Amy (Seger) Heggemann Benefit

Warrenton, MO 63383

May/June Update Archives

  • May 6, 2008

    Hello Prayer Warriors!
    Amy had a better week last week.  The Straterra (new medication)  kicked in  last week.  Tomorrow will be two weeks after receiving the first dose.
    Nelson said that Amy was doing much better.  She was able to accomplish her therapy last week.  Pedro and his team had her to pull herself up at the parallel bars from a sitting position as she has done before, but this time with her left foot already up.  In other words, first they had her put her left foot up on the mat or on the box.....then with using her right leg strength to get herself into a standing position.  She had to do that 30 times with a break in the middle :)  She did it.  :)  Each time she stood, they reminded her to stand up straight and then gave her a peg and then she had to place that peg above her head.  Nelson said "she did real good :)
    Nelson said they also had her in a new standing machine or equipment.  Her right foot had some sort of "slick boot", he called it, on it and she was then strapped in.  She would take a step with her left; then they would move or slide her right foot for her, forward.  As this activity continued, she was then moving her right foot or sliding it along on her own.  :)  Yea!
    Nelson said that she did have speech therapy and Amy answered the questions or sentences and did a good job.  He said they used the electrodes again on her right arm and hand.  It must have been pretty powerful on her arm at one point because Nelson said she didn't like it and pulled at it quite a bit.   Nelson said Amy does better with her speech when she remembers to use a deep breath.  Maybe next week she will begin the throat therapy again. 
    I haven't talked with Bobby yet to see how this past weekend went, but Nelson said that Bobby said that Amy was more "talkative" on Saturday :)
    Well!  Tootie was scheduled to have her knee surgery yesterday (Monday 5th), but her blood palettes were too low.  So she has a blood test this week and her surgery is now scheduled for NEXT Monday, the 12th of May.  Although, Tootie is not looking forward to being "laid up" for a while; the pain is bad enough that she is ready to get the surgery in motion.
    Thank you sooo much for praying for Amy and her family.
    It was interesting today as I went about life.................I spoke with several people today, that either asked how Amy was doing.............said they get the email updates...........said they have went to caring bridges and sent Amy a message............said they are praying for Amy every day.............that is so wonderful.  So, THANK YOU for sending your Amy Update messages on to your friends and family.  I am sure we have no way of measuring the network of people praying for Amy and Bobby - but God does.  Keep up the great work, Prayer Warriors. 
    Treasure every day.  Enjoy your children, whether they are age 2 or 22.  The dishes will wait til' tomorrow.  Try not to sweat the small stuff.  Life is way to short :)
    Love, Lynda
    P.S.  Look for another update at the end of this week :)

