Rusty Wires

We have been home four weeks and are still optimistic that change is on the horizon. However, things are pretty much the same, other than the hope that Steve is getting slightly better each day, rather than noticeably worse. He is diligently doing his daily exercises, taking vitamins, and getting into bed earlier than before. It makes sense that plenty of rest would be a necessary component to healing, so he is doing everything possible to make it happen.



Nerve damage takes a very long time to heal, probably longer than any other part of the body. Steve likens his situation to an outside wire, with the insulation missing. Over time, that wire will begin to rust due to exposure. The same is true for the nerves in the spinal column which have been exposed, due to the damaged myelin sheath (or protective coating).



In addition to damaged nerves, there are weakend and atrophied muscles, due to the nerves' inability to communicate with these muscles and make them move. Lack of use causes weakness and atrophy over time. This is why the physical therapy is so important. Repairing nerves and re-building muscles is not an overnight process.



Steve is a winner and he continues to fight through the fatigue, weakness, and heat intolerance. (It has been very hot here for the last month.) Even though cool in the house, while sleeping at night, he feels very hot to the touch. Maybe those cells are working their magic! We are still confident that he is going to get better, but it is early yet.