Apologies for the lack of posts! We would like to start by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and to thank you for all your love, support and prayers throughout 2012.
Christmas will be a lot different to how it was spent last year in the hospital and we are both very much looking forward to it.We have both sets of parents, Emma's brother, Richard, and two close friends, Norma and Joan, coming to us on Christmas day, so there will be nine of us altogether. We will also be spending some nights up in Lancashire with the rest of Andy's family and we will be having a post Christmas family meal there on New Year's Day.
Andy continues to make some progress. Andy, however, still can't see past where he is at the moment and continues to be very anxious about the future.To us it does seems painfully slow. On a positive note we were encouraged today as both of Andy's hydrotherapists have been on holiday for a couple of weeks and both commented on how Andy has improved in that time: with having slightly better trunk control and some improved effort in standing in that the therapist felt that she was doing less to help him stand.
Andy had botox in his legs on Thursday. This is a routine procedure to allow stretching of tendons and calf muscles with the aim of improving the position of his feet.
Andy has improved lateral movement of the tongue. This means that he can move food, as long as it is small, to the side of his mouth, but he is finding it difficult to swallow such small amounts so it is a bit of a catch 22. The positive is that his tongue movement is improving and he has been able to chew small pieces of gammon and bacon, thus moving further away from the soft, mashable diet.
It has been suggested by Andy's physio and consultant that he has an intrathecal pump fitted to administer his anti spasm drugs directly to the spine. This would allow for a much smaller dose, therefore reducing the seccondary sedative effect of the drug. Administering directly to the spine could also make the drug more effective. This is a big decision as Andy would have to have a general anaesthetic and there are risks posed by having a pump fitted. Andy is also nervous about going into hospital. Please pray for us as we weigh up this decision.
Andy would like prayer for encouragement that there is hope in his future.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 07, 2012
Out and About
Last week we had a few days with Andy while Emma enjoyed a well earned break. It was really good to spend time with Andy, being part of therapy sessions at home and at rehab centres. He is becoming much stronger, developing more voluntary movements and supporting himself for a few minutes when sitting. He can also stand for a short time in the hydrotherapy pool with support from therapists. It is very encouraging to see small flickers of movement in some fingers on Andy’s right hand.
Andy’s speech continues to improve as he is now able to talk for long spells of time and enjoy conversations with visitors when reclined in his armchair. Andy has been able to share many memories and thoughts, telling us about the time when he was very ill in hospital and the events leading up to his stroke. He is OK with recalling these harrowing events and is also typing up some on his computer using a head mouse and microswitch on his right thumb.
As Andy is now able to deal with more solid food he has enjoyed some meals out in restaurants and in the homes of friends. We also enjoyed the German Christmas Market in Birmingham, with Andy and his Dad sharing a giant bratwurst! Getting out and about and socialising away from home has given both Andy and Emma a real boost.
Andy is struggling in his faith as he is discouraged by his slow progress and doubts he will make sufficient progress to achieve independence. He has asked if we can all pray for his renewed faith and assurance of God’s love.
God’s message of assurance came in our reading for 1st December from Isaiah 49.
Mum and Dad (Barbara and Trevor)
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