Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Bob had the Botox shots yesterday in certain muscles.  It takes 5 to 10 days for the results to appear. I really hope this will make a difference in alleviating his pain and allow him to move with more ease.

The two birthdays this month in our family are our son-in-law Brent and grand-son Jack.  Happy Belated Birthday to Brent and Happy Birthday to Jack today.

One of Bob's ex-co-workers John S. and friend came by yesterday and visited for a while. We both enjoyed his visit.  I think Bob misses the friendships of the people he worked with through the years. He has had to make a lot of adjustments.

Today our daughter and her family from Chicago arrive for a visit.  We are really looking forward to spending time with them.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Bob had some good news yesterday.  The doctor's office called and said there was a cancellation on Monday March 23rd.  He took that time slot to get his Botox Shots. I am so glad.  He has been in so much pain.  I really hope the shots will be as helpful as everyone says they are.

This past Sunday John and Casey had a small family party to celebrate Jack and Peyton's birthdays.  (early for Jack and late for Peyton)  The photo below is John, Jack, Casey and Peyton.

John, Jack, Casey and Peyton

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

About a week ago we saw Bob's Neurologist to get results from the MRI he got the week before. They showed no new blood which is good. Unfortunately they don't know the reason for his stroke. It could be genetic and there is a blood test for that.  He will probably get it just to see for sure because he has siblings and it would be good for the family to know.  Of course we are not doctors but none of Bob's circumstances go along with that disease.  So, we don't think that is an issue. He is still in a lot of pain. His Botox appointment was canceled because of a clerical error between the doctor's office and the insurance company.  That should not have happened.  His next appointment is March 30th.  It is such a pity he has to suffer because of something like this.  They did prescribe a pain pill which has helped only a little. Not knowing the reason is disturbing because we don't know if it could happen again but actually do any of us know  what could happen to us that would change our lives completely or even end our lives.  It is best to have trust and not to worry.

The picture below is of Bob's nephew and God Son David, Bob and Bob's son Bob.  David was visiting last weekend from Ft. Sill in OKlahoma.  We had lunch at Kona Grill and drove around Ft. Worth. We really enjoyed our visit with him.

David, Bob and Young Bob


Sunday, March 1, 2015

Our weather has been very mild this winter until about a week and a half ago.  We have had snow and sleet and cold temperatures.  This is nothing compared to the North or East Coast but for us it is a problem because we do not have enough equipment to handle the snow and sleet.  Many people stay home from school and work when this happens.  I have enjoyed the down time a little.  Bob had to cancel and reschedule therapy appointments but we were happy he was able to make it to his MRI testing at UT.  We are very anxious to see where he stands with the healing of his brain.  At Christmas there was some new blood surrounding the area of the original stroke.  We are hoping that has gone away and they will find no more blood.  Bob continues to rehabilitate himself. He is so determined.  He is always working on something at home that will help either his walk or the use of his arm and hand.  Tuesday he is supposed to get some botox shots in his muscles.  I really hope the insurance company will get it all together and approved by then.  The nurse at the doctor's office said they keep requesting different forms to be filled out.  If they only knew what pain and tightness he has in him muscles.  He is really suffering which is also leading to very little sleep.  

Bob had a shirt made to wear when he enters a medical facility.  They always ask if he has been to Africa within the last 21 days even though they may have seen him the day before.  He has recieved a lot of laughs and some have taken pictures.


Bob at UT Southwest University Medical Center for MRI testing.


Bob's New Shirt



Snow Man at Kona Grill