Like I have said many times - Jim collects "ologists" like people collect stamps. Today we met a new one - his new FTD neurologist, Dr. Appleby. Dr. Appleby is new to Cleveland Clinic via John Hopkins. He specializes in young onset dementia.
There was nothing wrong with our old FTD neurologist - in fact we really liked him. Problem was he was a Univeristy Hospital doctor and my Cleveland Clinic insurance did not like that he played for the other team!! However, I take great comfort that our "team" now all works for the same hospital AND that Dr. Appleby and Dr. Lerner (UH doc) are actually having dinner together tonight! I also found out that Dr. Appleby lives right around the corner from us - here in Brunswick. Now I will be on the look out for him around town.
Not much to report on the visit. More of an intial assessment since we are starting new with him. Suprise, suprise, he addeded another pill (increased dosage on 1 current medication.) Actually it is only 1/2 a pill. The other option was to add 2 pills/day. So I think that brings Jim up to 180 pills/week (not counting pain and as needed anxiety medications.)
Dr. Appleby also ordered another blood test. This one looks for the most common gene to cause FTD. It is attached to a gene that also causes Parkinson's - which Jim has a lot of Parkinson's-like symptoms - so it is possible that it will come back positive. PLEASE pray it does not. IF it does that means there is a 50% chance that the girls have the FTD gene. Though I would love to find a cause, treatment and cure for FTD and ALS - I do not want this to be the way. I only pray that if this is positive and knowing Jim is a carrier will add to any research and discovery of a cure. There HAS to be at least treatment if not a cure by the time our kids get to middle age. Basically, if you are a carrier you WILL get FTD.
There is going to be a wait for the results. So far all genetic testing has been negative - but the previous tests were for ALS genes and only 5% of familial ALS has a known gene link.
So on that positive note I am going to sign off for now. Take Care.
PS - My dad is having open heart surgery this coming Thursday (February 9). He will have double bypass, a valve replacement and a valve repair. So if you could throw in an extra prayer or two it would be appreciated.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
6 Month Check Up - ALS Clinic
Today was Jim's 6 month ALS visit. It was a good / not-so-good day.
Good news - Breathing and weight were stable.
Bad news - he has lost A LOT of strength in his arms and some in his right leg.
They recommended a voice projector device so he can be heard better - however he has already said he knows he won't use one. I don't see it happening either - I just see an overpriced karaoke unit for the kids.
There was also talk of adding a Parkinson’s medication to his list. However I decided (and redecided after talking to Aunt Mary) that if we do add it we will wait until later - the medication would help to relieve some of his stiffness etc. but I'm not crazy about the side effects. It can make your mind more fuzzy and lower your blood pressure causing dizziness. These are 2 symptoms Jim has naturally and I think adding to them is not enough of a tradeoff. As I talk to Jim I seem more bothered then he does about the stiffness.
We also talked about his getting a Baclofen pump. This too would treat the stiffness by delivering on of his anti-spasmatic medications through an implanted pump into his system. Again after discussing it with Aunt Mary, the neurologist and the physical therapist we may cross this bridge later but not now. As I said the stiffness seems to bother us instead of him and the initial procedure calls for a test dose administered by lumbar puncture. For those of you who don't remember - Jim had a horrible anxiety/panic attack the last time he had a LP. Then there is surgery involved to implant the pump. I think the pump is definitely something we will have to reconsider, but right now he is in the gray area where he needs it. We will revisit the option down the road.
As of right now - we are both exhausted - 7 hours at the Cleveland Clinic will do that too you. Jim's next appointment is next Friday with the new neurologist Dr. Appleby. Updates then.
Thank you for taking the time to care & read this!
Good news - Breathing and weight were stable.
Bad news - he has lost A LOT of strength in his arms and some in his right leg.
They recommended a voice projector device so he can be heard better - however he has already said he knows he won't use one. I don't see it happening either - I just see an overpriced karaoke unit for the kids.
