WHEW!!

Well, what a week! What a week for all of the family! This week, both Mike and Ben, Becka's brother, were in the ICU with seizure activity. Becka's brother most likely had a reaction to a medication and had to be sedated twice. He went into acute kidney failure and is currently fighting pneumonia. Ben's kidney values are almost back to where they need to be and he was moved out of ICU today. The family is waiting for results of an MRI and the doctors are keeping an eye on the pneumonia which was caused by Ben aspirating. Ben has been in a delightful mood since waking up, and we are all so very thankful for your continued prayers for his recovery.

Mike's doctor wanted him to go into the hospital to be stabilized. You'll remember four weeks ago Mike started having seizures again. He was averaging one a week until after the spinal tap last Friday. He had about 10 seizures on Sunday and his doctor requested he go to the hospital to be stabilized. He was admitted to the ICU due to the constant seizing and remained there for two days. Becka did constant battle with the physicians while Mike was there due to many follow through issues. Mike's seizure medications were not increased until Wednesday, three days after he was admitted. All bloodwork and tests came back fine - what else is new?? Mike's spinal tap results came back normal with the exception of his protein level which is still elevated. This was also elevated early this spring. No one seems to have an explanation of why that is. Once Mike's medicine was increased, he went 24 hrs seizure free and asked to go home as the hospital told him they had no idea what to do with him - hmmmm, sounds familiar. Mike is happy to be home and Becka is happy to fall asleep next to him. He received quite a welcome from the dogs too! Since Mike has been home he has been seizure free.

The Durkees feel this recent seizure activity, the ongoing questions from the doctors and intense hospitalization was a reminder of how things were, and a question of how many more times this scenario may play out until there are answers to Mike's condition or God chooses to heal Mike. This can be overwhelming to think about. Becka felt very torn this week between work, Mike in the hospital, and her brother in the hospital in NH. The Durkees are hopeful Mike will continue to be seizure free but fearful of how long this road may be before answers or healing takes place.

Their plan is as follows: find a new doctor (hopefully a neuro endocrinologist) to address the endocrine issues, make an appointment with a headache specialist (Mike's headaches have been much more intense since the seizure activity and no medications seem to help), wait for a few more tests on the cerebral spinal fluid (from the spinal tap) and meet with Mike's doctor Monday to discuss what to do from here.
It's an understatement to say the Durkees are overwhelmed with life, but they have been touched by all who have prayed, called, emailed, brought meals, donated money and time and been a constant source of encouragement. May God bless you for being a blessing!