Greetings Everyone,
Progress! Lots of progress to report, she's been moving fast here in the past several days. I'm going to report in a 'bullet list' format:
- She can step! She can actually walk 10 steps while holding onto something for stability, and with some assistance with helping her right leg move forward.
- Her facial muscles are getting stronger. Previously, all she could do was smile, but now, she has more control over her expressions, lips, chewing, etc.
- She is working on learning how to brush her own teeth.
- She is working with the physical therapist on sitting upright for 1-2 minutes without any assistance.
- She has been feeding herself with her left hand. Her right hand is still lagging a little, but she can eat with no assistance with her left. Rachel is eating all three meals a day.
- Speaking of eating, right now she is eating 'pureed' food (which is food that has been through a blender), but they are considering upgrading her to a diet of more challenging texture. They will be doing the endoscope (video down her nose) in the next day or two and assess whether her diet can be upgraded.
- Even though she has been given an electronic tool (keyboard) to help with communication, she is required attempt the word or phrase verbally before using that tool so as to encourage vocal strengthening and development. When RuthAnne is around, Rachel will sign letters to her to form words.
- THIS IS THE KICKER - As of right now, Rachel has accomplished many of the goals that were originally set for her for November 14th.
Whew, that's a heckuva list. The bottom line: Rachel has been working her tail off...and it's showing. We're quite grateful that she is progressing so quickly, and only encourages more prayer, even as we see prayers answered.
Today, the family was able to move into a 2 bedroom unit close to the Madonna facility. It has been offered for use of Rachel's friends/family for the duration of her stay at a very discounted price.
I always like to keep these posts 'down to earth', but answered prayer is answered prayer, and at this point, she has more ability than some of the Doctors thought she might EVER regain.
All The Best,
- Josh
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The 'Inner Game'
Greetings Everyone,
This Sunday brought about quite a surprise. RuthAnne and I are in Lincoln with Rachel right now, but spent the night with David & Rachel Akridge (who have been extremely hospitable by opening their home up to us).
We were walking into the entrance of Madonna this morning, and no sooner had we stepped into the front door than Rachel comes flying by in her wheelchair, right in front of us! Evidently, Rachel and Ryan were out walking before we got there, and decided to ambush us as we walked in. We all had a good laugh.
Rachel is still progressing. Yesterday, she only did about 30 minutes of physical therapy, so it was a bit of a "recovery day" for her. She did spend much of the day laughing and goofing around with all of us, which was nice.
She stood quite a bit, and has been devoting much time to practicing her transition from sitting to standing. She still needs much assistance to do that, but is getting stronger.
She is also sleeping better. Previously, she was waking up multiple time per night, needing to use the bathroom or other needs. For the last 2 nights, she has only woken up once.
The biggest challenge to her speech at this point is her ability to move and manipulate her tongue and mouth. We said the alphabet yesterday, and while she can make noises and sounds, she is making the sound from her mouth and nose, so that it is a very 'nasal-ish' sound. In other words, she's not talking exclusively through her mouth.
Even though Rachel done a fantastic job in keeping her spirits high, there are times when she has doubts about herself, and in moving back towards a full recovery. Even though she is progressing fast, she wants to progress faster. She is very aware of her status, and she wants to get back to normal ASAP. However, this is a process, so having the patience and fortitude to work through the process will be a challenge as we move forward.
ONE IMPORTANT CHANGE TO NOTE: At this point, Rachel will be working hard, day in and day out. Meaning, she will be participating in much of a routine, so we will be updating this blog twice per week now, on Wednesday's and Saturday's. That way, we will have more new information each time the blog is updated (so we actually have something to talk about). We have a balance to strike, between giving every little detail and giving very general information.
We recognize that there are all types of people reading this information, and we are very grateful for everyone that makes the effort to read this blog. We feel that updating twice per week will be frequent enough to give a good update with measurable progress, but also not providing so much info that it turns into 'overkill'.
Thanks for all your support,
- Josh
P.S. - For those of you that sent your names in, thank you. If haven't done so yet, then go make it happen. If you don't know what I'm talking about, refer to the previous post.
This Sunday brought about quite a surprise. RuthAnne and I are in Lincoln with Rachel right now, but spent the night with David & Rachel Akridge (who have been extremely hospitable by opening their home up to us).
We were walking into the entrance of Madonna this morning, and no sooner had we stepped into the front door than Rachel comes flying by in her wheelchair, right in front of us! Evidently, Rachel and Ryan were out walking before we got there, and decided to ambush us as we walked in. We all had a good laugh.