There was also talk of adding a Parkinson’s medication to his list. However I decided (and redecided after talking to Aunt Mary) that if we do add it we will wait until later - the medication would help to relieve some of his stiffness etc. but I'm not crazy about the side effects. It can make your mind more fuzzy and lower your blood pressure causing dizziness. These are 2 symptoms Jim has naturally and I think adding to them is not enough of a tradeoff. As I talk to Jim I seem more bothered then he does about the stiffness.
We also talked about his getting a Baclofen pump. This too would treat the stiffness by delivering on of his anti-spasmatic medications through an implanted pump into his system. Again after discussing it with Aunt Mary, the neurologist and the physical therapist we may cross this bridge later but not now. As I said the stiffness seems to bother us instead of him and the initial procedure calls for a test dose administered by lumbar puncture. For those of you who don't remember - Jim had a horrible anxiety/panic attack the last time he had a LP. Then there is surgery involved to implant the pump. I think the pump is definitely something we will have to reconsider, but right now he is in the gray area where he needs it. We will revisit the option down the road.
As of right now - we are both exhausted - 7 hours at the Cleveland Clinic will do that too you. Jim's next appointment is next Friday with the new neurologist Dr. Appleby. Updates then.
Thank you for taking the time to care & read this!
Friday, December 30, 2011
A Very Shaggy Christmas
HO HO HO - Well another Christmas has come and gone and New Year is just days away. So - How did they day go with Jim? Overall very good.
I worked so eventhough Santa came to our house the girls spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa's house. I got off work and picked Mikayla and Ruthie up on the way home. It took the girls and I a couple of attempts to wake Jim up and get him downstairs. The strangest part was Jim kept getting up and walking away while we were opening gifts. It took us about a half hour just to get him to sit and start opening his gifts. Then mid opening he'd get up and wonder off. Not sure what that was about. I did get a few "real" smiles from him when he opened his talking Achmed (the Dead Terrorist/ Jeff Dunham) doll and his inflatable leg lamp decoration.
Christmas was a joy this year because 2 years ago I was scared Jim wouldn't be here - now I can't imagine him not here. Part of the reason for this blog is to tell you how he really is SO - Gone are the Christmas carols, he no longer sings at all. One of Jim's favorite parts of Christmas is decorating - especially his Hallmark tree. He really struggled to "fluff" the branches and hang the ornaments.
Jim has really slowed down the last couple months. So much so my 4-yr-old niece Kaylee asked me "Aunt Shelley was does Uncle Jim move so slow?" Jeannie says she really notices it too since she is not here day to day. I notice it too especially since he needs help dressing almost daily now. He also is no longer able to cut his own food, or do his own buttons. He got all new jeans this Christmas - mostly since he lost about 15 pounds, but also because he has problem with the buttons. I had to get him jeans with bigger buttons and cut the holes bigger.
I think that about covers it! Hope everyone's Christmas was great and New Years is terrific!
Friday, December 23, 2011
The year in review
December 2011
The other day I looked at my 3 month calendar and noticed it still showed October and November. Apparently, I am running behind! Where has this year gone? Guess I have got to get to it and bring myself to start planning for 2012! The last year has certainly flew by! The Metz Family has been busy, busy, busy!
We have enjoyed a couple nice trips this past year. Over Easter break we visited Jeannie and family in Virginia. Mikayla was our travel planner - she wanted to go see George Washington's Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery.
Over Mother's Day weekend Ruthie again got to spend time with cousins Kaylee & Gavin while Jim, Mikayla and I traveled once again to Washington DC. This time we visited the nation's capital for ALS Advocacy Day. While there we visited the Capital Building and met with five Congressional offices to share our ALS story and advocate for research funds.
In July, my mom joined us for a trip to Idlewild Park in PA. We celebrated Jim's 38th Birthday with his Aunt Jean, Uncle Dave, cousins Scott, Megan, Darcy and Matt. Mikayla and Ruthie had lots of fun riding the rides with Jamie and Maddie. Though it was horribly hot - we all had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves.
