***Edit:  This post has many emotional statements that on hind sight are not accurate.  Please refer to this post: http://martydeanneandgirls.blogspot.com/2012/02/humbling-miracles.html *** 

We met with a different doctor today.  We have a new diagnosis.  We know there is nothing physical wrong with Marty's brain that is causing the memory loss, right side weakness and inability to speak (aphasia).  What his doctors believe he has is called Conversion disorder.  There's great information about this disorder at the Mayo Clinic here:

His doctor made it very clear that Marty can't choose to have his brain act the way it is.  He can't will it better.  He can't decide to make it go away.  He has no control.  Marty's brain has essentially shut down due to stress.  My body creates boils, Marty's brain shuts down. 

Somehow having a diagnosis makes this all a little easier.  I have racked my brain as to what may have sparked this.  Marty has been stressed ever since he started teaching seminary.  This stress caused major ulcers.  The stress didn't get any better when we moved to Bella Vista.  Change has always been hard for him.  I don't know if it was the move, a recent change in my job, a recent change in his medication, or having the girls home for Christmas break.  Perhaps it was the nail-biter BYU game he watched hours before the onset.  Some of the things I've read said that the trigger could have actually happened years ago and just manifest itself now.  Who knows.  It really doesn't matter. 

So, where do we go from here?  Treatment is exactly the same.  Speech therapy will continue.  We will continue working on his fine motor skills and coordination.  We will continue to teach him the things he doesn't remember.  There's a chance that one day he could wake up and suddenly his brain is fully engaged.  His doctor doesn't think that will happen and we aren't holding our breath.  But hey, a girl can dream can't she?

His doctor prescribed a mood stabilizer to help him not be so angry.  The medication is a slow building medicine.  For two weeks he will take 25mg, then up it to 50mg for two more weeks before leveling off at 100mg.  The effects won't be seen until he gets to the 100mg in a month or so.  His doctor feels that he will be much more apt to talk freely and have his brain fully engage once he gets his anger and stress under control.  So, we will be doing more things to reduce stress. Daily walks will be mandatory. More time in the perspective room. Calmer music.  I think you get the idea.

We again can't thank everyone for their continued thoughts, prayers, kindness and concern.  I am blown away by the love that has been shown to our family.  I now know how to love others more fully because I have been on the opposite end.  May God bless each of you!