|
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Going Home!!
Today I again had a EMG - electric shocks & lots of needles -- with the specialist at George Washington
Medical Center. The good news is that no nerves are severed or "broken." As the specialist expected, the nerve
was likely stretched during the surgery. The prognosis is good but slow. He said I would improved quickly for
the first couple months (as I have been), then improvements will stop for a while and then continue very, very slowly.
It will likely be more than 3 months before I'm close to getting full use of my shoulder/arm. The State Department doctor
(who is also a neurologist) said that I may never get 100% use back again, however 90% is likely. I'm glad I know that.
I can have lots of patience when I have a good understanding of what to expect. Everything with the kidney is fine;
I even have pretty good stamina again. So, I will be heading back to Kinshasa on Tuesday, Dec 16, arriving the evening
of Wednesday, Dec 17.
Thank you for all your warm thoughts, good wishes and prayers -- they definitely made a difference.
I know that with all that happened I am very, very blessed.
Last week my mom ended up in the hospital due to heart problems. As I understand it, she missed a couple days of
her heart medication. The doctors have gotten her back on track and say that she is a very healthy 95 year old
woman! She now will have oxygen, which will give her more energy and make breathing easier, and she will have home care.
She still lives by herself in a condo complex for seniors. Thank you to my siblings and their children and grandchildren
who watch over her on a daily basis. All the women in my family (guys too) are tough! We are truly blessed.
Merry Christmas to all; Bill & I both wish you all a very joyous 2009.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Delayed return to Congo
All has gone well with the kidney; I was cleared to return to Kinshasa on Dec 9. However, the neurologist (for
my shoulder) wanted me to see a noted specialist at George Washington University Hospital, who suggested I delay my return
for 1 week and have another test. As the State Medical Unit doctor said, he can't cure the shoulder; he can only determine
the extent of damage and make an educated estimate of how long before it gets back to normal. The specialist thinks
the nerves (C5, C7 and most notably C6) were stretched during the surgery. With physical therapy, I do continue to improve
each week. But it is very, very slow. So, to me, one more week to get a more exact prognoisis is worth it.
If there is an indication of permanent damage (I suspect very, very slight if there is), I'd like to know about it now.
I worry less when I have as much info as possible.
Thank you to all for warm thoughts and prayers. It made a difference. I am touched by the contributions made
to my "Congo Projects" - the orphans. I said, I regret that I can give only one kidney for my projects! :-)
I have wonderful friends and family. I am blessed. This has been a humbling experience. I am grateful
for it.
But, now I'm ready & anxious to go home! To be with Bill & Sydney and all the Embassy & Diplomatic
Community Family again.
I will probably write next when my feet are again on Congo soil.
Merry Christmas to all...."God bless us, everyone!"
....
|
 |
|
2009.09.01 |
2009.08.01 |
2009.06.01 |
2009.04.01 |
2009.03.01 |
2009.02.01 |
2009.01.01 |
2008.12.01 |
2008.11.01 |
2008.10.01 |
2008.09.01 |
2008.08.01 |
2008.07.01 |
2008.06.01 |
2008.05.01 |
2008.04.01 |
2008.03.01 |
2008.02.01 |
2008.01.01
|
I'll make changes to this site occasionally. I'll share news, views, experiences, photos and more. Enjoy!
|
|
|
In this area I'll include links that highlight areas of my weblog. For example, I might include links to my personal favorites
or the most popular posts.
|
|
|
|
| Democratic Republic of Congo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