Mikayla is in 2nd grade this year. Despite her recent diagnosis with ADD she is really excelling in school. Her teacher has been awesome in helping us and supporting her! She loves reading, history and science. However, her favorite subject is still recess! Mikayla's social calendar is the busiest of us all! She is active in Girl Scouts (cookie sales start soon), science club and has just finished her first year of cheerleading. She is greatly anticipating her First Communion coming up on Mother's Day weekend.
Ruthie is busy in her 2nd year of preschool. She is always a ball-full-of energy. Her favorite activity is whatever Mikayla is doing! She is anxiously awaiting Kindergarten in the fall so she can ride the bus with Mikayla.
Jim has been doing pretty good. We are currently working with what I call a collection of "ologists" to manage his health. He will be starting with a new neurologist from John Hopkins in the months to come. Ironically enough, his name is Dr. Appleby - so after years of no mention of Applebee's in our Christmas letter - here it is again. Dr. Appleby specializes in early-onset dementias.
On a sad note, we lost Jim’s grandfather on August 25. Grandpa suffered a stroke last January which started a long battle of declining health. Grandpa was in and out of the hospital and nursing home all year and never returned home. Though we miss him greatly we are happy he is at peace. The girls still toast him at their tea parties and as Ruthie puts it, “even though he is in heaven he still loves us” (and we still love him.)
My mom has been awesome in helping care for everyone. Despite working five days a week Ruthie and Mikayla spend every Saturday sleeping over Grandma's house. Then Grandma gets to have a sleep over at our house on Sunday nights. Grandma then helps get the girls up and drives Ruthie to the school bus.
As for me, I am still working weekends at Hillcrest Hospital. I spend the weekdays at home with Jim and running to and from doctor's appointments. I am currently studying for my ob/gyn ultrasound registry. I passed part of my vascular ultrasound registry this fall and will have one final exam coming up for that in the all-to-near future!
As always - we thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I know in my heart they are what are helping Jim beat the odds! We hope that you and yours are healthy and happy and continue to be so in the upcoming year!
Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Shelley, Jim, Mikayla and Ruthie (Sushi and Saki too!!)
The other day I looked at my 3 month calendar and noticed it still showed October and November. Apparently, I am running behind! Where has this year gone? Guess I have got to get to it and bring myself to start planning for 2012! The last year has certainly flew by! The Metz Family has been busy, busy, busy!
We have enjoyed a couple nice trips this past year. Over Easter break we visited Jeannie and family in Virginia. Mikayla was our travel planner - she wanted to go see George Washington's Mount Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery.
Over Mother's Day weekend Ruthie again got to spend time with cousins Kaylee & Gavin while Jim, Mikayla and I traveled once again to Washington DC. This time we visited the nation's capital for ALS Advocacy Day. While there we visited the Capital Building and met with five Congressional offices to share our ALS story and advocate for research funds.
In July, my mom joined us for a trip to Idlewild Park in PA. We celebrated Jim's 38th Birthday with his Aunt Jean, Uncle Dave, cousins Scott, Megan, Darcy and Matt. Mikayla and Ruthie had lots of fun riding the rides with Jamie and Maddie. Though it was horribly hot - we all had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves.
Mikayla is in 2nd grade this year. Despite her recent diagnosis with ADD she is really excelling in school. Her teacher has been awesome in helping us and supporting her! She loves reading, history and science. However, her favorite subject is still recess! Mikayla's social calendar is the busiest of us all! She is active in Girl Scouts (cookie sales start soon), science club and has just finished her first year of cheerleading. She is greatly anticipating her First Communion coming up on Mother's Day weekend.
Ruthie is busy in her 2nd year of preschool. She is always a ball-full-of energy. Her favorite activity is whatever Mikayla is doing! She is anxiously awaiting Kindergarten in the fall so she can ride the bus with Mikayla.
Jim has been doing pretty good. We are currently working with what I call a collection of "ologists" to manage his health. He will be starting with a new neurologist from John Hopkins in the months to come. Ironically enough, his name is Dr. Appleby - so after years of no mention of Applebee's in our Christmas letter - here it is again. Dr. Appleby specializes in early-onset dementias.
