Saturday, September 12, 2009

A Note from Denise

Hi, friends,

I am not sure we have many "followers" these days - I have really slowed down in my blogging since starting back to school. WOW has it been hectic, but I am amazed once again that I have great kids and a wonderful school to work for.

Anyway, I wanted you to know that Stewart is doing so much better. He hasn't had a headache in many days, and is so anxious to get back to work, hoping to return part time in the next week or two. The trauma of the past 6 weeks is fading, giving way to cooler temperatures and calmer nerves! I am getting a little TOO used to him being home every day...getting a little spoiled, actually. I am so pleased when I see progress, returning to his life in stages. 2 weeks ago he could hardly turn his head due to the severe headaches, and this week he vacuumed and started unloading the dishwasher. (Oh yes, dreams DO come true, ha!) Needless to say I am quite happy about this progress ;) He works hard to try to relieve me of the many small tasks he couldn't help with for awhile, and I am very appreciative.

Driving: Yes, Stewart drove for the first time this week. Don't think I wasn't a bit nervous. I asked him if he could see the people on the sidewalk and he said, "what people? What sidewalk?" Glad he still has the sense of humor.

The girls are doing super in school, and I am very proud of their hard work. I gave the dog a bath for the first time all summer. I know. Gross. We all feel better.

Thank you if you are still reading our blog...honestly, I will be glad when we shut 'er down and move on with life. Not because I don't enjoy writing, but because I am ready to see Stew return to normal.

I think we all feel that way. :)

Have a lovely weekend!
Denise

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Progressive Recovery

Hey Everyone!

I apologize that it has been so long since we have posted an update. With my mom and I starting back to school, things have been crazy around here. My Dad is making slow recovery, but getting better. His strength is starting to come back, but eyesight is still blurry. Please pray that his vision will be restored. Starting last week, his doctor added a new medicine to his routine. He started having SEVERE headaches after taking it, and after three days was off of it. He says the headaches were even worse than when he got out of surgery. He literally can do nothing but sit in his chair with a cold rag on his head and his eyes closed. It is miserable for him, and of course we feel helpless in these situations. However, he has since stopped that medication, and also cut caffeine from his diet, and he thinks those could possibly be triggers. He hasn't had one since Thursday. He tries to stay propped up with pillows behind his head during the day, because when he lays down flat in bed, he has a very hard time getting back up without a major headache. He just has to take things VERY slow, even just getting up and down after laying. He also just got his stitches out almost two weeks ago from the area that was drilled on during surgery. So he is dealing with pain from that part of the healing process, which I know is painful for him. The doctor said the headaches are normal for at least the first two months or so.

He is starting to realize that even doing a load of laundry, or riding in the car to the store (just to get out of the house, mainly) is very tiring for him. Even a sudden move of his head to the left or right can cause a headache. I think we are all learning what a long and tedious process this is, and are adjusting accordingly. He is still spending his days resting and recovering, and taking his meds. That is about all he can do. He can read a little, but not for a long period of time. Thankfully though, from the rest he has been able to get, he is slowly gaining strength. He is making progress, these severe headaches just set him back a little. My Dad says thank you so much for your prayers, and please continue to pray for his full recovery. I know so many of you are already doing that, and we really attribute a lot of his healing to the prayers that have been said for him. The love of family, friends, and our church family has been SUCH a blessing to us. We would have had a very hard time getting through this without all of the emotional, spiritual, and prayer support. Thank you. I want to post a picture of my Dad soon, now that he is looking better and getting his color back. I will work on it! :-)

Sincerely,
Tiffany