Hello Everyone,
Thanks for checking in! No real change in Miriams condition. She is scheduled to have placement of permanent ITC for Baclofen tomorrow. They have been giving her some oral Baclofen and this has controlled the neuro storms. We pray the procedure goes well tomorrow.
Over the week-end, Miriam's best friend, Jenny, flew in from Taiwan and visited with Miriam and Alex. Her visit meant so much....thank you Jenny!
Meanwhile the therapy team continue to work on stimulating Miriam and we continue to pray for her to emerge from the coma, and to be able to follow commands.
Please pray for us, her family, as we wait to see God work. Thank you!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday - Day 50
The Baclofen was successful in helping prevent spasticity and stopping Neuro Storms. The temporary intrathecal catheter has been removed and now it is necessary to wait several days for complete healing before the permanent catheter is placed.As a result of no longer receiving the Baclofen, Miriam had further neuro storm this evening. She remains busy with her PT OT and ST and opened her right eye during physical therapy today. Therapy continues to be focused on stimulation so Miriam will emerge from the coma. Please continue to pray she will awaken and be able to follow commands.
Hard to believe it has now been fifty days. We miss Miriams' cheerful smile and look forward to the time we can see it once more. We continue to trust The Lord for complete healing. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Hard to believe it has now been fifty days. We miss Miriams' cheerful smile and look forward to the time we can see it once more. We continue to trust The Lord for complete healing. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday.......A Day of Rest
Hello Everyone!
Well, the good news is that since starting the Baclofen, Miriam has had three nights without any neuro storms! PTL! Her muscles are less tense and she just seems more relaxed. The medication is working and we truly thank God for that. We talked to Alex this morning and even talked to Miriam via speaker phone....I told her how much she is loved and of all the folks who are praying for her. Please continue to pray for her to wake up.
Malachi 4:2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Well, the good news is that since starting the Baclofen, Miriam has had three nights without any neuro storms! PTL! Her muscles are less tense and she just seems more relaxed. The medication is working and we truly thank God for that. We talked to Alex this morning and even talked to Miriam via speaker phone....I told her how much she is loved and of all the folks who are praying for her. Please continue to pray for her to wake up.
Malachi 4:2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Miriams Busy Day
Miriams day was packed with activities. Alex arrived very early in her room and noticed her right eye was open. He also noticed strong grimacing while her trach was suctioned....this is a good sign.
Her casts were removed from her feet and then OT took her in the shower! More grimacing with the cold water!
They got her dressed and then Miriam had a session in her wheelchair. PT then came and recast her feet/ankles.
Around 12.30 p.m. the physicians placed an intrathecal catheter through which a continuous infusion of Baclofen will be administered. This medication helps control spasticity and helps stop Neuro Storms.
In the afternoon she had a session with ST.
Quite a busy day!
Pray for good results from the Baclofen and that she will emerge from the coma and be able to follow commands. Also pray for Alex to stay healthy and for wisdom.
We continue to trust in the healing power of our Almighty God.
Her casts were removed from her feet and then OT took her in the shower! More grimacing with the cold water!
They got her dressed and then Miriam had a session in her wheelchair. PT then came and recast her feet/ankles.
Around 12.30 p.m. the physicians placed an intrathecal catheter through which a continuous infusion of Baclofen will be administered. This medication helps control spasticity and helps stop Neuro Storms.
In the afternoon she had a session with ST.
Quite a busy day!
Pray for good results from the Baclofen and that she will emerge from the coma and be able to follow commands. Also pray for Alex to stay healthy and for wisdom.
We continue to trust in the healing power of our Almighty God.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Casting Crowns - Praise you in this storm
Five years ago about this time of the year, we learned that Jon would be sent to Afghanistan for a year and that we would be apart for a total of 14 months. Eliana was just 3 months old at the time and we were reveling in our new role as parents and excited to watch her grow together. God had other plans for us for that first year of Eliana's life and it couldn't have been more contrary to what we thought was "BEST." About the time that Jon first received his orders a song came on the Christian radio stations sung by Casting Crowns. The song was called "Praise You in This Storm." As you listen to the song and read the lyrics you can understand how Jon and I really thought that God would reach down and save the day, but then He didn't and we had a choice to make. Would we still believe that He was God in spite of what we were faced with?
I hope that this song is an encouragement to each of you today as you listen to it and read the words and think about the God that we serve. May we be faithful to praise Him in this storm as we pray for Miriam.
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
One Week Complete at Shepherd Center
Hi Folks,
Miriam has now been at Shepherd Center for a full week undergoing intense physical/occupational and speech therapy. She has casts on her lower legs/feet to prevent spasmodic positioning and every day they get her into her wheelchair for periods of time. Through all of this, Miriam remains comatose. She continues to have Neuro Storms, sometimes five times per day.
Alex, Mommy and cousin Debbie are there in Atlanta with Miriam, observing and learning and continually encouraging Miriam. It is so hard to wait patiently for The Lord to work, but we only see part of the picture, God has a whole plan in all of this and He is working all things together for good. We continue to put all our faith in The God of Creation, who loves us and is all-wise and all-knowing, and so much more. He is our everything and we trust in Him even though, right now, life hurts.
Your prayers are so much appreciated.....they are keeping us strong and we know God hears. Thank you!
Miriam has now been at Shepherd Center for a full week undergoing intense physical/occupational and speech therapy. She has casts on her lower legs/feet to prevent spasmodic positioning and every day they get her into her wheelchair for periods of time. Through all of this, Miriam remains comatose. She continues to have Neuro Storms, sometimes five times per day.