  • may 9, 2008

    Hello Prayer Warriors!  Grab the popcorn, soda and your sofa  -gotta lot to say this time :)
    Saw Amy this week.  She is doing much better.  She is tired some yet; you can tell because she puts her head down more than she had say a month ago.  She was laughing at different times during the day though and seemed in good spirits.  Her Dad said it was wonderful to see her looking so much better compared to two weeks ago. 
    She was to see the neurologist yesterday; Nurse Lisa was to suggest either an increase in the Straterra dose (currently just 18mg) or maybe to add some Providual back.  As of this moment, I don't know exactly what was decided.  But for sure, the medication is making a difference; her being more alert, etc.
    "Pedro" (Eric) says that because Amy is still somewhat tired, it does take a little more encouragement or bargaining to get her to complete her therapy sessions.  She isn't always willing, but not to the point of refusal or "mad", he said.  With a little humor added in from "Pedro" and Terri, she gets it done.  He said that the therapy staff is being sensitive to Amy's feelings.  They definitely don't want to push her to do something she doesn't want to do.  They want her to be comfortable with what she is doing, but they also know there are goals to be met.  So, they compromise by giving Amy more "breaks" or rests in-between activity.
      "Pedro" has told her and reminded us that as she gets stronger there will be "harder" stuff to do in therapy.  "Pedro" knows that she is stronger, because he is sweating less. :) Meaning that he is doing less and she is doing more.  In the beginning of her time at Carbondale, he (they) assisted her in positioning her feet, moving her legs/feet, holding her up; whereas now she can balance herself better, needing someone to hold on to the belt around her waist when she is standing for safety/security of not falling or losing her balance.
    "Pedro" explained, with the help of G.I.Joe; that Amy can support her weight and can stand on her own.  She is able to keep her right knee straight and support her weight.  The therapy that Amy accomplished at the standing contraption was great to see.  I will describe it the best I can.  The contraption has 4 wheels and she stands in the middle of them.  Her forearms rest on a pad or cushion and her hands are gripped on pegs out front.  Her forearms are kept secure with Velcro straps and her mid section is also strapped in.  Amy is encouraged to take a step with her left and then with assistance someone behind her moves her right foot forward (by using their foot as they follow behind her).  They slide her right foot forward (they put a paper boot on her foot) and then she steps with her left and then again sliding with the right and so on and so on.  "Pedro" explained that prior to taking a step we transfer our weight to the opposite side we are going to take a step with, the muscles activate the knee joint and hip.  Currently, with Amy she needs to take small steps, otherwise her knee has a chance of buckling and she will lose her balance.  She works at continuing to strengthen her trunk.  They had her working on an activity with letters, but she was having to balance herself sitting upright on a large exercise ball; then leaning from side to side without falling over.  She is definitely stronger in her trunk area; but certainly a ways to go.
    The letter activity was neat.  They had those magnet letters that kids usually play with on the refrigerator.  They would ask her a question and then she would have to search out the letters and spell out the answer.  They said she did better last week with this; this time they had the letters organized - they had them mixed up last week and she found the letters that she needed and found them fast.  Also, she did not have to concentrate on her balancing on that ball last week, either.
    Last week they did a trial run with the electrodes on her forearm.  They said she didn't tolerate it well.  I think I talked about this in a prior email; Nelson has mentioned that she kept pulling at it, wanting it off.  The staff is working through their training on this device and will be trying again with Amy in the future.  Some days in physical therapy sessions they use estem on her shoulder; she tolerates more on some days and less on others.  It just depends.
    Also, there are times when they go to the computer during vision sessions; Terri said they go to the "caring bridges" messages and read those that have been sent to her.  Yippee!  So, keep sending those encouraging words of hope, love and belief to Amy.  She NEEDS to see/read how many people are pulling/praying for her :)   www.danceforamy.com
    They also have been working with her to write her name (with her left hand) and Terri said it is legible. 
    She continues to receive massages from the Chiropractic office, sometimes twice a week:  Praise God, what a bonus blessing.
    Speech Therapy continues to work on building her breath support.  With the combination of fatigue, overall body weakness from the original trauma and then coordination; this is a Amy's biggest challenge, breath support.
    She has improvement with her trunk strength and is doing great with her posture.  But, with the coordination of inhaling and exhaling takes great concentration.
    Gosh? :( ?!!!  Don't we take SO MUCH for granted?  I mean really.  Our body does so much, all at the same time to make what seems to be the smallest task; like breathing deep or inhaling or exhaling.............anyway.  We sat in with Amy during a Speech Therapy session.  They had her to practice taking a deep breath and blowing out with her lips pursed.  They had her blow into a straw and attempt to move a small piece (quarter size) of napkin across the table.
