FW: Libby Paul Update Day 7

 

 

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From: druandjoy@juno.com [mailto:druandjoy@juno.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 12:20 PM
To:
Subject: Libby Paul Update Day 7

 

Hey Prayer Partners,

Sorry this has taken so long today.  It has been a crazy morning.  I just talked to Troy and Dorsey and here is a quick rundown of last night and today.

As you might recall, yesterday was a very tough emotional day.  Libby was upset most of the day without saying anything and coupled with some of the Doctors long-term prognosis, made for a disappointing day.  And then God happened. 

Around 5pm yesterday, Dr. McKee was speaking with Troy and Dorsey and was asking how she was doing.  They both expressed their disappointment that she hadn't talked all day.  At that very moment, Libby hollared, "I gotta go..."  They didn't understand her and asked again, "I gotta go pottie!"  She did and the doctor said that was a huge step.  Recognizing a bodily urge, verbalizing it and then acting it out.  He said he is continually amazed at her progress.  Later in the evenning she again asked to go "pottie".  That was very encouraging to them both.

Overnight was very tough.  She is not sleeping well and having significant "neuro storms".  She only sleeps for about 10 min. at a time then wakes up moaning.  Dorsey stayed up all night with her and gave her ice chips each time to sooth her.  It seems to be the only thing to calm her down.  So both girls are very tired today.  Dorsey left to get cleaned up at the Ronald McDonald house this morning and Troy took over.  She asked to go to the "bathroom" this morning.  Continued progress.

This is where the update gets really good.  The physical therapist came in to see how she was doing.  They sat her up and the PT said how impressed she was that her muscule control was so much better.  She sat up straighter and was able to hold her head more still than yesterday.  They then tried to stand her up to see how she would respond.  She was unable to stand up, but tried with all her might.  Troy was across from her and the PT asked if she wanted to see her Daddy.  She motioned toward him and she started moving her knees up and down trying to walk.  Although she couldn't the PT was encouraged that she had some gross motor skills.  When Troy hugged her, Libby tried to wrap her arms around him.  She doesn't have much control over her extremeties.  As she leaned in against him she said, " I wanna lay down on you!".  A favorite pasttime at home.  Sleeping on Daddy's chest.  ISN'T THAT AWESOME!  The PT even told Troy at the end of the session that she had a dream about Libby last night.  Her name is Lynette, and she made up this elaborate plan for Libby this week.  She said it was all blown up now with today's progress.  She said instead of looking Week-to-Week like she said yesterday, they could look Day-to-Day with this kind of progress.

Their nurse that worked with them upon arrival at the hospital last Thursday also came in and just started to cry when seeing her for the first time since Friday.  She said she was truly overwhelmed by her progress and just how sweet she was.  Libby is touching lives left and right!

Next came the speech therapist.  They started working with her and Libby has yet to respond to a verbal question or command with anything other than a physical action.  She started with trying to offer her applesauce.  Libby liked it and the therapist tried to get her to respond to using a spoon.  She couldn't, but while feeding her, Libby licked her lips.  The therapist noted it as not a baby step, but a huge step.  It seems that brain injury patients recover from the center line of the body out.  So any control over eyes, mouth, neck, urinary track, etc. is a sign of progress.  To actually exhibit the fine motor skills required to lick her lips was a great sign of improvement.  When finished she stuck her fingers in her mouth.  They asked her if she wanted more.  After a few attempts to figure out what she wanted she said, "I don't want any more". 

So that is where we are at so far today.  Troy is greatly encouraged and uplifted.  He is absolutely convinced that our Prayer mtg. last night and the faithful prayers of you all are directly healing his daughter.  In talking with Dorsey, she is very disappointed to have missed this entire mornings activities.  She was exhausted and trying to clean up, etc.  While she is encouraged by what she heard happen, it was hard for her to miss it.  This makes her want to stay around more and that will obviously weigh on her.   Dorsey said it is really hard right now overall because whenever Libby wakes up she is sad, upset and has a mean voice.  This is so not her little girl.  She just wants to see one smile, one happy expression.  Anything to know that she is not in perpetual pain.  "I want my Libby back."  Please lift up Troy and Dorsey today as they continue this emotional roller coaster of a ride.  Blessing to you all for being so amazing in your support for the Paul's. 

Dru

Remember, there is a new website for Libby that has all of the updates, etc.  http://www.caringbridge.com/visit/libbypaul