I thought it was time for an update on my wife's condition.

The infection in my wife's brain is now gone.  YEA!  The MRI does show some permanent brain damage where the pockets of infections were located.  There are many of them, but they are quite small.

She still has some memory laspes, but can remember most things.  Some laspes are recent, some longer back.  A bit more emotional than before, but that could be due to the stress, and not the damage.  Her mind is good, but not quite what it was before.  If you didn't know her well you would not pick up on that at all.   Meg (my 16 year old) and I can easily see it.  She was always intellegent and is still smarter than some people I know, and getting better.   Physically, she is still very limited and weak, but showing slight improvement.

Three days ago she managed to get in the bathtub, and back out by herself.  She has to use a bench in the tub, she can't get down in, but untill a few days ago could not get her legs high enough to step over the edge get in.  We had to help her. Granted I now have a hand rail and other things for her to grab and help.  That is a huge leap as far as I'm concerned.

She now uses a quad cane, and can make it to the minivan and back into the house by herself.   That has her about worn out, but she can do it.  When we go to the stores, etc, we use a wheel chair or a riding electric cart (many stores have them) to get her around. She is still very unsteady on her feet, or even off of them.  But she is doing some knitting and crochet work again.  She makes some fabulous stuff.

Now it's a matter of time.  How much the damage will affect her long term is unknown.  She may make new connections, and bypass the damage, but maybe not.  It's rough learning to walk and do things again, but she is gaining on it.   Part of the question is how much is regaining strength, and how much is from the brain damage.  Either way at least some, if not all, may be recoverable. But as the doctors put it, she may recover completely, or never get better than she is on any given day.

She still cannot handle steps, and uses the ramp I build on the back of the house to get in and out.  When I pull  the van all the way up the drive behind the Vette, the ramp lines up with the van door.   Our bedroom is upstairs, and is the only thing upstairs.  Small house.  She can't get there.  So she is sleeping in Meg's room.  And Meg is sleeping on an air mattress in the living room.  Not ideal, but it won't last forever.  I hope.

Full recovery is not likely, but almost full recovery is possible, and what we are hoping for.  Again, time will tell.

We both are praying for your wife recovery to be over with fast and she regains all her memory.   Her improvement is great to hear.   May more come.

Ken,

it's been a tough year for you and your family.  I pray the Lord gives Debbie her health back and you the patience to see it thru.  as always, if I can help in any way , just give me a call.

Hank

Good to hear Ken, We'll continue our prayers for continued recovery.

Matt

MOST EXCELLENT...!!!