    Amy did it.  But, it was just an inch or two at the very most.  I just sat in amazement (trying to keep the tears from coming); seeing the desire in Amy's eyes, her trying so hard to do well.  But for Amy, it was all extreme effort.  Blowing a piece of napkin across the table was extreme effort...........  am I right, don't we take SO MUCH for granted???  You and I can go right now and blow that piece of paper completely across the room and then some and not thing another thing about it.  Enough said.
    During speech she also practiced her pronunciation.  She was shown pictures of things and then practiced saying them out loud.  She was quiet about it.  You could tell by the SLIGHT movement of her lips that she was saying the correct word.  The therapist worked with her to pronunciate the letters better.  Again, she tried her best.  But, by this time, she had lunch, physical therapy, the evaluation session and anxious for a nap!  The other thing that I sat in amazement about was the fact that Amy practiced nodding yes and no.  The therapist asked her to nod her head accordingly as she also SAID the word.  You guys.....even that took concentration for Amy.  Sometimes the movement was small and sometimes it was big, but slow.  Again, wow.
    They are considering, with the family's permission and PRAYERFULLY INSURANCE COVERAGE; an augmentative (sp?) device.  If approved, after trial run, etc.; it can be attached to Amy's chair and used to assist her in communicating to others.  It was affirmed by the speech therapist (we already knew it :) ) that Amy is intellectually "all there", no doubt that she's "got it".  But, Amy has a physical hesitation; not a cognitive issue.  Their thoughts are for Amy to be able to use this device to communicate ALONG WITH speaking the words.  Of course, my first thought was "oh, boy; surely they don't want to give her a crutch to use that would keep her from speaking sooner".  Well, as the therapist said, "Amy has so much to say and just can't right now."  She needs to be able to communicate with Bobby, her kids, her family, staff and all of us without so much frustration.  I can tell you that before we left, she was trying to tell me something, over and over and it just broke my heart that I couldn't understand her plainly.  I think it was something to the effect that she wanted to go with us..........I responded by saying that I wanted her to come with us, too; but that she needed to stay and do her work to get stronger..... Ugh!!!!!! It is ALWAYS hard for me to leave.
    Anyway, the augmentative device:  A PRAYER FOCUS, funding for the device is the next hurdle.  First initial response from insurance was a NO.  But, they are not stopping with that.  Insurance will be approached again, maybe differently............one way or the other, Bobby is all for Amy getting the device.  From a professional standpoint, Michelle (the speech therapist) seeing no negatives in Amy using this device.  She mentioned that (and by the way, she speaks to Amy about her progress and challenges - not speaking about her as if she is not even in the room - I just appreciate that so much, and I am certain Amy does, too) there really is no way of knowing her speech prognosis.  It could be a year or two.........all is unknown.  Well, gosh!!!!  Ok, prayer warriors - we can pray for Amy's speech progress, can't we?  It is all a combination of trunk strength, deeper breaths, concentration, pronunciation.............SHE CAN DO IT.....WITH GOD'S HELP AND OUR PRAYERS.  Keep it up, ya'll.
    Something else we sat in on with Amy.........  they had her to sit (not in her wheelchair, but on a bench) and watch a very large board in front of her.  The board had lights all over it that lit up sporadically and spontaneously.  Every time Amy saw a light lit, she was to press it to put it out.  And then the next light lit up and so on and so on.  It was like a race against the clock, trying to beat her best time.  They did patch her left eye for this exercise and then patched her right.  She definitely can see out of her right  - she did just as well as when it was her left eye doing the work.  But then when she would do this exercise with no eye patch, you could tell there were certain times that she saw double, because she was reaching for the lights not lit.  All the while she was balancing herself on the bench with no support from the therapist team.  Looking great.  And then she worked at the computer with a soccer game.  There was a device secured to the table in front of the screen.  She had to move the joystick in the direction to catch the soccer ball (she was the goalie).  Again, eye patched for more success.  And then "card shark"; matching the cards on the screen with the joystick.  It took a lot of concentration and balance.  She did good.
    Overall Amy is doing much better.  Next week will be even better.  It is exciting to think of the progress yet to come.  We cannot give up on her in any way.  It is important for us to continue to believe that she will fully recover.  God has her plan in place.  I asked her if I could say a prayer with her; and so we did.  Clearly she said "amen" with me :)
    God has amazing therapist is Amy's midst.  She is in a wonderful place; being blessed with their knowledge, their determination and desire for their participants to succeed.  You can tell that they care about Amy very much.  And they are aware of her huge support system (that's us!).  EVERYTHING is working for Amy's good.  God is behind the scenes working.......
    Continue to pray for Bobby.  His job is now 85 miles to the job site ONE WAY.  Wow, lots of travel for Bobby these days - AND THEN farming at night.............
    Continue to pray for Tootie.  She is to have surgery on Monday.  And let's not forget to pray for supernatural favor for the augmentative device for Amy to use to communicate with her world. 
    Happy Mother's Day.  Enjoy the Moms in your life whether they belong to you or someone else.  Moms are amazing women and not always appreciated.  Give them all a hug this weekend!  They deserve it and more :)
    Love, Lynda

