Cleveland, Ohio here we come!

I had took mom to yet another doctor last Friday who gave us his opinion and some tests he thought should be done.  Armed with that info, we went to her recheck appointment with her Tuscaloosa neurologist this morning.  Her symptoms have been getting worse and no relief seemed to be in sight.  Her doctors have tried so many drugs, but nothing has alleviated her symptoms.  Mom's quality of life is at an all time low right now.  And although we have an appointment at Mayo, we haven't been sure how she was going to make it until Oct. 23.  After discussing the recommendations from the other physician with her Tusc neuro, we were completely and utterly deflated when he didn't agree with any of the recommendations.  Tears started flowing.  Tissue handed out.  After discussing how unsatisfied with UAB Neurology and how mom needed help as soon as possible, he asked us if we would like for him to refer us to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio or Mayo clinic.  We told him about her appointment at Mayo on Oct. 23 and how we couldn't get one any sooner.  He talked of the good results he had gotten from the Cleveland Clinic recently.  We told him we would go where he recommended and could get an appointment the soonest.  Mom's neuro said he would have his chief nurse work on getting us the appointment and let us know something no later than tomorrow.  He is also increasing one of mom's meds and starting a new one.  We left the appointment with mixed feelings.  Defeated.  Sad.  Frustrated.  Hopeful, but cautious.

I had to look twice when the neurologist's name popped up on my phone.  His nurse was calling to tell me she had mom an appointment with the Cleveland Clinic for Sept. 3!!  I'm still in shock, but so, so relieved.  Three weeks is a whole lot better than ten weeks.  Yes, we will certainly take that appointment.  In the meantime we are hoping and praying the next three weeks are manageable for mom.  Praying for her endurance and strength (and my dad's) to hang on a little longer.  Praying for my party of five to get through this without too many bumps, bruises, and scars along the way.

In an attempt to help his Nanny, my sweet-hearted, precious souled son, has been doing his own "research".  Oh, how this broke my heart when I saw it.  We try so hard to shield them from these terrible trials of life, but they know when the ones they love are suffering.