Date sent: 10/26/99 12:06 AM
Is a headache just a headache?

After spending more than a week battling an intense on-again-off-again headache, I finally spoke with Donna at Dr. Black's office about the situation. They recommended getting a CT scan, the local Rehab doc recommended doing an MRI since it needed to be done next week anyway. So, this evening, Dan had his follow up MRI. They will send copies of the film to Dr. Black's office. The concern in Dr. Black's corner is that he could be experiencing swelling as a result of withdrawing from the decadron (the anti-swelling drug used after the surgery). Since Dan's last day on the decadron was 10/14 and his symptoms started appearing on 10/19, it is possible there is edema causing his headaches. Another possibility (much less likely since white cells were relatively normal and fevers have not continued...) is wound site infection. Both of which will show up on the MRI (or CT) scan.

Dr. Watts (rehab doc) attended Dan's PT session and discussed having a brace custom made to help Dan's gait in trying to walk more independently. They also measured Dan for a custom wheel chair to have around the house and going out into the community as he is getting his strength back. They also recommended he stay an extra week.

Dan and I are still discussing whether or not he will stay that additional week. Some of it depends on the MRI result. Some depends on Dan's spirits. He said to me tonight that it is harder to decide when he feels so weak. Our friends are working hard to be ready for him by Friday... I am more than ready for him. I hope he is ready.

In frustration, Abi