, namely cumadin. As Jonathan refers to the medical language, anitcoagulates is 6 figure speak for blood thinners. Jack was in Lahey Clinic for 12 days. Each day we were hopeful for the discharge date but his blood thinner levels known as INR would drop. Therapeutic levels are between 2.0 and 3.0. His INR would rise only to fall again. So we struggled patiently with the rise and fall of the blood levels. He was discharged on Tuesday, January 29th from Lahey Clinic to Lexington Healthcare Center where he had been before.

While he had been at Lahey Clinic, Jack was struggling with the fallout of the stomach flu coupled with the blood clot issue. He was not allowed out of bed the first week. By this time, he was so weak again that it took extraordinary measures to transition him to a chair beside his bed. It was certainly discouraging for all of us, especially Jack.

When Jack arrived back at Lexington Healthcare Center (they had held his room for 12 days), we were greeted with warm hugs and many warm welcomes from the staff and patients. We have been so supported in this facility that it felt like going home. Jack’s first day there was as expected. He was having difficulty transferring from his bed to anywhere. On Thursday, I went to visit him as I do everyday, he was easily transferring from bed to walker to chair to wheelchair with very little assistance. He always needs someone near him due to his lack of balance. We were so excited by this amazing progress. Yesterday (Saturday), I arrived after Jack was already in the dining room at dinner. He had walked with his walker with someone by his side from his room to his dining room and back at the end of the meal. His progress is faster than before. I must add this event is more evidence of answered prayer. He also is working on doing stairs which is very important since we have stairs everywhere in our home. We celebrate each accomplishment. One of the many blessings throughout this journey is Jack’s bright and capable cognitive function is intact. Talking is labored due to having only half of his facial muscles working for word production. He is learning to compensate for this incapacity. I have teased him and told him that he has never liked to talk much and now he actually has a legitimate excuse.

I again have had another round of severe problems with my right hand. Last Sunday evening I did not sleep. The pain level in my right hand and wrist was 15 on a scale of 1 to 10. I finally went to the Dr. on Monday morning who sent me to an orthopedist Monday afternoon. I have carpal tunnel tendonitis. I was given a shot of novocain and cortisone to reduce pain and inflammation. I was also given an arm brace and exercises to do 3 times per day. Thankfully, it has all helped. I am allergic to all non steroid anti-inflammatory medications so they have to resort to the steroid drugs. Jack wears a brace at night for support on his left paralyzed arm. When I came in with my right hand in a brace, he immediately accused me of being competitive with him. I told him, at least, that it was my right side and not my left and that the last time I checked two halves make a whole. We must keep laughing!

For those of you that have asked about Jack getting to read any of the comments and postings, I print them for him to read. I usually read them aloud to him and we laugh and cry at the many memories, many wonderful comments, and letters from our dear, dear friends from near and far, old and new. We are truly blessed by the internet and how the Lord has advanced technology in such ways that it keeps us all connected in so many ways. I think the way we are most connected as our dear friend Judy Ericson so beautifully stated, is through our prayers.

Jack was being very assertive last evening. Keep in mind that Jack’s left side is extremely weak and at the arm, hand, and shoulder level, he is completely paralyzed. His left leg and foot have strength but not a lot of flexibility. When he is walking with a left leg brace and his hemi-walker (a half walker with 4 feet), he can get pretty far as I have mentioned. I was leaving last night when the nurse started yelling for me. She wanted to know why I had left him in the bathroom unattended. I told her that I had left him in his chair. He is never to go anywhere unassisted due to the high risk of falling. I went back to his room and told him he got caught. I knew this was coming eventually because one of his goals is to get from A to B without anyone around. He wants his walker near him at night in the event the building catches on fire. Jack, the “master of the flame” in his research has never stopped thinking about fire even in his condition for any of you that were worried! So for those of you who remember Jack in his growing up years and fondly remember all of the mischief he got in, you should not be surprised at this adverse activity. Hopefully, Jack will not try this again given the potential consequences. You can take the boy off the farm but you cannot take the farm out of the boy. Farm boys are too self sufficient, especially this one.

We received a card this week from clients of mine that beautifully expresses our journey
“Just as a quilt comes together by many loving hands, there are times when we are held together by many loving hearts.” As all of you hold as close at heart, we too hold you close at heart. It reminds me of Psalm 91 which we have been reminded of by our pastor as well as dear friends, David and Linda Howard (no relation, a former college roommate of Jack's) in South Carolina:
Psalm 91:1, 2, 11
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all His ways.

Thank you for your continued love, hope, concern, and support throughout this journey with your many letters, cards, calls, and emails. We are most grateful that all of you are part of our lives.

Blessings,
Carolyn and family