Smooth Sailing

We're actually still in the hospital as I write this update!  Things have gone so well, we're ready to go home now at 9 in the morning, but we have to wait for Rick to have yet one more hospital meal!  Those of you who know Rick well know that he will not pass up on ANY food.

5:30am ready to get admitted.

Everything went extremely well yesterday.  We are so thankful for God's protection and his sovereign plan for our lives.  Having confidence in Him and not just the doctors truly provides a level of peace that makes facing something like brain surgery so much easier! 


We were really surprised in pre-op when his stimulator that was implanted back in October was shut off.  IMMEDIATELY his tremor started, and it actually was quite violent at the start.  It was a dramatic moment that made us both realize how much it had been helping.  Since the first stimulator was implanted and programmed it hasn't been as perfect as we'd like, so seeing this was a huge eye opener. 

Rick all smiles with his ice pack on his head!

The time flew by for me while Rick was in surgery, thanks to great friends who kept me company and distracted me!  By the time I got to see Rick we were on our way to his room.  He had ZERO pain, and other than the ice pack he really enjoyed on his head, he didn't need anything for his head!  He was quite alert this time for a few hours and was able to successful enjoy a meal without falling asleep mid bite! 

Everything has gone quick & easy this morning.  The staff has been terrific and everyone has made us feel so special.  I'm not sure that they get very many DBS patients as happy & easy as Rick!   We'll be going home this afternoon and then coming back tomorrow to have the stimulator implanted on his right side. 

Neither of us looking our best, but happy to be together!

I was able to capture a video this morning of Rick after his MRI.  The stimulator implanted in October had to be shut off before he could have his MRI.  This is about 2 minutes long and it's Rick trying to turn the stimulator back on.  He's never done it before, so it doesn't turn on until I walk over and actually turn it back on for him.  It's really remarkable.  His right side is most visible in this video.  He's also on medication when this was taken so it's not as dramatic as yesterday morning.  I think you'll enjoy this. 

Rick & I want to thank everyone for their love & support.  We continue to be blown away by the love that we fell from our friends near & far.  It's hard not to feel special when you have so many wonderful people in your corner.  We love and appreciate all of you so very, very much!