I looked at the replies to my yesterday BLOG and had a sweet grin on my face. I heard from a cousin on my Mom's side (create to hear from you Shannon), one cousin's wife on Dad's side (she is family and I call her my cousin anyway. Thanks Radene) and one comment from a couple here in town that responds to me a lot (thanks Sallie because your notes always lift me up). All three of these were exciting for me to read. An top of all of that, I got a call last night from another cousin from my Mom's side. I have not told to Deena in quite a while and it made me happy to hear hear pleasant voice. There are so many NICE treats in this situation that can make me smile because SOMEONE ACTUALLY CARES and that means a lot to me!!!
My headache situation is not improving and if this is my main problem, I will deal with it. I tried to take a nap yesterday afternoon and work up after an hour with one and had two more bad ones during the night. I squeeze my sleep around these when I can. If this was not bad enough, I woke up this morning with a mild one that keeps getting worse. I have taken medicine twice for it and it has yet to become one of those "wake the house in screams" like I get at night, but it won't leave either. I am hoping to get a handle on these soon, but until then, I will have to deal with them as best I can.
Life goes on and I am alive and getting stronger. I am using the walker to assist my legs for now, but took four steps yesterday without putting weight on the walker. They were short steps, but they were still steps. After 7 days with weight on my legs, it seems to be going in the right direction.
Thanks to all of you for everything. Sometimes it's a note in the BLOG, a phone call, a letter in the mail, an prayer to GOD for his help or just a pleasant thought in your mind. These things are all important parts of my life right now that keep me up and moving strong. Deep in my heart, GOD knows the love I feel for each of you but I want to make sure you are aware of it to. Thanks for EVERYTHING!
Mark
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Saturday, Oct 13 and Mark is still kicking....
Today (Saturday), we went to talk to my parents camping group. These are some sweet people that were so proud of the progress I have made so far. They all treated me like the had known me for a long time and that made me feel good. There was one couple that I have known for a long time. They (and their two girls) were friends of ours when I was young and still growing up. I have not seen them in many years, but you could not tell. I did not know any of the others, but you could not tell.
There were several comments to my last BLOG that made me smile. I had one from my cousin Sarah that let me know she is still watching my progress and caring about my progress in this battle. There was also one from my Aunt Glenda, who wants to go walking with me after her knee surgery. She can very well hold her own on this one! Anything she has taking on in life has always been that way. That wonderful woman doesn't fear anything that I know of!
The next note was from my daughter, Megan. School (dental school) is pretty tough on her this semester. The first semester on the second year is supposed to be the hardest. Her strength with carry her through this, but it is a challenge for her. She has been there for me during this event all summer and when school started, it kept pulling most of her time. This makes her feel bad because she is very family oriented. I have told her that school is her important task right now and she was there for me before I was there for myself. She played a very important part of my recovery step! I will NEVER forget this role she played! Her focus on school and HER WEDDING should be the directions she is working towards. One of my goals I set, when I got off of the drugs and finally realized who I was, is the walk I had promised her down the aisle for her wedding. That is important to me and will do everything I can to make it happen.
There was a note from Betty's BLOG that meant a lot to me, too. Sallie, Scott and Noah Keaton support her effort she has put towards me. They are right! I probably would not be here today if she was not there for me during this! I know she saved my life several times AFTER I was awake. I know she was there for me before I knew it too.
Some many people have brought GOD in my life in so many ways. I knew he was an important part of life everyday, but the friends and family members that made me realize how strong he was in MY RECOVERY are the ones that mean the world to me. So many people have told me that I was brought up and talked about in their church EVERY week. This is good to know that so many people care enough about me to make me this important in their lives.
I got a letter in the mail today that lifted my day. A super friend of mine moved to Tennessee with her new husband several years ago and dropped me a note to let me know she is watching my progress and supporting my recovery. These are the things that make you realize how many people admire you as a person. I never had a sister in life, but if I did, she would have been one, that could not have been closer. And if that was not enough, she married as super guy to make her life perfect.
