Happy Monday.

Wedding last night was delightful. Danielle was a breathtaking bride. Michael was beaming happiness. The duck quacking after every line of Michael's vows gave the appropriate amount of humor. And the fact that 2 generations of my family can think the same line from Princess Bride at the exact same moment let us chuckle together without seeming to be inappropriate. All in all a good time!

Glen did well... got a little edgy when I was out of sight for too long, and we had to leave long before Aunt Katie wanted to (ok, I missed my brother and sister dancing! I want pictures!!) but he seemed to have a good time.

Now in order to describe my morning, you are about to get the Reader's Digest abridged class on breathing machines. There is a CPAP machine.. it is used to help people with sleep apnea. It uses a constant stream of pressure to maintain the airway at the back of the throat... throat doesn't close, no apnea, person feels better. The person with ALS has a weakened diaphragm. Makes it difficult to exhale against the pressure of the CPAP. There is another machine.. called a BiPap. Pressure is lowered during exhalation. Person with ALS maintains an open airway... sleeps better [or depending on progression of disease, breathes better during the day] feels better. Not really rocket science, but does require the ability of the prescribing powers that be to read a fricking chart.

So... we get a card saying Glen - based on the at home sleep test we did twice - has mild sleep apnea and has been assigned to this CPAP class. To three different people I say "But...he has ALS.. CPAP?" and am told no, we need to go to this class. So we get to the 9 am class, listen to a 2 hour lecture (which actually was at least interesting, the Doc did a good presentation). She asks for questions.. I raise my hand, nod towards Glen, and say "He has ALS.." and before I could say another word she says, "Oh! He needs BiPap.. in fact.. this isn't even the right class for.. just talk to me after" Managed to not swear out loud. So after the class, when everyone else is making appointments to get their CPAP machines, they write a note next to Glen's name saying "needs BiPAP" and the respiratory therapist is supposed to call with an appointment. Another two hours of our lives we'll never get back.

Have I mentioned Glen's time management skills are.. to be nice.. not what they used to be? So we get home at 11:30. We have to back at Kaiser (1/2 hour away) for a 1:30 appointment. He decides he needs to go for a "run", take a shower and eat lunch before we can leave. Made it back there at 1:28. Then, after a run AND physical therapy today, he says he's going down to the Y. I finally just said no... no you're not. Your doctor told you NOT to fatigue yourself!!!

Made chicken soup, and we're all flaked out watching football. Oh. Wait a minute... ok, we WERE all flaked out watching football. Now Kevin and I are watching the Raiders, Glen is walking the dogs. And with that... g'nite all!