Joy

Today marks her 77 days since the stroke and the 50th day at Madonna. I just reviewed the posts from the beginning of her journey and am amazed how Rachel is recovering.

DISCHARGE DATE: NOVEMBER 30

LAUGHTER and JOY

From the beginning, when all looked bleak for Rachel's recovery, we held on to "The Joy of the Lord is your Strength!" These were the first words Rachel heard when she came out of sedation. These words are put to song but what about putting them to life? If you would observe Rachel day in and day out in her room, in therapy or at mealtimes....she is happy and laughing. She is the only patient who smiles and laughs . This makes it so easy for Ryan, the family, the therapists, and the nurses. She is just s delight! Honestly, I have not seen her feel sorry for herself during her time of challenge.
Her tears have been all about WHEN.....WHEN will she be back to normal. When will she be married.

Yesterday we talked about getting married. She wants to be able to walk down the isle and to be able to care or herself first. A noble goal. In light of that, she isn't planning on getting good at the wheel chair or trying to learn to be independent by depending on handicapped facilities. Another noble, thought-out goal of her own. She would rather be assisted or go slow until which time she can do things easily on her own. She wants to mentally work with her body to get it back to full function instead of accommodating its weaknesses. Go girl!

Now for her progress report.

RIGHT ARM

She has much more strength in it......raises it above her head and is eating with it which is amazing! When she grabs something, her fingers now will release when she wants. This is new this week. Before she could grab but not let go....how frustrating!

RIGHT LEG

The shaking in the right leg comes now only when it is very fatigued from therapy. If it starts, she has figured out how to help it stop. She is able to lift her right leg to take normal steps vs. dragging it into the correct position.

WALKING

Yesterday she walked with one therapist and a cane that she barely uses. She is able to walk farther and farther in her 30 minute sessions. She also maneuvered the steps for the 3rd time. Each time she does the steps, she does better than the time before. Her right leg did not shake much during this process.

BATHROOM

She has full function and good control (meaning she can hold it or release it when she goes). Think about how this simple, taken-for-granted function is wonderful when it works and so limiting when it doesn't. PLUS, she doesn't have to spend a lot of mental time trying to coordinate when she drinks liquids, has therapy and will have to go to the bathroom. She is sitting on a regular stool and able to get out of the wheelchair, stand up, turn and sit without assistance....just someone there to 'spot' her in the event of imbalance.

SPEECH

She is speaking much but would like to speak with more volume and definitely wants to sound normal. Currently her voice is low and labored. When her lungs get to full function, this will continue to improve. She talks on the phone to Ryan. The nurses understand her pretty easily although we still must pay close attention when she is talking.

Continue to pray for her knees so they do not lock back when she walks, more strength and pray for planning the date of her wedding.

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I leave you with this verse:

Nehemiah 8:10 And Nehemiah continued, "GO and CELEBRATE with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the JOY of the LORD is YOUR STRENGTH."

HAPPY THANKS GIVING!

Bless you all who hold Rachel in your heart and prayers,

Crystal