A New Beginning - October
October
Day Twenty-seven...
October 3, 2003
I have really been remiss in my updates to you. I'm sorry.
Greg has been going to therapy 3 times a week. Last week he was put
through several standardized tests (Jebson) I think. He was timed
picking up and or placing a variety of objects. Also, he continues
to work on strengthening his upper body. He is now able to straighten
himself when he bends over forward. However, he can't get up when he
falls over to the side. At least he can't come straight up from the side.
He has to try to roll himself to the front and then come up. This is
because his "side" muscles aren't strong enough yet.
We had a great laugh the other night. It seems that Greg has been
spending so much time "talking" to his computer (voice recognition
software) that he sometimes forgets himself and wants to tell the
blinds to roll up, or a cup to come here.
There is still much to pray about and for... I am
still believing God for recovery. There is also the issue of work.
As you know, as of December 31, 2003, his income and paid benefits
stop. We know that God has not brought us this far, to leave Greg
and his family in the lurch (sp?) now.
"He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen.
For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.
That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes.." Psalm. 112:7,8
Blessings,
Connie
http://faith4recovery.org
There's an Autumn Bazaar tomorrow at Revelation Hair Designs
at the corner of Spring Run Road Ext and Brodhead. There
will be an opportunity to make donations for Greg and family.
Day Thirty-four...
October 10, 2003
This update is coming to you from Heather. She got to take Greg to therapy
twice last week (Wk of Sep 29) and can provide a first hand report.
Last week...either Wednesday or Thursday, Greg was in hand therapy with another
patient, John Bryan. Mr Bryan is about 50-60, and has a son that looks to be
around mine/Greg's age. Having a degenerating bone disease, he has improved
from not being able to move at all, to being able to walk from the spinal
ward to his car in the parking lot. Jan says this is AT LEAST 1/4 mile.
He has a lot to be thankful for. But while we were sitting in hand therapy,
all he really talked about was Greg. His wife and son were there, and he
introduced them to Greg, telling them that Greg has been an inspiration to him.
He said Greg works harder then anyone there, and Mr. Bryan frequently catches
Greg's drive and determination when doing his own therapy. He said he works
hard because he sees Greg working hard.
What a wonderful compliment that was!
Also that day in therapy, Jan did part of the Jebsen's test.
It's a standarized test that measures movement, strength, etc.
in his wrists, hands and arms. He had to move really small, light
objects (paper clips, pennies, etc.) and big objects (16 oz. soup
cans, etc.) Jan said he showed marked improvement in both hands.
Though his right hand is still far ahead of his left, he's improving in both.
I also noticed how fast he eats, how straight up he sits and other things
that he often overlooks. It's pretty amazing considering he couldn't move
anything 4 short months ago.
It probably seems like forever to him, but think about a baby
that's four months old. A semester of college is more than 4 months.
Or a company with people that were hired 4 months ago. It's a VERY short amount of time!
It's important to realize that we're not living on OUR time.
We're living on God's time, and we need to be patient.
Job was patient, and look how he was rewarded! Read James 5:7-11 to
see what the bible teaches us about patience in suffering.
Hez
Note from Connie: Check out the website for fundraisers: Spaghetti dinner coming up.
Also, get your foursomes together for the golf outing in June.
Day Thirty-seven...
October 13, 2003
Hi All,
I talked to Greg tonight about his therapy. He continues to get more muscles back.
Nearly all his muscle groups have trace movement. His back and abdominal muscles
are getting stronger. He can now lean all the way forward and touch the floor
and still pull himself all the way up. The progress is slow, but steady.
He tells me that he has really been studying the Bible: Acts. Trying to discern
God's will for him. We have always believed that there is a mighty work of
God in progress here. The temptation is that "life" gets in the way.
The needs are still great. Greg's income and medical benefits stop as
of Dec 31st. His therapy may continue into the spring. There is no
movement on making an addition so that he can get out of the basement.
They need to find some home care assistance soon. Still, God's hand is
in this. He uses us and others to do his will if we make ourselves
available to him (and sometimes when we don't).
Please pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit in all of this.
