Fri. Jan.30th

From Teresa... The neurologist said the EEG showed the possibility of seizures so he wants Tami to stay on the keppra for at least a year to a year and a half to be safe. Unfortunately that's the expensive drug,(without a generic that works as well as the original,$144.00 for a 2 week supply.) But we don't want any seizures, so she'll continue it as long as needed. He also said her headaches we due to muscle strain in her neck. Because of her left side neglect she is holding her head at an angle and that puts strain on her neck. He offered to give her shots in her neck and forehead with something to numb it, but there is no gaurentee as to how long the reilef could last. Every patient is different. She said no thank-you to more needles right now. They told her if she changes her mind they will work her in an appointment. (Today she said she was thinking about it.)

The blood work on Wed. was right where it should be.(2.4) She took the last of the antibiotic today, so we will check the level again on Monday to see if it needs to be adjusted.

On Tues. the therapists really worked her out. She was tired when she got home and told Lilli that they "Kicked her butt", Lilli with eyes wide said "Why"! She was thinking literally. We laughed and tried to explain.(We have to be careful how we say things around those girls. Anyway more later...Teresa

Mon. Jan.26th

From Teresa... We went in Fri. morning to get Tami's blood work done. The finger pricking test said "no clot detected", so they had to draw a sample from her arm, and send it to the lab. Later that afternoon the doctor's assistant called and said it was a 12!(they want it between a 2 and a 3). She was in a therapy and they pulled her out and sent her downstairs to the emergency room. There they gave her a shot in the stomach of vitamin k and took a CAT scan to be sure she didn't have any bleeding in her head. The CAT scan was good, no problems. Then they admitted her into the hospital and gave her 2 bags of plasma. Plasma has the stuff in it to help your blood clot. By 11pm the tests showed she was back to a 3 again. But they kept her overnight to be safe. I spent the night with her. It made us both appreciate not having to sleep at the hospital on a regular basis. She was released by 11am on Sat. We learned that the antibiotic for her acne makes the cumidin work extra well. So her blood Dr. reduced the dosage and we went for another check this morning. It was down to 1.2 so we will increase it a little tonight and tomorrow and check it again on Wed. It's a delicate balancing act. Her arm looks like a pincusion.

Tomorrow we have the apt. with her neurologist, and rehab therapies in the afternoon. More later...Teresa.

Wed. Jan.21st

From Teresa... Well there was a good sized group at the stroke support meeting last week. We had therapy scheduled at 1pm so we had to leave before it broke up. Next time I'll line things up differently so we don't have to rush off. It was nice because almost everyone from last month commented on how great it was to see Tami walk in on her own power, and how good she was looking.

Tami has had a nagging headache for about a week now. Tylenol takes the edge off, but doesn't get rid of it. My dilemma is which of her many doctors do I ask about it. I called her neurologist today and he thinks there may be something he could try that isn't a drug. We have an apt. with him on the 30th already and will try to get in on a cancellation before then if possible.

Tami is walking into rehab these days. (It takes about 10 min. to get there from the car.) But it feels good to be able to leave the wheelchair in the car. She's tired by the time she walks out after all three therapies, but I'm hoping it helps build her endurance.

Lilli's birthday party went well and the mess stayed at the pool. That was nice.

Sat. Tami has an appointment for a doctor to evaluate her on whether or not she will qualify for any disability help. More later Teresa.

Wed. Jan.14,2009

From Teresa... I got Tami on the scales the other day and she is up to 102 lbs. Yeah! Finally more than a 98 pound weakling! Any food she says sounds good to eat, I try to get for her. Her dad came out Thurs. and flew back to Florida Sun. He bought all the fixings for a pot roast and she's been enjoying it since. He also took her to get her blood work checked and to therapies on Friday. Her blood levels are right where they need to be, so we are to keep the same dosage and get checked again in two weeks. They went out to lunch at Applebees (one of Tami's favorite places) and had a nice daddy daughter date. On Sat. afternoon Albert cooked his famous carne asada tacos and had family and friends come over. It was nice.

Tomorrow is the stroke support group meeting again. I'm looking forward to it, and I think Tami is too. It's a nice,welcoming, and loving group of people.( about 15 or so). Last month Tami was in her wheel chair, this time she should be walking in on her own. She also went blond, they may not recognize her. Anyway....

Lilli will turn 3 on Sat. Jan.17th. The birthday party is scheduled to be held at the local swimming pool. Lilli is so good with Tami, handing her things that drop or get tossed by sister Ella. She's always asking us questions that keep us on our toes. Her communication skills are so good that it's hard to remember that she's only 3! Tami's girls are what keep her going when she might be tempted to give up. They are little blessings! (I try to remember that as I pick up after them, and change dirty diapers.) I'm trying to stay in the moment and appreciate my time with them, because I realize this is only temperary and I'll miss it when it's over. Anyway...that's it for now....Teresa

Tues. Jan. 6, 2009

From Teresa... Well Christmas was good, Santa left a mess of stuff at Tami's home and the girls had a ball! For the afternoon we all went over to Aunt Monica and Uncle David's home and had a fabulous feast and the girls were spoiled again! Albert's family can really cook! They are helping to put some weight back on Tami. (unfortunately I'm right in there with her putting on some weight too) Anyway....It's so good I'm willing to enjoy it and just go to Curves a few more times.

For New Years Albert and Tami went to Riley and Patty's for a party and actually stayed up past midnight! (first time in 4 years) They had a good time. I played grandma/nanny and enjoyed myself too.

For Jan. we are doing rehab therapy twice a week ,to stretch out the 20 visits each therapy is allowed for the year. New year, new deductible, on medical and prescriptions, but thank God for health insurance.

Tami has more range of motion in her shoulder and arm. Her balance is getting better too.

Well the library is closing, so more later...Teresa.