Paul's Update - 03/08/06

Dear Friends:

It seems every day is so different lately. Today was the last day of the muscle relaxers that the doctor had put Paul on in an effort to relax his arms and shoulders. Since this medicine was causing him to be sleepy and confused they have decided to start a different kind of medicine to do the same thing ... hopefully it won't have the same side effects! The doctor also decided to stop the blood thinners that Paul has been taking. It appears that Paul is not really much of a risk for blood clots any more. PT today went even better than yesterday. Paul is walking a little better and with a little less assistance. The therapist still has to help him a bit with the right foot but he is trying to work it as best he can. OT was done by a substitute today, the regular girl was not there. They worked to stretch his arms and shoulders a bit. Speech worked on the chewing and swallowing again. He is having a bit of difficulty with the swallowing. He holds the liquids in his mouth until they go down on their own. This causes a possibility of liquid going down his windpipe. She can't start him on any more foods until he can swallow successfully. She also worked to get him to control his chewing action. She had him open his mouth and allow her to touch his tongue without chewing. She was somewhat successful at that but it took a little work. He listens to what she says but he has a hard time controlling it. We found out from the social worker at the hospital that the health insurance has now ended for Paul. He will be covered by Medicaid from now on. Today was stressful for Paul. It appears that Paul became aware that his motorcycle has been totalled. This seems to have made him very upset and made him cry again. Dad tried to cheer him up. How difficult it must be to realize you are in a place you don't want to be and then realize how that came about. That's not even mentioning the fact that he lost something he really enjoyed. It breaks our hearts to see this emotion ... even if it is a good thing. Dad & Bobby are spending the day with Paul on Thursday. Bobby enjoys spending time with Paul and doesn't get enough these days. I think Paul will be blessed to have his brother there! Our family has been quite a blessing for each other. No wonder God puts so much importance on family! We have quite an extended family in our friends as well. Thanks for being a part of our family!!

Love & Hugs,
Lynne & Carl