June 2

Hi,
Another Tuesday, another staffing. It seems Denny has finally turned the corner and is making significant progress in all areas of therapy. He has been weaned from several of the medicines, which, I think, played a major role in all of this. He is completely off the anti-seizure meds, as well as two others that caused his blood pressure to drop, which caused so much of his light-headedness. I also asked the doctor to stop giving him the sleeping/pain pill he was being given every night because I was certain that tied into the "blackout" periods he seemed to have each morning. Lastly, all of our kids and I noticed that whenever the nurses offered Den pain medicine, he just automatically said yes, even if he hadn't complained of any pain. So, when I was there Sunday, I asked the nurses not to offer him any pain medicine but to wait for him to ask for it. He's only need those pills twice since then. Den and I have an on-going phrase that we've used for years. It's something like "if I were the type of person to say 'I told you so' now would be the time for me to say it." I kind of feel that way in regard to the drugs and his reactions to them. I am just so happy that the doctors at Mercy listened.
The really good news is that Denny will complete this week of therapy and then will come home on a 30 hour pass for the weekend. I have to go there on Friday for a crash course in all of the therapy sessions so we can continue those at home. Then on Saturday they will send us home with the medicines he'll need until he goes back on Sunday evening. If all goes well, he will be discharged on Monday or Tuesday.
I know this blog is way too long already, but I just have to thank the seniors for the booklets and gifts they sent to Den. Amy Metlach, the teacher who took over Den's classes, brought everything to the hospital yesterday and Den was overwhelmed. I started reading the letters you wrote and I have to admit that it was good there was a box of tissues nearby. There were a few laughs, too!! You guys are awesome, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done to remember, inspire, and recharge Mr. O. Our invitation for you to stop over any time during the summer is sincere--you will be his best medicine (right behind the grandkids!) If you are out on the water, just tie up to our dock, or find us on West Palisades Drive. All of your parents raised some great kids -- you will forever be in our prayers of thanks.
Here's hoping everyone reading this will have a safe and happy summer!

Love and hugs,
Carla