Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Well, it seems to go in cycles. Several very good days and one in the dumper. Today was one of those, I'm afraid. Mark was in extreme pain most of the day today.

His legs were especially stiff and tight, which makes the knee and hip pain more intense. The scans did not show bone ossification which is good, so they are going to again increase the medication for the spasticity. They are also considering first casting his ankles and then his knees. The ankle casts will place his feet in the proper position without interfering with a sore on his heel and serves a twofold purpose because the heel will heal. (Whew!) Then serial casting the knees will straighten his legs out like they did his left arm. They removed that last cast today and turned it into a splint for night wear. It will act as a retainer so to speak.

The doctors are pleased with the way his overall cognitive function is progressing. There are still periods of confusion but the agitation has decreased except when he is in pain. They are working with him on his attention and short term memory and both are getting better. Of course, these are problems which may continue for the rest of his life, but they will teach him methods to cope. The doctors, nurses and therapists know exactly how to handle the issues as they arise and that is a great comfort. They also listen and acknowledge what I observe and what I think is best for Mark and that is more than I could have ever hoped for.