Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Update from Durkees

The Durkees celebrated 7 years of marriage yesterday! This past year has had its ups and downs for sure, but at the end of another year of marriage, they are thankful to be married to their best friend. The Durkees have been keeping busy - Becka driving Mike around to the gym, dr.s appointments and to see friends.

Mike's enjoying being back in Cincy and reconnecting with friends. The report came from the Mayo Clinic this week and Mike started on a blood pressure medication to manage headaches this week. So far, the headaches have not decreased in intensity, which means he has also had seizure activity this week. Doctors agree the 2 are related. There are three different medications the doctors want Mike to try for the headaches. He is currently on the first and thus far has felt no relief. Headaches are the worst at night and this is affecting both Mike and Becka's sleep. The hope continues to be that if the headaches will come under control, then the seizures will stop. Prayers for a good night's sleep for both are appreciated. Thanks, friends!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Saturday Morning Update

This has been a rather discouraging week for the Durkees. Mike's headaches have increasingly been worse this week. He has had a few weeks where the intensity of them has been less and even a few days he has actually felt good. Yesterday he took a nap because his head was pounding so much. He had 2 small seizures while he was sleeping. Last night while sleeping he had 5 more! His head hurts more then it has in a long time. This is hard for both him and Becka since it feels like a big step backwards. Mayo still has not contacted him but we are hoping they have already sent treatment recommendations to his PC, who they will see on Monday. We are hoping the docors are correct when they say getting the headaches under control will stop the seizures. Since an attempt to control the headaches hasn't been started yet we are anxious to get moving in that direction!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Friday Update: Back in Ohio

This has been a rather challenging week for Mike and Becka as they have settled back into their lives in Ohio. Mike has had a bad week with headaches but is working hard to push through them. They have an appt. with his primary care doctor on Monday. We are hoping he has received the recommended treatment plan from the headache doctor at Mayo by his Monday appointment.

The doctors told him exercise can reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches so they have joined a local gym. As was mentioned in an earlier blog, he started working out right away, I think he has just finished week 4! The trainers at the gym have been very helpful and are encouraging him to keep at it. Becka is tutoring during the summer and since she is the only one able to drive she will keep busy getting Mike to appointments and anywhere else he needs to go. He has already had some good "guy" time and is planning some fishing time over the summer!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Update 6/12: Homeward Bound

Mike and Becka are headed back to Cincinnati in the morning. They will take two days to make the trip because Mike is not able to drive still. He is still waiting to hear back from the neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. New treatments for headaches have not yet begun, but his spirits are still positive.

Mike is extremely happy to be back with his wife! They have had a nice vacation in New Hampshire and Cape Cod, but they are looking forward to being back home. It has been nice taking a break from doctor appointments and hospital visits.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Progress!

Mike has gone 5 nights without seizures! This is the longest he has gone and we feel like he is starting to turn a corner. He still has not heard back from the Mayo Clinic but the combination of meds for his adrenal gland insufficiency, seizure meds and intense exercise program seems to be working! Each day he feels a little bit better! He still has headaches but he pushes through them and refuses to let them consume his day. He is so much more himself lately and it is so good to see him start to have more good days than bad. He and Becka have been enjoying being back together and they have had a good time de-stressing and relaxing. Becka is starting to unwind from a long and difficult school year and is much more hopeful about Mike's health. In order for him to be able to drive again he must be 6 mos seizure free. Let the count down begin!

Today is Mike's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE!!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

June 6

We haven't updated for a few days because there really hasn't been very much new to report. Mike still has not heard from the headache doctor from the Mayo Clinic. He was out of town and we are hoping he will hear from him this coming week. We still don't know if they are going to recommend the botox injections in his skull for the headaches. The good news is, and we believe an answer to so many of your prayers... he has been feeling better this week than he has in a very long time! He has had a really good week and seems so much like his old self! We are so proud of how diligent he has been working out! He works out hard and really pushes himself. Even if he has had a rough night, hasn't slept well or if he has a headache...he works out hard. He is very determined! He has just finished week 3 and we are hoping it has something to do with his feeling better. When the dr. told him exercise can reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches I have to admit I was quite skeptical but if he continues do feel better I will become a fast believer! He and Becka will have one more week to spend with family in NH and Cape Cod then they will return to Ohio. Becka will be tutoring for work this summer and will start right after they return. Mike has been doing work for his father in law's office, which has been a great help to him. Since he is still unable to drive, (has to be seizure free for 6 months), and the work can all be done by phone, he will continue with this over the summer. So all in all...we are so thankful for a good week and for all of you who have been so faithful in expressing your love and concern for them! You've reached out and shown so much support to them, in so many different ways... as a family we are all so appreciative of each of you!