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.