We finally escaped the hospital at 3:30 PM. They did another test today. The internist wanted to check the condition of the veins that had ruptured. She said it is still blocked and the veins involved are ruined. She said he was not getting blood flow to that side of the brain.
In yesterday’s test they watched Don’s brain for over an hour to see if there was any seizure occurrence. There was none. But she is sure that Don had a seizure when he bit his tongue. But since they watched for over an hour and there was no repeat occurrences, that was a good sign.
The current choice was whether to add seizure medication to his current regimen. She said if seizure medication is started, he would have to take it for the rest of his life. Don made the choice not to start the seizure medication and wait to see if a seizure would return.
One medication change that was made is that Don will no longer take Coumadin.
Don seems really tired to me since the seizure and perhaps a little step backward was taken. But we are still praying that God would touch his brain and restore it to full health. We have seen miracles that God has sent our way through this time of illness. I still firmly believe that Don’s brain functions could be returned to their healthy state if God would send his healing touch. That is something we are praying for. Barbara
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Staying in the hospital tonight
Don was able to eat today, but they still wanted to do some test to check on the possibility of a seizure. He will hopefully be released tomorrow.
kjw
kjw
PLEASE PRAY FOR DON
Yesterday Donnie slept exceedingly long. At 1PM I looked in one him and he was resting comfortably, so I thought perhaps he did not sleep well last night and I let him sleep on. Then I realized it was 3PM and I still had not heard him get up so I went upstairs to wake him.
He looked to be resting comfortably but I woke him anyway. When he woke, he indicated that something was wrong with his mouth and when I looked into it, the bottom side of his tongue was purple. I got him some water but he could hardly take a sip so I knew something was wrong. So I talked to a nurse……bottom line is that they recommended I take him to the emergency room.
I checked him into the ER at 4:35PM. We had to wait over 2 hours before he saw a doctor. They had enough doctor’s but they did not have any empty beds in the ER. We had great doctors and nurses check him out and bottom line is that he had bitten his tongue so hard in his sleep that his tongue was swollen and filling up with blood. So here we have a new problem. They did a CAT scan to be sure he was not experiencing another stroke. But because he could not swallow and therefore could not take his medication, they decided to keep him overnight. It took til 11:30 before they had an open bed. He is in East One…Room 1405 Bed 1.
Today they are going to do an EEG ERG or QRS TUV or something. (Weak attempt at humor.)If he did not have a seizure and he can swallow this morning, they will send him home today. If he can’t swallow, he will have to stay because he needs his medication. Barbara
He looked to be resting comfortably but I woke him anyway. When he woke, he indicated that something was wrong with his mouth and when I looked into it, the bottom side of his tongue was purple. I got him some water but he could hardly take a sip so I knew something was wrong. So I talked to a nurse……bottom line is that they recommended I take him to the emergency room.
I checked him into the ER at 4:35PM. We had to wait over 2 hours before he saw a doctor. They had enough doctor’s but they did not have any empty beds in the ER. We had great doctors and nurses check him out and bottom line is that he had bitten his tongue so hard in his sleep that his tongue was swollen and filling up with blood. So here we have a new problem. They did a CAT scan to be sure he was not experiencing another stroke. But because he could not swallow and therefore could not take his medication, they decided to keep him overnight. It took til 11:30 before they had an open bed. He is in East One…Room 1405 Bed 1.
Today they are going to do an EEG ERG or QRS TUV or something. (Weak attempt at humor.)If he did not have a seizure and he can swallow this morning, they will send him home today. If he can’t swallow, he will have to stay because he needs his medication. Barbara
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Note from Kathy
Please leave comments or greetings for Don and Barbara. One of the things Don loves to do is check the blog and his email. It will be of great encouragement to him to read your news and thoughts.
kjw
kjw
NEW YEAR NEWS!!
Since coming home in October, Don has continued to improve. Madonna arranged for a 3 month follow- up appointment. They were shocked and pleased about the progress that he has made during his time home. This was especially true since insurance provisions for all of his therapies, physical, occupational and speech therapy had been used up at Madonna for 2008. The wheelchair is no longer in the house!! Don is able with the use of his cane to walk around the house. And what really shocked the specialist at Madonna was that Don sleeps upstairs every night and can walk up the full flight of 15 stairs every day and back down. They never expected this to be something he could accomplish.
