HOPES, PLANS AND A FUTURE.

18th November 2013


Two years ago (16th November 2011) we wrote:

‘Our most grateful thanks to you all for your continued support and prayer. When fears and doubts attack us and we feel too weary to carry on it is your love and prayers which lift us up ready to face new challenges. 
Be encouraged to persist in praying for Andy, for his full recovery, for already he has made amazing progress surprising many who are working with him.
All our lives will never be the same again; despite the pain and anguish Andy and the entire family are experiencing, there is an awesome and overwhelming awareness that God is in total control of everything that is happening.’

Since those awful, terrifying days, Andy and Emma have travelled a difficult journey;  a roller-coaster ride of tears and laughter, setbacks and progress, doubt and faith.  For Andy there were times of great frustration, depression and fear, as the quality of care and level of therapy given varied tremendously and progress was extremely slow. During the darkest of times Andy would cry inconsolably and desperately seek assurance that he would get better. But through it all Andy, Emma and all the family have been encouraged, reassured and given the strength to carry on through the love, prayers and support of faithful friends and many hundreds of believers around the world who continue to pray to this day, despite not even knowing Andy and Emma personally.

Looking back, it is truly amazing how much recovery Andy has made and continues to make even now.  The original diagnosis and prognosis given us the day after his stroke was: 

“His condition is critical and, if he survives, the 'locked in syndrome' means he is unlikely to be able to live any form of independent life again, totally dependent on others for everything.”

Well Andy did survive and has continued to make amazing progress in regaining what was taken by the stroke and, despite one or two scares, he has been free from any serious illnesses or infections.

Head and facial muscles are working and his speech is improved to the point that he can chat with friends, join in discussions and express his feelings.  He has been able to dictate whole chapters of the book he has ‘written’ about his illness and recovery. 

His core strength and stability means he is able to sit unsupported in a ‘normal’ wheelchair for more than 10 hours at a time. 

He can bite, chew and swallow all types of food, and drink thinner liquids as he regains greater control of the muscles involved.

With good head control and a tiny flicker of movement in his right thumb Andy can use a computer to communicate with family and friends through email and video ‘phone’ calls, also doing research, personal banking and shopping online.

The Baclofen pump fitted last month is working well and Andy is now able to exercise, free from painful spasms and the debilitating side-effects of the oral drug.

Two years of therapy sessions and exercise therapy at home have kept his joints loose with good flexibility ensuring the potential to move when muscle control is regained.

Most importantly Andy has ‘moved on’ from being merely a survivor to take on new challenges. He has begun his theology degree and already completed his first essay achieving an A grade with the whole piece of work composed in his head and dictated for typing.  

It is a great testimony to Andy and Emma’s love, faith and determination that he has achieved so much, but an even greater testimony to the wonderful love and grace of God through Christ Jesus. We don’t know why this has happened or what the future holds for Andy and Emma but we know the one who does and we put all our trust in Him.  

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11, The Bible)

‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’  (Romans 8: 28, The Bible)

University and Pump

Sorry for the massive delay since our last post. Life has been busy for lots of positive reasons. We went to Cornwall with friends, Steve and Nina, in August for a week. This was a really special time where we had lots of laughs and saw some beautiful places. We found that Cornwall is actually very accommodating of wheelchair users, despite the steepness of some of the landscape. Coming back from Cornwall, Andy's spasms became unbearable and so we had to tweak his medication and there was a definite regression in what he was able to do in his physiotherapy sessions.  However this did reassure us of the effect that Andy's daily therapy is having on managing his condition and enabling him to continue progressing although it still seems painfully slow to Andy.

As I write we are currently in Malvern at Regents Theological College and Andy has just completed his second day of lectures for his open learning degree in Applied Theology. We came on Tuesday evening and are going home tomorrow. Everyone here has been very accommodating and there is a real sense of community amongst all the students. The past two days have demonstrated how determined Andy is but also how his physical strength has improved to the extent that he has managed such intensive and long days of lectures and other freshers events. With the help of Student Disability Fund Andy will have the support that he needs to make his learning viable. Sarah, Andy's study facilitator, is an ex student of Regents and she will be spending time with Andy each week so that Andy can dictate his assignments.

