March'ing forward

We are officially on the books for March 4th, to head down to Cedar Sinai for the next series of blood patches!!! We will get his pre-op physical done this week, in preparation for our trip to L.A.

Unfortunately Luke's pain continues, but he remains strong and somehow musters the optimism to say things like this recent quote........."It's all good. Things will change soon enough. I'm confident in that."


Thank you for your continued prayers and support.............and be sure to check the blog later in the week for a fun surprise.

Wih sincere thanks,

The Browns

Latest update

So after what seemed to be a lifetime of waiting (10 long days), we finally spoke with the neurosurgeon regarding the results of Luke's recent tests at Cedar Sinai. During both the Mylogram as well as the CT scan, the doctors were not able to identify a CSF leak. That doesn't mean there isn't one, just simply that they didn't see one. The most notable discovery came when they initiated the lumbar puncture and noticed that his CSF pressure was virtually zero. This indicates that there is very little fluid where it needs to be and certainly is cause for concern. This could indicate a leak, or low CSF production or many other possible factors. For now, this is all we know. 

So our next plan is to return to Cedars for a two-level blood patch (upper & lower spine). He has already had multiple blood patches throughout this process, and none of them have been effective in stopping the headaches. His new Dr. feels that this is the next logical step in to take, and we hope that this team at Cedars can bring some well needed relief from the chronic pain. We are working to get this scheduled asap and will continue to pray for a quick resolution to this ongoing issue. 

We want to express sincerest gratitude to every one for the continued love, support and prayers. 

More to follow........ 

The Browns

PS-Here is the description of a blood patch: 

1. An epidural blood patch is a surgical procedure that uses autologous blood in order to close one or many holes in the dura mater of the spinal cord, usually as a result of a previous lumbar puncture. The procedure can be used to relieve post dural puncture headaches caused by lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
   
   
   

   Luke & mom in front of a local Christmas Light explosion 

Home at last..............

Well, it was a very long week with some unexpected twists and turns, but in the end we feel very blessed for the opportunity to have spent some extended time with Carol & Owen, as well as the procedure/test that Luke was finally able to have.
We didn't completely know what to expect yesterday, but we are hoping for some answers soon once the doctors review the results. We are preparing ourselves for what may be another extended journey as we try to get Luke's headaches resolved, and we have come to learn that sometimes no answer is in itself, an answer. We were reminded yesterday by Luke's awesome nurse Brooke (pic below), that Dr. Schievink is "the best" and people come from all over the world for his expertise on CSF leaks. She said that these tests are often like detective work......sometimes you're getting answers and other times you're just ruling things out.
We will remain steadfast & faithful, always remembering that He has a plan for each of us and it is our responsibility to learn what that plan is and to be obedient, as He tries to bless us with the things He knows we need.



Luke recently shared with me one of his favorite scriptures that helps him keep things in perspective, as he goes through some very difficult challenges in his life:

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

 Doctrine & Covenants 122:7-9

Luke & his great nurse Brooke (from the UK)

In recovery

Luke is slowly waking up from the anesthesia after his 2 tests, and we're hoping that we can head out this afternoon, so he can get some rest at home. 

Today is the day that we have been waiting for since last summer.........

We are finally here at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, and Luke is having his long awaited Digital Subtraction Mylogram procedure; which we hope will determine the location of his spinal fluid leak, as well as the cause of his headaches.

We just heard from Dr. Maya that the DSM went well and that he is now in recovery.

Thank you for keeping Luke in your prayers.

Still trying to figure out if the 10 on the wall is symbolic for Luke's cool factor or his headache pain?