Sunday, December 30, 2007

the loud toilet

The kids seem to have enjoyed our slow holiday season. When we asked Bennett what he wanted to do for the holidays, he told us, "Stay home and play." We've been able to do that. Rhonda continues to inch forward and backwards. The result is that we both seem to be tired of talking and writing about how she's doing. One day her head pressure and legs seem better and the next day they are worse. We're not always sure why. Our main strategy right now is for Rhonda to take it easy. Fortunately, since we've been around the house most of the holidays, we've been able to accomplish that and still enjoy good family time. In addition, Rhonda was able to enjoy a few hours out of the house for Christmas at some friends.

We also have dealt with additional medical issues as well (we seem to always have at least two or three family members dealing with medical issues). Cody had surgery to have tubes in his ears this past Friday. His hearing had been quite limited due to fluid in both his ears. One of the first things he said when he got home occurred after he went to the bathroom. He came out and said, "Wow, when the toilet flushes it is really loud." We think the surgery was a success.

Thanks for your prayers and support. Please pray for our perseverence during this time. Rhonda's recovery seems quite slow at this time. After the first of the year, we may need to visit the doctor again to assess whether the recovery is stalled a bit. Right now, we're not quite sure.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

a different sort of holiday season

I didn't realize it had been a whole week since I blogged last. It's felt a bit like some weeks before my trips. Rhonda has really had to scale back her activity in order to feel like she can get some relief from the head pressure. She does feel like it is better than last week. Today, however, she has felt a bit of the old vertigo that she had some time ago. We were hoping that she would be better for the holidays and possibly be able to drive in the new year but GB certainly knows how to put your hopes on a rollar coaster ride.

Please pray that Rhonda is able to get the rest and quiet she needs--especially with our two boys in the house all day for the holidays.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

not quite the week we expected

I had hoped that I had turned over the blog to Rhonda for good, but it seems that things do not always quite go as we expect. This week has been one of those. Rhonda started experiencing her head pressure again after a busy Monday and Tuesday. Her legs are also really bothering her. In addition, her mom has been sick this week. So what we hoped would be a casual week with mom and dad has been a time of trying to heal. We'd appreciate your prayers. I always find the head pressure symptoms the toughest since it really effects the overall mood at our home (or perhaps its just me). Rhonda has also voiced a bit more how tired she is starting to get of the symptoms. She's really had a great attitude these past four months, but these little relapses are always difficult.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Mom and Dad are here!

Sometimes it is just nice to have your Mommy when you are sick. Do you ever get too old for that? On Monday night my parents arrived after a very eventful trip from Canada. I am amazed that they even arrived with their luggage. Since, I have often heard them comment how wonderful the weather is compared to the -25 degrees Celsius ( for those of you that don't know celsius it is very cold) in Canada. My mom is already dreading her return.

This week has been a big week for me not only because my parents are here, but also because I drove for the first time since August. Nothing too ambitious but trips to the doctor for Cody and myself as well as dropping off and picking up Cody from preschool on Wednesday. I really wanted to experiment while my parents were here because I knew they could come with me. That way if I got tired I could at least trade off. I think it went well and I feel like I can tolerate short trips. I feel like I continue to slowly improve and as long as I have times to rest in between activity I am managing. The key is not having to walk a lot and resting when I can.

The neurologist is pleased with my progress and feels like I am heading in the right direction. Amazingly, I don't have to see him until April. Makes me wonder if I will be back to normal by then.
I would appreciate your prayers for continued healing and good health. I feel like I get sick easily especially colds. I have had two in the last month and I have had terrible coughs. Thankfully it does end after about 10days. I am hoping to avoid the flu as this would really aggravate the Guillian Barre symptoms.
Thank you for continuing to support, pray and bless our family with meals. We are really enjoying having family here and even plan on making some homemade ice cream tomorrow( the boys are very excited). That sounds like a crazy thing to do in December ,but I get confused down here with the trees turning color and the warm weather. Perry often teases me that he can't believe that I grew up Canada because I was made for Texas.