Hope

Please pray that Andy's hope is renewed. It is so important that Andy continues to have hope :Hope deferred makes the heart sick Prov 13:12

We continue to trust and believe ,as from the beginning, that God will fully heal Andy and he will go onto make a full recovery.

These were the scriptures that stood out to us at the very beginning when Andy first had the stroke and the prognosis of Locked in Syndrome:

Romans 4: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations... His faith did not weaken when he thought about his own body... In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.

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 40:31

We need a supernatural sense of hope for Andy.

Eight Months On

Progress

Andy has increased control of his torso and is now able to sit on the edge of the bed for 11 minutes. When Andy first started hydrotherapy, the therapist needed to hold his head above the water. Over the sessions Andy has needed less support and now only needs support from his hips and below.


 Andy continues to use the standing frame to assist in standing and continues to be hoisted using an overhead hoist, needing two people. Please pray into this.

Andy is very dependent on others for all of his needs. Please pray that Andy will be able to reposition himself in bed and give himself a drink.

Andy's speech continues to improve.He is still on a mashable diet and needs thickened fluids because of his involuntary swallow and inability to control his tongue, however this is improving.

It was our anniversary last Wednesday and we went to the cinema to watch Spiderman. This was lovely to be able to do something normal and we both really enjoyed this. On Saturday Andy coped with going to Lewis' wedding as well as the reception in Bristol. With the long journey and the wedding, Andy was in his chair for 11 hours and so he coped amazingly!

Please pray for increased movement in Andy's hands, arms, shoulders and legs. 

We thank God that Andy's hydrotherapist commented that she couldn't believe the difference in Andy from when she saw him on the Saturday and then again on the Thursday. She said that she felt he had turned a corner and that they were doing new things in the session that she didn't feel could have been done in the session before. Andy was prayed for at the Renewal Tuesday meeting that week and so we can definitely see prayers being answered here.

We are still waiting on a decision from the PCT regarding funding for when he comes home. Please pray that this is successful.


I am personally aware of the suffering of many others who are recovering from brain injury including Santino and Mifta who I have mentioned in previous posts. Please pray for these young men. Mifta is due to have his trache out after 11 months of being dependent on this. Please pray that this goes smoothly.

God continues to sustain us. We are very much in the valley at the moment but our comfort is that we need not fear because God is with us. He is our shepherd. I pray that I am able to show HIS love to those around us who are suffering as well. Sometimes people just need to know that God still cares and for this we are His hands and feet.

Clarification

Just to clarify that there are no definites about Any coming home as yet. This week we will be looking at care packages and this will then be put to the funding panel. Having the right carer is essential. Please pray for favour and for wisdom for those who assess Andy's needs.

Coming home

The discharge meeting went well and we are happy to announce that Andy is coming home!!! We will be having support with his care and his rehabilitation will continue. We are both really excited by this. Please pray that we are granted favour in the amount of therapy that is provided at home. Andy will have a standing frame at home and this will enable him to stand more often (at the moment he only manages to get into this three to four times a week). Please pray that the Continuing Health Care agrees to fund the standing frame. Andy is suffering from muscle tightness and increased spasms and this is possibly because his med's have been reduced for this. Please pray that his spasms reduce. We thank God that Andy is getting more movement in his right hand and is able to clench and release his fingers. His speech is noticeably better and, when lying flat, he can speak in sentences. This is just incredible. Thank you for your prayers.

Discharge Meeting

Tomorrow at 11 am we have an important meeting regarding what the next steps are with Andy being discharged from Moseley. Please pray for favour in terms of the right care and rehab package and that God's perfect will is done.

Andy

We have so much to be thankful for. Andy is getting much better movement in his fingers and was assessed as having enough movement to be able to use the Saeboflex, a glove which accentuates his movement and can help to regain function. Andy was ale to tell me a very long winded joke tonight by speaking. He said at least ten sentences so I am very thankful that his speech continues to improve so wonderfully. Andy's mood is relatively good. We were able to travel up to Andy's mum and dad's for Barbara's 60th. Andy wasn't sick during the journey and considering this was a 240 mile trip, this is truly amazing. He was relaxed throughout the weekend and coped with the gathering of close family and friends. Andy is beginning to be able to help a little more with his personal care. He can push himself against the end of the bed to push up the bed. He can also lift his bottom of the bed to help when carers are putting on his trousers. Thank you for your faithful prayers. Please pray for Mifta, who we have mentioned before; Mifta was in hospital with Andy but is now in a nursing home. Mifta is 33 and originally from Albania. He and his wife, Ingrid, have a 10 year old daughter, Oksana. Mifta had a motorbike accident ten months ago and was given little hope. He continues to be fed through a peg and still has his tracheotomy. He has regained some movement in his arms and legs and more recently has been able to focus on television and smiles. His wife and daughter, along with the rest of the family, pray for him continuously. Ingrid has asked me to include his story to ask people to pray.

