Keith's Nerve Stimulator Surgery

On Monday, March 24, 2025, Keith had a nerve stimulator implanted.  He has two large incisions in his back.  In two weeks, after the scar tissue has formed and the incisions have healed, Boston Scientific will turn on the electrical connectors at full capacity.  Then in two months, they will insert the upper stimulator.  It is a long drawn out process, but we are very hopeful that it will help tremendously.

This AI Spinal Cord Stimulator sends electrical pulses along the leads which stimulate nerve fibers in the spinal cord.  This stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, reducing or blocking pain.  This can provide significant pain relief and may reduce reliance on pain medications and improves quality of life and function.  There is risk for infection, hardware failure, and stimulation related sensations, and will take time to adjust the stimulator.  The success rate varies on the individual patient and condition.  Studies have shown that up to 80% of patients experience significant pain relief.

Keith will have to carry an identification card that explains his condition and the presence of the implant so that metal detectors and security scanners at airports won't interfere with the device.  

We were so happy with the results of the trial and we are hopeful that his will work well for Keith and give him a better quality of life.

New Wreath!

I have been looking for a Spring Wreath.  I finally bit the bullet and ordered one on Etsy from Elegant Holidays, Inc.  I wasn't sure what size to order and I am so grateful that I ordered the 16" wreath.

Keepsake Pillows...

About a month ago, I was wondering what I could do with these special keepsakes.  I looked on Etsy and found Lisa's Creative Creations.  We emailed back and forth.  I sent her pictures of the items and boy was I happy when I opened the box today.  What perfect keepsakes!!!!

I am so grateful for the talents of others to make sure wonderful keepsakes!  They mean everything to me!

Cald Bald made the front page of the Sports section of the Standard!

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Calder Millard made the front page story of the sports section of the standard examiner.  Calder is the son of Heidi and Chase Millard (Keith's nephew).  We are proud of Calder.  He is an amazing young man.

Max Albert Murdock is here...

On March 3, 2025, Max Albert Murdock made his introduction into the world.  He is the son of Tyler and Brynn Mortensen Murdock.  He was 4 days early.  He weighted in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20" long.  He is the first grandchild of Camille and Brad Mortensen.  Welcome to the world Max!

Spring decor at the Cemetery

On Monday, March 3, 2025, Keith and I went to the cemetery so that I could switch out the flowers and wreath.  We figured we better do it before the next upcoming snowstorm.

All Three Sons at Our House

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Keith, Mark, and Theron met at Our House at 3:00 p.m.  to visit their mom.  It was the first time they had all been together in a decade.  They had a good visit.  I am glad Keith remembered to take a picture.

New Restaurant in Pleasant View

On Friday, February 21, 2025, Keith and I had breakfast at the Slop Shop.  We decided to give it a try and we were not disappointed.

I loved the artwork in the Slop shop.  The owner came and visited with us while we were eating our breakfast.  He is a very kind, ambitious young man.

The portions of food are very large and reasonably priced.  And they had such a huge variety of hot sauces.  The grandsons would have gone crazy.  

Brady Olson's 19th Birthday!

On February 28, 2025, Brady Olson celebrated his 19th birthday.  Jamie and Dusty took him out to dinner.  I visited with him on the phone.  He was going to a party with friends - another one of his friends has a birthday soon, so they were celebrating together.

We are proud of Brady.  He is an amazing young man.

Book Club at Kim's House

On February 18, 2025, our book club met at Kim's.  Everyone brought yummy snacks and we discussed the book, "The Midnight Library."  I had read it the first week of December, so I was happy that Amy had given me a copy of it for my birthday, so that I could refresh my memory of the book.  We ate and visited.  We chose "The Giver of Stars" as our next book.

Keith's Second Trial with Nerve Simulator

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Keith got his second nerve simulator installed.  It was immediately that he noticed a change.  He could actually walk without pain or assistance from a crutch or a walker.  Keith had several good days without pain.

Then on Friday, the 21st, they took the simulator off and he was immediately back to his normal self.  We are scheduled for surgery on March 24th.  We are just waiting for all of the insurance paperwork to be filled out and approved.

The 24th can't come fast enough.  I can't wait for Keith to be pain free or less pain and walking again.