We Got Our Label

Bob and I just returned from Rochester, Minnesota where the clinic staff at Mayo took a long look at my husband. Some of you may not be aware of some of the big concerns we have regarding Bob’s health. So, we went to go get some answers – and they gave us some.

During the last few days, I have written particular about some of Bob’s activities. If you had to explain it in just one word, you could say thorough. This is what we wanted. Bob especially needed a label. I wanted help with some of Bob’s episodes of forgetfulness. They gave us what we wanted.

We went back today and we finally got some news. Bob has Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). You probably know as little about this syndrome as we did before we walked through the doctor’s door. The condition is a result of his February 2008 fall; there is scar tissue on his brain. This is a common dementia that is progressive. Bob will also begin some medications that will hide some of the symptoms and make Bob more comfortable.

We go back to Mayo in three months, this time for Bob to get another in-depth sleep study. Bob’s nutty sleep patterns are symptoms of DLB. This includes his crazy schedule and lack of deep sleep. (It doesn’t come close to hinting about how cute he is though.) We go back to Mayo six months from today for further psychological studies. They will then be able to provide us with a longer prognosis.

I know a lot of you will be checking out DLB on your computers. That’s great! I will be doing some of that too. Mayo will continue to provide us with additional  information as we flip calendar pages. Each person proceeds somewhat differently. Please honor our privacy though by limiting advice from your Great Aunt Bernice’s neighbor. Even so, call us up and invite us out for pizza. We would love to see our friends. This is a time God has told us to trust in Mayo. We are honestly still in some shock about the news. As we find out additional information, we will let you know.

I do know that Bob and I are incapable of driving up to Rochester by ourselves. It just isn’t safe! Stephanie has already offered her services. We can also fly up and perhaps rely on public transportation when we are there. Some good news is that we are quite pleased with our hotel that is only two blocks from Mayo. We might need some eyes watching over our home and pooch or even “taxi” drives to the airport.

You can please keep those prayers going. That need will only increase over the next few years. I think you all know our deep belief in the power of prayer. Those voices to God would be wonderful.

We will keep you up to date as we learn more things about DLB. We are blessed with some of the world’s best doctors and a God who is watching us full time. Life is good.

God Uses My Chronic Pain to Prove that Life is Good

     -  Throughout our multiple medical difficulties these past few years, our marriage has only gotten stronger. For that, thanks so much God. Life is good.