Rehab

Please pray that Andy will get the rehabilitation that he needs as his funding is due to run out on the 9th July and we are in the process of discussing the next step. Please pray that God's perfect will is done. God is faithful. Thank you for your continued prayer.

Seven months on ....

Andy came home for his third overnight stay on Sunday evening. We enjoyed a walk around Bournville on Monday and managed to get to Cadbury World's cafe for a Frappe! Andy is doing really well at Moseley Hall and it has been the right thing that he continues his rehab there rather than uprooting and moving to Hunters Moor. In therapy, Andy is using a stand aid hoist rather than the overhead hoist with the aim that this can be used on the ward. This is great progress and will enable Andy to stand much more frequently and regain strength in his legs. Andy is starting to get a little more movement in his fingers. He will be assessed to see whether there is enough movement for him to benefit from a mechanic glove with springs; this accentuates the hand movement to enable him to do more functional tasks. Please pray that the movement in his hands and fingers improves. Andy has also asked for increased, controlled movement in his arms. God bless you for your faithful prayers.

Sitting and Standing

Andy is still progressing with his sitting and standing. He is now able to sit on the edge of a bed for three and a half minutes; when he first came to Moseley he could only sit for 30 seconds!!! Andy's standing has also improved. Just ten weeks ago he started out using a standing frame, which mechanically raised him into a standing position and held him there. This then progressed to Andy doing some of the pushing up to get to the standing position, with some assistance from the standing frame. This moved on to an overhead hoist raising him to the position. Now Andy no longer needs the hoist and can push himself up and briefly hold it there with the assistance of therapists, who help with the process. Please pray that Andy can stand up without the support of therapists. Andy is partially able to raise a cup to his mouth but needs quite a lot of assistance with this in order to tilt the cup into his mouth. Please pray that Andy achieves this goal of giving himself a drink and that this happens quickly. This will be the first thing that he can functionally do for himself. Please continue to pray for movement in Andy's hands and fingers. Andy remains in relatively good spirits and we are thankful to the Lord for sustaining him on his journey so far. Andy is enjoying having hydrotherapy. He has been twice over the past couple of weeks and the therapist said that he had notably improved after just one session of therapy in terms of his movement. The key scripture this week has been to praise God whatever our circumstances. Acts 16:24-26 We are reminded that even though our circumstances change, God NEVER Changes. He is always good and abounding in love. His word says that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we should fear no evil for He is with us. In the bible, the command to not be afraid is mentioned 365 times: one for each day of the year. As always we are coming into contact with many people who are in desperate situations. Please pray for Santino, his partner Sarah and their two children.

Our Son Andy

Andy is the second of our three very precious children who, along with his sister Tina and brother Paul, was born and grew up in Burscough. In 2002 he qualified as a dentist at Birmingham University, the first person with dyslexia ever to do so. Since then he has worked for the NHS in general dental practice and a drop in centre. He has also worked as a clinical lecturer, a post-graduate trainer and an advisor for training (the youngest person in the country to hold such a post) an intelligent, dedicated health professional.

In 2008 he married Emma, his beautiful soul-mate, who has worked alongside him through the church with young people, many of whom were facing difficulties in their lives. We believed at the time that God had great plans for them as a couple to bring the message of hope in Jesus and God’s love to those around them. We could never have imagined what that would mean in reality.

 On Tuesday 1^st November 2011 Andy suffered a devastating brain stem stroke which left him totally paralysed, unable to move any part of his body or communicate, other than blinking his eyes. His brain was unable to regulate vital organs and body systems including heart, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature, but his intellect, reasoning and personality were completely unaffected. He was in ICU, on life support, for 6 days then moved to a high dependency unit where his condition remained critical for a further 4 weeks.

We were told that if Andy survived he would be left with ‘Locked in Syndrome’ which would leave him unable to communicate or move with no prospect of any independent life.

 We have never accepted this prognosis and told the specialists that although they could give us little hope we believe in The God of hope who loves us and wants the best for us, healing and forgiving us and giving us peace. We believed from the start that Andrew would fight and overcome this horrible illness in that we know he is so strong– physically, mentally and more importantly spiritually. Andrew is a man of great faith who has lived out his faith in serving God and helping others with all that he has and in as many ways as he can.

 Within days of us asking for prayers for Andy and Emma there were messages of hope, reassurance, love and prayers coming from around the world, not only from people who know Andy but many 1,000s of others who were moved by his story.  The therapists have done incredible work with Andy, dedicated to helping him achieve his goals to walk, talk and use his hands again.  We have met some inspirational people; other patients and their families who are bravely battling with disabling neurological disorders and also being supported by stroke fighters like Kate Allatt who is always available to give advice and encouragement.  