There is another major event happening next week as Andy will be having his intrathecal baclofen pump fitted on Tuesday 1st October. Please pray that this has the desired effect of managing Andy's tone but also reducing his fatigue meaning that he is better able to communicate and can cope better with and improve in his therapies. Please also pray that we are able to quickly get the levels of medication to the correct titration for Andy's specific needs so that he can continue with progressing in his therapies as soon as possible as the NHS has agreed to fund another intensive course of rehabilitation once the pump has been fitted.  Please pray for Emma as she will be staying overnight with Andy during his stay in hospital and this can be quite draining.

Andy has also been busy writing his book and this has provided amazing insight into his experiences and his thoughts and feelings now so watch this space.

We are so thankful for God's sustaining power. At the beginning Emma felt quite strongly that God would provide daily sustenance like he did with the Israelites in the desert and God has been faithful; we are undoubtedly being sustained. We thank you so much for your prayers and support.

New Pathways

15th July 2013

Thank you all who continue to ask after Andy and Emma, reassuring us of your continuing prayer and sending messages of encouragement.  
Andy’s strength and range of movement continues to improve, especially as he can now stand with support from therapists and holding a zimmer frame.   While standing he can turn his upper body to both right and left and shift his weight from one foot to the other. He can also move his head and arms voluntarily, albeit slowly, requiring huge effort; the brain is creating new pathways to send messages to the rest of the body. We are really excited about this as it means that there is healing deep within the brain!  Truly, nothing is too difficult for God! 
‘For nothing is impossible with God.’ (Luke1:37)
Andy continues with hydrotherapy and specialist neuro- physiotherapy each week as well as therapy at QE hospital and exercising at home.
Emma is continuing with her university course and Andy has been accepted at Regents Bible College, Malvern to begin studying theology in September. Please pray that they will both be able to manage their studies and that Andy will qualify to receive learning support.  
Andy is due to have small operation in September to fit a pump which will deliver small doses of the drug which controls spasticity.  Please pray that this is successful and that Andy will be able to make good progress exercising free from pain.  
On 7th July, Andy’s mum and dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with all the family together in Burscough for a celebration party.   Andy and Emma celebrated their 5th (wood) anniversary on 11th July having a walk in the woods in Sutton Park; it is so good that they are able to have these special times together. We thank God for the amazing healing and progress in Andy and Emma’s strength and courage.
Next weekend (19th - 21st July) 17 friends from Burscough Methodist Church are taking part in a sponsored bike ride; 185 miles along cycle routes, to meet up with friends from CLC church, Birmingham at Andy and Emma’s home. Meanwhile many more friends will hold a static bike ride in Burscough, also intending to cycle 185 miles and raise funds to support Andy in his rehabilitation. Please pray for safe travels for the cyclists, their supporters and the friends working so hard back in Burscough.

We continue in faith and hope, thanking the Lord for all He has given us and trusting Him for all that is to come. 

‘I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him’ (psalm 62:5) 

‘Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.’ (Romans 12:12)

May the Lord bless you and keep you in his loving arms.

Faith, Hope and Courage

 Sorry, it has been a while since our last update. Many of you are asking about Andy’s progress and reassuring us of your continued prayers for Andy and Emma; thank you so much for the love and encouragement you give us all.  We are hoping to keep updating this blog to let you know how Andy is progressing but perhaps less frequently in the future.

Andy continues physiotherapy at QE hospital, the university and in his own home with two hydrotherapy sessions each week but works hard between sessions exercising at home every day with support from Emma, his carer and some really useful equipment. His core strength, stability and balance is steadily improving and has retained a good range of movement which is testimony his hard work especially as he is hampered by painful spasms which affect many muscles. Please can you continue to pray for improved movement and that Andy will soon have his baclofen pump fitted which we hope will reduce spasms in skeletal muscles while allowing other muscles to work normally. 

Emma is back working in adult education as well as studying linguistics at Worcester University; Andy is working on producing video lectures for physiotherapy and speech and language therapy students as well as preparing to study theology at Regents Bible College starting September.  They continue to support the charity ‘Hope for Justice’ hosting the regular monthly meetings in their own home.  We are really proud of both Andy and Emma, they are truly inspirational in their faith, hope and courage.

