January 10, 2012 - Additional Update

Mrs. Doug called and said that she was feeling fine and was glad that the tests came back fine.  She will go for a stress test on Thursday.  She's realized that she may need to take a day off sometimes when she is getting tired so she can get more rest.  Just keep praying for wisdom for her to know what her limitations are and for how to know what she needs help with. 

She wanted to give an update on Bro. Dale.  He has had 2 really good days.  He has figured out how to raise and lower his bed on his own.  The OT said she had been working with him using some plastic pipes, wanting him to connect them.  She showed him how to connect two of them, but he worked on it for about 20 minutes and got the whole thing done.  He really got into that activity and enjoyed doing it. They also put him on the bicycle.  He can sit up on it by himself (with a harness around him).  He really works his left leg and with his right leg strapped in, it automatically works it too.  And today when they put him back in his bed, she could tell that he was using his upper body to help him put him back in the bed.  She was amazed at how much stronger he'd gotten in just 2 days.  She left her camera with them so they can take some pictures of him doing his therapy to share with everyone.  The next thing they will work on is getting him in the shower (but they won't be taking pictures of that! haha!) 

She talked to the nurse who makes the rounds with the doctor.  The only thing he did differently today was to cut one of his blood pressure medications down.  That way when he's up, his blood pressure won't drop as much. 

Thursday she will be meeting with all the therapists for an evaluation.  They told her today that they don't think it will be long before someone from Methodist in Jackson will be able to come evaluate him to see if he's ready to come there.  They go to Dr. Bevrin (the one who will replace his skull) next week, but she wants to talk to therapists on Thursday to get the their opinion on it as to how much that surgery will set him back or what they recommend they to do with that. 

" ¹ In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. ² Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. ³ Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. ⁴ Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. ⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth....    ¹⁹ How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. ²⁰ In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. ²¹ Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me...."  Psalm 31:1-5, 19-21