 Today Andy’s condition is stable and he is gradually and slowly regaining strength and movement, learning to sit, stand, walk and talk again. He has been able to have home visits at weekends and even stayed overnight last weekend.  He and Emma have a long road ahead of them but Andy now has funding for 8 more weeks rehabilitation at Moseley Hall – thank God for answered prayers in this.

God has done amazing things in all our lives as we as a family has been so greatly blessed in so many ways. There have been times when Andy has been tormented by doubts and struggling to fight on and each one of us despaired; but always, just at the right time a word of encouragement and hope comes and lifts us up. We have this blessed assurance that Andy is held safely and securely in God’s loving hands and that Jesus lives in his heart.

Many people have told us how their lives have been changed and their faith renewed by either meeting Andy and Emma or hearing their story. We are truly humbled that so many of you concerned for us have immense problems and are dealing with devastating health issues of your own. We think of you and pray that you will be encouraged and know the love and power of God in your lives as you trust in him. Thank you for your continued and faithful prayers – rejoice and believe – God answers prayers. We hold on to the promise of Jesus, ‘…. with God all things are possible.’

Barbara and Trevor (Mum and Dad)

‘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)

Continued care

Thank you all for your prayers. The PCT has agreed for Andy to have an extended time at Moseley Hall and so Andy will not be going to Hunters Moor rehab. Please pray that Andy's time here continues to be productive and that there is a speeding up of his continued recovery. 

Six months

3 John 2 Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way. I pray that your body is strong and well even as your soul is. Praise points I really feel that this scripture is significant. Most days Andy asks to listen to a cd with scriptures or sermons on as he continues to look to God for daily, fresh encouragement. Andy is learning how to stand up from a sitting position and so he is able to put his weight through his legs. This is amazing and is the first step towards him walking again, literally!!! Andy managed to get to Harry and Pete's wedding in Buckinghamshire and coped with the journey. This was a massive milestone as it was around a 100 miles away. Andy has seemed better in his mood over the past week. Andy continues to come home for a few hours on a Saturday but we now have the equipment for Andy to stay overnight and the occupational therapist is visiting the home next week to prepare for a possible overnight stay on Sunday night. Andy had his hydrotherapy assessment and will be starting this next Saturday. Points for prayer Please pray that Andy gets the funding for further inpatient neuro rehab. (We should get the decision from the PCT this week) Andy has good gross movement in his arms and legs. Please pray for increased fine movement and that this is selective I.e. Andy can select which movement to do rather than having to move everything to get the desired movement. Andy has high tone and much less movement in his right leg. Please pray that the tone decreases and that he is able to move it freely. Andy gets overs his water infection and that this doesn't interfere with his therapy. Andy i

Faith and Hope

Andy is developing more movement and strength in his legs and arms.

Please pray

• For the determination and strength to keep working on developing new brain ‘pathways’
• that he will be able to regain functional movement in his limbs
• for improved communication
• that he will get funding for Hunter’s Moor for continuing Rehab needs

Emma is amazing – being an ‘assistant therapist’, organising hydrotherapy,
           home visits and keeping Andy’s spirits up.
Please pray

• For strength and faith to continue her loving support as she and Andy travel the long road to recovery together.

Mista aged 32, who is in the next bed to Andy, – who suffered head injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Please pray

• For his recovery, for his wife, Ingrid and his 9 year old daughter (Emma and Ingrid have become friends)

So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (1 Peter 5:10 -11- The Message)

Thursday 19th April 2012

Moving On Again.
Andy continues to make good progress with all aspects of his rehab with new movements in arms and legs especially being able to move in opposite directions. All movement takes an enormous amount of effort but Andy is practising and working hard to maintain and increase the range of movement. 
He is increasing the number words he can say with greater clarity but he needs to be able to get more air from his lungs to create volume. Developing communication is so important to Andy both speaking and using a computer.  Those of you who are Facebook friends will have been delighted to see Andy's first 'post' on Monday.
Andy and Emma are planning to go Harry and Pete's wedding on 28th April which will involve a long journey by car.
Andy is doing so well but progress is very slow which is is very frustrating and he needs your continued support in prayer (and visits if you live nearby) that his faith and hope will be renewed and strengthened.
As Andy reaches the end of his time at Moseley Hall and funding is being applied for to move to Hunter's Moor for the next stage of his rehabilitaion and continuing care.  This continuing care and therapy is vitally important if Andy is to build on the good progress made so far. Andy and Emma also need your prayers as the application process involves reliving the traumatic circumstances when Andy first became ill and went to hospital. They are finding this a very frightening and stressful experience.
Andy told me  'I can endure a lot if I have hope'
Please pray that:-

• Andy will continue to develop movement especially in his hands and fingers
• Funding will be agreed for Andy's continuing care at Hunter's Moor
• Andy and Emma will know God's peace and hope as they go through the application process
• God's richest blessings will be poured out them as they trust  His promises....

