Saturday, October 18, 2008

Cautiously Optimistic

I am cautiously optimistic that I'm turning the corner on all these sinus surgery recovery issues. I've had about 4.5 good days! I've only had occasional and minor sinus pain and/or headaches... nothing like what I was experiencing a week ago. I'm hoping that I'll continue to improve. Thanks for your prayers!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Another update

I went to see my ENT doc today. Considering the pain I am having, he was concerned about the possibility of osteomyelitis (an infection in the facial bones). However, after reviewing my cat scan and examining me today, he thinks that is unlikely... it's very rare, did not appear on cat scan and I don't have tenderness to the touch. That said, he is having a hard time explaining why I am having so much pain. So for now, he put me back on antibiotics (a heavier dose of augmentin) and saline sinus rinses.... hopefully these things will help the sinuses drain and finish getting rid of the infection.

Please pray that the antibiotics and pain meds will alleviate my pain so that I can work and study (major exam tomorrow!) and that God will heal my sinus infection. THANKS MUCH!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sinus Pain/Headaches Update

Many of you already know about my on-going headache/pain/nose bleed issues after having sinus surgery five weeks ago. Others of you may not have heard yet. Either way, I am going to do a brief update here so that you all know the latest. I so appreciate all of you who have expressed concern, offered prayers and follow up emails/calls/texts/etc.


Background summary:
late April to September - chronic sinus infection - two rounds of antibiotics, no luck
Sept. 5th - Endoscopic sinus surgery
Sept 5-12 - out of commission, recovering from surgery, taking antibiotics
Sept 30 - at 3rd post-op appt, Doc puts me on antibiotic again for recurrent infection
Oct 6 to now - horrible (worst of my life) headaches, teeth pain, neck soreness and sinus pressure begin bothering me throughout the day, limit my sleep, etc.
Oct 10 - had two nose bleeds... 2nd one wouldn't stop, called doc, he sent us to emergency room. ER doc ordered blood work and another cat scan. determined that my body is just still fighting the infection

Current Status:
TOday - I talked with my ENT (ear, nose and throat) doc and he wants me to come in tomorrow. He's already indicated that, although the recovery process might be quite lengthy, the headaches/pain/nose bleeds are not typical.

So... please pray that God will heal me and that doc will have some ideas and plan of action to deal with my pain while I continue to recover.

The pain is the worst part... but a close second is the fact that it is very frustrating trying to study and work in the midst of the pain and lack of sleep.

Stay tuned... I'll post an update here when I can.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Five for Five!

5 Birthday Celebrations for the 5 year-old!

Kaylin turned 5 on October 2nd and our special girl got to celebrate many times with many people!


#1 - Here's Kaylin showing off her Ariel nightgown from Grammy & Grampa, who came over to celebrate before they left on a trip to the east coast.


#2 - Grams & Papa came to visit and that was our chance to celebrate both of their birthdays along with Kaylin's.


#3 - On the morning of her birthday Kaylin celebrated with some special treat cereal (she had requested Princess cereal but Daddy couldn't find it anywhere) and by opening her gifts from us.


#4 - Then, she took some cupcakes to school to celebrate with her classmates!


#5 - Then, finally the big birthday celebration happened today! Kaylin wanted an Ariel Under the Sea party so here was part of the decorations. Although she doesn't feel like party planning comes natural to her, I think Amy did an amazing job and I know she worked very hard to give Kaylin a special day. Amy came up with some creative things for the party and got help from friends and it was a great party!


Activity #1 - all the kids did a craft, turning a tootsie roll pop into a crab (like Sebastian from the Ariel movie)


Activity #2 - Digging in the "beach" to find hidden sea creatures!


Activity #3 - face painting - thanks Teri, Becca & Christine for their face-painting skills!


TJ passed up a football and a basketball, choosing a pumkin instead. =)


The amazing cake! Great job Amy and Rachel!


Here's Kaylin, Amy and I posing as Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian. Many thanks to our artistic friend Kristin!


Here's a pic of 23 of the 27 (yes, that's right.. 27) kids that came!