Now, if this wasn't enough, let me talk about my down side. The doctor I went to on Friday was FANTASTIC! He was a great person and seemed to be concerned about all of my details of what I went through during this. He dug into parts that I never figured he would. He put my on some medicines for pain that would get along with what I was already taking and would work fast. One of these was a "fast acting" shot that was suppose to work in 4 minutes. When we tried this last light, it was slower to dispense that we realized and was pulled own before complete. Betty tried to load the second shot and it fired in the box without any help. Since we were out of shots, I took two of the pills he game me and headache was gone if 1/2 hour. I went back to sleep and woke up with headache #2 about a hour later. Two more pills, and 1/2 later, was back asleep. Headache #3 came about 5AM and this medicine seemed to work again. I tried this afternoon to catch a little sleep and work up with one after about a hour of sleep. Two more pills and it was gone in 1/2 hours, too. This medicine in working well. This 1/2 hour of intense pain in better that the 2 hours I had before. This doctor made a comment about a valve in my heart that might not be working right which may have allowed the stroke to bring my cluster headaches back. We will have to have this special test run, to see if that is the case and what to do to fix it. People ask me a lot about what cluster headaches are and they are difficult to describe. If you have ever seen someone when migraines, these are a lot alike. Clusters are on one side of the head (pain behind the eye, runny nose, watery eyes, throbbing teeth and pain by that ear) and much more intense pain, but one lasts a few hours, where a migraine may last for a couple of days. This pain could not be tolerated for a couple of days! NO WAY! But, as usual, I will overcome this bad spot to be the some person I was before. That is the only option I have and will make this work for me.
GOD is on my side to overcome all of this and you can't have a better team!
Love to all my friends, family members and anyone else involved (yes, you are a friend or family member of mine if you are involved in this)
Mark (on his way up!!!)
There were several comments to my last BLOG that made me smile. I had one from my cousin Sarah that let me know she is still watching my progress and caring about my progress in this battle. There was also one from my Aunt Glenda, who wants to go walking with me after her knee surgery. She can very well hold her own on this one! Anything she has taking on in life has always been that way. That wonderful woman doesn't fear anything that I know of!
The next note was from my daughter, Megan. School (dental school) is pretty tough on her this semester. The first semester on the second year is supposed to be the hardest. Her strength with carry her through this, but it is a challenge for her. She has been there for me during this event all summer and when school started, it kept pulling most of her time. This makes her feel bad because she is very family oriented. I have told her that school is her important task right now and she was there for me before I was there for myself. She played a very important part of my recovery step! I will NEVER forget this role she played! Her focus on school and HER WEDDING should be the directions she is working towards. One of my goals I set, when I got off of the drugs and finally realized who I was, is the walk I had promised her down the aisle for her wedding. That is important to me and will do everything I can to make it happen.
There was a note from Betty's BLOG that meant a lot to me, too. Sallie, Scott and Noah Keaton support her effort she has put towards me. They are right! I probably would not be here today if she was not there for me during this! I know she saved my life several times AFTER I was awake. I know she was there for me before I knew it too.
Some many people have brought GOD in my life in so many ways. I knew he was an important part of life everyday, but the friends and family members that made me realize how strong he was in MY RECOVERY are the ones that mean the world to me. So many people have told me that I was brought up and talked about in their church EVERY week. This is good to know that so many people care enough about me to make me this important in their lives.
I got a letter in the mail today that lifted my day. A super friend of mine moved to Tennessee with her new husband several years ago and dropped me a note to let me know she is watching my progress and supporting my recovery. These are the things that make you realize how many people admire you as a person. I never had a sister in life, but if I did, she would have been one, that could not have been closer. And if that was not enough, she married as super guy to make her life perfect.
Now, if this wasn't enough, let me talk about my down side. The doctor I went to on Friday was FANTASTIC! He was a great person and seemed to be concerned about all of my details of what I went through during this. He dug into parts that I never figured he would. He put my on some medicines for pain that would get along with what I was already taking and would work fast. One of these was a "fast acting" shot that was suppose to work in 4 minutes. When we tried this last light, it was slower to dispense that we realized and was pulled own before complete. Betty tried to load the second shot and it fired in the box without any help. Since we were out of shots, I took two of the pills he game me and headache was gone if 1/2 hour. I went back to sleep and woke up with headache #2 about a hour later. Two more pills, and 1/2 later, was back asleep. Headache #3 came about 5AM and this medicine seemed to work again. I tried this afternoon to catch a little sleep and work up with one after about a hour of sleep. Two more pills and it was gone in 1/2 hours, too. This medicine in working well. This 1/2 hour of intense pain in better that the 2 hours I had before. This doctor made a comment about a valve in my heart that might not be working right which may have allowed the stroke to bring my cluster headaches back. We will have to have this special test run, to see if that is the case and what to do to fix it. People ask me a lot about what cluster headaches are and they are difficult to describe. If you have ever seen someone when migraines, these are a lot alike. Clusters are on one side of the head (pain behind the eye, runny nose, watery eyes, throbbing teeth and pain by that ear) and much more intense pain, but one lasts a few hours, where a migraine may last for a couple of days. This pain could not be tolerated for a couple of days! NO WAY! But, as usual, I will overcome this bad spot to be the some person I was before. That is the only option I have and will make this work for me.