Life is very busy and days are rather hectic for Andy and Emma as they juggle with therapy, work and study but they are trying to have a few breaks away from home now and again. Last month they had a few days in Kirkby Lonsdale with Andy’s aunt and uncle and visiting Lake Windermere. They also have had evenings at the theatre and meals out with friends.

We want to thank you all who continue to remember Andy and Emma in your personal prayers and church groups; when the going is tough there is great assurance knowing there is so much love and prayer surrounding us all.  There is also a special thank you to friends doing a sponsored cycle from Burscough to Birmingham in July to raise money for an exercise bike for Andy; you are amazing.

Throughout the past year and a half Andy and Emma have faced many difficult and frightening times but have come through it all trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and the promises of God. 

The following Word came to me the day before Andy’s stroke:-

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.’  (Isaiah 40: 30-31)

Please pray that Andy and Emma will continue to grow in faith and hope; patiently waiting on the Lord for all he has for them and their future.

(posted by Andy's Mum)

Getting out and About/ Standing

Sorry for the delay. We've had a busy few weeks since the last post. Mid March, we had our first holiday since Andy's stroke in sunny Blackpool, with Andy's parents. It was a much needed break from the usual routine of daily therapy. The highlight was a five mile walk along the front from Fleetwood to Cleveleys; it was great to be in the fresh air and by the sea. We also did a day trip to see Andy's aunty and uncle in Kirkby Lonsdale.

This week we went to Telford for a bible conference and stayed overnight at a hotel with a ceiling track hoist. We both really enjoyed listening to God's word and spending time with friends. Andy was also able to talk with some of the bible college lecturers about the logistics of his studies to be started in September.

 

The BIG improvement happened on Sunday 18th March when Andy stood for the first time on land. With support, he managed to stand for two minutes. He has been able to do this since on three separate occasions and each time the therapists have needed to give less support. He can also manage it without his splints on now. Andy is still making new improvements but has specifically asked that  his recovery is supernaturally sped up.

(Apologies for the poor picture quality, this was taken on the first time that Andy stood.)

Andy had his test dose for the baclofen pump and this succeeded in managing Andy's spasms. We are in the process of appealing the long waiting list to get  the pump  fitted as soon as possible so that his spasticity does not affect his rehabilitation. Please pray that he is able to have the operation soon.

Emma has now gone back to work one day a week whilst Andy has extra support from outside carers who assist the live in carer.   Please pray for Emma as she juggles work and university with the responsibility of being Andy's carer.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Andy's healing and for your prayers for strength for Emma, which are being answered.

New Purpose

Andy has had a good couple of weeks. His friend, Lynette, encouraged him to not limit himself because of his current predicament. She challenged Andy to think of things that he has always wanted to do and find out how he can go do them!!! Andy has always wanted to study Theology and wondered whether it would be possible to do a distance learning course through Regents Bible College in Malvern. We are still looking into the logistics of this but so far it is looking promising. As you know, we asked for your prayers that God would strengthen Andy's faith and so this is a good sign that prayers are being answered. 

Andy previously lectured Dentistry at Birmingham University and then went on to oversee foundation training for dentists in and around the Worcester area. He had only just completed his PGCE to teach Medicine when he had his stroke and was then awarded his certificate in June 2012. Andy is going to be doing some lecturing again! He will be speaking to the speech and language students and nurses at Birmingham City University, sharing his experience of how he learned to talk, eat and drink as well as delivering a session on oral hygiene because this part of the syllabus. This will be a video with subtitles. Watch this space

Andy also went to a conference in Telford with the men from church yesterday. This was his first time out without his carer or Emma. Below is a photo of him having lunch; he never normally eats that many vegetables!!!

Andy's core stability is improving and he sat on the edge of the bed for over an hour this week.

Andy still cannot use his hands or arms and we really need improvement in this. He is unable to use his SaeboFlx at the moment because he has has ingrown thumbnails and this has led to infection. Please pray into this.

Please continue to pray for Andy's spasms. We are still waiting on him having the test dose for the Baclofen pump and we will then be put on the waiting list. Being on such a high level of Baclofen is causing Andy to be fatigued and his spasms still aren't being managed.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. Ps 23:5

This passage talks about God preparing a table in front of our enemies and not after our enemies have gone!!!Sometimes we want to wait until our problems have gone away before we think we can relax and enjoy life but God wants us to enjoy life despite them. This is something which we have been trying to apply since the last blog.

