Kate had another packed day of therapy sessions today and seems to definitely be benefitting from them. She walked from her bed to the bathroom this evening with hardly any assistance. She lifted her left arm about shoulder high at dinner and even moved her left wrist front to back. I was very impressed!
This afternoon she had a cognitive neurological exam that lasted about 45 minutes, it sounds like a much shortened version of the 3 hour baseline exam she had before her surgery. No results yet, I'm sure it will take a week or so to hear back.
During her group therapy session Kate met Tim, a mechanic from Union, Missouri that recently suffered a stroke and is learning to walk again. Kate noticed that Tim wears what appears to be steel-toed workboots while attending therapy and it seems to make it harder for him to walk because they are big and bulky. Apparently, he does not own any tennis shoes and the therapist said that it would be much better for him if he had some. So, Kate got it in her mind that Tim needs a pair of tennis shoes. While Kate was sharing this concern with a visiting friend of hers this afternoon, this friend graciously offered to purchase a pair for him. Tomorrow, Kate is going to work on finding out his shoe size. It makes my heart glad to see that my wife hasn't changed a bit! In addition to "P-Coat Kate" we are going to have to call her "Reebok Kate".
Kate's mood seemed to be improved today although she frequently becomes spontaneously weepy for a minute or so. She is not sure what that is about, hopefully it is just her body reacting to the trauma, medication, healing, etc. She specifically requested prayer about this.
Several people have asked me when they expect Kate to leave the hospital and go home. There has been no timetable given because it completely depends on Kate's progress. The doctors and therapists are aware of her home situation, that she has to return to managing three young children in a three-level house (with temporary help from Gram and Aunt Dee Dee).
Cole is still sick and stayed home again from school. He also missed his piano recital at the retirement center. We are planning on having him do a private piano recital for Mom at the rehab center when he feels better. Please pray that his illness would resolve soon. Also, Aunt Dee Dee and Stuart are starting to have the sniffles, let's pray it doesn't go any further than that. Otherwise, we will have another trial within a trial within a trial...
My back feels a little better today, not as many spasms. It seems to flare up more often the longer I sit at work and then try to stand up. I'm taking more frequent stretch breaks and it seems to be working. Another good night's rest will definitely help.
Have a blessed day and thanks for your prayers and concern for us,
Dave
23 comments:
I am so glad to read that Kate is doing better and better everyday. That girl is as strong as an ox and a good example to everyone physically struggling.
I love the idea of helping the mechanic out and would love to donate some money. just drop me a line and let me know if I can leave some in the mail box.
Blessings, Renee S (neighbor)
rwmrenee@swbell.net
Kate's recovery is nothing short of a miracle. It's so precious that at this time when she herself is struggling physically, mentally, and emotionally that she is concerned with the needs of others. How precious that her heart is so near to our sweet Lord. I'm praying for continued success, for great results from today's test, and health for your kiddos. May God continue to amaze you. May His love, His joy, and His peace be with you every waking hour. God Bless! Amber States, a friend of Suzanne James, Denton, Texas
I'm smiling...grin on my face...So good to see progress every day...baby steps...that always makes me think of that movie "What about Bob?" (the 'baby steps' part). Love that movie....OK, now I'm writing like Laura J. Hee, hee, hee. (Side note: Laura, you know I love you & reading your posts!)
Although now that I wrote that, I'm thinking what you did today is huge...not just baby steps, but really big!!! You go, girl!
Tennies for Tim...Kate, Jesus is using you in every way & every day!!!
Praying for Cole & everyone on the home front...stay healthy & back-spasm free.
Sleep Tight,
Sue Stark :)
Safely arrived in CO. Loving to hear about such a great day! I told you you wouldn't be there long. I'm still laughing about our adventures with the personal OT Sarah and I had on Wed. You crack me up girl even in your trials, it was so good to see you laughing. So glad to hear of another God given great day.
All of my Love with snowflakes,
Emily & Co.
Great news about Kate's progress! Keep up the good work and you'll be dancing the jig in no time :)
Love and prayers,
Pop Pop
The weepy, emotional and sleepy moments were very much a part of Roy's recovery from his brain aneurysm surgery and very much the norm, Dr. Forget infomed us. Roy would be talking (especially to our grown kids, for some reason!) and just burst into tears. This IS NOT a side of Roy we had ever seen! God really used these tender moments in our family, just as He will in yours. We praise God for your progress Kate, and continue to pray!
Roy & Cindy Williams
Wonderful seeing how God is using Kate to show His love and care for yet, another person; hence family. This does not just "happen." When God closes a door He opens a window.
Dear Lord, I pray for You to heal Kate as You provide more and more mobility. Lord I ask that Dave's back be restored and that he be pain-free. Kate needs him at full strength. He needs to be physically well and emotionally sound to cope with these challenges himself. You have given him a hill to climb, also, and he will be up to it with Your help. We pray for Your hand in all these situations. Lord I ask that You bless those three precious boys waiting at home for Kate. Please take away their aches, discomforts, and pains, and let them be healthy for Christmas. Let them feel Your presence and arms around them. Lord, at this time of year which is focused on the family being all together, if it is not possible for Kate to be home to celebrate Jesus' birth, we ask that you provide a perfect setting for Kate, Dave, Carter, Cole and Stuart to be together as a family and feel the realness of Christmas, even though it may not be where they would choose. You have planned this already. I ask that their Christmas be bright, even in the midst of trials. Please, Lord, I ask that You provide Gram and Aunt Dee Dee all that they need as they carry on at the homefront. Lord, please provide many extra hands of friends, known and unknown, to lighten the physical load of these family members. We pray that You will show this family in real, practical ways that You are providing all that they need in every way. Help them continue to lean totally on You, Lord. We thank You for all that You do for all us through their trials. We continue to learn so many lessons of faith and obedience through this situation. We thank You for all You do, in each of our lives. Amen Amen
Kate,
You are an amazing woman! How can anyone read your story and not love and care for you deeply.
