Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2008 12:33:16 PM
Subject: Gregg update

You can cheer for MI or OSU....I'm cheering for Botox, lol.
 
Hello!  Headed back to Ohio on Monday but wanted to send a short note with an update.  Last few days for Gregg have been really good ones.  He went to the Davis clinic at OSU on Wednesday for his appt. with the neruologist.  The appt. was delayed as OSU was having a pep rally before today's big game with Michigan.  Geez, never realized what a celebration that was down there.  Gregg's doc took him down and wheeled him to the front row so he could see/hear the OSU band, drum major, etc. and he really enjoyed it.  He always bragged up that band :).  Several of the therapists who worked with him at Dodd Hall recognized him and visited with him awhile - and he remembered them. He had a huge smile on his face through the whole thing. 
 
After the pep rally and a luncheon he was returned to the clinic where he received 5 botox injections - 3 in his right hamstring, 1 in his right calf and 1 in his right bicep.  His hamstring immediately released with the injections - this usually takes up to a week to start working.  Doc explained to his mom and sister that his leg muscles were in a constant 'cramp'.  Hmmmm, no wonder he sometimes resisted getting up to walk.  He must have awakened to that pain and probably dealt with it better than I would have. He ended Wednesday by telling his speech therapist out loud, "You are so funny". 
 
Today the business manager at HL told him she was headed to Jamaica on Wednesday and said his eyes lit up big time.  He nodded when she asked him if he had ever been there.  The Rock House at Negril was a favorite place of his.  We had plans to visit there this past August for both of our birthdays - next year.  Long term memory in this case is there seems to be a positive.
 
During the past few days he has walked much easier, right heel down and an easier gait, so our fingers are crossed.  He's even been standing up for transferring to the bed, w/chair, etc.  This will come in handy as he will be at home for Thanksgiving Day.  His mom and dad and I will have dinner with him, give him some resting time and then open the house for a couple of hours (4-6?) for friends, neighbors and family to visit with him.  We have been cautioned not to let him get over tired or overwhelmed so will need to keep on eye on that but he is getting excited about going home.  We are hoping that 'home' will be a big motivation factor for him with all the therapy he has to work through yet.  We have been told that Gregg is 75-80% 'back'.  A long ride from the first prognosis 7 seven months ago tomorrow, but hell, I love it when docs are wrong! lol. 
 
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers....I will update soon.  Enjoy your holiday.   Kathy