On a sad note, we lost Jim’s grandfather on August 25. Grandpa suffered a stroke last January which started a long battle of declining health. Grandpa was in and out of the hospital and nursing home all year and never returned home. Though we miss him greatly we are happy he is at peace. The girls still toast him at their tea parties and as Ruthie puts it, “even though he is in heaven he still loves us” (and we still love him.)
My mom has been awesome in helping care for everyone. Despite working five days a week Ruthie and Mikayla spend every Saturday sleeping over Grandma's house. Then Grandma gets to have a sleep over at our house on Sunday nights. Grandma then helps get the girls up and drives Ruthie to the school bus.
As for me, I am still working weekends at Hillcrest Hospital. I spend the weekdays at home with Jim and running to and from doctor's appointments. I am currently studying for my ob/gyn ultrasound registry. I passed part of my vascular ultrasound registry this fall and will have one final exam coming up for that in the all-to-near future!
As always - we thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I know in my heart they are what are helping Jim beat the odds! We hope that you and yours are healthy and happy and continue to be so in the upcoming year!
Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Shelley, Jim, Mikayla and Ruthie (Sushi and Saki too!!)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
General update - Walk to Defeat ALS
Sunday we attended the Walk to Defeat ALS. This year 23 people walked as Team Shaggy to support Jim's battle with ALS. There were over 1,000 walkers in all. We had a beautiful day at Progressive Field. It was a lot of fun. We had two families from the PTA join us. Colleen, her huband Adam and son Tyler also walked in honor of Colleen's grandfather who lost his battle from ALS when Colleen was young.
A new found friend, Sherry, her husband Chris and son Christopher also joined us - I just met Sherry 3 days before the walk at the PTA meeting.
Our friends Jim and Tina ran into an old friend/neighbor while at the walk - she is now fighting her own battle with ALS. Small world.
Our other team members included my mom, my sister Jenny, brother-in-law Chad, and their boys Charlie and Brenden, Chad's friend Dave and his son, my long-time friend Cathy and her daughter Dana (who was also flower girl in our wedding once-upon-a time) and longtime friends of my mom, Cathy and Pete.
Up until last night I would tell you Jim was doing pretty good -
Last night Jim couldn't figure out how to get into bed. I was watching him just stand next to the bed staring at it. He had his hand on his pillow and just had a blank look on his face. I asked 3 times what was wrong. He insisted nothing. Finally he admitted he couldn't get into bed. He couldn't get his legs to move right. I could see the "gears turning" to try to do it. I really don't think the problem was with his legs - I think it was a "trigger" problem with his brain. I finally got him turned around and kinda "tipped" him into bed (he wouldn't or couldn't sit either.) He is doing better today - though he slept most of the day. He says his head didn't feel right. I was going to call the doctor but decided against it. I know our primary physician can't help - and really all the neurologists will say is that's they way these diseases work. I am sitting here with him now - and he is pretty much back to normal now. (Or at least as normal as things get now.)
This is just a more obvious issue added to a laundry list of small changes. Jim can no longer cut his own food. I bought him a special knife but he gets aggrivated and gives up. He can not work his fingers enough to do buttons or fine-motor skills like that. I took him suit shopping last month and learned one thing - suits are NOT made handicapped friendly! The salesman finally helped us find a pair he could do the clip on - but never the button. He decided that was fine - even laughed that if I wasn't their "mommy would have to help him."
We lost his Grandfather on August 25 (thus the suit). One of the sweetest people I ever knew. Good news - Jim took it well. Bad news - I am unsure why. He and his grandfather were VERY close. Jim was probably the only person Grandpa recognized consistently the last few months. Though it was a relief that Grandpa's suffering ended - it was also evident of Jim's loss of emotion. He handled the services very well.
A new found friend, Sherry, her husband Chris and son Christopher also joined us - I just met Sherry 3 days before the walk at the PTA meeting.
Our friends Jim and Tina ran into an old friend/neighbor while at the walk - she is now fighting her own battle with ALS. Small world.
