Another Day of Progress

Good afternoon everyone,

This morning when Josh and I went down to visit with Rachel, Ryan and my dad had already been with her for awhile. My dad had a good talk with her. She was very responsive to him, kept her eyes open the whole time they 'chatted'. Josh and I got there around 9:30. Ryan, Josh and I worked with her on her signing. We did some of the alphabet and our names. She seemed to sigh when Josh told her to sign my name because it is 8 letters instead of 4 :-) I am SO thankful she already new the alphabet in sign language, the only way for her to communicate until her speaking comes back. Last night when I went to visit her, she signed the word 'up'. We realized she wanted something behind her head to support and hold it up a bit.

Shortly after we were there, Becky (speech pathologist) came in to work with her. Becky said that Rachel seems very well oriented -knew what year it is, what month, and nodded or shook her head correctly to some harder (reasoning type) questions. Becky asked her to smile and pucker her lips, she was able to do both to some extent. It looked like the muscle contraction was equal on both sides of her face. Rachel really seemed to enjoy the ice chips that were given to her for the swallowing test. She was able to chew them, but if she did swallow, it was a really weak attempt. Becky did ask if she had talked at all, to our knowledge she hasn't. Today was the first attemt. When asked to say one, two, three, Rachel was able to say something that resembled a one, but was unable to continue. With the breatheing tube in for 3+ days and a feeding tube in for 8 days, her throat is trying to readjust and regain sensation and control. From what I understand, the part of the brain that the two strokes affected is where the control is for lungs, heart, and throat. Her lungs and heart work great, we are praying that her swallowing and speaking will soon return.

Shortly after the Speech Therapist came in, the Occupational Therapist and then the Physical Therapist came. Rachel should be good and tired from this morning's work out and have a good nap. She also had a couple of visitors today, I'm sure she enjoys seeing new faces.

And, the nurse said that as soon as she is able to sit up, we will be able to take her outside. I sure do hope so. I know the sunshine will feel great!

Thanks to everyone lifting her up in prayer. Her cough is getting stronger every day, which clears out her lungs very well.

Thanks to everyone who has sent card and words of encouragement. She will very soon be out of the ICU and in a regular room, so she will be able to receive more than just cards and emails.

May each of you be blessed!
RuthAnne