Friday, June 1, 2007

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

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Annie and All,

What amazing news!! Thank you so much for the updates. They are greatly anticipated and appreciated. We'll keep praying.

Thank you for naming the bear Gladly. (That was gas in my tank....sometimes it's the little things in life.) Two people had e-mailed me things kids had misunderstood about God that week. (Like the little boy who cried after church because the pastor had said he wanted all the little children to live in Christian homes and he wanted to stay with his parents.) It made me think of that song, so it was one of my suggestions. When you think about it, it is so appropriate because you all are bearing a great big cross. (I hadn't thought of it in that light.) A big bear representing a big cross and all representing the cross that Jesus bore.

I love you guys and admire you so much! Keep on keeping on and take care,
Terri

Anonymous said...

Praising God with you for Annie's continued progress! So glad to hear she is continuing to get stronger every day! Of course we would all love it if God just decided to suddenly heal her all at once; but since He is choosing to do it in a bit slower fashion we will keep on rejoicing in each step and praying! And for all of you too, as a family, as you go through this difficult time together. It is a blessing to read of your praise of the Lord in the midst of a tough situation.

Sue Powell

Anonymous said...

Terri, cute name for the bear! Actually that was MY first thought too when they mentioned the bear. :) What a great protector for Annie! :)

Sue Powell

Gretchen said...

Hang in there,Jean. You are doing such an awesome job! God has really done great things in Annie lately. You're in my prayers. Thanks for the specifics, my friend. He is a God of details. :)
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

I love you Annie, and pray for you each and every day. Jesus loves you even more and is really doing great things in your life!

Pedal your heart out, Sweetie!!

hugs, kisses, and prayerful wishes
xxxoooxxx

uncle jeff

Anonymous said...

Hello There Annie!

I am absolutely amazed at your progress! And, I'll admit, a little jealous of those great foods you're getting to try. Keep up the great work and keep telling Mom, Dad, and the rest of the clan that you're getting better day-by-day!

Hello There Jean and Bill

God loves you and you're doing great. He's working amazing things through Annie and you. I can't wait to read the next update!

Anonymous said...

Jean & Bill ~
Wow! Thank you SO much for taking the time to faithfully blog Annie's progress. You are an enouragement to those of us who are living vicariously through the internet connections.

Annie ~
Super Wow! You're riding a bike now? How fun! Have your mom let me know when we can come and visit you - We'd love to get to know you a little better . and perhaps bring a balloon, or some bubbles, or something that we could play together. sooooo .. until then .. Keep on pedalling that bike!

God's best to each of you!
Patti & Danny Ghramm

Anonymous said...

Hi y'all, from Oklahoma! I tried writing a couple of days ago and my computer said "not today." You know how that is, I'll bet. So here I am to add my "Hear, Hear" to all the good advice, faithful prayers, and all the wonderful love that comes streaming over the internet. God bless the Sullivan's, the friends who read these posts and/or write them, the doctors, nurses, and _t's (p_, o_, s_, etc) who minister to Annie; and most of all - God Bless Annie today! Love, Aunt Rebecca