  • May 17, 2008

    Hello Prayer Warriors!

    Amy did get to visit home last weekend for Mother's Day.  She did very well, overall.
    Joan (Bobby's sister) went to Carbondale and drove her back last Friday night.  Joan said she did well; sleeping part of the way.  She stayed through until Sunday night when Bobby drove her back; then returned home himself. 
    They stayed at Bobby's parents overnight to visit with family on Saturday.  Saturday evening they ventured out to the Treloar Bar & Grill.  For those of you that are not familiar with Treloar, Missouri; well, that's about it  - the Bar & Grill, I mean, that's about all there is to Treloar :)  What makes Treloar extra special is the people that live there.  Remember back in the fall when they had the Silent Auction for Amy and Bobby?  Treloar (and surrounding area): amazing group of people, friends that anyone would be appreciative to have in their life.
    Amy did well during her time spent there at the Grill.  She had lots of visitors; many friends, some family, too.  I surely would miss someone if I tried to mention everyone's name, so I won't.  It was heart warming to see everyone greet, hug and talk with Amy.  She enjoyed it, for sure.  Lots of smiling, laughing and just an overall light in her face.  She had a fabulous cheeseburger and tried a sip of beer :)  Have no worries; that was all she got, a sip.  :)
    Many visitors reminisced with Amy on good times from the past.  I heard stories that were very interesting; some I can't repeat :0.  Midnight rides on bicycles?; something about Bill and his undershorts? :)  That's all I know!
    It was so cute to see Amy's face light up, smile or laugh when someone would remind her of certain times of fun and friendship.  Her memory is there.  She responds appropriately and so you know she "knows what you are talking about".
    It was so funny.  At one point, I was standing in front of Amy, facing her; others were around her, too.  She was looking past me, saw someone new coming towards her and sure did move me out of the way so they could give her a hug!  :)  It was great.
    She REALLY was glad to see everyone.  And I think everyone was glad to see her.  Many of course, seeing her for the first time since the accident. 
    Those of us that see her regularly, forget how it is for someone seeing her for the first time.  I think that for some, there is still the "wow, what a shame" feeling, while shaking their head - not believing that this has happened to such a wonderful person.  But, at the same time, there is that under lying feeling of; "wow - she is amazing - pulling herself through this"..........  It's all about perception.  Have you ever been out in public and saw someone maybe in a wheelchair or a handicap situation and maybe thought "what's wrong with them"?  Well, I can tell you that when I see a stranger now in a situation; I am definitely not too quick to judge.  EVERYONE has their own story.  Some are more amazing than others; each special in their own way.
    Her visit to the Grill was a wonderful evening overall.  Of course as time went on, she did get tired.  She rested her head on the table now and then, but still would smile and laugh at times.  Eventhough they didn't want to, they left at a reasonable hour so Amy could get her rest so she'd be ready for Sunday. 
    Sunday they went to church; Bobby said barely getting there in time!  I am sure he understands the word "multi-tasking" (especially getting out the door on time) now more than ever; mastering his skills, too:)  I have no doubt that God is soooo proud of how he has "stepped up to the plate" and continues to swing at WHATEVER is being thrown at him.  Way to go Bob.
    After church, Bobby, Amy and the boys went to her Mom and Dad's in Warrenton.  Many Aunts and Uncles, friends and family, too, where there to visit................ 
    OK - we went, too!  With the risk of looking like "Amy groupies"; we went.  Well!!!
    Nelson and Tootie, I think, were looking for us; and Amy's face did light up when we came through the door.  A handful of friends were there to visit, too.  One came with brownies - I guess she remembered how Nelson is at making brownies, HA! :)
    It was a GREAT Mother's Day.  Nelson and Tootie were just BEAMING and excited to have Amy there.  They were just so pleased.  Of course, the time did come when Amy and Bobby had to leave in order to have enough time to get her back to Carbondale and to get himself back home.  Wow - lots of driving for Bobby.  He did it, though.  That is just it.  He just keeps going.  Like the energizer bunny.  Let's pray he can keep up with it all; and stay healthy so he CAN keep going.  Praise God.
    Ball is in full swing (get it - full swing!  I crack myself up.:) ) for both Justin and Sam.  I think last night they both had a game at the same time at the same ball park.  AND that was after Sam's graduation from Kiddie College.  Whew!  And then Bobby had to work today in Alton; probably playing catch up from all the rain this past week or so.  School will be out soon and a new routine will begin.  That's the same for all of us.  Just when you get a schedule figured out - something changes.  But, change is good.  Keeps us all of our toes. 
    Thanks so much for your continued prayer and love for Amy and her family.  It will be exciting to see what God unfolds for Amy and her future.  There is a plan and He has it already mapped out.  Let's pray that He will use EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US how He chooses, to be a blessing in the days and months to come. 
    Keep a smile on.  Wow - May is just a busy time.  It is an exciting time!  Enjoy your days full of family and fun and work, too.  Count your blessings - it could all change in a snap :)  Be excited about where you are and what you accomplishing.  God has an amazing plan for you, too!!!!
    Love, Lynda

