What a year

I just wanted to thank everyone for the support they provided us during this year. We could not have made it without our friends and family. We look forward to spending time with everyone over the next 2 weeks. I am sure I will want to post something more sappy before the end of the year.

Leslie's Grandpa Cecil is not doing so well. Any good thoughts and prayers would be appreciated for him and his family. It seems like 2007 was a challenging year for many people around us. Hopefully 2008 will be a great year to remember.

I could get used to this...

Neal's words to me regarding being chauffeured around now. I know he is miserable some days when he is stuck at home, but is starting to get used to it the rest of the time. For example, this coming weekend we are headed North to see our families and he is already gloating how nice it will be to not have to drive! Come March, I am looking forward to the favor being returned! Perhaps before returning to work he can be parked outside of Leslie and Ryan's or Stacy's house available to drive them wherever! That would be hilarious. I hope he likes the hat I bought him for Christmas.


Neal had a bad dialysis day on Friday, but recovered quickly. For some reason his blood pressure took a dive. Yesterday his fistula was not quite clotted and it made quite a mess. Luckily we were not yet in the new car. He was able to make it to Monday night football with the guys. He has made it through all doctor appointments and is ready to move forward. All in all most days he is feeling pretty good!

Swallow Test

I had another swallow test on Monday. I passed. I had to swallow thin liquid barium, a barium paste, and barium past with graham crackers mixed in. I could see the monitor and see the liquid flow down my throat. It was cool. The speech therapist that was conducting the test remembered seeing me when I was an inpatient. I told her I was sorry because I did not remember her. I am glad that is over with. Today I have an appointment with the transplant doctor again and PT. That is about all.

Later,
Neal

I got shotgun. MAYBE TILL APRIL!!!!!!!!!!!

I learned on Tuesday that I might not be able to drive till April. I heard from the person at physical therapy that the doctor I have is very conservative and usually makes people wait 6 months after a seizure before driving. Needless to say I was not happy about that. I hate having to have other people drive me around. They have better things to do. I am trying to get in to see the doctor to see if he will change his mind. I have physical therapy again today. I am tired from Tuesday so I am not sure how long I will be able to go today.

Later,
Neal

P.S. I am surprised that there were not more comments on the action shots of Dave and Matt playing guitar hero. Those were tough shots to get.

Guitar Zeros!

We had a few people over for dinner and Wii night. Here are some pictures of Matt and Dave playing Guitar Hero!

No PT on Thursday

I did not make it to PT on Thursday. I was feeling pretty bad but I am much better today. Other than that I am not doing to much. Just doing my Mr. Mom job. Keeping the house clean.

-Neal

Wii are Thankful

Our Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. After Thanksgiving, Neal, Austin and my arms were so soar from playing video games. Denise was smart and did not play all day. My bowling score took a severe hit. Neal claims we played for 10 hours on Thursday. I cooked a half way decent meal. We got a great surprise on Friday when my mom, Mike and Uncle Jim fought the crowds at Walmart to get us a 42" tv! Friday night everyone came over to play the wii on the new tv. It is wonderful. UJ seems to be the guy to beat.

We made a trip up to see my dad for his birthday and had a nice day. Everyone kept staring at Neal not believing how skinny he is! This is really the first trip out of town Neal has made since the accident. We are hoping to make it to the Machovina Christmas this year in December.

UJ, Mom and Mike raked leaves at our house on Tuesday and it did not take more than a day for the yard to be filled with leaves again. Sunday during the Browns half time and after the game, Neal and I did another clean up. We still have one tree that has quite a bit of leaves left. It is wonderful to have Neal outside doing this! This week is busy with dialysis Monday, Wednesday and Friday and physical therapy the other 2 days.

Thanks again to Stacy, Leslie and Mom for driving Neal to dialysis, I really appreciate it. At this point, we do not think Neal will be cleared to drive for 3 months. He should be able to drive after the transplant.