Test Results

I wanted to update everyone on some of the initial test results we do have. Just so you know this is all just initial thoughts that the doctor had after reviewing the tests. The pulmonary function test indicated that Don only uses 50% of his lung capacity. This is caused by his muscle weakness in his chest which restricts his ability to breathe deeply. Because of this Don's heart works harder to compensate and subsequently his right atrium is enlarged.

The amazing part of all this is that Don has remained relatively healthy all these years without having any respiratory or heart problems which is truly a sign of God's hand in his life. Even the doctor looked at these numbers on paper and shook her head....looked at Don and couldn't explain how he was doing that well. She said she would expect him to be huffing and puffing and struggling to breathe based on the numbers in front of her....but sitting in front of her was a normal looking guy not struggling at all. Don and I honestly told her that God just protects and uses him. When there is no real medical explanation...you turn to the spiritual one.

Don also has osteoporosis which is shallow bone weakness. So, our next recommended step is to go do some testing at the University hospital here in Denver which is one of the top pulmonary hospitals in the country. They may know some more specifics about Don's disorder and be able to give us direction on where to go from here. So, until that all happens we just pray for his health continually.

On another note...Don has received his power wheelchair this weekend....he loves it, I am getting used to it....we are both unsure if we should take it with us on this next trip to Portland. We are all going to Portland on Friday for Brad (one of Don's old club kids and staff from Sacramento) wedding. Our girls are going to be flower girls for the first time and Don is officiating the wedding. So it should be interesting. The reason we question taking the wheelchair is because of how it is broken down...and being able to fit that chair AND our luggage and stroller in our rental car. Since we just got it I am on a learning curve on putting it together and taking it apart....on the chair don has now it takes me about 15 seconds...on the new chair anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes. I am just not sure a trip with everyone is the right place to "try" it out. So, we will see...we have to decide tonight!!!:)

Before all that happens though Don has to go to Steamboat Tues-Fri for meetings. So, this week will be very busy getting ready for the big trip and being by myself with the kiddos. I WILL TAKE PLENTY OF PICS AND UPDATE PROBABLY WHEN WE GET HOME!!!

have a great week.