Long story, short --- Ken's tremor has worsened fairly rapidly & has never responded to meds - so at the encouragement of our neurologist & our own desire to try everything promising ----
we're headed to Stanford!!
This is the week we head to Stanford University Hospital, in Palo Alto, for Ken to be assessed for the Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery.
We got a call last Monday from the clinic, just making sure we'd been scheduled for an appointment. That call was a "God" thing -- cause other than the fact we'd been mailed a medical history form to fill out & bring with us, we didn't know ANYTHING about the appointment. We did know it would span 2 days - but that was it.
When the nurse asked me if we had any questions (I'm sure about 1,000 that I don't even know to ask!!!) I told her we were basically in the dark as to what to expect. She was very helpful and in the course of conversation filled us in on the fact that on day #1 'they' would put Ken thru physical assessment trials while ON meds, while day #2 would be comprised of the same series of trials, but this time OFF meds! Yikes! That little scenario could open up the proverbial can of worms!
Some of the meds have to be tapered off and he's already started that process -- so that by Thursday/Friday the 15th/16th he'll be 'ready' for whatever they have to throw at him! Needless to say, we're unsure what this week will hold for us, and we're as prepared as we could possibly be, but anticipate that the trip down, the appt/assessments, trying to relax away from home OFF OF MEDS!!! may be very tiring and possibly disconcerting for both of us. The nurse really encouraged us to stay close by the university, so as to minimize any unnecessary driving in commuter traffic (again while off meds). I'm thinking that's a good idea - so we changed our plans.
We had originally planned on staying with family in Walnut Creek on Th/Fri, driving to Santa Cruz on Sat. & staying over there for a friend's wedding on Sunday - thinking this would be fun, as it happens to be our anniversary weekend too! [36 BABY!! WOO-HOO!] But we've had to re-think all that & have decided to just 'play it by ear' and see how Ken is feeling. [Did I mention he'll be off meds? haha]
So, this week will be a very full week - we'd appreciate your prayers.
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Well mom, you better take your meds then!...and have you thought about hiring a driver for the weekend? Because with you driving and Dad in the passenger seat, I can see a problem arising already.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I am ready to see what the procedure has to offer. Dad is the perfect canidate, in my eyes. I look forward to the promise that it may bring.
Love you guys.
Man, that's a LOT to deal with. I'll be praying for you guys! I hope that in the midst of all the testing, you two will be able to have an "Aw, we've been married for 36 years and we still love each other" moment...even OFF of meds:)
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you both! We hope this week is going well.
ReplyDelete~Sam, Talia and Pierce
Becky and Ken, I've been thinking a lot about you two and how we haven't been in touch for so long...wondering what you've been up to, figuring a lot of flying to see Leo (at least for Becky). Just now read your blog from May. How did I have no idea what was going on with Ken and you and the DBS testing?!! I don't have current info, so I guess I'll just have to be old-fashioned and call you on a phone. You'll continue to be in our prayers more specifically! Love you both, Beth and Larry
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Thanks for sending it to me. Congrats on that beautiful grand baby. He's awesome!
ReplyDeleteWe will continue to pray for you as you travel on this journey. I know God's hand is on you and you are such a testimony of trusting the Lord. I know God's angel encamps around you and he will deliver you. (Ps 34:7)
God bless you in every way. May His favor be upon you and your children and restore you health.
Love,
Don and Joyce Jordan