Some Random Updates

The head: It continues to heal little by little. E.'s got an appointment next Tuesday to get his staples out. Can you believe how quick that happens? He's still getting some whop-dinger headaches, but only takes minimal pain meds. He's also suffering some yucky bouts of nausea (not related to the pain meds). Sleep comes in short spurts (also affected by the midnight and 4:00 a.m. wake-ups for meds), but the mid-afternoon nap seems to help.

The arm: E.'s right arm continues to be swollen and tender from the infiltrated IV and the superficial blood clots. It is especially sensitive around the wrist area, which makes putting weight on it while using the walker difficult. A re-check with our primary care physician today confirmed that the blood clots are probably superficial as they are below the elbow (anything above the elbow is much more concerning). Since blood thinners and/or anti-inflammatories are not an option, he'll have to settle for warm compresses and elevation.

The foot: The foot, you ask??? Yes, the foot. After the initial physical therapy in the hospital, E. has been complaining about pain in his right foot. Concerned about blood clots, we visited with our primary care physician today. Turns out, it's "plantar fasciitis," which involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot - connecting your heel bone to your toes. The bottom of E.'s foot is swollen and VERY, VERY sensitive. Again, because of the recent brain surgery, the typical medications cannot be taken. It was suggested he ice his foot several times a day and elevate it as much as possible. Generally speaking, it will heal in 8 to 10 weeks.

(So, are you picturing this yet? E., head full of staples, trying to shuffle along in his walker with a bum right arm and a bum right foot? It may not be pretty, but it sure isn't stopping him.)

The blood sugars: E. wound up being released from the hospital with the long-acting insulin, but not the regular insulin. We have been unable to keep his blood sugars in that "below 200" range which is optimal for proper healing, so we paid a visit to our primary care physician. Like we expected, she prescribed some regular insulin which will be given according to a blood sugar level scale. The amount of units given (of both the regular insulin and the long-acting insulin) will have to be tweaked regularly, with the steroid doses fluctuating like they are.

Physical therapy: E. is supposed to be getting physical therapy two or three times a week for eight to twelve weeks. That is what is prescribed. It has not started yet though because insurance authorization is required first, which may take a week or ten days. Crazy. In the meantime, E. is getting around the house quite well and I've even caught him walking without his walker a time or two (which drives me insane!). We've taken a couple of walks down the street. I walk alongside him and his assistant, Peanut, helps by pushing the walker along.

Handicapped parking placard: E.'s doctor authorized him to get a temporary handicapped parking placard. Although E. is not thrilled with the whole idea, I reminded him of the brighter side: front row parking at Wolfpack games! He's already making tailgating plans, so I know he liked the thought of that! The doctor filled out the applicable DMV authorization form. Now I just have to go to DMV, submit the form and get the placard. I dread going to the DMV. I hate the DMV. I am scared of the DMV. But I will be brave. As an added note, while the truck was parked in the hospital parking garage, someone stole the front license plate off the truck! (It appears that they also attempted to steal the rear plate, as the license plate frame is missing, and so are several screws.) I now have to fill out some "Lost or Stolen License Plate" form at DMV as well, and return the remaining plate in exchange for new plates. I did say I would be brave, didn't I? I think a visit to DMV requires more than bravery though.

Attitude: E. may be stubborn and ornery, but he's got an attitude that can't be beat. He never complains about a darn thing. He still dishes it out like always (and gets it back in return). We still laugh. A lot. And these brain tumors? "Just another bump in the road." With an attitude like that, how can you not follow his lead? I'll tell you what ... I fall in love with this man over and over again, each and every day.