Sorry for the first try with a ton of errors, I am very tired so my bad. A quick update on Barbara. Today Barbara has had what is called an EMG test to determine the amount and location of nerve damage following all that her body has been through with this horrible virus. She has nerve damage in the throat area causing her speech to be effected, but that is slowly improving. As such, she is having trouble swallowing and protecting her airway when eating so they are doing surgery tomorrow morning in order to put in a feeding tube directly into her stomach as opposed to the current situation of the feeding tube through the noise so she can take in more calories to give her strength. She has also had nerve damage to her right eye causing a continued case of double vision. In addition, and most serious, she has severe nerve damage in the spinal cord area in the lower lumbar. This has caused what is referred to as flaccid paralysis. This means that she has sensation and muscle feeling but the inability to use her reflex nerves to move her legs. This can be permanent, partial, or the rare possibility of fully recoverable. Since she has an undetermined disease at this time, they are unable to give us a more exact diagnosis. So we are prepared to take her home in the future either in a wheel chair, a walker or at the least a cane, only time will tell. The next month at an acute rehab center for in-patient therapy will tell us where we are going. Most shockingly, they are currently testing her for Polio, yes Polio! They know she has been vaccinated and that Polio has been technically eradicated from North America and there has not been a case of "wild" Polio in the U.S. in 30 years, but they cannot ignore the fact that all of her symptoms and their presentation closely mirrors the classic presentation for Polio. Her therapy will take months to a year for her to be self-sufficient again, so please, as this chaos continues, keep those positive thoughts coming, they are appreciated. Much thanks to her father Rendy, her sister Sharon and all my family and friends who continue to offer support for us to manage this difficult situation.
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 04:37:54 +0000
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