Alex, Mommy and cousin Debbie are there in Atlanta with Miriam, observing and learning and continually encouraging Miriam. It is so hard to wait patiently for The Lord to work, but we only see part of the picture, God has a whole plan in all of this and He is working all things together for good. We continue to put all our faith in The God of Creation, who loves us and is all-wise and all-knowing, and so much more. He is our everything and we trust in Him even though, right now, life hurts.
Your prayers are so much appreciated.....they are keeping us strong and we know God hears. Thank you!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 39 - Shepherd Center
Miriam had a session with PT today that went well. The therapist is amazing and continually talks to Miriam and encourages her. This evening as Alex and Doris prayed over Miriam, she turned her head towards Alex as soon as he touched her head. She has not done this before, yet she was not able to repeat it. Alex asks we pray specifically for consistency and reproductibility for each step of functional recovery.
For saturday, Miriam is scheduled for more PT and ST( Speech therapy)....Sunday is a day of rest!
Psalm 130:5 I will wait for The Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
For saturday, Miriam is scheduled for more PT and ST( Speech therapy)....Sunday is a day of rest!
Psalm 130:5 I will wait for The Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 38 - Shepherd Center
Miriam was moved back to a regular room today. She was in her temporary wheelchair for 3 hours with a break every 30 mins to shift weight.She will have sessions tomorrow with physical therapy to fit ankles with a cast, occupational therapy and speech therapy to get her off the trach by having her swallow ice chips.
We have a God of second chances! Committing, trusting, resting( hard to do!) and waiting patiently upon The Lord. Psalm 37:5,7
Alex/Dad
We have a God of second chances! Committing, trusting, resting( hard to do!) and waiting patiently upon The Lord. Psalm 37:5,7
Alex/Dad
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 37....Shepherd Center
Yesterday Miriam was evaluated by Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist. They also started neuropharmacological stimulation and an antispasmodic regimen.
Today, Alex feels she looks better. Her BP is more under control and although she remains in ICU, there is a possibility she may move to a regular room tomorrow. She had further eval by PT and OT today and they are planning to get her into a wheelchair this afternoon .
We really appreciate all your prayers.....don't stop!
Today, Alex feels she looks better. Her BP is more under control and although she remains in ICU, there is a possibility she may move to a regular room tomorrow. She had further eval by PT and OT today and they are planning to get her into a wheelchair this afternoon .
We really appreciate all your prayers.....don't stop!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 35
Today marks five weeks since Miriams stroke.
This morning she was transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta via ambulance ( four hour drive).Doris accompanied her while Alex drove behind. Upon arrival at Shepherd, Miriam was placed in a regular room, but that did not last very long as she arrived with a very elevated B.P. Critical care doc saw an urgent need to transfer her to ICU due to acute hypertensive crisis. This means that the coma stimulation program cannot really begin until she becomes medically stable and can be in a regular room.
Please pray that they will quickly get BP under control and that Miriam will soon emerge from the coma and be able to follow commands so that she can move into rehab.
Meredith dropped by this evening to visit her much-loved aunt, and to give encouragement.
Everything is under God's control. In His Time. We do our part (praying, pleading before the Lord and being an advocate for Miriam ) and we let God do His part. We pray, commit, trust, rest and wait upon the Lord. (Psalm 37:5,7)
This morning she was transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta via ambulance ( four hour drive).Doris accompanied her while Alex drove behind. Upon arrival at Shepherd, Miriam was placed in a regular room, but that did not last very long as she arrived with a very elevated B.P. Critical care doc saw an urgent need to transfer her to ICU due to acute hypertensive crisis. This means that the coma stimulation program cannot really begin until she becomes medically stable and can be in a regular room.
Please pray that they will quickly get BP under control and that Miriam will soon emerge from the coma and be able to follow commands so that she can move into rehab.
Meredith dropped by this evening to visit her much-loved aunt, and to give encouragement.
Everything is under God's control. In His Time. We do our part (praying, pleading before the Lord and being an advocate for Miriam ) and we let God do His part. We pray, commit, trust, rest and wait upon the Lord. (Psalm 37:5,7)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 34
From Alex:
I asked the nurse to shave her head for hygiene reasons. She no longer sweats as much and her head is now easier to wash and take care of. Mom still looks beautiful.:-))
Mom looks much better today and more peaceful. She is sitting up in bed. She has opened her right eye and the nurse, myself and Doris feel like these movements are more purposeful. She seems to wiggle her toes when asked to. I am cautiously hopeful. Continuing to wait upon the Lord.
Mom looks much better today and more peaceful. She is sitting up in bed. She has opened her right eye and the nurse, myself and Doris feel like these movements are more purposeful. She seems to wiggle her toes when asked to. I am cautiously hopeful. Continuing to wait upon the Lord.
Isaiah 55: 8-11.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
In Him,
Dad/ Alex
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 33
From Alex;
Nothing new. Looking at mom/Miriam laying in hospital bed helpless. It hurts deeply.
We all have to continue to pray for God's leading to mom's/Miriam's recovery and the daily strength for our family. God is faithful and will not leave us but meet all our needs according to His promises.
Isa.40:11-12, 26, 28-29
He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of His great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
This is our God! Our anguished heart is not hidden from Him nor our
overwhelming burden is disregarded by Him. He is the God Almighty as well as
our Abba Father!
Isa.41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous
right hand.
Luke 18:1 "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up."
In Him
Dad/Alex
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 31
Please pray that Miriam will emerge from the coma and follow commands so she can transition into their rehab program.
Psalm 46 : 10-11 Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
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