Our other team members included my mom, my sister Jenny, brother-in-law Chad, and their boys Charlie and Brenden, Chad's friend Dave and his son, my long-time friend Cathy and her daughter Dana (who was also flower girl in our wedding once-upon-a time) and longtime friends of my mom, Cathy and Pete.
Up until last night I would tell you Jim was doing pretty good -
Last night Jim couldn't figure out how to get into bed. I was watching him just stand next to the bed staring at it. He had his hand on his pillow and just had a blank look on his face. I asked 3 times what was wrong. He insisted nothing. Finally he admitted he couldn't get into bed. He couldn't get his legs to move right. I could see the "gears turning" to try to do it. I really don't think the problem was with his legs - I think it was a "trigger" problem with his brain. I finally got him turned around and kinda "tipped" him into bed (he wouldn't or couldn't sit either.) He is doing better today - though he slept most of the day. He says his head didn't feel right. I was going to call the doctor but decided against it. I know our primary physician can't help - and really all the neurologists will say is that's they way these diseases work. I am sitting here with him now - and he is pretty much back to normal now. (Or at least as normal as things get now.)
This is just a more obvious issue added to a laundry list of small changes. Jim can no longer cut his own food. I bought him a special knife but he gets aggrivated and gives up. He can not work his fingers enough to do buttons or fine-motor skills like that. I took him suit shopping last month and learned one thing - suits are NOT made handicapped friendly! The salesman finally helped us find a pair he could do the clip on - but never the button. He decided that was fine - even laughed that if I wasn't their "mommy would have to help him."
We lost his Grandfather on August 25 (thus the suit). One of the sweetest people I ever knew. Good news - Jim took it well. Bad news - I am unsure why. He and his grandfather were VERY close. Jim was probably the only person Grandpa recognized consistently the last few months. Though it was a relief that Grandpa's suffering ended - it was also evident of Jim's loss of emotion. He handled the services very well.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
ALS Clinic
Well another long day at ALS Clinic is behind us and all in all it went well.
Jim's breathing and strength are pretty much the same as is his range of motion. The only real place he lost was some in his left ankle. Of course, his muscles are stiffer - but we knew that. He was down another 6 1/2 pounds - so has lost about 14 pounds since the beginning of the year. Once again we were told to increase his calories and fat intake. Problem is - you know Jim - he has never really limited these things to begin with. He eats what he wants when he wants. My concern is not so much his eating - it is teaching the girls that yes daddy can eat like this but it is not good for the rest of us!
Jim has been having some minor choking issues lately so the doctor ordered a barium swallow test - no date set yet. The doctor is not overly concerned but being cautious and wants to set a "baseline" with this test.
After a long day Jim and I enjoyed a child-free lunch and got to do all kinds of fun stuff like get an oil change and renew the tags for the van. (Though he no longer has a license the van is still in his name.) Then we had to reclaim the kids (who did not want to leave the sitters!)
Jim got to go home and nap while the girls and I went Bday shopping for daddy. Suprise suprise - they picked out another Christmas ornament! (The Hallmark ornaments always come out around his birthday.) I swear that tree is going to fall over from the weight of ornaments.
Tomorrow we leave for a much anticipated vacation to Idlewild Park (in Ligioner PA). Mom is joining us!! Can't wait. Friday Jim's Aunt Jean, Uncle Dave and cousins Darcy (and family), Scott and Megan are meeting us! SO EXCITED! Just a little nervous about Jim and the heat wave. He is having some trouble with body temperature (mostly he is always colder then the rest of us and has some abnormal sweat issues). But we plan to take it slow with no set itinerary.
HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!
Jim's breathing and strength are pretty much the same as is his range of motion. The only real place he lost was some in his left ankle. Of course, his muscles are stiffer - but we knew that. He was down another 6 1/2 pounds - so has lost about 14 pounds since the beginning of the year. Once again we were told to increase his calories and fat intake. Problem is - you know Jim - he has never really limited these things to begin with. He eats what he wants when he wants. My concern is not so much his eating - it is teaching the girls that yes daddy can eat like this but it is not good for the rest of us!
