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!