She’s Keepin’ On - Kris update from Carol & George

Hi all!

My update is a little late this week and I've already heard from a few people who are wondering how Kris is doing.  Truth is, Kris had an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist on Friday and I confess I was not impressed with him.  The wheelchair van from the facility took her, along with one of the regular nurse technicians (a big fellow who could lift her in and out from her chair to the exam chair with ease, thank goodness!).  I met them at the doctor's office and proceeded to get frustrated with the waiting.  I finally asked the nurse if we could go into a room to wait because Kris would soon have to be suctioned to clear her throat.  She was beginning to have choking issues (which is why she was sent there in the first place).  That took some doing, but we finally saw the doctor, who really couldn't give me any good explanation as to why she was having such swallowing issues.  Well, THAT'S why we went to him and, as I said, I was not impressed.  Even the nurse technician asked me as we were leaving if I was going to get a second opinion.  He wasn't impressed either.

So, to try to make a long story short, I spoke with her doctor there at the facility first thing Monday morning and a swallowing test was set for Tuesday (today) afternoon.  The test was monitored and, while it showed where her swallowing function isn't working well, there are some issues I feel should be addressed that might correct the swallowing problem; namely, her draining sinuses.  She has a terrible problem with that and, until they get her sinuses cleaned out, they will continue to drain, continuing to coat her tongue, which inhibits her ability to swallow properly.  The sensitivity of her tongue is telling her brain the right thing (there is something in her mouth and it's time to swallow), but her epiglottis isn't closing properly.  I suppose I look at the more common sense issues but I'm sure things will get worked out.  They do actually encourage me to do all I can to help her by providing "aggressive oral care" as they call it.  I've devised a few good tools to accomplish this and Kris, bless her heart, holds her mouth open while I scrape and suction and scrub around inside her mouth.  It's as if she knows I'm trying to help her and she's working with me.  I have another meeting with the whole staff this Thursday morning and I hope to be able to discuss my common sense-based thoughts with them at that time!  I'll give it my best shot anyway!!!

Well, you're probably all thinking I've gone way overboard with specifics this time, and I wish I had some more great things to tell you that she's done since the last update.  For now, I guess, she has reached a kind of a plateau this week but she is still moving forward.  She has longer periods of being awake and very alert, and she smiled at Dad last week.  She's really beginning to push during therapy sessions and her leg movement is getting stronger all the time.  Upper arms and head strength needs more time, but Kris is pitching all the way.  What can I say... she's such a great little fighter.

I have to say thank you again to everyone for their cards and emails.  I read them all to her and have started a basket full of cards and a folder of emails.  She has quite a stack and everyone is very important and dear.  Thank you for the thoughts and the prayers.  We are thrilled with her accomplishments thus far and I know your prayers are working.  God is good... all the time!

Blessings and hugs,

Carol and George  

I am thrilled to report that Don and I will be able to visit with Carol and George in October!  Carol and I have been corresponding and making plans.  I can’t wait to give her a big old squishy hug.