WHERE DO I BEGIN?

Hubby is typing this for me, because I am unable to type at this time. It started with an innocuouse UTI on December 17. Trip to Urgent Care and prescription for antibiotic. Woke up the next morning and could neither stand nor walk. Trip to the ER. They admitted me and after 6 days discharged me to a Nursing Home & Rehab Hospital. No clear diagnosis, but everyone assumed my condition was connected to the UTI and possibly a couple of my medications. I was also have difficulty speaking and swallowing. After 3 weeks of attempts to get me to stand, I was discharged home, with the hope that home physical therapy would be more successful. That was not the case as after 8 weeks Home Health Care has to cease because Medicare would no longer pay, due to lack of progress and the inadequate diagnosis. We decided to reach out to the neurologist who treats my essential tremor and request a brain MRI to see if that might explain what was happening. His initial response was that he or a PA would need to examine me before a new MRI could be ordered. However, 2 days later he scheduled a virtual appoint for the following week. During that appointment, he asked me a number of questions and to perform movements that he could observe. He then expressed dismay that no one treating me had thouhgt to engage a neurologist earlier. He immediately ordered the MRI and a battery of other tests. Before I could have these done, we had a crisis. Dan was out back with the dogs when I threw up my lunch. Given my swallowing problems, we were afraid I might choke, so Dan called 911 and back to the ER we went. The ER doctor took a look at my condition, the medical records and our story of what was going on. His response was that the diagnosis I was given did not make sense from what he was seeing. He decided to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. When this was completed, he concluded that I was too ill to be treated at this small local hospital and had me transferred to the main Lehigh Valley Health System hospital in Allentown. Once there, the tests previously ordered by my neurologist were performed along with a battery of other tests. The hospital's neurologist concluded that I was suffering from "Parkinsonsism," and put me on a drug used to treat Parkinson's. My speech and swallowing immediately improved, although the swallowing not completely. Two weeks later they discharged me with a bunch of new medications and new orders for home health care and therapy. Some movement to my arms has returned, but I cannot open my hands completely, The strength in my legs is returning, buy not yet enough to stand without assistance. Given the positive response to the Parkinson's medication, they have increased the dosage in hopes of seeing further improvement. I spend some time every day out of my hospital bed and in a wheelchair, which I am beginning to be able to move on my own. How much progress I am ultimately able to make is still an open question. I don't know yet when my hands will allow me to resume blogging. Keep praying for me, if you're so inclined. I appreciate it.