Paul's Update - 04/11/06

Dear Friends:

Monday went OK for the most part. The CNA comes around 7am. Dad got there in time for the first feeding. He didn't realize that Tabby had already put the Provigel into a cup (the med that makes him more alert ... it is also used for patients with Sleep Apnea . He thought it had a little residual from the earlier med time. So Paul actually got a double dose. They called the doctor and were told that it shouldn't hurt him but to keep an eye on him. Dad took Paul outside for a couple hours. He seems to really enjoy that. The CNA is right by his side at all times ... even when Dad takes him outside!! Later in the evening Tabby was talking with him and trying to get him to do the sign language for "OK". He has been doing the Vulcan hand sign (for you trekies, "live long & prosper"). Tabby asked him to the sign language for "I love you" and he actually did it!! He was very alert all day. It seems that the Provigel actually kept him more alert!! Bobby said he saw Paul playing with the feeding tube and he asked Paul if he was hungry. Then he said "can you untie it?" and he proceeded to work it in his hand and untie it. This is not necessarily a good thing but it shows a lot of problem solving ability.

Today we saw the nurse that is assigned to Paul. He was impressed at how good Paul looked. He is going to contact Brain Injury Services to find out how they are coming on Paul's application with them and if there is a case worker assigned yet. A physical therapist came today to evaluate him and said she will return on Thursday to start therapy. She was impressed with what Paul can do. The occupational therapist came also and he worked with Paul a little to see what he can do. He will consult with the PT to see how they want to organize their therapy times. Speech therapist hasn't come yet. According to the therapists, they will work with Paul as long as he improves (just like Mt. Vernon ... weekly evaluations) but when he stops making progress (in their opinion) they will stop working with him. This may prove to be a frustrating for us at some time!! Tony & Mike came and worked a little more on the sidewalk and patio in front of the house. Tomorrow they will have concrete coming. Paul went outside this afternoon for about 3 hours. Paul had a pretty good day all day. The down side is that he won't leave the feeding tube alone. The concern is that he may pull it out. He likes having things to manipulate in his hand so we try to give him things to play with. When I got there this evening I was only allowed to stay for about 45 minutes since I had choir at church to practice for the Good Friday program. When I was preparing to leave I said bye to Paul and he moved his mouth (no sound) and said "bye". We are all trying to adjust to this new situation with Paul. The most difficult thing is that Paul doesn't sleep all night and he is keeping Tabby up at night. Please pray for Paul to sleep better so that Tabby can sleep better. She is being exhausted from trying to work, care for Paul, get things done at home and THEN take care of Paul during the night! It may be that we will have to consider having a CNA during the night. Pray that we will have much wisdom about how to handle this situation. God has provided for many more difficult things than this and I know He can provide an answer for us.

In Christ, Lynne & Carl