Nine days ago we had our road trip to see the neurosurgeon in Indianapolis to find out what our next move was going to be. And, as it turned out, there wasn't really a next move.
The doctor feels -- and we agree -- that the surgery is far too risky given the location of Kim's bleed, and the recovery would be far worse than her symptoms are. The danger of lasting neurological damage far outweighs the potential for another bleed in her brain in the near future.
So, barring another bleed or some other major change in her three malformations, she just gets to keep them.
The surgeon said there's always a possibility of another bleed, and the consequences of course could be dire if one happens. But honestly the same is true of stepping outside and getting behind the wheel of a car. Her symptoms aren't of a sort that give him serious pause at this point, and she's on an upswing right now, rather than staying the same or deteriorating.
Is she out of the woods? No. But the leading expert we've spoken with believes that she is on the right course, and time and therapy will win the day.
To that end...here's what Kim's up to these days.
She's still stuck at home for the most part. But she's made leaps and bounds with her equilibrium issues, thanks in no small part to Dr. Moon at Fyzical in Granger. He found the exact exercises to target her issues and she's made amazing progress. There is still room to improve, but Kim is hopeful that before long she can work again, and even drive again.
She doesn't require much help from me walking anymore, she's able to do things around the house again, and she's handled all of it with the strength and sense of humor that reminds me that I married the right person.
The day after her appointment in Indy (Carmel, actually) we were in Syracuse for a visit and tasting at the venue for Emily's wedding in April.
It was a great day after a very heavy day.
It goes without saying that our lives have undergone a dramatic upheaval since this whole mess began, shortly after Thanksgiving. But the outpouring of support and love from all of you has been amazing. We're especially thankful for the shots in the arm given to us by Donna and Ken, Kim's aunts, our parents, and Michael and the rest of my brothers and sisters in my voiceover group. All of them stepped forward with something incredible at just the right time during a period of our lives that the phrase "a rough couple of months" falls short of describing.
So many of you have approached me for updates and told us that you're praying for her and sending us well-wishes. It would be impossible to tell you all what that has meant to us.
Suffice it to say that you've made a difference: lifted a mood, brought a smile, something.
Thank you all.