Rachel is still progressing. Yesterday, she only did about 30 minutes of physical therapy, so it was a bit of a "recovery day" for her. She did spend much of the day laughing and goofing around with all of us, which was nice.
She stood quite a bit, and has been devoting much time to practicing her transition from sitting to standing. She still needs much assistance to do that, but is getting stronger.
She is also sleeping better. Previously, she was waking up multiple time per night, needing to use the bathroom or other needs. For the last 2 nights, she has only woken up once.
The biggest challenge to her speech at this point is her ability to move and manipulate her tongue and mouth. We said the alphabet yesterday, and while she can make noises and sounds, she is making the sound from her mouth and nose, so that it is a very 'nasal-ish' sound. In other words, she's not talking exclusively through her mouth.
Even though Rachel done a fantastic job in keeping her spirits high, there are times when she has doubts about herself, and in moving back towards a full recovery. Even though she is progressing fast, she wants to progress faster. She is very aware of her status, and she wants to get back to normal ASAP. However, this is a process, so having the patience and fortitude to work through the process will be a challenge as we move forward.
ONE IMPORTANT CHANGE TO NOTE: At this point, Rachel will be working hard, day in and day out. Meaning, she will be participating in much of a routine, so we will be updating this blog twice per week now, on Wednesday's and Saturday's. That way, we will have more new information each time the blog is updated (so we actually have something to talk about). We have a balance to strike, between giving every little detail and giving very general information.
We recognize that there are all types of people reading this information, and we are very grateful for everyone that makes the effort to read this blog. We feel that updating twice per week will be frequent enough to give a good update with measurable progress, but also not providing so much info that it turns into 'overkill'.
Thanks for all your support,
- Josh
P.S. - For those of you that sent your names in, thank you. If haven't done so yet, then go make it happen. If you don't know what I'm talking about, refer to the previous post.
Friday, October 12, 2007
A Request and Gift!!
Rachel did this stepping maching for 20 minutes yesterday! The lady to the left is her Physical Therapist and the gentleman on her right is a volunteer and I am standing behind her.
Friends,
A friend of Rachel's, Naomi, is making a quilt for her. Naomi needs our help. What Naomi is doing is putting together a quilt for Rachel with the names of people who have been/are praying for her. If you have been praying for her, please send your name (as you want it to be written on the quilt, ie. Bill and Sandy Smith or the Smith Family, etc.) and state or country -it will be cool for her to see where everyone is from. Send it to me at ruthannefuson@gmail.com
I don't think Rachel has grasped how many of us are praying for her :-)
You may know people who are praying but they don't have access to the blog/internet. If you would be so kind as to include those individuals as well when you send your name, that would be great.
Thank you!
RuthAnne and Naomi
P.S. Yes, we will be taking a picture when it is finished so you can see the finished project. :-)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
More Notes From Mom.
Today marks the 8th day at Madonna Rehab.
Yesterday afternoon, RuthAnne and I took Rachel outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. While talking, I told her of a story that I heard of a 14 year old girl who had been in an accident and could not walk and was told she would never be able to walk. After many people praying for her, one day this girl got up and walked totally healed. Even though Rachel can’t talk, she responded. She burst into tears. Now maybe one would think that telling her this story wouldn’t help her. Valid point. Except that the whole theme of being at Madonna is to set goals and achieve them. The combination of the prayers of the network of saints, the efforts of the rehab staff and therapists, and the diligence and belief of the patient all play a part in seeing Rachel meet her goal. From the beginning, every verbal prayer I have heard prayed for Rachel has been one of total healing~~~so, I told her this story.
To keep her from crying more, facing her I looked up and joked that Ryan was coming. She stopped crying and then I had to tell her that I was joking. She was laughing at my behavior technique. Then, to my surprise, I looked up and there was Ryan approaching her from behind and so I told Rachel, “Ryan IS coming.” Of course, she rolled her eyes........then he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead......his arrival was timely! (And surprised me!)
Today is another day and goodness....people here keep things moving.
Here is a list of today’s Joys:
Rachel was able to use the NuStep TRS4000 for 20 minutes....it is a stepping machine that she can use in the sitting position, which works her legs. Now keep in mind that she has a therapist and volunteer at her side to stable her and to keep her legs positioned on the peddles. She liked this machine!
--Optometrist evaluation-went very well. Rachel was able to differentiate a very small drawn stick object on a board 15 feet away. Her close up and distance focus is good. They will work on fine tuning her focus, it's almost perfect.
--She was able to stand with assistance today for 10 minutes (intervals of 1-2 min apiece) while standing with help she was able to reach up almost shoulder level with her left hand. Her right hand/arm needs prayers!
