Monday, March 29, 2010

March 29th Update

Mike started a new medicine on Sunday to raise his blood pressure. The thought is if we can keep his blood pressure up (it is usually quite low when he passes out) maybe he will stop passing out. Well, his pressure went as high as 194/103! Way too high! He said he could hear his heart beating in his head, and it was painful in a different way than his everyday headache.

Early Sunday morning he woke up with sever pain in his head. This happens often and is always an indicator it is going to be a "passing out" day. Becka asked him to use the wheelchair in an attempt to keep him safe, which he did very willingly. He woke up Monday morning and the entire left side of his body felt very strange, tingly and numb-a new symptom. Then around 8:00pm as he was headed into the bathroom he fainted and was out for 13 minutes. Becka noticed his eyes were moving back and forth rather quickly, also a new symptom.

He is waiting to hear back from a new neurologist and we are hoping for an appointment sooner rather than later.

So this is day one of spring break...praying day two will be better!

Thank you all for your constant prayers and encouragement to them. So many of you have been such a big support. It helps them make it through day by day!

Please click here for a way to help the Durkees.

Blessings to you all!


Friday, March 26, 2010

Update on Mike

Update sent from Kathy, Mike's mother-in-law:

After passing out yesterday at the hospital and being sent to the ER for 3 hours...Mike is having a much better day. His head doesn't seem to be as bad today as most days. He had a really nice visit with a good friend today, that always is a moral booster! I think he is really looking forward to Becka's spring break which is next week. Don't think they have much planned but so far it will be interrupted by only 1 doctor app't. That will be a nice break from what seems to be their new normal lately.

As far as what is going on with Mike medically...the doctors aren't sure what to do next. His primary doc, who is a friend and a great guy, is going to try him on a blood pressure medicine. The thought is if we can raise his blood pressure, which is low and seems to drop a bit when he passes out, maybe it will reduce the episodes. I think it is just something to try because they don't know what else to do.

While in the hospital yesterday, the ER doc recommended he try going to a research hospital. Apparently they are the ones who will look "outside the box" and look at rare conditions. No one seems to know why putting his chin to his chest causes him to pass out, why his protein level in his cerebral fluid is so high, or why his cortisol level is so low. Doctors don't seem to be able to piece it all together. He was given the name of a new neurologist who is local and may do his follow up with him.

For now, we are thankful he is having a better day! One day at a time!

Please see the post below to receive information on helping the Durkees.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Helping the Durkees

Dear Friends & Family,

As many of you know, Mike has been dealing with episodes of LOC (loss of consciousness) since October 6th of last year. He has been seen by several different doctors and been admitted to four different hospitals, yet a definitive diagnosis has not been reached. He deals with headaches on a daily basis. He has been unable to work or drive for almost six months. As you can imagine, this has been frustrating and scary for both Mike and Becka.

God has been faithful in meeting their needs through so many friends like yourselves and for this they are so very grateful! They are truly living on a shoe string budget. Needless to say, living on a teachers salary has been a bit challenging.

Despite good medical insurance, the doctor and hospital bills have recently been piling up, and they are a bit overwhelmed. Many of you have asked "how can we help?" A Pay Pal account has been set up for any of you who would want to help them take care of some of these medical bills. We realize many of you are having your own difficulties during these tough economic times, and we don't want anyone to feel the least bit pressured. We only wanted to communicate the need and give those of you who have expressed an interest, and are able, an avenue by which you can help.

Thank you all for your faithfulness in praying for Mike and Becka, checking in, and simply being a support to our family.

Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

The Paypal donation button can be found at the bottom of this post or on the right side of this blog site. Should you wish to mail a check instead of using paypal, please e-mail the following address: kaas.kadence (at) comcast (dot) net