Jan 16

First of all, Clem has really enjoyed all his visitors; thanks for coming. If you're short on time to visit, you can call his room. I won't post the number here, but you can call or email me for it. If you plan to visit, daytime is hit or miss because of his therapy schedule, but after afternoon therapy and a bit of rest, around 3:30 p.m. or later is when you are most likely to catch him.

Yesterday I wrote that we had a doctor's visit. This particular doctor is especially skilled on evaluating medications for a patient's specific condition. He came by around 11 p.m. on Monday night and stayed until almost midnight. After his visit, I was extremely relieved to know that Clem is receiving the meds he needs for sleeping, pain management and for his memory. You all know that he slept through the night, but I hadn't posted that it was after the doctor's visit. Now you probably have a better idea why I was so relieved to see the doctor that I had requested to see on Friday when Clem was admitted. 

Talked to Clem this morning and he told me that his hip was hurting him, so he didn't sleep well. They took an XRay of his hip on Sunday and it revealed that he has some arthritis in that area. The pain could be because of the arthritis, or a result of all the therapy, or a combination of both. Prior to this Clem hasn't had much pain (which is surprising to me) so this is the first time we've had an issue with pain. Also, as a matter of interest, yesterday his missing foot hurt, a first real taste of that phantom pain we've heard talked about. 

I know that a lot of you are concerned about Clem's reaction to his missing leg. Most of the time it's not even an issue and some times he even has a sense of humor about yet. Yesterday, while I helped the OT give Clem a shower, was an instance of this humor. After being seated on the tub chair and offered the hand held shower head, he sprayed the empty space where his leg would have been and said, "Let's wash this one first" gave it a quick squirt and went about his bathing (he also sprayed us once or twice; not sure if it was entirely an accident)! 

Well, need to continue working on getting the house prepared for Clem's return, as well as paperwork and calls to insurance companies, his work, the hospital, etc., etc.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated as well as your friendship and support. Please continue to keep Clem and us in your prayers. Looks like next week on the 24th Clem will have surgery on his left arm back at LSU. It is an outpatient surgery so we should be back the same day.

Everyday is a miracle but in times like these we most feel God's presence and see His hand doing mighty works. God not only has a purpose for Clem's life, but for all our lives. Jeremiah 29:10-13 promises, " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." 

Open your hearts to God's will and He will show you your way. Keep the faith friends and blessings to you, DV