Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Jeff Update
I felt like I had to give Ainsley center stage yesterday. But, now that we are in to day #2 of first grade I wanted to do an update on Jeff. You all have been so faithful in checking in on us. And, for praying. Thank you so much for both!!
We saw Jeff's Neurologist last Thursday. She believes that Jeff has an illness called "Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, or ADEM." Not a big shocker that this frustrating condition would also have a frustrating name to pronounce!! Anyway, ADEM is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages the myelin which is the protective covering of nerve fibers. She described it to me as "Jeff's immune system is fighting internally with his central nervous system." ADEM is sometimes mis-diagnosed as a severe first attack of MS. Jeff will be back in the MRI tube on Friday so they can see how his brain and spine are. We are hopeful that they see dramatic improvements.
We have learned that there is NO cure for ADEM. However over the next 3-6 months it should be gone, and Jeff should start feeling "normal" again.... As of today his Bells Palsey is gone! He is back to work, and he really looks great. His biggest enemy right now is fatigue. He has to really listen to his body, and rest when he is exhausted. Fortunately, he runs his own business and he can work at his own pace. This alone has been humbling for my precious husband who does not know how to do anything in first gear!!
As we take pause and reflect on the last six weeks it has been so full of blessings. The blessings of friends and family reaching out to us, the blessing of women here caring and praying, the blessing of our family group that showed up at our house last night just to pray with us. And, yes the blessing of humbleness, and learning that above all things we need to trust, and often times we just need to wait and be still!!!!
Take time to be still today and count your blessings!
Love,
Diana
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Blogs I Try to Keep Up With!
-
God's Got Her3 weeks ago
-
Melting into July~4 weeks ago
-
Destin Day 45 years ago
-
-
The Fourth7 years ago
-
What I have read lately7 years ago
-
-
{Happy Birthday to you...}8 years ago
-
-
Flood Part 4: Shelter Living9 years ago
-
-
Celebrating 2 Years With "Sweet Colin"11 years ago
-
Hilton Head ~ 201412 years ago
-
-
DON'T EVER QUIT !!!12 years ago
-
12 comments:
Diana,
I am so glad to hear some positive news. I hope that Jeff's MRI brings a deeper understanding to his condition and so that you are able to get a handle on it. Ainsley is adorable and you must feel so proud sending her off to first grade!
Ladybug Hugs,
Debbie
We continue to pray...
It is so important for Jeff to "be still" for a time and to listen to his body--even when his mind tells him he wants to go in overdrive.
I am not surprised you have precious friends locally to take good care of you and am so glad that is the case!!! Wish I could be there to do the same...
Love you,
Lisa
Blessings to your family! I will continue to remember you all in my prayers, and to count my blessings!!!
~Michelle
How nice to read these last few posts. I think about all of you each day, keep you in my prayers, and can't wait for some coffee time hopefully very soon...
Take care, and hugs to the girls!
Praying that with each day he gains his strength. You are a beautiful family and I pray that better days are ahead for you all. I am married to a man who goes full tilt all of the time too, I can't imagine how difficult it must be for Jeff to just take it easy, bless his heart!
Oh Diana - your post sounds very encouraging in light of all that your family has been through. We will continue to pray for you, Jeff and the girls and for Jeff's full recovery. Perhaps the slowing down is coming at a time when the whole family needs to slow down together, not necessarily a bad thing:-)
Ainsley is just beautiful and I have to admit as Emily heads off to Kindergarten next week, I wondered what kind of shoes Ainsley is wearing because they are so cute!
So glad you have been enveloped with the love of family, friends and most importantly a loving God, who somehow works it all for good.
Love,
Heather
I am so glad to hear he is doing better. I will continue to pray for a good report.
I've been thinking of your family and so relieved to see an update. I pray that things continue to move in a positive direction and that Jeff is feeling himself very soon.
Congrats on Ainsley's first day of kindergarten. She looked so happy. Tomorrow is my oldest's first day of 12th grade...where does the time go???
Wendy
Thanks for the update Diana!
I have been praying and will continue to pray for Jeff's continued improvement.
Take care,
TJ
Diana,
I am so thrilled that they finally have figured it out!!! I am also thrilled that it should be completely gone within a few months. I was misdiagnosed with MS for many years and have walked this road that Jeff is on. I am praying for him and you. Glad he is listening to his body. The fatigue can be overwhleming.
Lots of love,
Kim
How wonderful to hear that Jeff is doing well and that he is really on the road to recovery. You have been in my prayers (and I'll keep praying).
Danielle
So glad Jeff is healing so well, Diana!
Tracy