Friday, June 24, 2011

Update on Daddy

My friends, and my blogging buddies, for the next little while I will using my blog to keep folks updated on my Dad's condition.  And, in between I will hopefully find the time to do some regular blogging entries.  I know my "faithful readers" are ready for me to be "back in the saddle" with my regular blog entries. ~smile~




We arrived at LSU Medical Center yesterday afternoon (Thursday, June 23) around 3:30PM.  Dad came by ambulance and Tommy, Sybil and I all came in individual cars.  Dad was met by a Neurological team when he arrived and within in two hours they felt 100% confident that they had him diagnosed.  It was totally amazing that we have been in two other hospitals, have seen at least 10 other Drs. for the past two weeks and none have been able to diagnose the condition.  But, we now know and he has Guillain Barre
Syndrome.  The conclusive diagnosis came after  a Nerve Conduction Test that was done this morning.  One of the Neurologist was actually with Daddy throughout most of the test.


The Doctors feel that Dad will make a near complete recovery within 3-6 months.  He will be transferred back to Bastrop Rehab (the facility he was in before being transferred here to LSU) by the middle part of next week. Of course, we are hoping sooner than later.  The Drs. here are doing some medication adjustments as well and they want that completely straightened out before he leaves.  


There is no treatment for the JBS other than Physical Therapy and, I assure you,  he will be their "star patient" in the days ahead. ~grin~  We know that Daddy will have "peaks and valleys" throughout this recovery and we covet your prayers that he will be encouraged with every bit of progress that he makes.  As many of you know, he is a most independent man and is use to being very active.  This JBS has definitely "cramped his style."  ~wink~

Another issue has been his restlessness. He has not been able to sleep but the Drs. here said that once they get his medications adjusted, he should begin sleeping good. We certainly hope so, as that would aide in his recovery. 


Sybil , my husband and I are taking turns staying with Dad  and let me assure you that it is a full time job.  He has to be assisted with absolutely everything that he  does and there's hardly a 5 minute period that he doesn't need assisting in some way.  Of course, it frustrates the "daylites" out of him, but he tries to be a good patient. It wears on him at times and I can certainly understand his 
frustration.  This is not a place that anyone wants to find themselves in but we never know what each new day holds. But, thankfully, we know WHO holds each day and that is what keeps us going at times such as this.


Dad and all of us so appreciate your prayers and concern for his well being.  Please specifically pray that he will regain full use of his hands.  As you know, his woodworking  and computer are both great past times for him and they both require agility of the hands.


It has taken me 5 hours to do this post and I apologize for it being so late in the day.  But, I have been interrupted countless times while assisting Daddy.  I will do my best to update again on Sunday, but if that is not possible, I will definitely be making FaceBook updates.


Meanwhile, please remember this sweet man in your prayers as he makes this journey.
Lea @ CiCis Corner
Lea @ CiCis Corner

Hi there! My name is Lea. I've been wife to the best Hubby for 44 years....Mom to a son and daughter....CiCi to 4 precious Grans....lover of family and friends....enjoy laughter and a good time....shopper....picture taking maniac....maker of delicious fudge....organizational enthusiast....memory maker....Southern Belle...and most importantly.....a Child of the King! Welcome to my little corner!

12 comments:

  1. So glad of a definite diagnosis and that although challenging, he will get over it for the most part. All four of us have been praying many times a day for Al and will continue to do that, and for Sybil, you and Tommy and your brothers. I know what it is to have a sick daddy. Nineteen days in Cleveland OH was a LONG time, but at least we knew what dad needed. Now you do too; praise God.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am glad they found out what was wrong. Continue prayers for your Daddy and sending some strength your way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Praying for all of you. Keep the faith!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a relief it must have been to finally find out the diagnosis and treatment. I'll be praying for him and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So happy to hear the news. I know it is a relief to you all to know he will recover. Praying for strength for you all as you help him through this time. I'm also thanking the Lord for his spunk-y-ness.
    Blessings!
    LydiaCate

    ReplyDelete
  6. At least now you know. That always makes things somewhat easier. You take care of yourself and your dad and don't worry about us--we'll be here.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for the update. I have to say this post brought tears to my eyes as I imagine what it's like to be in your shoes watching your precious daddy in his very weak condition. The diagnosis is an answer to prayer, and I pray the recovery is more like 3 mos, not 6. Praying also that God gives all of you loads and loads of grace to handle the load of caregiving. I can hear how much you love your dad!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the update....you all are in my prayers...may you continue to see the faithfulness of our Lord and complete and fast recovery. Blessings and strength for the journey in Jesus name.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Praise God they now have an accurate diagnosis and can treat him properly and that a recovery is possible. I am sorry that it will take a while and that things are difficult for you all...I am continuing to pray for you all...I know very well how hard it can be to care for an ill parent too. Hugs, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  10. So thankful there is a definate diagnosis now. And so happy to know his prognosis is good! And never apolgoie for blogigng about those things that are close to your heart!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad to hear that you've gotten a definitive diagnosis ... that alone must be a huge relief! Praying for all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Glad to hear you've found good medical help! Will continue to pray for strength and grace for your dad to endure (grow!) through this down time.

    ReplyDelete

So glad you stopped by and hope you enjoyed your visit. I love your comments and read each and every one of them and I always try to reply to them. Blessings to you this day!