First full day at home by myself. It went pretty well. I did get a little dizzy a time or two but I spent most of the day resting. I did notice the stuttering was a bit more pronounced but I think that was just realizing I am here by myself. Luckily my wife is just down the road and we do have neighbors. I was able to help out with the girls this morning. One of my biggest concerns has been being in the way instead of helping out. I felt I did ok. Just being home and seeing the girls. Right now my disability is approved through April 29th which is my next doctor's appointment. I know already it will be extended because there are a lot of things that have to be addressed. One thing I know is I am not going to rush things this time around. I have to be whole for my wife and children. Another thing I know is I have one excellent manager who cares and has looked out for me like no other. I expect home therapy will come tomorrow so that part of the recovery will begin. I feel like I am getting around the house ok but I just have to take it slow. I am also having PVC's but I had them in the hospital a lot so it must be stress. Still, God is in control and we continue to trust him.

This is the great coming home day! The doctor said I had made wonderful progress but it was the beginning of a long recovery. They have me set to follow up with my primary care giver and to get proper counseling The one thing that keeps sticking out is they are treating me as if I had a stroke. The nurse even said they put me on plavix to "prevent another stroke." So, did I have a stroke or not? I tend to think they just arent sure but are just being cautious. The one thing I have learned through of this is that I will not rush back. I will take the time necessary to get well so that I can be all that my family deserves. I want to thank the hospital and staff at Palmetto healthsouth and Lexington medical center for all they did for us. I have come a long ways and realize there is a lot of work left to do but with my wife and children at my side I will get through this.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy have all gone well. I am stronger and able to do things for myself that just a few weeks ago would not have been possible. My physical therapist wants me to take things slowly and thinks we need to build a ramp for our stairs so I guess we need to look into that. Right now, the plan is to send me home tomorrow where I will begin home therapy. I don't know how long I will be down but one thing I will not do is make the mistake of pushing myself back to work. I will take the time necessary to properly heal and get better. I have had enough of hospitals to last a lifetime. But, I have to say the folks here have been wonderful. The care they have given me is second to none. One thing I can say is HealthSouth is a great place with caring professionals and a place I would recommend to anyone. We will have to make some adjustments to our home but it is not major just a rail for me to climb our few stairs. Hopefully it will not take much but they said it is a good idea even with someone who is completely healthy. So, hopefully we can have this put in and make my movement around the house easier. I can't wait to be back home. To be in my own home with my wife and children and to be able to provide for them in the way they deserve. I know we have to be patient but with all we have been through we know we can survive most anything. So, what lessons have I learned? The biggest is there is no test too big for God and no problem he wont see us through. He truly is a wonderful and loving God even in the midst of the storm.

Another day of therapy. It is going well and I do feel I am getting better every day. My speech is much better but when I get stressed then the stuttering starts again. Right now, the plan remains for me to go home Wednesday but the neuropshychologist still has not been by so I don't know if that will delay things or not. But, I did get some good news. My social worker said that my insurance will pay for home health care until I am able to drive myself for outpatient care. I have not been given any idea as to how long this will all take but I don't plan to rush it. I really want to be sure things are ok before I try to return to work which will be a while. God has truly blessed us through all of this and we give him all the glory. I just can't wait to get home. Emily has cautioned me not to get too excited because they could extend things and I know she is right but I just have to be focused on going home! I am ready to sleep in my own bed next to my beautiful wife and in the same house as my wonderful children. Wednesday cannot get here soon enough for me. One thing I have learned is conversion disorder is a serious yet treatable illness. I wonder how many folks go misdiagnosed because doctors cannot see it through a microscope so they miss it. So, another day of therapy and accomplishment!

There are few things in this world as nice as a picnic in the spring time. So, today, my wife brought the girls and some kfc to visit me and we went outside. The facility I am in has a wonderfuul picnic area. The girls enjoy riding with daddy on thhe wheelchair and they have kind of become mascots for the facility. They always bring a smile to the nursing staff and the other residents. For me, it is like a medicine that cannot be described. I do get tired but it is worth it and I enjoy every second of it. Hopefully we are in the final few days of my stay here and I will be able to go home mid week. But, once again, it was a very good day. Thank you to my wife for thinking of a picnic on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Today I was allowed a day pass to leave the hospital. What a great day it was. I had PT this morning then Emily, her mom, and the girls came and got me. We went to Lizard Thicket for lunch. I found that I can move fairly well with the walker so that is good news. We then went to Cottia's softball game. They didn't keep score but Cottia hit the ball twice. She didn't run very fast though and was out both times by a hair. After that, I went home. I was never so happy in my life to see my home. I sat in my chair and took a nap. I did find that I can climb the stairs as long as I take it slowly and one step at a time. Then, it was time to come back to the hospital. Emily and I had some alone time to eat and just be together which was nice. Now, I am back at the hospital feeling a bit down but so happy that I had this day with my family. I miss them so much. I know we still have a ways to go but today was a good day.

So, here I sit still in the hospital and wondering how much longer it will be. They have told me they hope to have me home by Wednesday but they are not sure. All I know is with every passing day my heart grows more and more tired wishing I were home with my family. There are issues with my blood pressure but I don't think they are too worried about it. One time it is high the other it is low. Very strange. Physical Therapy is going well and I am able to do more and more everyday. I am encouraged from that point of view. i also have more of an appetite than I have had in a while. I can move my leg and feet some and can even lift it a few inches off the ground. So, that is great news. They still don't know why my left foot goes numb but I guess it is nothing to be too concerned about. My spirits were really down yesterday because of how much I miss my family. But, hopefully it is for only a few more days. I did recieve news that I can take a day pass and leave the facility tomorrow as long as it does not interfer with my physical therapy. I don't know my schedule so right now I am on hold. I just hope my Pt is Sunday so I can leave for at least a few hours tomorrow. I'm not sure how things will go when I go home but I am so ready to get there. Still, when I look around me and see all these other folks in far worse shape then I am, I am blessed and I have to remember that. On another note, I did see a new surgeon to follow up on my bariatric surgery. I have just had enough of the other practice. I was made to feel so welcome and important so I feel it was the right decision. My weight is good so really I am on maintainence. More to come as I continue this journey.