Jim has been having some minor choking issues lately so the doctor ordered a barium swallow test - no date set yet. The doctor is not overly concerned but being cautious and wants to set a "baseline" with this test.
After a long day Jim and I enjoyed a child-free lunch and got to do all kinds of fun stuff like get an oil change and renew the tags for the van. (Though he no longer has a license the van is still in his name.) Then we had to reclaim the kids (who did not want to leave the sitters!)
Jim got to go home and nap while the girls and I went Bday shopping for daddy. Suprise suprise - they picked out another Christmas ornament! (The Hallmark ornaments always come out around his birthday.) I swear that tree is going to fall over from the weight of ornaments.
Tomorrow we leave for a much anticipated vacation to Idlewild Park (in Ligioner PA). Mom is joining us!! Can't wait. Friday Jim's Aunt Jean, Uncle Dave and cousins Darcy (and family), Scott and Megan are meeting us! SO EXCITED! Just a little nervous about Jim and the heat wave. He is having some trouble with body temperature (mostly he is always colder then the rest of us and has some abnormal sweat issues). But we plan to take it slow with no set itinerary.
HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Ups and Downs
Well the last couple weeks have been kinda exhausting...
Upon arriving home from DC we found some water in our basement (luckily not much)- the rain was coming down so hard that the sump pump was having a hard time keeping up. Luckily, I had already started cleaning/reorganizing the basement in prep for moving the kids room downstairs so not much got wet. UNTIL....
Last Saturday Jim really got a wake up call when his shower went cold - went to check the water heater to find a shower in the basement! A pipe had sprung a leak and it was raining in the basement. Again, luckily there was minimal damage. A few ruined kids clothes. Fortunately a friend of the twins was out within hours and fixed the leak. Problem was the leak had short-circuited the water tank. Good news -the tank was still under warranty, Bad News - it was Memorial Day weekend! (Our house always breaks on the holidays!) Good News - once it dried out all was working again.
Jim has been having kind of a hard time lately. Lots of pain with minimal exertion. Today we went to the rec center and swam while Mikayla attended a party there. I never did get Jim in the pool but he did enjoy the hot tub. Later, we met Mom at church so we could go to mass and she could take the kids home with her. I could tell Jim was hurting. I finally convinced him just to sit in the pew and not to worry about standing or kneeling. About 10 minutes later he was sitting with his head resting on the pew in front of him. I walked him out of church and by the time we got to the door he was in tears from the pain. After some rest mom said he seems to be doing much better. But some extra prayers would always help.
Memorial Day we spent a nice day with Mom, Dad, Jenny, Chad and the kids at Wallace Lake. We had a cookout and the kids swam in the lake. It was a nice relaxing day. However, once we got home Jim got VERY sick - throwing up several times. We are not sure, but we think he may have had a bad reaction to the heat. I know his body is having troubles regulating his temperature - usually he has problems feeling cold. We are wondering if he is also having problems with the heat. We will address the problem next week when we meet the new neurologist (this one specializes in the autonomic neuropathy which causes issues like this.) Until then we will just have to be careful!
As many of you know - yesterday was Mom's Bday!! We celebrated with dinner after she picked up her new car! (present from dad - plus she's getting a new screened-in deck/addition on the house!) However, her birthday brought some not-so-good (yet somewhat expected) news. She went with dad for his follow-up visit to the cardiologist and they were told Dad will have to have open-heart surgery in 6 months.
His heart has gotten worse in the last year then it did in the last 10 years combined. The Dr. says he is amazed Dad is doing as good as he is with how bad his heart is. Most people wouldn't be able to make it to the mailbox and back. However, since he is in such good shape and really not having any noticeable symptoms the doctor feels confident he can wait until after the new year for surgery. Dad will go back in October for more follow-up and testing. In the mean time you can be sure we are watching him like a hawk! Everything considered, the "old-man" looks good for his age (76 next week!) I'm pretty amazed he has gone this long on that old ticker - seeing as how we originally found out he may need surgery in 2004! Again, your prayers are very welcome!
