Friday, June 26, 2009

Brad update

We just met with the neurologist after all test results were compiled.  He went over every page, picture and test and Brad is healthy!  The doctor could see (and showed us) where there is some fluid in the base of the left side of Brad's brain.  This is a "variant of normal" according to this doctor and could not cause the problems that Brad had with his speech eleven days ago.  His conclusion was that it was either 1) Transient Ischemic Attack (the "mini" stroke) or 2) Complicated Migraines.  He decided to treat Brad for both giving him a low dose aspirin to prevent a recurrence of the TIA and another medication to prevent Migraine headaches.

We are feeling very relieved that Brad will not have to undergo any major treatment for something life-altering or life-threatening.  We will continue with our original plan to send all results to a physician in the U.S. for another opinion.  But for now we are going to continue our lives and jobs that we were called here to do.  But this was also a wake up call to live a healthier life and have committed to each other to change our eating and exercise habits.  We have to be good stewards of the bodies that God gave us.

We are so amazed at the outpouring of love and support that we have received.  We do not know how to express this to each and every one of you but to tell you that we would be honored to return the blessing one day.

9 comments:

Brent and Chris said...

Great news! Glad to hear it. thank you for the update.

Anonymous said...

my family and i in florida are all very excited to hear the good news! my parents said they'll see you soon!
-The Linnells-

Anonymous said...

Michelle and Brad - look you are bringing me into the 21st century! I have never been to a blog before and now I just have worried so much about you three that I couldn't wait for news. I actually am on your blog! I am so happy for the good news. I have been praying daily for you. I love you all and can hardly wait to see you again. Aunt Susan

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the update. I have been so anxious to see how Brad was and also to know if you were holding up okay through all of this. God is good. Mike and I will continue to keep you in our prayers. I pray that the Lord just blesses your lives richly. Thank you for the Kingdom work you are doing.
Love, Mary Jo and family

Laurel said...

So glad to hear your update news. We have been praying for you all and are so thankful for this report. One question I had was about his BP? Was that ever an issue during these events? Love you all, Laurel

Glenda said...

Wonderful news!! So glad to get your update! We will continue to keep the three of you in our prayers as you continue your ministry! By the way, I know a lady who has horrible migraines, and at times she cannot say what she wants to say.

Jackie said...

This is such good, good news! We are thanking God with you. Hope to talk with you soon. Much love to you all.

Mary Alice said...

Oh what a relief for you. I am so glad you have begun to get some answers that are understandable. You will continue to be in our prayers & we still miss you tons!

Mary Alice and Brian

SMHart said...

Okay, so this might sound goofy, but I was telling Ernest about Brad's symptoms last week, I believe it was. He looked at me and said, "it's absolutely an attack of spiritual proportions. I've seen it often in third world countries, (he's from Nigeria) where dedicated people come from overseas to spread the gospel, and it is the perfect time to target them, when they are most vulnerable".

I'm not sure what is different in those countries, compared to the states, but we don't see (maybe we're blind to it?) the spiritual manifestations that they do. Some say its voodoo, or what not, and I often want to scoff at it, but Ernest has some interesting stories, and I believe him, so I just have to believe that he's hit the nail on the head. (The older I get the more I realize that there are things in this world I will never understand). He says that the best thing to do is to pray against it, pray for health, and healing, and God's protection, as everyone has done, and with great results indeed!