Mike and I thought that most of you would like and deserve an update as to how things are really going with him.
Over the course of the winter we had many talks as how work would go in the spring. Would Mike or wouldn't Mike be able to work full time and keep up his rather rigorous job at the soccer complex with the Iowa Cubs Sports Turf Management. With the frost finally gone and spring pretty much here, we now have our answers.
Mike is not currently working as of April 1. He has filed for disability and while waiting for all the paper work to make its way through the system he is not able to work. He's hoping to work part time or a couple days a week once the Iowa Cubs get things in line and give him the go ahead. Mike and I have truly been blessed with such a great employer. They are doing everything possible right now to make sure that we are not in a sticky situation and keeping us up to date with the latest progress. Hopefully in the next couple weeks we will know exactly how things will pan out and go from there.
The other thing that Mike has been working on is gaining weight. Yes! You heard me right...Mike of all people is trying to gain weight regardless of the Poll genes :) His last MDA clinic appointment with Dr. Hansen gave us a lot to think about. As of last September Mike has lost 16 pounds and that's not always helpful when dealing with ALS. They have put Mike on an "all you can eat diet" (2500+ calories/day) for two weeks to see if it achievable; chewing and eating takes a little more effort these days. If it works out then he will get an additional two weeks to put on weight. If weight is not gained in that 4 week time frame then the next step will be to put in a peg (feeding tube). This is obviously something neither one of us wants, but we know that maintaining a decent wait will be more beneficial to Mike in the long run. Some may view a feeding tube as devastating, but Mike will still be able to enjoy a meal like the rest of us and supplement if needed for additional nutrition with the peg.
We are also in the works on building a ramp later this spring/early summer. Right now we are taking bids and plan to have it built on the front of our house sooner than later due to difficulties in taking steps and maintaining balance. We think Ruby may get a kick out of it as well. More on the ramp later I'm sure!
We hope that this gives you a much needed update and pinpoints where prayers would be appreciated as we keep moving forward with the journey before us!
Kim
