Get Well Clarkie!

Hi there

Yesterday Aaron and I had a visit to the Nerve Specialist at Auckland City Hosptial.  The goal was to continue on from the Sensory tests that the physio’s at Rehab Plus had done to try and confirm a reason for the tingling and numbness in Aaron’s left leg and arm.  He has had this since the accident with the leg being slightly more so than the arm.

The doctor was unsure as to exactly what areas to focus in on as he needed more conculsive evidence that certain nerves were in question.  So instead he did some general testing on Aaron’s left arm and leg.  This involved electrodes being attached to the area testing and then small electric shocks given to each area.

The doctors summary was that all Aaron’s nerve responses were normal.  What this then indicates (although its not yet conclusive) is that the numbness and tingling does not appear to be related to nerve damage, which is good.  It is more likely to be related to his head injury. 

What is good about this is that Aaron thinks that the numbness has subsided slightly.  This is also the case with his tongue being able to move to the left slightly more.  So we are hoping that over time this will improve more.

One of the things that the Nerve Guy mentioned was that he would be happy to test the right side as well (the side of his pelvic injury) but he wants further Neuro tests done first to give him more information. 

This morning was a doctors appointment with the Rehab Plus consulting doctor and he has confirmed this will happen.  It will be a full test including sensory, motor skills, balance, nerves etc.  This will happen either tomorrow if they can squeeze him in or the week following Christmas so I’m really happy about that.  It will be done by the in-house PT team.

The rest of the appointment with the Consulting Doctor well really well and he has been given top marks across everything!  Aaron is now feeding and medicating himself (one pill crushed into his liquid food every day) and they are very pleased with his progress.

The good news is that now that Aaron is more mobile on the walker frame they are going to discontinue his blood thinning injection that he is now giving himself daily.  So another thing bites the dust which is great!  He will however do periodic leg exercises when he is lying on his bed.

A good couple of days all round.

Most exciting is that Aaron will come out to my and Andrew’s house tomorrow night on Christmas Eve and stay until Boxing Day!!!  We will have all the family with Mum and Ray, Dad and Karolle, Andrew’s parents Margaret & John and our step bother Eric.  I can’t wait. 

This is a very special Christmas for us all as we never thought it would be as happy an occasion.  We are truly blessed to have Aaron still with us and even better for him to not be brain damaged at all and scooting along on his walker with a big cheeky smile on his face.

Happy Christmas to you all from us here in Auckland/Northland.  Thank you for staying up to date and for all your incredible support and wishes.  You are an incredible bunch of people.

Love Megan and the NZ team xxx