Blessings,
Connie
P.S. GO to Bruster's at Robinson tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 14.) The Bon Meade
teachers are dipping cones and part of the proceeds will go
to Greg and his family.
Day Forty-one...
October 17, 2003
Hi All......
Today, in addition, to regular therapy, Greg and Francie had a meeting with Dr. Brenes.
First: therapy. Greg said that therapy was kind of rough today.
He "walked" in PT, always strenuous. He also had 3 pound weights
tied to his hands/wrists and had to hold his arms out straight for
as long as he could. Today he did it for 3 minutes. I'm pretty
sure I couldn't do that. My arms ache just thinking about it.
He also had hand therapy and pool.
Francie said that while Greg was in one of his therapies,
she was sitting out in the commom area. A man came up to her
and asked if she was Greg's wife. He then proceeded to tell
her what an inspiration Greg has been to this man and his wife.
Apparently his wife is in pool therapy with Greg. He said that
they were impressed with Greg's determination, work ethic and good humor.
WASN'T THAT NICE !?!
Doc Brenes did another complete examination of Greg today. He said
that Greg's level of sensation has improved to the T3 level. That
is 6 levels below his level of injury. Doc Brenes called that "exciting".
But he remains reserved. We of course know that God has His hand in this as well.
Speaking of which.....I think we have been impressed more and more
by the need to honor God through all of this. His call to us to reach
out to those without hope has never been so strong. I can't bear the
thought of people going through situations like this without the sure
and complete knowledge that "all things, God works together for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to
his purpose." Rom. 8:28 Life Application Bible.
Blessings,
Connie
Day Forty-four...
October 20, 2003
Hi All....
Greg continues to make good progress with his trunk balance according to his therapists.
Actually they're pretty impressed by it.
He did a trial run in his new power chair. He said it is smaller than
the one he has. It is midnight blue, the same color as his first car's
Earl Scheib paint job. Who said he's not sentimental?
Also, some of you may have seen the article in the Allegheny Times about Greg.
The article also appears online. Interestingly, I'm told that Greg's comments
about God were edited out of the article that appeared in the paper. Here's the
link for the online article: Click here
Blessings,
Connie
Day Forty-six...
October 22, 2003
It seems that Greg has some kind of infection. He was sent home with antibiotics.
He's still kind of going through the fever and chills thing. But when I went
over there tonight, he was on the computer (of course). Just not feeling very perky.
So continue to pray.
Pray for Francie too. She hasn't slept in a couple of days.
Blessings,
Connie
Day Forty-eight...
October 24, 2003
Hi All....
This morning Heather and Francie took Greg to the emergency room at AGH.
His Primary Care Physician was concerned that he might have a kidney infection.
They are doing many tests on him. (He's still there 6 hours later).
Among the tests is a doppler. Apparently he has one or more blood
clots in his legs. Fortunately, he had a filter put in his abdomen
right after the accident. I don't know whether that is causing the abdominal pain or not.
We'll keep you informed.
Blessings,
Connie
Day Forty-nine...
October 25, 2003
Hi All..
It appears that Greg will be at AGH for about 5 days. He is being treated with blood thinners:
Heparin intravenously and coumadin. As I said yesterday,
he has 4 blood clots. Two on either side of his groin and one in each of his thighs.
Late this afternoon, he was given another Doppler test to make sure he has none in his
arm or neck. All clear there.
His feet and legs are very swollen and red. At times his hands also swell.
He is having a lot of neuropathic pain. He said that his right hand felt like
the nerves were exposed. It is very painful for him to have anything come into
contact with his arms or legs.
He did sleep last night. Thank God. Continue to keep him in your prayers.
He is in room 1191 at Allegheny General.
Blessings,
Connie
Day Fifty-two...
October 28, 2003
Friends...
Greg remains in AGH. It appears that he also has diverticulitis and is on clear liquids.
He really does not feel well. That in itself is taking a toll on him.
We had hoped he would be able to come home today, but that is now questionable.
Your continued prayers are appreciated.
Blessings,
Connie
PS: Check out..yesterday's Allegheny Times. Also, the Bon Meade teachers are having
an event at Harold's restaurant. Go to Greg's website for coupons.
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