--She is able to sign the alphabet with her left hand! She struggles with some of the letters, but RuthAnne is able to decipher almost everything. Prayers are being answered for Rachel!
--Rachel's voice is getting stronger. She can say the sounds 'M', 'L' and 'W' with vowels attached to them. At the end of today's second session, she could say, "My name" in one breath. Tomorrow morning, the Speech Therapist will be giving her breakfast. Her first meal!!
Do we even begin to know and discover the possibilities of prayers? So, don’t just stand there, pray something! Not just for Rachel’s struggles, but for your struggles too....may you see the possibilities that prayer has in changing your life struggle into a prayer answered!!
I John 5:14, 15 says so plainly:
“And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us,whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.”
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Note From Mom
Today marks one week here at Madonna Rehab. It has been a really good week too.
The verse: ‘The Joy of the Lord is our Strength’ has been our theme since the onset of Rachel’s journey.
These 8 words have kept us all going forward, seeing God orchestrate every detail these 5 weeks!
Being at Madonna has continued to comfort us with the joy each therapist, nurse, doctor and worker exude with their team effort to heal Rachel.
Now, RuthAnne and I (Rachel’s mom) arrived yesterday morning. I hadn’t seen her since Friday and RuthAnne hadn’t seen her since last Tuesday. We are staying with David and Rachel Akridge (Rachel and I know and worked with this couple from Summit Ministries in Colorado) here in Lincoln, they have graciously opened their home to us until a house with Madonna opens up. RuthAnne and I are amazed at the improvements she has made. God continues to answer our prayers of healing for Rachel.
Since being in the hospital in Iowa City, Rachel wasn’t able to wear her engagement ring. Last night
Ryan put it back on her finger. This morning we asked her if she liked the ring back on...her look
was priceless. Ryan’s love for Rachel has a huge healing affect.
We want you to know that Rachel enjoys the cards and your posts on the web; so please keep posting your words of encouragement and prayers for her OR some story that you remember of her. You know, we will tell her what you wrote (which is fun) AND she will be reading this chronicle of her days since the ‘event’ as soon as she has access to the computer....
Here is a list of today’s Joys:
Rachel’s vision is really good as she did the Brock String therapy today....the therapist is happy about this and Rachel is even happier.
The PICC line for blood draws was removed~~one less thing attached to her body.
The TRACH removed!!! This is huge to her as this was a great source of irritation for her...now all she has left to get rid of is her stomach feed tube. That should be out as soon as her tongue can handle the food in her mouth AND she can eat enough to keep her energy.
She was able to stand for one minute with 2 people steadying her from wilting which was much better than yesterday.
The speech therapist just stopped by and said that Rachel can say ‘Yah’ and “No’ clearly so she wants her to say that instead of head nodding. She is pleased with Rachel’s improvements daily.
Rachel stays busy all day with therapy and some rests.........this helps to keep the days interesting and productive for her. One week ago she could only handle being up in the wheel chair one hour. Now she is fine with 7 hours!!!!
You probably wonder of Rachel’s emotional side.
Does she cry?
Is she frustrated?
Does she wonder ‘why?’
Yes, she does cry....perhaps every day at some point.
Why does she cry? Because she is frustrated, but not because she wants to give up.
She is frustrated with her fine motor skills not working as well as not being able to care for her body....how humbling...
We take these simple pleasures in life for granted UNTIL they are taken from us.
Yes, she does wonder why this happened.
How do we communicate if she cannot speak except to say ‘yah’ and ‘no’? Well, she has a board that
has the alphabet and with her left hand she can quickly spell out what she is thinking and the questions she has......the hitch in this method is with the interpreter (us) trying to remember and follow the sequence of letters.........sometimes she can spell faster than what we can remember and then......she ROLLS her eyes =) We are getting better at remembering.
Continue to pray for Rachel’s miraculous healing. According to I John 5:14, 15 ..... “And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.”
The verse: ‘The Joy of the Lord is our Strength’ has been our theme since the onset of Rachel’s journey.
These 8 words have kept us all going forward, seeing God orchestrate every detail these 5 weeks!
Being at Madonna has continued to comfort us with the joy each therapist, nurse, doctor and worker exude with their team effort to heal Rachel.
Now, RuthAnne and I (Rachel’s mom) arrived yesterday morning. I hadn’t seen her since Friday and RuthAnne hadn’t seen her since last Tuesday. We are staying with David and Rachel Akridge (Rachel and I know and worked with this couple from Summit Ministries in Colorado) here in Lincoln, they have graciously opened their home to us until a house with Madonna opens up. RuthAnne and I are amazed at the improvements she has made. God continues to answer our prayers of healing for Rachel.
