FW: Libby Paul Update Day 5 Part 2

 

To God be the Glory, Great things He hath done! (and will keep doing!)

Amy

 

P.S.  New address where to send things….

 

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From: druandjoy@juno.com [mailto:druandjoy@juno.com]
Subject: Libby Paul Update Day 5 Part 2

 

Hey Paul Prayer Partners,

I just spoke with Troy and here is the update from the later part of today (Monday):

As we reported this morning, the doctors reduced Libby's sedation drugs and removed the ventilation tube this morning.  The biggest challenge after that was keeping Libby from moving too much.  The back brace didn't arrive until around 5pm this afternoon.  Through much of the day Libby moaned and cried, although there were some definite bright spots. 

She cried out for Troy immediately after they removed her tubes.   She didn't say much more for quite some time.  Later in the morning she called out for "DADDY" again.  Troy said that this was very emotional for him.  That was the only thing he wanted to hear on Thursday morning when he found her at the bottom of the elevator shaft.  Hearing her call his name really encouraged and reasurred him.  She subsequently called out for "MOMMY" six more times throughout the day.  Beyond that, the sun was shining in her face through the window, and she said, "Close the..." She trailed off, but it sounded like "blinds".  So she recognized that the sun was shining in her eyes and how to solve that problem.  Such a simple thing, but such a great sign!

After they put the back brace on her, they said she calmed down almost immediately and began to rest better.  Tomorrow they will completely remove her from her sedation drugs.  This will really allow her to "wake up", and they should be able to get a better handle on where she is at overall.  As reported earlier, the doctor said that given the state of the damage seen on Thursday morning, she looks and is recovering at a very accelerated rate given other children with similar injuries.  The doctor is visibily surprised by her recovery to date.

They will also do an addtional X-ray of her back in a seated postion tomorrow.  This should give them a clearer picture of the extent of the ligament damage to her back and just how stable her spine is.  She may also have another CT scan of her brain.

The doctors have said that the next two weeks are the next big watermark.  The rule of thumb is that the level of recovery in the first two weeks relates directly to the long-term affects of the injury. 

I continue to be overwelmed with a thankful heart for the miracle we are seeing unfold before our very eyes.  Please pray with us that tomorrow Libby shows additional progress in all these areas. 

One last thing: Here is the address to the Ronald McDonald house where the Pauls are staying.  Let's flood them with cards, pictures, Scriptures, thoughts, stories, etc. over the next few days.  I know they'd love to hear from everyone.  It sure beats reading another magazine!

                Ronald McDonald House

                Attention:  Troy and Dorsey Paul

                4710 Waters Avenue

                Savannah, GA    31404

Thankful,

Dru