One step back…
So the appointment at the neurologist didn’t go as hoped. On the bright side, the MRI of his spine didn’t show any new lesions. On the dark side, his EEG has them worried.
Now they want an MRI of his brain with contrast. He has to have blood work done beforehand because the hospital won’t do the MRI without the blood work.
His nurse practitioner (with whom he had the appointment) and his neurologist were both in the room at the end of the appointment. Not something that happens often and something I find a tad disconcerting.
There big concern was his one medication, Ampyra. It can cause seizures. What they found on his EEGs had them concerned.
He is showing more muscle weakness as of late. His balance is poor and he needs to use the walker and rollator more.
I can see the day coming where I will need to get help in for him, and I have no idea how we will manage to pay for that.
What scares me the most, is that the time to do this, is coming closer at a faster rate.
Well, we’ll deal with it when it gets here. For now, as usual, it’s one day at a time.
You all have a good one.
Posted on March 13, 2013, in MS related and tagged Author, Caregiver, Disability, Doggoned, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Writer. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Doggonedmysteries 
I used to work in non-medical, in-home eldercare (something of a misnomer, that; most of our clients were elderly, but we had a wide assortment of ages when it came to clients with disabilities), and there may be programs that could help pay for some (if not all) of in-home help costs. It’s worth looking into. These kinds of programs will often pay not only for the assistance he needs but also for respite care, so that you can get out and get a break from being the primary caregiver. My experience is in Ohio, so I’m not sure what programs PA has. They’re usually income-based, so if Curmudgeon and you fall below the income guidelines, you can get help that’s paid for. I would suggest contacting your local area’s agency on aging (or something like that) now, explain your situation, and ask which agency you should consult with if Curmudgeon doesn’t meet age guidelines for their eldercare programs. They would know who to contact. That way, if you get the info now, you’ll know what you need to do when you do need help for him. I hope you’ll find that you qualify for existing programs. (I wish I could do more to help! But info is what I can offer.)
Thank you for the information!
Wishing you the best future.
–JW