GOD is on my side to overcome all of this and you can't have a better team!
Love to all my friends, family members and anyone else involved (yes, you are a friend or family member of mine if you are involved in this)
Mark (on his way up!!!)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Doctors Appointments
Mark, used to suffer from cluster headaches but has not had one in several years. The headaches are definitely as severe but on the opposite of his head. This can happen, but not usually, maybe it is because of his head injury. He went to the family doctor today and got a prescription for Oxygen. Cluster headache's can come on with the change of season usually spring and fall and the cluster can last up to two months. With a headache the blood vessels constrict,the oxygen will open up the vessel's and the headache will be less severe. Mark has medications for this but by the time the headache is upon him it takes awhile for the medicine to kick in. Tomorrow, we have a doctors appointment with a Neurologist and on Monday back to the Infectious Disease doctor. We may also stop in at TIRR the rehab facility. Every day is progress and a headache will not slow us down. And, yes, his headaches effect me because usually they happen about a hour after I get to sleep and Mark's pain is heard all over the house. (They are very severe!!!)
It sure is easier getting him in and out of the car with only the walker......And, he's been pulling himself into his parent's truck...I wonder what the doctor's would say about that....Probably, not what they would recommend. And, since Mark's doing so good ...No therapy!!!! Maybe, a vacation will be in our near future......maybe, I just need one!!!! I am counting my blessing's each and every day. A special Thank you to Wayman and Sharon (Mark's Parents)for making my life easier, helping me with Mark's care and around the house.....keeping me sane...what a blessing..
A wish for Love, and good health to all of you. Betty
It sure is easier getting him in and out of the car with only the walker......And, he's been pulling himself into his parent's truck...I wonder what the doctor's would say about that....Probably, not what they would recommend. And, since Mark's doing so good ...No therapy!!!! Maybe, a vacation will be in our near future......maybe, I just need one!!!! I am counting my blessing's each and every day. A special Thank you to Wayman and Sharon (Mark's Parents)for making my life easier, helping me with Mark's care and around the house.....keeping me sane...what a blessing..
A wish for Love, and good health to all of you. Betty
Mark is still alive and well (10/12/07)
Today is Thursday and is showing to be a great day in my life. I got a hold of my cell phone company and got my voicemail code fixed so I could listen to the old messages that were there. There was 9 messages there and some have been there a while and many were important notes for me. I amazes me how many friends and family members that care so much for me. One of these was from a real good friend that has made a move to Colorado a few years ago but has always been an important person to me. I called him today and it lifted me up so much. I knew he knows how I feel about him because it meant so much just to spend the time talking to him like that (thanks Mike Valentine). I also had several messages to my last BLOG that made me happy, too. Some of these people are good friends that I have not talked to lately, either. I called some of them today, too. WOW what a day. It is these things that make you appreciate who you are and why that means so much to so many people. Some people read this blog daily and contact me in ways that are important, too. Not everyone is an Internet type of person and that is OK. I get phone calls and cards and other contact, that mean the world to me, too. I may be in a rough spot in my life with pain right now, but the support my friends and family show, is all worth while to me. A real close friend came by this morning and took me to breakfast, which meant a lot, too. Some personal time with a good friends to talk about anything that might come up. We had a great time together!
Yesterday, my parents took me to lunch and we ran into many people from work that I have not seen in a while. That was an experience that will still be with me for a while, too. Last week, I went to lunch with a group from work and the time we had was great time, but I did not expect anything yesterday. I always knew I had some friends a work, but it really makes me feel good to see them all. And if that wasn't enough, earlier this week, I have a visit from an aunt, two cousins and a cousins wife. Talk about making me feel good.
I tell you one thing, just knowing that someone is tracking my progress like this group is just enough to make my world. So just to let EVERYONE know, I am getting better each and every day. I hope to be walking without this walker in a few more weeks and hopefully my pelvis problem will close up and be gone soon too. This accident has effected so many people other that just me and I want to thanks each and everyone of you for your thoughts and support. So many of you made God an important part of my recover, too. He has always been an important part of me, but he is SO MUCH more to my life that I realized! Thanks to those of you that made sure I knew how important he was!
Who needs to be thanked? My wife has saved me many times, my girls have too and my parents have put their life aside to be here with me, so much, too. Friends and family have done more than their part to make sure I am still here, too! So, if you are reading this, a big THANK YOU is here just for you!!! Just remember, I love you all and thank you for you love and support. Together, we will make it!
