Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Progress!

Let me share an e-mail that Annie's PT, Kim, sent me this week:

I just wanted to email you and let you know how AWESOME Annie did today in therapy. She was in such a great mood (as I’m sure you knew) and “talking” non-stop. Annie constantly wanted to move today, which I was able to use to my advantage to get her to do things. Even when I challenged her, she returned to being very happy as soon as I let her rest. She tolerated being on her tummy (over my legs) 6 times, with the longest lasting over 10 seconds. She wasn’t thrilled about it, but she wasn’t putting up the fight that I expected. I was also able to get her on her knees 5x’s, with the longest lasting also over 10 seconds (I was holding her in high kneel at the trunk). She sat in a tailor position (criss-cross) for up to 3 or 4 minutes with my hands just gently on her legs in case she tried to kick her legs out….which they didn’t. She was activating the bubble gum toy (pull a lever to get balls to come out like bubblegum) with only minimal assist to pull the handle down. She initiated pulling the handle down independently. Annie was also letting me take her hand and push the balls back into the bubble gum “machine.” It was such a great great session! Annie was standing up by herself (I had my hands on her and then provided her with balance once standing), and then we worked on turning and stepping to sit in a chair at a 90 degree angle. She did great – it’s easier for her to move to her right. We’ll keep work on this! I wish I had a video camera going the entire session so I could have shown you all of the things she did. She was enthralled with the mirror today as well….looking in it, talking to it and reaching out for it. I’m going to keep working on the prone over my legs as I think she feels more comfortable next to my body, plus she can turn over and sit up in my lap which always makes her calm. Anyway, just wanted to let you know….I thought you would enjoy hearing this!! I hope tomorrow is another super productive day!! Talk to you soon…

I DID enjoy hearing this, and I thought you would, too. Annie is so blessed to have Kim (and Amanda and Michelle and Moira and Sandy!) working with her each week.

Jean

"Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute shall sing...
...and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isaiah 35:6, 10

8 comments:

naomi said...

So good to hear! Wow, praise God for progress! How often does Annie do PT?

Jean said...

Well, depending on the week, she could have 2-3 half hour sessions...and she also has OT, too. So all together, she gets a good amount of workout with Kim & Michelle. And Moira takes her on her Kidwalk and/or bike every day. They're dedicated and hard workers, and we are so grateful to them!

Unknown said...

Jean, this report brought tears to my eyes! How exciting for all of you! Do you think any of this has to do with her HC dose? If you do get some video of Annie's new accomplishments, your readers would love to see them.

:) Dusty

Jean said...

Hi Dusty--

I forget that everyone following Annie doesn't get to see the incremental changes she makes, and she has made quite a few this year!

I don't know about the hydro dose. She was back to normal hydro dose last week and this week (until a day or so ago when I've been giving her a little more because she's had a little cold)...sometimes I think it has to do with her seizure activity--less is better, obviously. But she's been having a few more seizures this week and she's STILL making progress. You know, I think it's simply God answering prayer. :)

I will try to get some video up of all this soon--maybe next week?

uncle jeff said...

yay!!

Gretchen said...

Late to the party, but celebrating nonetheless! Woo hoo! It cannot be overstated how amazing it sounds to hear GOOD things about our children!

Sue Powell said...

Wow, what incredible progress. Rejoicing with you and praying for her to keep this up! Way to go, Annie.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sullivans!

Through no fault of my own, and complete lack of computer savvy, I have not been on Annie's blog for a while. All I can say is WOW!!! PTL!!!! Out of sight has not been out of mind, however; and I have been wondering how things are going and praying for all of you consistently. What wonderful timing for the blog to pop back up on my homepage. (I think BW did it both times.)

I am super excited about Chewie! You guys have tried so hard to have a dog and it sounds like Chewie will be a wonderful fit. I am very happy for you. Thank you so much for being a "foster home" for Millie. Hope,(her mistress), loves her so much and they, too, are a perfect fit. And once again, great timing; due, in part, to your homing Millie when you did.

Of course, God's timing is always perfect; we just don't always see/realize it.

Love you guys!

So good to reconnect,

Terri W