Paul's visit with Dr. Woodson (kidney specialist)

Basically this is what's going on...we are in a 'Catch 22' situation where they can try to do something to help Paul's heart but it will effect his kidneys negatively and visa versa...while he has kidney output, the kidney itself is not functioning properly meaning it's not cleansing the way it should...the only thing that can be done to change this would be dialysis and Paul's cardiologist does not feel he would be a candidate for that...at this point he will be monitored more closely and Dr. Woodson made a slight change in his medication for the next few days. They will have the results of his bloodwork taken today at the end of this week and depending on those results, they may proceed in a different manner.

Paul continues to remain very strong-willed and determined...he says that he isn't in any pain but just most of the time 'just doesn't feel good'...between all of this along with his diabetes it is no wonder...I will continue to keep you updated.

I realize that I am repeating myself but would be remiss if I didn't take each opportunity to let you all know how much we appreciate your continued love, support and most of all...prayers.

Love, Laurie

a quiet start to the week....

Paul has had a few uneventful days which is a good thing! He will go to see Dr. Woodson (Nephrologist) tomorrow and continue with physical and occupational therapy. He spends his days resting, sitting up in the chair reading the paper, watching TV/movies and getting up as much as he can...we continue to monitor his blood sugar and sodium intake while getting him to eat somewhat balanced meals...no easy task for those of you who know Paul well!!! :-) Ernestine is continue to come each day during the week which helps tremendously! We feel that the 'worst is over' for now and have established a routine that everyone is comfortable with...again, we would not be able to do this without your prayers and support....our heartfelt thanks to you all!

Love, Laurie

Paul's visit to Dr. Blincoe....

The latter part of this week has been a pretty good one at the Story home...Paul went to see Dr. Blincoe yesterday and the word is that his heart is no worse/no better from when he left the hospital three weeks ago...so the plan is just to continue what we have been doing...he'll go back for regular visits to the Heart Failure Clinic as he has in the past...the physical & occupational therapists will continue to help him regain his strength. He is in really good spirits and doesn't miss an opportunity to make us laugh or tell us what to do for him!!! Our thanks to all of you for your prayers, love, support and help during these last several weeks and for those to come! Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Love,
Laurie

Paul is a trooper....

I don't think there is really anything else I can add to the fact that 'Paul is a trooper'...his body has been through so much and last night he and I were shuffling to the bathroom with a walker...swollen feet and all! There is certainly something to be said for having a strong will and determination and that your outlook and attitude can certainly have a positive effect on one's recovery along with the great power of prayer. Paul is by no means back to where he was before this last event, however, he has surprised us all! This week will be a busy one with both physical and occupational therapists coming in along with trips to the Heart Failure Clinic, to see Dr. Blincoe and also Dr. Woodson...keep the much appreciated prayers coming, please!


Laurie

as we close the week....

As most of you all know, there are alot of challenges when faced with caring for someone who has been through as much as Paul has...with all of the medications he is on, his limited diet and the fact that he has been primarily confined to his bed for about three weeks now...these have a played havoc on his digestive system. With all of the efforts to try and alleviate that 'problem' (I am trying to word this very delicately), Paul is exhausted. As a result, he felt there was no way he could make it to Dr. Blincoe's office today...which was probably a very good idea. The good thing is that the 'problem' is now under control to some degree but we have to keep in mind that anything that goes out needs to be replaced...there has to be a constant level of fluids in his body...he can't have too much and he can't have too little...even through all of this he has maintained his humor and appreciation of those of us who are privileged to help with his care. He was able to work with the physical therapist yesterday and does have some exercises he can do in bed to help him become a little more active.

With the First Day of Spring tomorrow, (and Ann's 70th birthday-she would kill me for mentioning this so please, no one tell her you heard it from me!!!)...take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the sky no matter what the weather is where you are; take a moment to smile at a complete stranger; take a moment to enjoy the wonder of how little seeds become beautiful flowers; take a moment to call a loved one or friend you haven't spoken to in a long time; take a moment to perhaps forgive someone you need to forgive; take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you....and then, take a moment to thank God for all the blessings you have in your life....as always, your prayers mean the world to us and know we pray for you all in return!

Laurie

St. Patrick's Day in Atlanta.....

There has been no change with how Paul is feeling...we continue to monitor everything he eats and drinks and the resulting output and up until yesterday, these were about even...his attitude remains very positive and continues to make us laugh even when it is apparent he isn't feeling well. We are doing all we can for him each day and have greatly appreciated the yummy food brought by some of you...unfortunately, he really doesn't have much of an appetite so finding something he wants to eat (and is allowed to have) is somewhat of a challenge...Friday will bring a trip to Dr. Blincoe's office...prayers are what we need the most of right now....thank you all so very much from Ann, Stacey and me....

not much change....

Paul had a really quiet Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. The physical therapist will be at the house on Tuesdays and Thursdays and between those visits we are supposed to rally Paul to do his exercises...it is somewhat of a challenge but one we are working on...his outlook remains positive which helps tremendously realizing that for right now there is very little he can do on his own...BUT we are working on that too!!...we certainly all understand that this is a very slow process...your continued prayers for support and love remain our source of strength...thank you all so very much.