Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Update on Vivian - 8/3

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Vivian continues to amaze us with both the rate and extent of her recovery.

Carla, Vivian's occupational therapist who has worked with Vivian since she was two, came to our house Saturday and did some activities with Vivian. When she finished, Carla reported that she could detect almost no regression in Vivian's skills! Absolutely astonishing, given how very sick Vivian was.

We are quite pleased with the home nursing care Vivian is receiving. The nurses have been extremely helpful with managing Vivian's IV antibiotics and feeding regimen and ensuring that Vivian does not succeed in pulling out any tubes.

Vivian's strength and motor skills have improved dramatically. She is walking with little assistance for balance, though she needs help with stairs.

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Will carries Percy and accompanies Vivian back to her room

The antibiotics have really torn up Vivian's stomach and she has no appetite. Vivian is able to take her seizure medications orally, but I haven't been able to get her to eat more than a bite or two of any food. Vivian is also having a difficult time tolerating her calcium supplement. We are going to substitute Tums and see if that ameliorates the situation.

Vivian is sleeping more soundly and for longer stretches every night. She complains less and seems to feel better overall. Vivian talks, laughs and interacts pretty much the same as she did before her hospitalization.

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Vivian works on a puzzle with her teacher, Mrs. Kemp

Praise God for Vivian's miraculous recovery! Pray that Vivian's strength and balance would improve such that she is able to be safe and appropriately independent when school resumes on August 23. Pray that the antibiotics would eradicate any remaining infection in her body. Pray that Vivian's stomach would settle and that her appetite would return.

The Lord has blessed our family with a wonderful support network: our church, our friends, our parents, our sisters and brothers, Robert's work colleagues and our neighbors. We are very grateful.

"Sing to the Lord, you saints of His; praise His holy name." Psalm 30:4

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Dots left yesterday to spend a week with my mom and dad at their house in Jackson Hole

15 comments:

Hopsy said...

Vivian looks wonderful! I am glad Dots was able to get to Jackson Hole too- a fun end to summer for her!

Laura said...

So happy to hear that Vivian is doing so well!

I have to take 2,000 mg of calcium per day and have also had trouble tolerating it. On the advice of a friend, I tried gummy calcium chews. Not one bit of trouble tolerating them - even on an empty stomach. The brand I use is vita-fusion and they're available at Walgreens. (They're also very sweet and not at all medicine-like, which might make it easier for Vivian to take them.) Good luck!

Sherrie said...

Great photos! I am thrilled to hear that Vivian's recovery is going so well. Hope Dots has a fabulous time with your parents.

Jan M said...

Wonderful news that Vivian continues to improve so well! Hope Dots has fun on her little getaway!

CKL said...

What an amazing and wonderful recovery. Here's another calcium suggestion - Tums Smoothies - they're fruit-flavored and dissolve quickly in your mouth without chalkiness.

Debbie K. said...

Thanks for the update and pictures! Vivian looks great. Such a miracle indeed - Praise God! ~Debbie K.

Dianne said...

Good for Dots. I am sure she will get lots of love and attention and end her summer vacation on a positive note. Thank God for grandparents!
It is so sweet seeing how Will cares for Vivian. You can just feel the relationship. You are very blessed. I am remembering all of you in my prayers and it is wonderful to see God's miracles in action.

Jessica Ryan said...

Wow... amazing... miraculous almost! So very happy for you all!!!!

Janet said...

Vivian looks great. I am so glad that she is doing as well as she is. I will continue to pray that her appetite will come back soon, I want to see her gobble down a bake potatoe when school starts back. Thank you for the continious updates. I always look forward to those.

Love and Prayers,
Janet Melton

Janet said...

Vivian looks great. I am so glad that she is doing as well as she is. I will continue to pray that her appetite will come back soon, I want to see her gobble down a bake potatoe when school starts back. Thank you for the continious updates. I always look forward to those.

Love and Prayers,
Janet Melton

Sandra said...

This is great!! So glad Dots has a fun week of being pampered by the grands!! And I'm certain Vivian's appetite will return after she is off the antibiotics! Those are so hard on the stomach. So happy for y'all. xoxo

Sharon said...

So thrilled that Vivian is truly recovering at a fast pace. The power of prayer and modern medicine is truly amazing! Hugs to you all!

Kate said...

Wonderful!!! I asm so glad Vivian is coming back to you!!!

Malu said...

I am so happy with the great news.
Praise to the Lord, the author of our lives ! His Grace is always with us. Vivian is a proof of God's love and care.
all my loving and prayers,
Malu

JMW said...

What a blessing! That young lady is a warrier - look how she managed to fight that illness! She will continue to be in my prayers. So glad to see that smile. And Will looks like he is such a great brother. Hope Dots has fun with her grandparents!