Home again!

Dell and Kate

Houlder  & some infra-screen

After our weekend of reading, exploring a little, Houlder resting, watching movies, and eating, we headed into Monday visiting the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Clinic on another campus of Mayo.  During an intake we learned that the three week program basically has a 100% success rate of getting kids with POTS up and going again.  Not at full speed but the intake doctor spoke of Houlder being able to swim again even this summer and for school again.  So, we head back most likely the end of April into May for this program.  Family participates four hours a day and he works 8 hours a day.  Weekends off.  

It is the only facility in the world which does this.

Thank you universe!

After this visit, we headed back to the hotel and hung out for a bit.  Then, we headed for the MRIs.  He was in the tube for about 2 hours getting three different types of images.  

Monday evening we had dinner at Mac's a local's Greek restaurant.  Yummy food and even more yummy milkshakes.  We came back to room and watched Jack and Jill not Adam Sandler's greatest movie but we laughed which is always good.

Tuesday was relatively free  until we met with neurosurgeon and neurologist.  Houlder rode the bike 11 minutes.  He has a very controlled exercise schedule to build his strength without the fall out of over straining his muscles.  I hit the pool and hot tub.  

Neurosurgeon does not recommend surgery at this time which is exactly what we wanted to hear!  Yippee!  The MRI showed us that his cerebral spinal fluid is flowing despite the low hanging cerebral tonsils.  The visit was only five minutes, but it more than answered our questions and showed us what we needed to see.  If the treatment is unsuccessful and he is still suffering with headache and dizziness, then we will revisit this anomaly.

This was Minnesota in March.

The only bummer was that Houlder felt rotten as we left and agitated.  One of nurses in POTS clinic gave him some relaxation CDs to help with the pain.  We headed back to the room and for two hours he listened, seemed to calm down, and settled without sleeping.  Good to know all that swim training is helping him. I used the time to start planning SRA social events for the spring and summer.  Glad to have that time to think and plan.

"I look through a half-opened door into the future full of interest,intriguing beyond my powers to describe."  William Mayo stained glass within hospital

Mayo Clinic

More sculpture which is everywhere around Mayo

When we headed to neurologist, I also used the time to schedule a visit for Frazer.  I am trying to coordinate it when Houlder returns.  For Frazer has recently learned that he has PANDAS to add to his little laundry list.  But, I feel confident getting him here will help guide and heal Frazer.  The neurologist supported the neurosurgeon's view and went over a few other things including the rehab.  He invited Houlder to come visit him when he is back.

When we headed back to room, Houlder still felt rough and wanted to listen to more of the CDs.  The weather was so mild all the the local establishments were putting out chairs and tables and umbrellas.  I wanted to hang outside.  Up he went and down I sat on this sofa in front of the hotel.  I played words with friends, texted friends the good news, talked to William.  A pleasant hour.  If I had only had a beer....

Heritage Gallery at Mayo; a mini museum

Will emailing, "Could this be the trim?"

We had dinner for the 4th time at the best restaurant we have found, Pescara, in our hotel.  The portions are huge, and we have eaten leftovers for lunch.  Last night we shared everything.  We talked.  Houlder eyed the couple next to us as they were over the top.  Of course, he was not subtle and needing a few reining-ins.  We ended the evening looking forward to coming home, talking to Porter, wishing my father-in-law happy birthday, and talking to my mother.  

We saw at least five different grand pianos.  This is one of the main lobbies.  People can play whenever.  Or sing.

We are mostly packed.  We have tons of booklets to bring home and the two binders I had sent in July.  A few treats for my sweet boys whom I missed and many feelings of relief and gratitude.  Friends have continued to support us and offer us such loving words.  They have had my kids over, found niches where they can feel good and be distracted by our absence, and reached out to reassure me.

Fruit ninja while we wait for neurologist.

'this one?"

William again emailing about the trim.

William has been a rock star.  Handling work, renovations, three kids, baseball, feeding, shopping, homeschooling, the dogs, the cats, life.  I am fortunate.  This path is not for the faint of heart, and we trod it.  Together.  Tired.  Trying to laugh.  Managing.  Greying.  But doing it.  These sons of mine are blessed to have such a role model in their dad.  I hope that they know that one day.

Up to pack the bags, have breakfast and head to an airport smaller than Key West's.  

To borrow from Ralph Waldo Emerson

      For each new morning with its light

      For rest and shelter of the night,

      For health and food, for love and friends,

      For everything Thy goodness sends.

Theory into Practice.