Britney continues to work with her dad on his arm and leg exercises as she has time and progress is also being seen in the movement of his arm. Don is still not able to speak. They have been able to obtain through insurance Dynavox system which will help in many areas of his therapy. You can access their website and find out more about this wonderful tool at www.dynavoxtech.com.
One of the hardest days of the last 3 months was the day we had to clean out Don’s office at MNU. Don is now on total disability. He has been approved for Social Security benefits because he is disabled.
Don has made several trips to Palco with Dale his brother and very much enjoys his time on the farm. Josh is taking care of the horses at Hillsdale and plans are still uncertain as to what will be done with the horses considering the current state of the economy.
The holidays were great fun. Mary Eaton was able to come to the area and Britney hosted Christmas dinner for the family and Barbara’s family had their gathering on Christmas Eve. January 17th the twins turned 5 and there was much celebration. Needless to say, visits to Scott and Britney’s are frequent and fun filled. Grand-children do that for all of us.
Plans are to start Don back on his therapy during the New Year. Unfortunately, under the insurance plan, he will only be eligible for 20 days of each type of therapy, which is not nearly enough.
Barbara continues to be at Don’s side 24/7. In the coming days, the Madonna Doctors have suggested Barbara taking short ( 30 minute) outings to let Don take of himself .
Don loves visitors and watching a game on TV or a movie is a good activity for him so he doesn’t have to feel pressured to talk. Give them a call and plan a visit. It will do you as much good as it will do them to see the miracle that has happened in Don’s life.
Since coming home, Barbara has found a Doctor that was willing to test Don for sleep apnea. He has had 2 sleep studies and does indeed have sleep apnea. The Dr’s are working on getting him help as he stopped breathing 27 times in an hour during the test. This severe degree can contribute to strokes and heart attacks.
A.B. and Mary Ann Showalter have been great source of encouragement and strength. They like many of you pray for us every day. They put out a challenge in the late fall to the college and friends of Don and Barbara to match their donation of $1,000 to help with medical expenses and insurance. Thanks be to God for 4 who met that challenge. Each of these donations will almost cover 1 month’s health insurance. They are currently on Cobra which only lasts 18 months. Donations are still being accepted at Security Savings Bank. Many thanks go out to those who have already made contributions. Don and Barbara continue to face new challenges, but their faith and the prayers and support of others are helping them through each day.
A personal note from Barbara:
I am very thankful for the many things done by our Sunday School Class, Solid Foundation, to help us adjust to our new situation since we have been home. Many others helped prior to our coming home and although we attempted to make a list we are sure it is not complete. Thanks to all of you who saw the need and used your gifts and talents to help us. Thanks also to those that pray for us daily and encourage us. Those prayers and words of encouragement remind us that we have not been forgotten. Please continue to pray for Don as he adjusts to the loss of his career and ministry to the university and the churches on Mid America Educational Zone.
Britney continues to work with her dad on his arm and leg exercises as she has time and progress is also being seen in the movement of his arm. Don is still not able to speak. They have been able to obtain through insurance Dynavox system which will help in many areas of his therapy. You can access their website and find out more about this wonderful tool at www.dynavoxtech.com.
One of the hardest days of the last 3 months was the day we had to clean out Don’s office at MNU. Don is now on total disability. He has been approved for Social Security benefits because he is disabled.
Don has made several trips to Palco with Dale his brother and very much enjoys his time on the farm. Josh is taking care of the horses at Hillsdale and plans are still uncertain as to what will be done with the horses considering the current state of the economy.
The holidays were great fun. Mary Eaton was able to come to the area and Britney hosted Christmas dinner for the family and Barbara’s family had their gathering on Christmas Eve. January 17th the twins turned 5 and there was much celebration. Needless to say, visits to Scott and Britney’s are frequent and fun filled. Grand-children do that for all of us.
Plans are to start Don back on his therapy during the New Year. Unfortunately, under the insurance plan, he will only be eligible for 20 days of each type of therapy, which is not nearly enough.
Barbara continues to be at Don’s side 24/7. In the coming days, the Madonna Doctors have suggested Barbara taking short ( 30 minute) outings to let Don take of himself .
Don loves visitors and watching a game on TV or a movie is a good activity for him so he doesn’t have to feel pressured to talk. Give them a call and plan a visit. It will do you as much good as it will do them to see the miracle that has happened in Don’s life.
Since coming home, Barbara has found a Doctor that was willing to test Don for sleep apnea. He has had 2 sleep studies and does indeed have sleep apnea. The Dr’s are working on getting him help as he stopped breathing 27 times in an hour during the test. This severe degree can contribute to strokes and heart attacks.