A New Goal Achieved

We have had an encouraging couple of weeks. Andy has been doing really well at his physiotherapy at the university. Their goal for him a fortnight ago was for him to get better head control so Andy started trying being in his wheelchair without his headrest on. Andy felt that his speaking and eating were better with the headrest on but he has been really improving in these and we went out last night for a meal and he managed the whole of it without his headrest - starter, main AND dessert!!! His speech has also become more intelligible when he is upright in a chair with or without the headrest.

Valentines Day Steak

We are also encouraged by Andy's eating. Andy had the goal to be able eat steak on Valentines day and he managed this. He began eating non blended meat at Christmas and so eating a steak is a real step forward and, although we still have to be careful, he is on a much more normal diet. 

There has also been improvement in Andy's sitting balance. He has much better control when sitting on the edge of a bed and can sit for ten minutes at a time. Andy is also needing less support with getting into a standing position at hydro. Andy aims to be able to transfer without a hoist by the end of the year. Please pray into this. 

We have started hosting a monthly group which meets to pray and talk about how we can practically support Hope for Justice individually and as a church. As you know, Andy is very concerned about human trafficking and has always supported this particular charity so it is great that we can be part of this. 

Andy will be hiring the active passive bike for three months as of Tuesday this week, with a view to buying this. We hope that this will improve his spasticity and also help to regain some voluntary movement in his arms and legs. 

Psalm 66 v 10-12 

For you O God have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined...We went through fire and water, But You brought  us out to rich fulfilment. 

Ongoing Therapy

As we mentioned on the last  blog update, we had an important meeting to discuss Andy's continued rehabilitation on 22nd January. We asked for prayer as the NHS offers time limited rehabilitation post discharge and we have now come to the end of that. As you are aware, Andy continues to improve, and has by no means plateaued, and so is still in need of continued, intensive rehabilitation.

The meeting was very intense and long. The therapy team and the doctor said that the amount of therapy given is a national strategy and not open to negotiation.We stood our ground and fought our corner insisting that Andy should be given the appropriate rehabilitation. On leaving the meeting we were both very drained and in the natural, the tendency was to fret as we wondered how we might get the therapy that we needed.

We believe that we have had answers to prayer and that provision has been made for Andy to have continued therapy, be it from different sources. Firstly, we stumbled upon a charity based at Birmingham University, which operates a clinic whereby physio students treat stroke survivors, shadowed by qualified neuro physio's. The referral was made on the Thursday 24th and we had our first session on Wednesday. The clinical leader commented that the program is set up to be a long term provision for as long as it is required. He has led a similar scheme at a different university where individuals are still receiving weekly therapy a number of years on and achieving amazing things. Andy has also been referred to the Queen Elizabeth for physiotherapy and he will be starting this on the 25th February.

Also on the Thursday following the meeting, Andy went on an active passive bike for the first time. He completed just under a mile on the bike. The majority of this was passive exercise but the machine gave feedback that 12% of the overall distance was Andy's active voluntary movement and the physios were impressed by this. We are considering getting an active passive bike for at home.

On that same Thursday we also had a visit from the clinician who is overseeing Andy's saeboflex. Without realising how anxious we had been following the meeting, she began giving advice on how we can better use the equipment we have at home to achieve some of Andy's goals and gave the carer and I instruction. She is prepared to work with us on an adhoc basis to give guidance on how we do Andy's exercises at home. 

Andy has been referred to the university for conversation practice with first year speech therapy students for 8 sessions. We had a phone call from one of the students who Andy had been referred to. He said that it was unusual as it was him and another guy who would be doing the sessions and the majority of students are girls. He asked me what Andy's interests are and I said climbing, church and teaching. He said that he felt it was providence as both he and the other student are also Christians and so they would have that in common. He also said that he was a keen climber.

The church currently has two interns and one of them is a qualified speech and language therapist. What a coincidence! She  agreed to see Andy on a fortnightly basis when we told her that Andy's speech and language had been stopped completely. Another answer to prayer. 