Since being in the hospital in Iowa City, Rachel wasn’t able to wear her engagement ring. Last night
Ryan put it back on her finger. This morning we asked her if she liked the ring back on...her look
was priceless. Ryan’s love for Rachel has a huge healing affect.
We want you to know that Rachel enjoys the cards and your posts on the web; so please keep posting your words of encouragement and prayers for her OR some story that you remember of her. You know, we will tell her what you wrote (which is fun) AND she will be reading this chronicle of her days since the ‘event’ as soon as she has access to the computer....
Here is a list of today’s Joys:
Rachel’s vision is really good as she did the Brock String therapy today....the therapist is happy about this and Rachel is even happier.
The PICC line for blood draws was removed~~one less thing attached to her body.
The TRACH removed!!! This is huge to her as this was a great source of irritation for her...now all she has left to get rid of is her stomach feed tube. That should be out as soon as her tongue can handle the food in her mouth AND she can eat enough to keep her energy.
She was able to stand for one minute with 2 people steadying her from wilting which was much better than yesterday.
The speech therapist just stopped by and said that Rachel can say ‘Yah’ and “No’ clearly so she wants her to say that instead of head nodding. She is pleased with Rachel’s improvements daily.
Rachel stays busy all day with therapy and some rests.........this helps to keep the days interesting and productive for her. One week ago she could only handle being up in the wheel chair one hour. Now she is fine with 7 hours!!!!
You probably wonder of Rachel’s emotional side.
Does she cry?
Is she frustrated?
Does she wonder ‘why?’
Yes, she does cry....perhaps every day at some point.
Why does she cry? Because she is frustrated, but not because she wants to give up.
She is frustrated with her fine motor skills not working as well as not being able to care for her body....how humbling...
We take these simple pleasures in life for granted UNTIL they are taken from us.
Yes, she does wonder why this happened.
How do we communicate if she cannot speak except to say ‘yah’ and ‘no’? Well, she has a board that
has the alphabet and with her left hand she can quickly spell out what she is thinking and the questions she has......the hitch in this method is with the interpreter (us) trying to remember and follow the sequence of letters.........sometimes she can spell faster than what we can remember and then......she ROLLS her eyes =) We are getting better at remembering.
Continue to pray for Rachel’s miraculous healing. According to I John 5:14, 15 ..... “And this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.”
“Prayer is faith passing into act." Richard Cecil
Thanks everyone for being there. The Christian family is beyond compare!
With heartfelt love,
Crystal Garrison
Thanks everyone for being there. The Christian family is beyond compare!
With heartfelt love,
Crystal Garrison
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
One Week At Madonna
Good evening,
Rachel had another good day here at Madonna. Mom and I got here this morning and hung out with her all day through her different therapies. Nancy (Ryan's mom) has been here this weekend during the day and Ryan comes in the evening.
It was great to see the improvements that Rachel has made in one week. I left her Tuesday night in Iowa City and she has been here since Wednesday. She is getting physically stronger every day, even the therapists can tell a difference from one day to the next.
Today, the Speech Therapist gave her a banana to eat and she did very well with it, I'm not sure if it was cut up or mashed, but Rachel loved it.
The doctors/therapist all meet in the morning for their weekly meeting to discuss Rachel's progress and will determine further goals/plans. We are curious to see what they say. The Pulmonary Doctor will see Rachel tomorrow and make the final say if she can have the trach out. She hasn't used her trach for a week, so we see no need for her to keep it. We thought he was going to stop by on Monday, but he got postponed for some reason.
Your prayers have a noticeable impact!
~RuthAnne
Rachel had another good day here at Madonna. Mom and I got here this morning and hung out with her all day through her different therapies. Nancy (Ryan's mom) has been here this weekend during the day and Ryan comes in the evening.
It was great to see the improvements that Rachel has made in one week. I left her Tuesday night in Iowa City and she has been here since Wednesday. She is getting physically stronger every day, even the therapists can tell a difference from one day to the next.
Today, the Speech Therapist gave her a banana to eat and she did very well with it, I'm not sure if it was cut up or mashed, but Rachel loved it.
The doctors/therapist all meet in the morning for their weekly meeting to discuss Rachel's progress and will determine further goals/plans. We are curious to see what they say. The Pulmonary Doctor will see Rachel tomorrow and make the final say if she can have the trach out. She hasn't used her trach for a week, so we see no need for her to keep it. We thought he was going to stop by on Monday, but he got postponed for some reason.
Your prayers have a noticeable impact!
~RuthAnne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