Grandpa Metz is back in the nursing home after 2 stays in the hospital last month (one in ICU.) He recognizes Jim on a regular basis but that is about all. For some reason Jim is the only one he knows every time he sees them. It is truly a sad situation. Grandma is still with Aunt Mary - though she is quickly driving Aunt Mary to the Looney Bin! Sometimes I think Mary needs the most prayers out of all of them!!
Finally, I want to say thank you to all the people who have helped us out especially over the last few months! We have TERRIFIC neighbors and a WONDERFUL community of friends!! I really, really don't know what I would do without everybody!
We are glad summer is finally here - hope it is a safe and happy one for everyone!
Upon arriving home from DC we found some water in our basement (luckily not much)- the rain was coming down so hard that the sump pump was having a hard time keeping up. Luckily, I had already started cleaning/reorganizing the basement in prep for moving the kids room downstairs so not much got wet. UNTIL....
Last Saturday Jim really got a wake up call when his shower went cold - went to check the water heater to find a shower in the basement! A pipe had sprung a leak and it was raining in the basement. Again, luckily there was minimal damage. A few ruined kids clothes. Fortunately a friend of the twins was out within hours and fixed the leak. Problem was the leak had short-circuited the water tank. Good news -the tank was still under warranty, Bad News - it was Memorial Day weekend! (Our house always breaks on the holidays!) Good News - once it dried out all was working again.
Jim has been having kind of a hard time lately. Lots of pain with minimal exertion. Today we went to the rec center and swam while Mikayla attended a party there. I never did get Jim in the pool but he did enjoy the hot tub. Later, we met Mom at church so we could go to mass and she could take the kids home with her. I could tell Jim was hurting. I finally convinced him just to sit in the pew and not to worry about standing or kneeling. About 10 minutes later he was sitting with his head resting on the pew in front of him. I walked him out of church and by the time we got to the door he was in tears from the pain. After some rest mom said he seems to be doing much better. But some extra prayers would always help.
Memorial Day we spent a nice day with Mom, Dad, Jenny, Chad and the kids at Wallace Lake. We had a cookout and the kids swam in the lake. It was a nice relaxing day. However, once we got home Jim got VERY sick - throwing up several times. We are not sure, but we think he may have had a bad reaction to the heat. I know his body is having troubles regulating his temperature - usually he has problems feeling cold. We are wondering if he is also having problems with the heat. We will address the problem next week when we meet the new neurologist (this one specializes in the autonomic neuropathy which causes issues like this.) Until then we will just have to be careful!
As many of you know - yesterday was Mom's Bday!! We celebrated with dinner after she picked up her new car! (present from dad - plus she's getting a new screened-in deck/addition on the house!) However, her birthday brought some not-so-good (yet somewhat expected) news. She went with dad for his follow-up visit to the cardiologist and they were told Dad will have to have open-heart surgery in 6 months.
His heart has gotten worse in the last year then it did in the last 10 years combined. The Dr. says he is amazed Dad is doing as good as he is with how bad his heart is. Most people wouldn't be able to make it to the mailbox and back. However, since he is in such good shape and really not having any noticeable symptoms the doctor feels confident he can wait until after the new year for surgery. Dad will go back in October for more follow-up and testing. In the mean time you can be sure we are watching him like a hawk! Everything considered, the "old-man" looks good for his age (76 next week!) I'm pretty amazed he has gone this long on that old ticker - seeing as how we originally found out he may need surgery in 2004! Again, your prayers are very welcome!
Grandpa Metz is back in the nursing home after 2 stays in the hospital last month (one in ICU.) He recognizes Jim on a regular basis but that is about all. For some reason Jim is the only one he knows every time he sees them. It is truly a sad situation. Grandma is still with Aunt Mary - though she is quickly driving Aunt Mary to the Looney Bin! Sometimes I think Mary needs the most prayers out of all of them!!
Finally, I want to say thank you to all the people who have helped us out especially over the last few months! We have TERRIFIC neighbors and a WONDERFUL community of friends!! I really, really don't know what I would do without everybody!
We are glad summer is finally here - hope it is a safe and happy one for everyone!
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