[MR] Gene's update 5-26-07

[elspeth]

Gene is doing well.  He saw the Neuro Physiologist this week and the only thing they said he was having trouble with was his concentration.  They will help him with that at therapy.  We also had a family council with all of the therapist.  The speech therapist said that after reviewing Gene for the last 2 weeks that she thought that she would only need to see him for 4 week and not the 8 weeks that she had planned.  Occupational and Physical therapy (which they work together on a lot of things) said that Gene is still not strong on his right side still. This also effects his driving ability so they will both help work on those things as well as getting up stairs. They gave him some putty like stuff to use to work the muscles in his hands.  He also has some exercises that he can do at home.  

He still goes to dialysis 3 times a week and he really doesn't like going.  He is still hoping his kidneys will kick in.  He is going to have to have a fistula, an artificial vain, put in his arm to replace the port in his neck.  We're not sure when this will happen.  He will have to go back into the hospital to have it done and he is not too happy about that.

I've gotten to work more now that we have a schedule to work around.  Gene's mother has been a big help taking him to his appointments and I can pick him up after work.  My work is so great they are really working with me.  They let me come in at 6:30 and I can work until 3:00 to get in a full day.  They really understand that I have to take Gene to his doctor appointments which makes this all work out.  

Gene put in for shared hours at work, which means people donate time for him.  He received 344 hours of time.  This will help out a lot.  He wants to thank anyone who donated hours.  We will never know who they were that were so generous.  You don't know how much it means to us that people are willing to do this for him.  Thanks from the bottom of our hearts. 

We're getting out a little more.  We're planning to go to the Museum of Art today (Saturday).  

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prays.  

Love to you all and thanks,
Beth