Wednesday

Well, folks, I promise tonight's entry won't be as long as the last one! Sorry, I didn't realize that I was being that prolific.  Anyway, I was almost finished this post (I started this 1//2 hour ago!) and accidentally deleted it...darn shaky fingers! So I'll try again, and hopefully I'll remember what I just wrote!

 

I know I wanted to let you know how things went today with the swallowing assessment. Well, it didn't go as well as hoped/prayed for, but the therapist was short on time, and only brought a container of yogurt and some chicken salad.  The yogurt was no problem, but the chicken salad was a little dry, therefore harder to swallow. She didn't fail me as such, but suggested that we reschedule for Monday when she has more time and we'll try more varied textures to see what works and what doesn't.  So I'll keep you posted! Until then, puréed it is!

 

Some of  you have also been asking where I am at with my injuries. So I will give you the scoop - starting at the top...! My head is still very securely on my neck, and I have very little pain any more, and do not need the narcotics to relieve it! Praise the Lord!  I occasionally have neck muscle pain when I don't wear my collar, so until the doctors say otherwise, I am gladly keeping it on! My eyes are still crossed, and I have an appointment with the neuro-ophtamologist (sp?) on May 6. I was encouraged at dinner tonight, though (braised beef tips and peas - puréed, of course - quite yummy!)  when one of the other ladies here told me that after her accident she was also cross-eyed, and that after 4 months it fixed itself! It's only been 3 months so far, so I guess we'll wait and see! (Pun intended!) Okay, moving down, the shoulders are both still quite sore, and my arms/hands quite weak, but we're working on exercises to stretch and strengthen them as well as all the other tight muscles in my body.  I've had an ultrasound done to see if there is any permanent damage, and we are awaiting the results from that. The ribs have healed well, and although I can't spread them as far as I could before for that great breath support I once had, the fact that I once could do that has helped immensely in their re-training and my ability to take semi-deep breaths now. God knew that even my breathing exercises would be useful here!  There is still bruising and a deep scar from the seat belt, but don't worry - you'll never see it! My legs are quite strong, and have good range of motion.  They gave me a wheelchair that I "walk" with my feet, giving my quads a good workout! The physiotherapist is working hard to help me regain my balance, and we walk a bit further everyday.  Each time with less assistance, too! The only other problem that I will mention is the nerve damage, which comes in various forms.  The one thing that I struggle with the most is the burning sensation I often feel on my back, arms and sometimes my chest. I guess that is what a hot flash feels like, but mine doesn't go away! It's worst at night when I have nothing to distract me, but they are trying me on another medication, non-narcotic, that is supposed to help.  So far, it's not doing much, but I'll keep trying.  I am now completely off the Hydromorphone (Dilotid -sp?) which I am very grateful for! I have had some withdrawal symptoms, but they are going away. PTL! The other part of the nerve damage is numbness in my left breast, and no temperature sensation in my legs.  My voice has also changed, for those of you who have not been able to see/hear me in person, and the doctor said it is also due to nerve damage.  My soft palate no longer is able to lift, therefore I sound nasal and husky, and have a singing range of about 1/2 an octave! But here again, God has supplied me with the tools to re-teach my vocal chords and soft palate what to do! I may not ever sing my ARCT exam, but I'm okay with that.  I've always said that if my ability to sing is the only thing I lose through this whole experience, then I have lost little! I'll sing again, when I fall at His feet in Glory!!

 

So that takes care of me, but this whole story is about more than me!  Ben & Aaron had their follow-up appointment with the specialist yesterday. Ben was told that he didn't have to wear his cast or use his crutches anymore, unless he was doing a lot of walking. (We all know he was starting to do this anyway!!). But at least he can now officially be cast free!  There should be no further surgery required, which is a great praise item! Aaron's back is also well healed, and he no longer needs to wear his clamshell.  (They just turned out the lights - guess I better finish up!).  Praise God for his healing hand, and for the way He has taken care of all their needs at home, too!

 

Your thoughts, prayers, comments, cards, letters, and the rest are so appreciated.  God bless each  of you for your time, care and concern.  We know we can never repay what we've been given. We pray that He will be your blessing, and your strength to deal with whatever comes your way.  I guess I'll have to tell you the story of my sister's gift tomorrow...just to keep you coming back!

 

With praise to our powerful, loving Father,

Judy