You friend or family member for the rest of our life,
Mark
Yesterday, my parents took me to lunch and we ran into many people from work that I have not seen in a while. That was an experience that will still be with me for a while, too. Last week, I went to lunch with a group from work and the time we had was great time, but I did not expect anything yesterday. I always knew I had some friends a work, but it really makes me feel good to see them all. And if that wasn't enough, earlier this week, I have a visit from an aunt, two cousins and a cousins wife. Talk about making me feel good.
I tell you one thing, just knowing that someone is tracking my progress like this group is just enough to make my world. So just to let EVERYONE know, I am getting better each and every day. I hope to be walking without this walker in a few more weeks and hopefully my pelvis problem will close up and be gone soon too. This accident has effected so many people other that just me and I want to thanks each and everyone of you for your thoughts and support. So many of you made God an important part of my recover, too. He has always been an important part of me, but he is SO MUCH more to my life that I realized! Thanks to those of you that made sure I knew how important he was!
Who needs to be thanked? My wife has saved me many times, my girls have too and my parents have put their life aside to be here with me, so much, too. Friends and family have done more than their part to make sure I am still here, too! So, if you are reading this, a big THANK YOU is here just for you!!! Just remember, I love you all and thank you for you love and support. Together, we will make it!
You friend or family member for the rest of our life,
Mark
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Mark is hear again (10/11/07)
Another day is upon us again (today is Wednesday). I got went outside with my walker yesterday and walked quite a ways for a beginner. I went from my house down two houses and back. I can tell it this morning but this will become easier with time. They say if I don't push too hard, time will take care of me. I have some small walks in the house today but nothing like yesterday, yet. My arms are sore from the extra weight they carry yesterday on the walker, but I think they will be OK with time.
I would like to thanks Tiff and the Keaton's for their responses. These may not say much other than "good job" and "God is with you", but their meanings are an important part of my life and VERY important in my life right now!
My Mom & Dad are here with me this week while Betty is at work. I think I am quite a fill for their normal day. I have so many little things that I need help with and they are there for me. It is so appreciated! I think the biggest fear we all of is of me falling down. I don't know (and hope I don't) what while happen if I somehow pull this, but they are here in case I do.
One of the changes I have seen since all of this started is a get a real bad headache during the night. The first week or so, the would fade with my medicine, but the are now staying longer. Last night I was up for 1 1/2 to 2 hours fighting this before it faded out. Talk about making you tired in the morning! I am hoping we can figure out what is causing this and take care of it, but we are confused by this at this point in time. We thought is was one of my medicines and stopped with it when it ran out and I had two nights with no problem, but they came back after that. We are looking at what else could cause this until we find something. Hopefully, something will show up soon to point us in the right direction.
Until then, I was all of you a great day and a great life because of all of you, mine is there.
Your loving friend,
Mark
I would like to thanks Tiff and the Keaton's for their responses. These may not say much other than "good job" and "God is with you", but their meanings are an important part of my life and VERY important in my life right now!
My Mom & Dad are here with me this week while Betty is at work. I think I am quite a fill for their normal day. I have so many little things that I need help with and they are there for me. It is so appreciated! I think the biggest fear we all of is of me falling down. I don't know (and hope I don't) what while happen if I somehow pull this, but they are here in case I do.
One of the changes I have seen since all of this started is a get a real bad headache during the night. The first week or so, the would fade with my medicine, but the are now staying longer. Last night I was up for 1 1/2 to 2 hours fighting this before it faded out. Talk about making you tired in the morning! I am hoping we can figure out what is causing this and take care of it, but we are confused by this at this point in time. We thought is was one of my medicines and stopped with it when it ran out and I had two nights with no problem, but they came back after that. We are looking at what else could cause this until we find something. Hopefully, something will show up soon to point us in the right direction.
Until then, I was all of you a great day and a great life because of all of you, mine is there.
Your loving friend,
Mark
Monday, October 8, 2007
He's Walking
Imagine my surprise .....I get home from work and Mark is walking with the help of a walker....right across the living room. Life is wonderful, God is Great. We went to the doctor today and got his intravenous antibiotic's changed to every 8 hours instead of every 4 hours. Life is becoming easier, every day and a good night's sleep is something we both need!!!! It's hard to believe it has been 3 month's since this all started....I, know that the power of God and all the prayers carried me through this and gave me the strength that I needed to take care of my wonderful husband. Thank you all. Betty
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Mark AGAIN, Oct 4 (Thurs)
Wow. Another day has come again and life is going in the right direction. Last Friday, the doctor gave me permission to start putting weight on my left leg. When I did some of this, it amazes me just how weak it has become. I can put my body weight on it, but it will be a while before it can take much. Starting next Monday, Oct.8, I can start putting weight on my right leg, too. Once this comes, I can really work them together to move in the direction I want to move toward. It will not be an easy trip to make, but it will come if I work on it. The right leg is MUCH weaker than the left because that is the side I fell on and the pelvis on my left side only has one break in it, but the right one has at least three plates holding it together, and it still HURTS. I am trying to use small weights on both until I get to use my full weight but the right side is still pretty bad off. I go back to this doctor near the end of October (28th, I think) to see if these plates can stay or not. If this healing is not going well (body accepting the titanium or not), these "un-repairable" plates may need to be replaced. I am hoping and praying that my body will cover these because I did not want to start all over on this stuff!!!
Betty (my real reason I am alive today) made a suggestion on Tuesday (two days ago) that I set up a lunch with the group of people that I work with so I could see everybody as I am today. I did not think about doing this because of how bad off I feel that I am, but this morning she insisted I make a call to get this moving. I called one of them to see what he thought of the idea and he took care of everything on his end. This "disappointment" for me turned out to be a wonderful time. It was so good to see all of these friends again. It made me realize that I truely have some special people in this world that do care. Most of these people came to the hospital when I was down (and mostly out) and never lost faith in MY faith to overcome this down time. This, like most of Betty's ideas, was a very special time for me that made me realize that I do have some SPECIAL FRIENDS in this world. Special friends are sometimes over looked but once you realize who they are, it is a very special feeling. Thanks to all of you that came out to see me!
Special friends are sometimes like this and other times they are the counted by the number of times and thoughts you get from them. I have so many friends that have hope in so many ways that I can't even begin to understand them all. I have many people that come by and do things around here for me, some bring over meals and so, so many friends and family members that just type special sayings in my BLOG that just lift my heart. Looking at this list, some of these people were in some activity with my son and to me they where people I knew, only until now did I realize these were people where cared enough about me to bring my troubles with life into theirs. The number of comments I saw from this group of people (friends and family) was sensational. Everytime I read one of these, my heart was touched and raised by their comments and how their meaningful comments were set to me and to the One Almighty, God. These meaning comments that these people are sending mean SO, SO much and are greatly appreciated! Their meaningful considerations ane not only appreciated but their meanings are well sent to God for his help, too. Believe me, God has made all of this happen because of my faith and MY FRIENDS' faith in His ability to help.
Thanks to EVERYONE for there thoughts and prayers. I am here because of this effort and all the prayers.
Thanks, Mark
Betty (my real reason I am alive today) made a suggestion on Tuesday (two days ago) that I set up a lunch with the group of people that I work with so I could see everybody as I am today. I did not think about doing this because of how bad off I feel that I am, but this morning she insisted I make a call to get this moving. I called one of them to see what he thought of the idea and he took care of everything on his end. This "disappointment" for me turned out to be a wonderful time. It was so good to see all of these friends again. It made me realize that I truely have some special people in this world that do care. Most of these people came to the hospital when I was down (and mostly out) and never lost faith in MY faith to overcome this down time. This, like most of Betty's ideas, was a very special time for me that made me realize that I do have some SPECIAL FRIENDS in this world. Special friends are sometimes over looked but once you realize who they are, it is a very special feeling. Thanks to all of you that came out to see me!
Special friends are sometimes like this and other times they are the counted by the number of times and thoughts you get from them. I have so many friends that have hope in so many ways that I can't even begin to understand them all. I have many people that come by and do things around here for me, some bring over meals and so, so many friends and family members that just type special sayings in my BLOG that just lift my heart. Looking at this list, some of these people were in some activity with my son and to me they where people I knew, only until now did I realize these were people where cared enough about me to bring my troubles with life into theirs. The number of comments I saw from this group of people (friends and family) was sensational. Everytime I read one of these, my heart was touched and raised by their comments and how their meaningful comments were set to me and to the One Almighty, God. These meaning comments that these people are sending mean SO, SO much and are greatly appreciated! Their meaningful considerations ane not only appreciated but their meanings are well sent to God for his help, too. Believe me, God has made all of this happen because of my faith and MY FRIENDS' faith in His ability to help.
Thanks to EVERYONE for there thoughts and prayers. I am here because of this effort and all the prayers.
Thanks, Mark
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