You are a glimmer of light in a dark world.
Jane
Kate you continue to amaze and inspire me....I will keep praying for you and your family
Danielle (Robinson) Voss
So glad to see so much improvement in such a short time. I will keep praying.
~Gina
This is what God the LORD says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people and life to those who walk on it: "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and the release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my name!" Isaiah 42:5-8
So many people speak your name in prayer every day - God bless you.
This is what God the LORD says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people and life to those who walk on it: "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and the release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my name!" Isaiah 42:5-8
So many people speak your name in prayer every day - God bless you.
Snodgrasses,
Privileged to be praying for you all.
Erika Byars
You're right, Dave...Kate hasn't changed, asking about and looking out for others FIRST and thinking of herself SECOND. It's a humbling thing to realize how selfish we are sometimes. She's an example to us all. She had that 5-6 note "lilting giggle" on the phone yesterday and sounded like herself. She was OH SO anxious to hang up on me abruptly as SOON as you walked in the room. She is still SOOOOOO ga-ga over you. It's rather cute! I don't mind being hung up on rather abruptly if it's for "true love..." which I believe it IS! Love you both! Laura Joback and brood
Wonderful news on Kate's progress! I will be praying for all of you as you move forward, even within trials within trials within trials. Also wanted to encourage you that the moments of overwhelming emotion are common after the brain has experienced trauma, and should subside as Kate's healing progresses. Many Blessings
J
Praise God for your continuing progress. God has blessed everyone who knows you and your family and I want you to know you are being prayed for constantly. It is awesome how God is blessing others through your trial. May you and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas even though it sounds like you will not be at home. Home is where your heart is and I know you will have a precious time as long as your kids and Dave are with you. Love you and can't wait to see you again busy at CCS.
Gail
I had the same type of weepy problems after my stroke in May, (0n Mother's Day.) The psychiatrist said that it was very common after brain trauma. He said that some doctors think it is best to put people on antidepressants/antianxiety medicine almost prophetically to prevent these types of episodes. I struggled with the decision about whether or not to take them finally did because I felt that it would help me recover if I wasn't weepy.
I am doing much better now. It is a miracle that I lived, and I know that it is only because of the prayers of my family and friends.
I started a little blog in October that tells a little bit of my story. At first I didn't want to publish the hard things but my sister persuaded me that sharing my experiences can help others so I have begun telling of my struggles.
My Blog name is BlackBerry Blessings and you can find it here:
http://oakleaflivng.blogspot.com/
There is a typo that I didn't notice. Doctors put patients on the meds before they are needed, to prevent these types of crying episodes.
Everyone is different though. I am so glad that Kate is doing better.
GinnyBerry
God is good.
There is a typo that I didn't notice. Doctors put patients on the meds before they are needed, to prevent these types of crying episodes.
Everyone is different though. I am so glad that Kate is doing better.
GinnyBerry
God is good.
Honestly, helping others can help her to feel normal, when feeling normal is so very hard to make happen right now. God Bless all of you and Merry Christmas! We'll be praying for her therapy session to continue going so well!
We love you!
First, some homely practical advice for Dave--get yourself some ThermaCare heat wraps from Target, Walgreens or Wal-Mart. They are air-activated press-on heating pads that provide gentle heat for up to 8 hours. They make a variety specifically for lower back pain, but you can experiment with smaller-sized patches if the back model puts out too much heat for you. These are a godsend, allowing those spazzing muscles to relax and loosen--bye bye pain!
Second, for Kate, some bracing thoughts from yesterday's "Streams in the Desert" entry:
"To him, will I give the land that he hath trodden upon...because he hath wholly followed the Lord." Deut. 1:36
Every hard duty that lies in your path, that you would rather not do, that it will cost you pain and struggle or sore effort to do, has a blessing in it. Not to do it, at whatever cost, is to miss the blessing. Every hard piece of road on which you see the Master's shoe-prints and along which He bids you follow Him, surely leads to blessing which you cannot get if you cannot go over the steep, thorny path. Every point of battle to which you come, where you must draw your sword and fight the enemy, has a possible victory which will prove a rich blessing to your life. Every heavy load that you are called to lift hides in itself some strange secret of strength.
"I cannot do it alone;
The waves run fast and high,
And the fogs close all around,
The light goes out in the sky;
But I know that we two
Shall win in the end,
Jesus and I.
"Coward and wayward and weak,
I change with the changing sky;
Today so eager and bright,
Tomorrow too weak to try;
But He never gives in,
So we two shall win,
Jesus and I.
"I could not guide it myself,
My boat on life's wild sea;
There's One who sits by my side,
Who pulls and steers with me.
And I know that we two
Shall safe enter port,
Jesus and I."
Praying for you and sending my love,
Marilyn McDonald, Kirkwood, MO
Hi Kate and Dave....we have been following Kate's progress on your blog. We're continuing to pray for Kate's full recovery.
Reni and Sam Joseph
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