Appointment Update

Mike went to the endocrinologist today. He is undergoing tests for endocrine levels again. The doctor is also upping his medication to see if his energy level increases and fatigue decreases. Mike has also had some other issues which may be endocrine related. The testing and increased medication should show whether or not they are endocrine affiliated and whether or not another medication is necessary - can we say walking pharmacy?? ;) Mike is also undergoing another MRI of the pituitary tumor as his headaches could be a manifestation of growth of the tumor or bleeding of the tumor which can increase pressure and lead to headaches. The headache pressure has been right behind the eyes which is where the pituitary sits in the brain. If the headaches are a result of the tumor (which most doctors do NOT think) the course of action is unknown. You'll remember that up to this point doctors have said Mike has 2 issues: endocrine issues - adrenal insufficiency - and a headache disorder which is causing the seizures. All tests and results should be back within 3 weeks.

New Update from Durkees

Well, there are a few things to update you on. Mike heard back about his bloodwork and everything looks fine which means the headache med could be increased. He started the increase yesterday and is feeling wiped out from the medicine, but it’s a matter of time until his body gets used to the new dose. Mike had a stomach bug this week and his endocrinologist told him to go to the hospital to get his medication i.v. He was given something to stop the vomiting and some of his meds i.v. Due to the adrenal insufficiency it is more difficult for his body to fight off infection and he needed the replacement supplement to help fight off the stomach bug. Fortunately, Becka didn’t get this! There were 3 things that were different about this hospital trip – Mike didn’t go in a wheelchair, he wasn’t admitted, and they were home before 3AM! Progress! And speaking of progress, Mike has been seizure free for 28 days!!! That is a NEW record! He has had one new symptom this week which the Durkees are calling the neurologist about. At random times, Mike has a sensation that feels like an electric shock that travels through his arms and legs. Not sure what this is about, but Mike is due for a follow up appt with the neurologist, so they will discuss this. The headaches remain the same, but it has only been 2 days since the headache med has been increased, so time will tell. Becka is gearing up to go back to school and the Durkees are working on a schedule for Mike while Becka is working. Due to the fact Mike can’t drive, they are trying to be creative with what Mike can do during the day. They have friends in the area who are willing to help, and the Durkees feel blessed at others’ kindness! They continue to ask for prayer for sleep. Mike’s headaches remain bad at night and this complicates sleep for both of them. They are really hoping this new increase in medication makes a difference in the headaches. Thank you for praying and caring, friends!

Update from Durkees

The Durkees are enjoying their summer - spending time with friends and each other - looking forward to what the future holds and being thankful for God's provision. Mike continues to be seizure free since starting the last seizure medicine, intended for headache treatment. He has been seizure free for 17 days!!! While this is wonderful, Mike is having a VERY difficult time sleeping at night due to very intense headaches. The headaches are much worse at night - not sure why that is. Also, about every 6 or 7 days, he has headaches which are really bad during the day. When he has these bad headaches during the day, he has them for 2 - 3 days with little to no relief. The new seizure medicine does not seem to be helping the headaches. Mike is headed for bloodwork today to ensure the amount of medication he is on is not affecting major organs negatively and then his dr. will increase the new medication to see if that makes a difference in the headaches. Mike continues to push through these, but the amount of medication he is having to take for the headaches to be livable and the seizures under control is a concern. Also, the list of medications that Mike can take for headaches is quickly becoming exhausted. The Durkees continue to ask for prayer for the right medicine to help the headaches as well as a good night's sleep. On a positive note, Mike's word recall and memory seem better as does his left sided weakness. He is working with a trainer to gain back strength and aside from occasionally dragging his left foot when he walks, he seems to have much more strength! The Durkees were also hoping to get rid of Mike's car because he cannot drive, and it looks like someone might take it next week, which would be a blessing financially. Mike and Becka were in a doctor's office the other day and there was a large sign in the waiting room that said, "Doctors treat - only God heals". Indeed He does, friends. Indeed He does.

Thursday Update

The Durkees enjoyed time with Mike's family over the fourth - lots of fireworks, hugs and swim time with the nephews! Mike was on the blood pressure medication for a week and his headaches intensified and he was having seizures. He is off that and has started on a new medication - it is a med for seizures, but he is trying it for the headaches which continue to be bad. The headaches seem worse at night and after spending time outside in the heat and humidity. Thank goodness for central air! Mike has been on the new medicine for a little over a week and hasn't seized for 9 days. The longest he has gone is 3.5 weeks. There is room to increase the dose of this medication if we find it helps the headaches. Mike is also preparing to have his tonsils out. One of the tests he has gone through throughout the diagnosis phase is a sleep study. The sleep doctor was not only concerned about Mike's sleep apnea but about how hoarse his voice has been at certain times of the day. The sleep doctor sent Mike to an ENT who said Mike's throat looks fine (they were concerned about polyps) and that he is an excellent candidate for having his tonsils and adenoids removed and straightening his deviated septum. The doctor thinks this will cure the sleep apnea, and we all know that a good night's rest is crucial in the healing process. Due to the adrenal insufficiency, Mike will need to double some of his medications to handle the stress on his body of the surgery. He should sleep much better after the surgery. You can continue praying for the headaches - that the right medicine at the right dose will be found. They are so debilitating - both in the pain department and the seizures that follow. He is pushing through these headaches and continues to work out and be active, but there are days it is tougher than others. The Durkees are keeping busy seeing friends and getting reconnected to life that was so different last time Mike was at home and falling constantly. We praise the Lord for this improvement, and the fact Mike is making future plans - something else he wasn't doing last time he was in Cincinnati. Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow!

Quick Update

Mike has started a new medication after a trial of blood pressure medication that seemed to do nothing for the headaches. He is now on a seizure medication that is often used to control headaches. This was the recommendation of the "headache doctor" from Mayo. Mike has been very tired from the medication, but the hope is it will curb the headaches and also the seizures. Mike and Becka are headed to Cleveland to visit Mike's family for the 4th and give a few hugs to the nephews! Thank you for the prayers for a good night's sleep. Due to the new medication, the Durkees have slept well 2 nights in a row! Blessings, friends!