We thank you for your prayers in this area. We would like prayer for Andy's spasticity as he is having a lot of spasms and this is affecting his therapy. We are waiting for the baclofen pump but there is a six month waiting list for the operation. They have said that because of Andy's pain, its effect on his swallow and his fatigue that they could request that it is done sooner. Please pray that this is done quickly and that Andy's spasticity is managed in the meantime.

Update

We would like to thank you for your continued prayers.

Emma started her Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Literacy at The University of Worcester last week. The qualification is important to her work teaching adults and also gives something  different for her to focus on. Praise God for how understanding her employer has been in allowing her to remain employed on a very, very part time basis, which gives her the necessary teaching experience to be able to do the course.

We had an important meeting to discuss Andy's continued therapy today. Andy was given 16 weeks rehabilitation by the Birmingham Neuro Rehab Team after having been discharged. Various things were discussed and we are considering our choices in light of this. Please pray for us in this.

Andy has had a couple of choking incidents which have been very unnerving over the last couple of weeks. On the first instance Andy was back in hospital for two days as his oxygen was low. We are hoping that the Baclofen pump will cause Andy's swallow to be less delayed because the amount of Baclofen means that all of his muscles are relaxed and so his swallow reflex is also slowed down. Andy has the test dose for his Baclofen pump on the 28th February and then the operation will be booked, however, the consultant is seeing whether there is any way that this can be brought forward because of the effects on the swallow and his intense fatigue.

We are planning on having a lift fitted as well as a ceiling track hoist upstairs so that Andy can sleep upstairs and we can share a bedroom. We are in the process of getting quotes from companies.

A scripture that has encouraged us greatly is Psalm 18:
 

³² It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not turn.

⁴⁹ Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing the praises of your name.

 

All of the things mentioned in this Psalm are very significant to Andy's recovery and so we are praying into these verses and would really appreciate for you to stand with us in declaring these verses over Andy's life.

Happy New Year

Christmas Day 2012 at home.

Wishing you all richest blessings in new year; praying that you will know God's peace and strength in your lives in the coming months especially as many of you, we know, are facing uncertain days ahead with health, employment and family problems. We think of you all.
Thank you also for the cards and good wishes sent to Andy, Emma and all the family.
We  (Andy's Mum and Dad) were so happy to be able to spend Christmas in Bournville with Andy and Emma in their own home. We were joined by Emma's parents Pam and David, her brother Richard and friends Norma and Joan. It was a very special day of celebration, so good to be able to be together at home; so different from the previous year when Andy was in hospital, very poorly. So much to celebrate and to be thankful for. 
New Year was spent in Burscough with Andy's family; his sister Tina and her husband Keith, brother Paul and his new wife Katie, not forgetting nephews Luke and Jake; again a special time for us all to be together. We thank God for Andy's on-going recovery and the many blessings of the past year. 
It was really good for Andy to be part of all the preparations for Christmas, shopping for gifts and organising the food. Andy enjoyed all the festive meals able to chew and swallow (with care) every type of food including meat and party snacks.  
Looking forward, Andy now has his new saeboflex 'gloves' thanks to the great generosity of Castle View Dental Practice staff and patients who sponsored Stracy in her run for Andy. He has begun OT using the saeboflex to enable him to use his hands and fingers and retrain the muscles to work voluntarily. 
Andy has been having problems associated with the drug Baclofen used to reduce muscular spasms and is looking into the possibility of having a pump fitted to deliver the drug directly to the skeletal muscles thus avoiding the unpleasant side effects of taking Baclofen orally. Fitting the pump will involve a stay in hospital which is rather daunting - please pray for this.
Andy has made tremendous progress over the past year and is now much stronger physically, with speech and swallowing doing particularly well. He is exercising shoulders, arms and legs to enable him to sit and transfer from bed to chair and chair to car seat. His long term goal is to be able to sit in a new car but there are many short term goals to achieve first - being able to sit with less support, to push up on his arms and to get his feet flat on the floor. Please pray for Andy - for the faith, courage and strength to achieve these goals - to remain positive and motivated through the months ahead. 

'God is my strength and power; and he makes my way perfect.' 
(2 Samuel 22:33) 

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'  (Philippians 4:13)

'For with God nothing shall be impossible'  (Luke 1:17)

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the continued prayer, love and support you have shown Andy, Emma and all the family over the past 14 months; your faith and dedication have sustained us and we thank the Lord for you all. 
God bless you.