Well as most of you know from Chat last night, been an interesting five days here at Chez Sparks.

After the incredible week we had, preparing for Bruce's college roommate's visit, Bruce went straight down hill starting on Friday afternoon. I have decided that when he is on duty and has a list of to-do's, he just functions better. Left on his own, he tanks. We did all our usual stuff and then the extra to prepare for Steve's arrival. Friday is my long day at work and Friday evenings are always a struggle (I may have to rethink this schedule). Bruce does not nap awaiting my return home, and then it is straight uphill from then until bedtime.

From Friday night until Monday night when Steve left, I did 11 loads of laundry, after the man went three full days of total continence. Leo did two more Monday night.

So today we started with a new Physiatrist. First thing was she upped Bruce's Baclofen dosing. He was put on the minimum to determine allergies for the pump trial last fall. As you all know it took three attempts, one finally with a specialist, to complete the trial. That took all winter. We had appointment with Physiatrist, and Bruce was sick. Had to reschedule, Bruce's Physiatrist left the practice and we had to wait for our new one. She said she felt bad that he was so tight and had to wait so long.

Bad news: the rash on his arm, almost now fully gone after six weeks, was impetigo. When was the last time you heard of that? And yes, he got it in the pool. Bruce has an incredible immune system, so was able to recover and not have it spread without antibiotics. Doc said it was a miracle I did not get it. I explained I was a Nurse and toxic anyway-lol.

Bruce will be on Medicare in September and Doc will re-apply for Botox at that time. Actually that was the reason I set up this first appointment, so come September, re-apply and lets get moving.

Doc was concerned with the incontinence, so we are seeing a Urologist in early September. My question was is the Ditropan really helping, yes he has made some progress; but if not, get him off it.

Doc was also concerned about his sleep pattern. I explained that overnight, pre-stroke he only required 6 to 7 hours. Then Bruce piped up and said, but I am awake from 3am but don't get out of bed until 5. So now we do have an issue. Bruce has a sleeping pill ordered, chose to come off it 3 months ago, but I told Doc I had some if he needed. Based on the Baclofen increase, she wants me to hold off the sleeping pill for a bit, waiting to see if the Baclofen helps with the sleep. Bruce has not taken Baclofen at 10 pm and with his Zanaflex and Tramadol, this may be enough for now, until he gets used to the increase in the Baclofen. With the extra 10 mg already on board for today, he has been sound asleep since I got home-that never happens, so figure with a dose still to come, tomorrow will be a down day. If he is up to going to work, we'll go, but OK if not.

I managed to get some much needed paperwork and phone calls in this afternoon. I do so try to stay on top of all that stuff, but amazing what a few days off will do. Made appointment for truck-have to leave it and not 10 minutes later, party that was to take me to pick it up called and cancelled. I was too tired to deal with it. My neighbor hopefully will be able to do it, if not it can sit there until Monday and I can get it with Leo. We still have Honda to get out and about for errands. And Jen will take him to pool in her Jeep on Friday.

Our visit with Steve was wonderful. Bruce and I had gone to the local farm for fruits and veggies. I grilled Salmon the first night. Steve cooked Chicken the next. He took down some branches that were overgrown over the deck, but mostly just sat and talked with his buddy. Lots of deck time, weather was perfect-humidity not too bad. Steve loves humidity being from NM, but Bruce at one point said "I have to go in". Steve grew up in Rhode Island and was here also to visit his parents and sister. Hated to see him go, but so appreciative of what he does for us. Just a very special person.