February 25, 2011

Friday, February 25, 4:00pm

Day 3 of rehab - Garren seems to be responding pretty well. It's always encouraging to hear the therapists get excited.

We've seen some movement in his left hand in response to commands and other forms of stimulation. They use ice, vibration, hairbrush, and other items to try and get a response. The physical therapist laid Garren on a bench that would allow her to angle him up, simulating a standing position. She raised him up to a 30 degree angle, then 40 degrees, then 50 degrees, stopping at each interval to check blood pressure, and allow Garren to adjust to the new positions.

Remember that feeling you get after having the flu for a couple of days, and trying to stand up and walk around? That's after 2-3 days. Garren has been in bed for 3 weeks. Sitting and standing puts a strain on his system that he is not used to. Part of the rehabilitation process is strengthening his system to be able to handle being upright again.

Garren is hooked up to another monitor for the night. I mentioned yesterday that they wanted to do a sleep study. The monitor will record his breathing patterns and the results will give us a better sense of how to continue rehab.

According to the team here, Garren is progressing. It's slow. It's a little tiny thing every day. They will continue to add up over time.

Saturday will be a slow day, only half as much rehab work as weekdays. Sundays are a day of rest (hmmm, interesting concept!) and they will not do any therapy for Garren.

I look forward to seeing many of you at church this weekend. Just a slight change of plans - I will not actually be "preaching", but I will be sharing (live at every service, Weddington and Monroe) some of what God has been showing us over the last several weeks.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Man good to hear. We remember the days with our son in rehab there. They were great at the hospital. We will continue to lift you guys up in prayer. Can't wait to hear how God continues to move with your family. God has used your family toshow a wonderful example how God canuse every situation for His Glory.

The Gates Family

wendypoovey said...

Each day we get excited to read you blog, we can't wait to hear even the smallest improvements for Garren. We look forward to hear how God is working in your lives as well as others. We continue to pray for Garren every day. By the way, Brayden really looks forward to meeting Garren one day. We look forward to hearing from you on Sunday! The Pooveys

Jennifer Thoms said...

We are so happy to hear the progress, yes it is slow, but movement forward and should be celebrated. Thank you for sharing, we look forward to all your posts so that we can stay informed and know how to pray. You continue to inspire and amaze us with your teachings, we love them. You do have such a gift, thank you for sharing it with us. Continuing to pray for you all and will not let up. Looking forward to Sunday. Jeff and Jenn

Anonymous said...

I can hear a little "lilt" of ease in your message tonight...how encouraging to see progress no matter how slow it may seem...we are in no hurry...God's timing is the best....and, when the progress seems possibly more slow in any days ahead, remember, please, that God has a plan, and it will be good...we love you...get some sleep, God is on duty...love & prayers, Sandy & Russ

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting something almost every day, it is a good reminder to pray for Garren. Our ladies prayer group prays for you all every Friday, but the daily posts from you remind us to pray each day and to also leave a note of encouragement. God is a great Comforter, there is no One like Him, He lifts up those who are bowed down. Donna Lochridge

Anonymous said...

Such great news. Reeading everyday is just a reminder on how great God truly is. Every little step and every day is just as important as the others. We continue praying for your family.
Cindy Romaine