Paul's Update - 03/14/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had another great day. He is more alert this week than he has been. He still struggles with some things like swallowing and responding regularly but he seems to understand most of the things that he is asked or told. OT worked a little late this morning so that the two therapists could work together. They worked on standing and leaning on the exercise table to balance himself. The physical therapist was surprised today when Paul leaned forward and prepared to stand by himself. They haven't really seen him do this since they usually stop him when he leans forward to prevent him from falling (which he never does!). Speech wasn't as good today as yesterday. They tried the peanut butter again. He didn't lick his lips but he was able to get the PB off his teeth and into his mouth. After he got it in his mouth he couldn't seem to swallow it. The therapist asked him if he was tired and he nodded "yes". Then she asked him if he wasn't swallowing because he was tired ... he shook his head "no". He really has not been doing well with responses since he came to Mount Vernon so this is an improvement from the last several weeks. His setback with meds affected him in many ways ... this is one of them! The new meds seem to keep him so much more alert and able to do his therapy. Dad had an encounter with a Psychiatrist today that cannot be at our family meeting on Thursday. She showed him a model of the brain and tried to explain the injury Paul has to his brain. She wasn't very encouraging (but we've heard that before). She encouraged us to have a network of friends!! Imagine that!! LOL If she only knew how much support we have had. She did say she believes that he will have YEARS of recovery ... IF he ever recovers. We certainly believe that he WILL recover ... and we will keep on believing! God has answered so many of our prayers along the way. Thursday's meeting should prove to be interesting ... I hope we are prepared emotionally for the things that could be said that day. Please pray for our strength to hear beyond some of what I expect to be negative outlooks! We certainly appreciate the prayer and strength we get from you!

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl