What a week. It all started out normal - school, therapy, work - everything seemed to be going along as usual. On Thursday Garren decided to spice things up!
Thusrday morning we were scheduled for another swallow study. The last time we did this, several months ago, the results showed little or no progress from the previous study. The therapist wanted to get another look at what was going on inside his throat, so she scheduled another swallow study to help us determine how to go forward. Well, the results were disappointing to say the least. When Garren attempts to swallow, everything goes down to the beginning of the esophagus. But then it just spills back up and over into his airway, causing him to cough it back up. His body just isn't responding to the swallow the way it should. So while his mouth and tongue have gotten stronger, there is still a reflex and a response that are not happening.
We asked "what now?" Our therapist said that it would probably be best to take a break for 3-6 months, continuing with the strengthening exercises at home. Due to the nature of the injury to Garren's brain, this is one of those things that could just start working again. But there is no way to know if or when it will.
Later that afternoon Garren was at his physical therapy appointment. We love working with the team there. They are a great group of people who really want to see Garren walk on his own. Garren was working on his balance, with one of the PT's standing in front of him with a large strechy band wrapped around his waist. Garren began to fall forward, and responded the way he should have by putting his foot out in front to catch himself. But somehow his body twisted off to the side and he fell face first in the floor. He smacked his nose on the floor, busted his lip, and even lost consciousness for a few seconds. It caused quite a scare! They transported him to the emergency room just to make sure everything was ok. No broken nose, no stitches in his lip, and no concussion - so they sent him home.
Other than a fat lip and some bruising under his eyes, Garren is fine!
BTW - this was nobody's fault, and we want to make sure our devoted therapists know that we love you and are very thankful for all you are doing to help Garren. Please don't feel bad about this. As they say - "Gravity Happens!"
3 comments:
I read your post, and it seems like you are trying to encourage all those who are praying for Garren and all of you....you do not need to encourage us, but we do need to continue our prayers for all of you....especially when disappointed with what you so desperately want to happen....keep your faith strong, dear family...even as this trial continues...there is a reason, perhaps not visibly seen, but a reason for all of this....love & prayers, Sandy & Russ
It's always darkest before the dawn, I have heard it said. I pray for a miracle so Garren can swallow with ease and not have to think about it and also he would not lose heart when these downer times happen. We are still out here Garren, praying anf rooting for you! The Lochridge Family
It sounds like the stretchy band should be a little less stretchy next time. Glad to hear Garren is working hard in therapy! Miss you guys :) - Tiffany
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