Starting the Year With a Setback

If you recall from the last post, Andy was having some crazy nerve pain and was unable to walk unaided.  He used the walker for just over a week, followed that with a cane for a week or so, and then started limping around on his own.  He has fallen four times since this began in December, his left knee feels very unstable, and he's lost all reflex in that leg.  Not exactly how he'd planned on starting the year.  

  • We saw the UCSD neurologist (aka the Big Boss) last week and he thinks that this issue is unlikely disease related, but rather nerve root disease.  He has ordered a lumbar MRI, which is scheduled for February 4.
  • Andy has been evaluated for PT with a neuro physical therapist.  They are assessing his fall risk and hope to help him with his balance and teach him how to better compensate for his disease related issues as well as handle the new issues with his spine and knee.  He was very encouraged after his initial visit and is looking forward to working with his therapist regularly.
  • Today we saw a musculoskeletal specialist and he believes there to be weakness and "slack" in Andy's MCL.  There is concern that he could have torn it and/or the meniscus during one of his falls.  Andy is to wear a knee brace to help with stability for the moment and an MRI of his knee has been ordered; they will call us to schedule.  
So, while we are still thankful (so very thankful) that the disease seems to be remaining stable, Andy still has a lot going on.  As for specific prayer areas, here you go...
  • ...that the scans of his lumbar spine and knee will give us definite answers and clear guidance as to which direction to go moving forward.
  • ...that his next infusion will be approved in a timely fashion.  They have put off checking his blood until March, but we want to have that approval in our back pocket so that we're ready to go when the tests indicate that it is infusion time.  
  • ...that his ever-present fatigue will stay in check.  These new issues and all of the related appointments don't help in that area.  
Oh!  I wanted to quickly share some words from a hymn that I read this evening.  I found them so encouraging!  They're from "The Savior of the World," which isn't one that I know, but it's actually to the tune of "O Danny Boy," which totally cracks me up.  Anyhow, the back half of the second verse reads:

But this I know, He heals the brokenhearted,
And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,
And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,
For yet the Savoir of the world is here.





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