Rehab Diaries--Friday, June 1st
Tonight I'm home with the kids and Bill's at the hospital with Annie. We just finished week three of Rehab, and have one more week to go. Annie has made progress in her attention, motor planning, eating, strength and endurance. Let me try to fill in the blanks a little:
She is practicing waving hello & goodbye--and the little wave from her left hand has become pretty consistent. She rode her bicycle today again, and for part of the ride provided about 70% of the muscle to make it go. She loooooooves riding the trike. She continues to taste a variety of foods without "gagging, retching or vomiting," to use the phrase in her care plan. Today she had graham cracker crumbs mixed with whipped cream--her favorite. She also tried orange yogurt, cream of wheat, and pureed eggs. All without gagging, retching or vomiting. She continues to verbalize more, and more often with more people, in a "conversational" way. She certainly looks like she knows exactly what you're saying, and she's doing her best to let you know what she's saying! She can sit up from a lying position, and then lay back down without banging her head on the floor. (Abs of steel.) She is using both hands and arms for balance. Her left hand is grasping onto people, (like MY HAND), and her right hand is close to being able to grasp--but still is weaker than the left. But both hands were holding onto the tricycle's handles for a short time, so they're both improving alot.
So you can see that God has done some pretty significant work in her little body this last month. The therapists have done a great job working with her, and I think she has found a soft spot in each of their hearts. The nurses have been very caring and helpful--and wonderful sounding boards for me. I have really appreciated their input and advice in all aspects of Annie's care. And her doctors have put their heads together to figure out all the complexities of her neuro and endocrine issues--it's an ongoing puzzle that still needs alot of God's intervention--and YOUR prayers!
What to pray for Annie this week? More attention, and the ability to prioritize what is important to pay attention to. More purposeful movement of arms, legs, hands and fingers. More words, more emotion. Less--or no!--seizure activity. The right strength of Addison's meds--something we're still working on. Good, restful sleep at night for her and for all of us. More patience and love and peace for all members of the Sullivan family--especially me! And a smooth transition back home, and back into home rehab.
As always--your prayers and posts are so encouraging.
Jean
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16