Ah, another day in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am sitting in the room with Rachel and Speech Therapy is working with her. Rachel is reading an article out loud to us. Very cool. She is talking more and more. Thursday night, Ryan was not able to spend the night, so he called and talked to her. They talked for an hour on the phone! Rachel said that she thought he understood at least 80% of what she said to him on the phone. Either because he repeated it back to her correctly or responded appropriately. Yesterday, they did a test with Rachel to see how much air was escaping through her nose instead of it coming out of her mouth. The test went well. Little, if any, air comes through her nose. The lady that did her test had never seen Rachel before, but had heard about her. And that 'test lady' said that she thought Rachel had progressed at least a years worth in just a couple weeks. She said that it had been a very long time since she has seen someone progress so quickly, going from not speaking at all to speaking this well.
Your prayers are powerful!!!
Yesterday, Friday, Rachel walked on the treadmill for the first time. It went well considering it was the first attempt. I guess the first attempt usually doesn't go well at all, but I would say that it went well for her first time and being at the end of a very busy day at the end of a long week. Rachel was a bit frustrated with it. Some of the frustration Rachel is having is coming from her right leg. Her right ankle/leg shakes kinda like a spasm when quickly flexed (just like in walking). The medical condition is called 'clonus'. Her next treadmill session is on Tuesday and Rachel is concerned about the shaking. She does not want to use medication to treat it, but allow her body to figure out how to control the muscles appropriately.
So let's pray fervently for Rachel's right leg, so that her walking progresses rapidly. The therapist's say that Rachel has good strength, so strength isn't as much of a concern as the shaking and spasms that interfere with walking.
Rachel is also asking that you pray for her right arm, it is still weak. She is trying to eat with it, but needs alot of assistance to scoop the food onto her spoon. Rachel was right handed before and really wants full function of her right hand.
The doctor doesn't want to remove Rachel's feeding tube that is in her stomach for another week or so. Rachel is not using the tube for anything, so it is just a waiting game. Rachel is able to swallow all her pills.
Thank you for all your support,
RuthAnne
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
wow rachel! great update...it makes me really happy to think of you being able to talk again!
It seems like our week revolves around Wednesday and Saturday - - -how we look forward to the updates! Rachel, every time someone says "good job" or "that's great" just try to imagine that being said by a chorus of thousands of your friends and loved ones.
It seems like each time I read my Bible I see another verse that reminds me of you and your journey. What an honor it is to lift you up before the throne of our Almighty God many, many times each day.
Judy P.
Trenton, IL
Just got home from returning our little granddaughter to Ankeny and was wondering what news the Sunday update would bring about Rachel. I imagine her progress (a year's worth in 2 weeks!) is causing many people to think about the reality of God's presence and power if they don't already know Him. And for those who are believers but who may be weak or wavering in their faith for whatever reason, it is an encouragement to be reminded of how God is able to do "immeasurably more that we can ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20) Will continue praying that Rachel will be able to eat, talk, walk and use her arms/hands normally very soon and specifically for the shaking in her right leg, strength for her right arm/hand and for the feeding tube to be removed. Vicki Sherman
Rachel
Hi
I'm still reading and praying for you even when life gets busy. You are doing well and that is exciting! I wanted to copy the words of a song that has been in my mind. Our suffering is to make us like Christ. I don't know why some have to suffer more. I pray your heart will be encouraged as you are becoming more like Christ Jesus. Love Rachael Inman
Steve Green
There burns a fire with sacred heat White hot with holy flame
And all who dare pass through its blaze Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze, and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill All are hammered by their sufferings On the anvil of His will Chorus:
The Refiner's fire
Has now become my souls desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner's fire
I'm learning now to trust His touch To crave the fire's embrace
For though my past with sin was etched His mercies did erase
Each time His purging cleanses deeper I'm not sure that I'll survive Yet the strength in growing weaker Keeps my hungry soul alive
Chorus
I"m so thankful to be able to thank and praise and pray for you my dear Rachel. I'm excited for your progress, and I just wish I could be there to hug your neck. On a lighter note... I know you're set on using your right hand... And you'll get it down in time... But just so you know...I've been left handed all my life... and it's not so terrible....Except it's IMPOSSIBLE to find scissors for me.... Heather in Ga
Rachel Garrison,
God is incredible making you so AMAZING!!! I'm still praying for you, Ryan, and your family. You look so good. Keep pressing into Him!!!
Katie Malonson
Post a Comment