Alaina showing off her new hair extension.

Aidan enjoying dinner at Applebee's!

Wednesday, 11/24

Sorry for the delays in updates! Kevin hasn't been saying much so it's been hard to get a feel for how he is feeling and what is going on.

Since my last post, Kevin has been regularly attending PT and had a neurology appointment. The PT has given home exercises for Kevin and has increased the difficulty of work that Kevin does when he is there. Today he was doing squats, balancing on a BOSU ball, using bands to strengthen his leg, and starting some leg lifts with weights. Kevin said he was pretty worn out after today's session.

I accompanied Kevin to his neuro appt on Monday. Dr. Schenk reviewed the information from the hospital stay, did some neuro testing, and strength tests too. In Schenk's opinion, most of Kevin's pain/weakness/tightness is due to the bulging disc and not his MS. He said that MS patients don't tend to have this type of pain. Kevin is experiencing numbness in his hands and stomach which would be MS-related. The doctor is suggesting that Kevin remain off of work until 12/10 because Kevin is still taking pain medications and is not maneuvering around very well. Kevin stands all night when he works so that is not the best for his condition. Kevin did not want to miss anymore work but is willing to do what the doctor says.

The doctor wanted to review Kevin's MRI with a neurosurgeon but his feeling was if Kevin was not an MS patient that the doctor would be walking Kevin right over to neurosurgery to consult for back surgery. This is because Kevin has had the pain for 4 months now and is not able to do his normal job/life. However, since Kevin does have MS and this can always influence things he'd like to consult with the nuerosurgeon and meet with us on 12/13. If Kevin has not improved and can't manage his pain without the pain pills then surgery is our next step.

I'm enjoying a day at home while the kids are at school! Mom and Lloyd arrive soon in the middle of a potential blizzard and I couldn't be more excited. Mom and Barb planned Thanksgiving dinner over the phone and Barb did the shopping. Kris and Barb came over today to help get things ready for the feast tomorrow and mom and Lloyd will finish up when they arrive.

I couldn't be more blessed with love ones and support from you all! I'm hoping that Kevin will continue to improve and life can get back to "normal" very soon. I do enjoy having Kevin around more often and will miss when he has to go back to work.

Sara