Dealing with pain through family time.

Hi this is Doug again. The last few weeks since my release from the hospital have been extremely hard. I've been in constant pain and am wondering if it will ever subside. Walking with a cane and walker is helping, but also because I'm only 33, I feel kinda silly. Britt confirms it and that's how we cope. Through laughter and silliness. But, the good news, I was able to qualify for 2 handicapped parking thingys. John, Britt's brother, is already in line to borrow one when he goes to a concert! Now I'll be popular!!
A couple Saturdays ago, Britt, Paige, Maddie and I went to my awesome home care nurse Sherry's house to ride horses. I walked the horse carrying Maddie and Paige, Sherry rode one and Britt rode one. The two of them are really good on a horse. I was so happy to see Britt enjoying herself on the horse like that. Maddie and Paige both did awesome for their first time. I tried getting on and within 10 seconds I had to get off because of my equalibrium and lack of balance. It was so fun. Britt, despite being really sore, is ready to get back out there and ride some more. The girls want to go again too so we are going to get another day planned.
Last Saturday, Paige, Maddie and I went on the train to Salt Lake with my cousin Tiffany and her kids. It was so fun. The kids ran through the fountain at the gateway. I watched while Tiff and her oldest daughter shopped. Blah!! Maddie, Paige and I also went to a Weber State football game that night. They defeated Idaho St. 44-17 after blowing their first two games.
My cousin Tiff and Britt and I are hanging out together a lot lately. She has had some really rough times, so she has looked to Britt and me for support. We are happy to be able to help her. She is there for me too with my health drama. There are days we hang out and vent to each other. It's very theraputic for both of us.
Note to Charese, we are glad that you are o.k. We were worried sick about you. We are here if you ever need anything. I hope the rest of you are good. My family is doing well and each day we strive to make it better than the day before. Take care everyone!

What a month!!

This is Doug. Hi everyone. We'll start on a high note. At the end of August, Nonnie and JDoug let Britt and I spend some time at their condo at Snowbird. It was so nice to get away for a few days and be together without kids, Dr's visits or work. We got to eat out one night, ride the tram, check out October Fest and and we really enjoyed ourselves. I know I have the best wife in the whole world, and spending quality time with her is what I live for.













Also at the end of August, Grandpa Pickles came with Maddie, Paige and I to the Air Force museum. For the price of canned food for the Utah Food Bank, we were able to get in, see inside a bunch of the aircraft, see a car show and the girls even got some fun prizes from the Fire Department while we were there. Ken taught me a lot about the different aircraft from his experience while in the Air Force. I learned so much about what it takes to be a member of the Armed Forces and have gained a greater respect for all of the people who represent our great country. The girls had fun sitting in the cockpits and pretending they were flying. It was so fun to spend that time with Grandpa Pickles. That same day, Maddie, Paige and I went to a birthday party for my one year old nephew Jaxon. All the while, Britt was at work. Poop!!They had fun jumping on my brothers trampoline and later breaking open a pinata. They both got a huge bag of candy, which have both been enjoyed by Britt. She's going to kick my butt for telling this. Couch here I come!!

O.K. now on to the sour news. Over the last month I have had to see several different specialists for my continuing health problems. A lot of it has been the same, infection, infection blah blah!!! This week, I was admitted to the hospital and with an MRI, it was confirmed that the MRSA staph has created a big ball of infection in my mastoid and in my spine. It is affecting several spinal nerves and affecting my mobility. Pain wise, it has been the most painful condition I've had yet. Unfortunately, the doctor is unable to operate on it, because it's an infectious pocket, with no puss to remove. Now that it's in the spine and doing it's damage there, I'm going to be affected forever. I have to walk with either a walker or a cane, and am prepared for painful and demobilizing struggles. Ken came up to the hospital and gave me another wonderful blessing. Through it all, I am able to keep my head up because of Britt, my girls and also the undying support of Nonnie and JDoug, along with the love and prayers of all of the people in my life. I am taking a disability retirement, which, I'm not proud of, but fortunately I will get 80% of my wage and be able to get the same health insurance. I know ther is a plan for me, although at times I wonder why the struggles progress. I have so much to live for and the best family in the world, so I will press on and do whatever it takes to fight this battle.
Britt has been working her cute little toosh off at Great Clips. She has developed quite a client base and gets numerous requests. She had one from one of her coworkers just yesterday. She got married, and Britt did makeup and hair for her wedding. I can't say enough how lucky I am to have her in my life. She is and always has been my back bone (not the infected one:-), and continues to make me so happy. I love her so much!
Maddie and Paige are both back in school and enjoying the first grade! Last year at this time, there was quite the difference in where Maddie and Paige were. Maddie has always been advanced, but because of hard work, Paige is narrowing that gap and really doing well. They are both my precious sweethearts and they with Britt, and the love of Nonnie, JDoug and the rest of the family, are what keep me going. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. We love all of you and hope you're all well. Take Care!!