The Baylor Medical Center Visit. 8-5-03 thru 8-7-03

Tuesday:   Vital signs – Good

    Blood work – 9 vials

    Urine sample

    Speech Therapist came by and discussed communication device, she's getting the paperwork going.

    Neuropsychologist conducted 2 hour exam, results - Above Average Intelligence

    Vital capacity test – 89%

    We answered questions relating to medical history and current symptoms.

    Tonya consulted wit Neuropsychologist to answer more questions.

    Dr Appel and team asked and answered questions. Offered for Donnie to participate in new drug study (Avinir) dealing with the pseudo-bulbar reaction (emotional control). They also gave literature and vitamin supplement list with pill crusher.

    Vitamin C - 1,000 mg 3x/day

    Vitamin E – 1,000 IU 3x/day

    Beta Carotene – 25,000 IU 2x/day

    Melatonin – 3mg 20 minutes before bedtime

    Creatine powder – 5 grams once a day   

    Co-Enzyme Q-10 (Co-Q-10) 75-100 2x/day

    Dr. Appel also said absolutely no resistance exercise! Spin and range of motion only. Pool work is good but not to fatigue.

    Donnie had a Lumbar puncture to rule out other diseases. Only ALS and a high protein concentration, common in ALS patients was noted. Fluid results indicate progression of ALS slow.

Wednesday:   Vital signs – Good

    Dr. Appel's nurse, Bonnie, conducted an EKG as part of the study (Avinir) can complicate arrhythmias.

    Tonya answered questions from dietitian about proper nutrition and enough calories.

    Dr. Appel and team visited and invited to do clinic every three months. We are returning in one month for the study, Sept. 5 th (a day visit) and on Dec. 5 th for the all day clinic.

    Sports Medicine orthopedist gave a shot of cortisone in right shoulder for pain and to restore mobility. He can have another shot in six weeks if necessary.

    Blood work, 2 vials, and urine sample for the study.

    Pulmonary function test conducted – passed

    Dr. Cross, pulmonologist , consulted, lungs sound great.

Social worker, Don, gave his card if we need him. He handles filing for disability.

Anne with MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) will assist and work with Melanie at Louisiana MDA.

The Occupational Therapist (OT), Pam, gave us adaptive equipment: bath sponge, foam for utensils, hand braces, stretch laces and a magazine with helpful adaptable equipment.

The physical Therapist (PT) demonstrated stretches to be done 2 times a day. She also advised the use of muscle relaxers . She also prescribed a wheeled walker. She wants to see Donnie on Sept. 5 th to check his walking and may recommend ankle braces.