Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Casey Cochran: SIU

We're home!!! It was a long and tortured stay, but we're finally home from the Seizure Investigation Unit (*cue Law and Order gavel sound*). The neurologist said the good news is that the myoclonic seizures aren't getting worse. The other seizures are "stress-induced non-epileptic seizures." The tough part about this is that there's no pill to fix it. We're going to have to reassess what we're doing and see what changes we might need to make in order to reduce the stress on his body. This was a little more difficult to wrap our minds around, but I'm so glad it's nothing more severe.

As for my health issues, the official diagnosis is a herniated disc between the C5 and C6 vertebrae. This is what has been causing most of my headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and pain/numbness in my arms and thumbs. I'm going back on Monday for my first of 3 steroid injections to block the pain. He said it's not bad enough to warrant surgery right now. The injections, along with more stress management, chiropractic and water therapy, should alleviate the pain long term. Needless to say, Casey and I have a lot to talk about and lifestyle changes to make. Thanks SO much to everyone for the prayers, emails, and encouragement as we've battled through this.

As promised, here are a few pictures from Casey's hospital stay:


Natalie hooked him up as soon as we got there--22 electrodes!


Yeah, we look gross, but we're in a hospital so it's ok :)

Candy came to visit on Sunday

This is pretty much how he looked the whole time


Some of Casey's Delta Chi friends stopped by Tuesday night

We're on the road to recovery--YAY!!! :)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, WOW! Tell Casey he looks like a character from one of his video games -- maybe that will make him feel better! :) I'm glad there is an official diagnosis for each of you now, glad there's no need for surgery, and we'll be praying that you both can make the necessary adjustments to both feel better. This has got to feel good just knowing what this "isn't" and that you can do something about it. We love you.

Anonymous said...

Water therapy for your neck? Does that mean you get to have a hot tub for medical purposes????? :) Wonder if the insurance would go for that? :)

Anonymous said...

LOVE the electrode ponytail. :) That could've made a great Halloween costume to greet trick-or-treaters! I'm so glad you're home and hope you both get good rest time. Love you!

Kristi Petrak said...

Good night--I should have stopped by sooner. So sorry about all the trouble you've been going through health-wise. Just caught up on your blog. You just keep that positive attitude. God is there! Always!! Love you girl and am praying for you.

Deborah said...

Thank you for the update about your health. I appreciate the way you are giving God the glory for all of this--what a great example to us all!

Praying for your recovery...
Love,
Deborah

Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the updates. We will continue to pray for your healing.

Anonymous said...

Wow Rachel! I had no idea any of this was going on. Thankfully you are getting some answers and a plan. Most of all we can be thankful that God holds us in His hand!