A.B. and Mary Ann Showalter have been great source of encouragement and strength. They like many of you pray for us every day. They put out a challenge in the late fall to the college and friends of Don and Barbara to match their donation of $1,000 to help with medical expenses and insurance. Thanks be to God for 4 who met that challenge. Each of these donations will almost cover 1 month’s health insurance. They are currently on Cobra which only lasts 18 months. Donations are still being accepted at Security Savings Bank. Many thanks go out to those who have already made contributions. Don and Barbara continue to face new challenges, but their faith and the prayers and support of others are helping them through each day.
A personal note from Barbara:
I am very thankful for the many things done by our Sunday School Class, Solid Foundation, to help us adjust to our new situation since we have been home. Many others helped prior to our coming home and although we attempted to make a list we are sure it is not complete. Thanks to all of you who saw the need and used your gifts and talents to help us. Thanks also to those that pray for us daily and encourage us. Those prayers and words of encouragement remind us that we have not been forgotten. Please continue to pray for Don as he adjusts to the loss of his career and ministry to the university and the churches on Mid America Educational Zone.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
It doesn't seem possible that six months have gone by. We have lots to share and much to thank God for. Check back for a new look and new year updates!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Trip to Palco
Last weekend, Dale and Don went to Palco, their home in western Kansas. According to Don, his mother spoiled him as you might expect. There was also some talk about a ride on an ATV. Dan Eaton joined Dale and Don, so Mary had all three of her boys. In the past that meant hard work, good food, and some mischief and it appears nothing has changed!
Don and Barbara also attended their Sunday School Class party. Their friends in this class have been amazing to help with meals, bathroom repairs, and much more. Huge thanks to all of them.
We are still praying for Don's continued healing. Please join us in praying that Don will continue to make progress and that Don and Barbara will be able to meet the challenges of each day - emotionally, physically and financially.
Don and Barbara also attended their Sunday School Class party. Their friends in this class have been amazing to help with meals, bathroom repairs, and much more. Huge thanks to all of them.
We are still praying for Don's continued healing. Please join us in praying that Don will continue to make progress and that Don and Barbara will be able to meet the challenges of each day - emotionally, physically and financially.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
HOME AT LAST!!
Don and Barbara returned home on Friday evening and are settling in and working on a daily schedule. Please keeping watching the blog for further information.
kjw
kjw
Monday, October 13, 2008
COMING HOME TO STAY!
Dear friends,
I know how busy everyone is, but I thought it would be fun for Don and Barbara to get welcome home cards or stop by if you live in the area during the days following their return. Please call if you are planning a personal visit as Don will have appts and you might even catch him at the farm.
Don and Barbara love to eat out - who doesn't so invite them to join you. Barbara also needs to run errands etc. so if you are a football fan, come watch a game with Don. His enthusiasm for football has NOT changed. I am sure he will be on campus and if his last visit is any indication will be a people magnet. There was lots of hugging going on. We are so very excited that they will finally be home to stay!
kjw
I know how busy everyone is, but I thought it would be fun for Don and Barbara to get welcome home cards or stop by if you live in the area during the days following their return. Please call if you are planning a personal visit as Don will have appts and you might even catch him at the farm.
Don and Barbara love to eat out - who doesn't so invite them to join you. Barbara also needs to run errands etc. so if you are a football fan, come watch a game with Don. His enthusiasm for football has NOT changed. I am sure he will be on campus and if his last visit is any indication will be a people magnet. There was lots of hugging going on. We are so very excited that they will finally be home to stay!
kjw
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It doesn't seem possible, but 1 week from today Don and Barbara will be returning to Olathe to STAY!! They have been hard at work these weeks they have been away and of course anxious to be "HOME". There will be lots of activity around the Eaton home this week and if you have talents or time you would like to invest, please let us know. (913-205-8542). I have not gotten an update on the account set up to help with expenses, but if you would like to contribute that would be wonderful. I know the prayers, cards and words of encouragement have carried them through many rough days. Of course, we will continue to encourage and pray for them as they return to Olathe.
kjw
kjw
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Lincoln update
Don and Barbara are back in Lincoln after a weekend visit home. Don is busy working hard and the pictures will show his adventures in water therapy. They will be in Lincoln until at least mid October. Your continued prayers for progress in his therapy is greatly appreciated. Also, prayers for their financial situation during these tough days as they transition to a partial income without benefits.
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