Update on Dennis 7/13/2011

Over the past few days we have had a conference with the doctors and therapist at Brooks rehabilitation and they have given Dennis an estimated discharge date of August 16th.  They expect at the discharge date for Dennis to be able to walk at least a few feet, but more than likely be discharged with a wheelchair.  We know that the doctors are being conservative since Dennis's disease is rare so we set another goal tonight. Goal #3 - Dennis to be discharged with a walker instead of a wheelchair.  For this weeks conference, he was only evaluated over the past two days so we are hoping next weeks conference gives the doctors a little more insight to what Dennis can do with a full week of therapy under his belt.  His therapy is really going well.  They are concentrating on standing up exercises since his body is use to laying in bed.  Today his therapist hooked him up to a bicycle type device with electrodes.  His therapist told him he would put him on the bike for 33 minutes and after the 33 minutes were over he wanted to do more.  His determination still amazes me.  He hasn't wavered once even after all the pain and life altering diagnosis.  I sit and watch him some days and I am just amazed at how strong he is.
His minor lower body issues are slowly getting better.  Two days ago he went without pain medicine for 17 hours and yesterday he went 13 hours with no pain medicine.  Dennis did have to go for another MRI and Cat-scan yesterday for some double vision he has been experiencing over the past few weeks.  The MRI showed nothing new so that is a good sign but doctors think that maybe some of his medication may be causing the double vision.  
I do have one request for all of our Jacksonville friends and family.  We may need to rent a place for a couple months after Dennis is discharged.  Unfortunately for us, I own the condo we live in and it is on the second and third floor.  In order for Dennis to come home he will have to walk up 17 steps to even get to our front door and another 17 steps to get up our bedroom. So I am asking to see if anyone knows anyone with a house/1st floor apartment/condo that is available for rent on a month to month basis.  My concern with a house/apartment/condo is getting it furnish for the few months, but if we had to we could possible move some of our furniture to the temporary housing.  Please email me or call me with any ideas/suggestions.

hnlfrasier@gmail.com
904-545-6235

We want to thank everyone again today for all their help, thoughts and prayers.  Dennis and I had quite an emotional moment today because we are so blessed to have so many people who have reached out to help us in our time of need.  You have all made this past month a little bit easier on us and our families as well.

We love you and please keep us in your prayers,

Heather