'I will never leave you nor forsake you'
'My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you'
'I have engraved you on the palms of my hands'

Thank you
Barbara Davies (Mum)

Continuing Health Care

We have a meeting tomorrow to have Andy assessed for Continuing Health Care funding. Please pray that Andy gets this funding.

Five months on

Andy is still making really good progress. He has now got voluntary movement in his legs and can stretch both legs out straight.Andy is getting increased movement in his arms and his speech continues to improve. Andy is now coming home for weekly visits.

Andy and I spent some time this evening going through the blog and we found it amazing that every prayer request has been answered:some in full and others in part. It is amazing how we can be specific in our prayers and see God perform his healing work, even if it is one step at a time.God is faithful. Your prayers are being answered: please continue to pray.

Andy has asked that this week we pray for movement in his fingers and that his faith increases. Andy can only stay at Moseley Hall for limited time. Please pray that funding for his next stage of rehab is granted so that he can go to Hunters Moor. Andy's friend, Harry, is getting married in Buckinghamshire at the end of April. We are planning to try and make the ceremony so please pray that the journey to and from goes smoothly and that Andy copes with the time there. Please also pray for increased movement in Andy's legs and that the movements become easier for him.

Thank you

I would just like to stop and say a BIG thank you for the way that you have all shown SUCH love and care for us since Andy first had his stroke. We really have been so overwhelmed by the way that people have supported us in so, so many ways. Your love and support really have kept us going and we have felt so encouraged to know that so many are standing with us in prayer for Andy's full recovery. The ways that people have been supporting by visiting and in other practical things have really helped sustain us. The words of encouragement have been invaluable and have been read to Andy to spur him on. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Andy has been standing this week during therapy with support from the standing frame. Andy is able to pronounce more sounds and he has particularly been working on the 's' sound and this has improved this week.

Andy is coming for his first home visit on Saturday. Please pray that this will be a relaxed time and that Andy will be able to cope with this.

Please continue to pray for movement in Andy's legs and fingers. Please also pray specifically for Andy's frustration and also that Andy's tone in his arms would reduce and that he wouldnt have spasms in them.

Four and a half months on

My apologies for the delay in writing. Life has been hectic. My last post was regarding a call to pray for Andy's speech and I am delighted to tell you that Andy's speech has dramatically improved now and is really intelligible. His p,b, c and d sounds are much clearer and he is mastering friends' and family names: Paul, Tina, dad, mum, Keith, dan, Harry etc. Praise God.

Since my last post locked in syndrome has been in the news quite a lot with the guy who is wanting the law changed for assisted dying. When Andy was diagnosed with this we were given no hope of any recovery and so everything that he is now doing is truly miraculous and we have to keep reminding ourselves.

Andy is starting to have some gross voluntary movement in his arms. He needs to be aided with this and hasn't got full range of movement but it is really coming on. Please continue to pray for full range of movement.

This week Andy had orthotic splints made to make up for his feet not being able to reach the right position for standing. With these made, the therapists would like for him to try standing. Please pray that Andy is kept safe during this as he has spasms and it wold be awful if this were to happen whilst he is standing and cause him to fall and injure himself. Please pray that Andy can stand as this is the next step to him walking!!!

As you are aware, Andy was denied funding to go to Hunter's Moor. I now realise that Moseley Hall is the best place for him at the moment as the therapy has been excellent and it is right for his needs at this time. Nevertheless Andy is only given 60 days' funding at Moseley and then he will have to move on. He has now already been there for three weeks. Please pray that the PCT will accept the application for him to go to Hunters Moor as his next stage of rehab.


Andy's mood has improved in the last week.

There is lots to be thankful for but we would urge you to KEEP praying. Andy is still very vulnerable and as yet can't do anything for himself as he has no functional movement apart from the movement in his thumb which he uses to operate a mouth. For all of his other needs he relies on others. We STILL need a breakthrough and I urge you to continue praying fervently for Andy's full recovery.

Goals Achieved

We are having a further goal setting meeting on Monday. Looking back over the previous short term goals it is encouraging to know that Andy has achieved all of them apart from speech, although this has improved.

Andy is still struggling to communicate and this is a major frustration for him. Please specifically pray for the ability to move his tongue such that he can produce the correct sounds. Andy needs to talk!!!! Please make this a priority for your prayers.

We had a great time of prayer at church tonight. The specific scripture which stood out was Jeremiah 29:11.

Continued hope

Andy has been able to hold and voluntarily release a therapy ball by relaxing the muscles in hos left hand. Andy is sitting out for longer periods in the chair each day. The move to Moseley has gone well and the therapy and care has so far been very good.

Thank you Lord for the continued out working of your miraculous power in Andy:
Ephesians1:19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

In the world seeing is believing but in God's economy believing is seeing!!!