  • june 3, 2008

    Hello Prayer Warriors -
    Is it REALLY June 3rd?
    I apologize for not getting an "Amy update" to you sooner.
    I have been wearing too many hats these days.  Someone say a prayer for me :)
    Well, after talking with Nelson some and Bobby some, Amy needs our encouragement and prayer these days to help get her through the speed bumps.  As Nelson put it, her brain is rewiring itself.  He understands there to be no more bruising on her brain per the medical staff.  And so things are "clicking".
    Bittersweet you might say.  Amy is/has realized that she has been in a terrible car accident, she is in a wheelchair/not knowing the future of her progress, Carson........
    So, although it is bitter that she has to go through all of these emotions, feelings, etc., it is sweet, because that means she continues to improve.  Certainly, this is all part of the healing process.  But, because of all of the emotion, tears have been coming and so in order to help Amy keep her spirits up so that she can get through her therapy they are giving her some Anti-depressant meds.  Again, good and bad.  But, she will get through this.  Our prayers will and are making a difference.  She may not be this far without the incredible support of all of you, her Prayer Warriors.
    A counselor is there on staff for Amy, too; whether that is part of her daily routine or just when Amy needs her, not sure.  Will keep you posted on that one.
    On the weekends, Bobby and the boys have been taking Amy out and about shopping for new summer shorts; trips to the park and then time spent at the Heggemann Hotel.  Amy has been staying at the Heggemann Hotel on those Saturday nights, too.  That is wonderful, don't you think?  Bobby said he went and got a grill for Heggemann Hotel and they have met more of their neighbors; very nice people he said. 
    Bobby said he takes time to talk with Amy about all that the boys have accomplished in school (Justin and his awesome spelling) and how the ball games are going.  He said that it seems to perk her up and he can tell in her face that she is glad to hear all about it.  He mentioned that there was a time that Sam was pestering him about when was it going to be time to go (not sure where he wanted to go) and Bobby told him in 60 minutes.  Well, Sam must have counted to 60 and Amy had that look on her face like, "wow, he did good!". 
    Bobby said that her talking seems to be a little better, too.
    Tootie is doing ok with her knee.  She had quite a bit of pain and swelling in the beginning, but she is doing her therapy and all is going ok.  She did say her leg looks like it has been in a war zone.  And I haven't heard anything about burnt brownies so I guess Nelson is doing good with all of the cooking and chores :)  They haven't been to see Amy for obvious reasons.  I am sure that has been rough on all parties :)
    The boys have started their summer programs.  As all of us moms know that is a wonderful thing to keep little boys on a schedule in the summertime:)  Bobby is still working in Alton, IL.  He said it is going slow there, but it is ok.  Don't you know his emotions continue to be on a rollercoaster, too.  Doing his very best to keep all the plates spinning up in the air.  I think he has good days and bad days. 
    Some encouragement came though when Nelson told Bobby about how he had met a young man that had been in a car accident, almost pronounced dead 2 or 3 times, in a wheelchair, wasn't speaking..........many similar things as Amy is going through...........and after this young mans 2 year journey is doing just great.  Nelson met him at the Gym in Warrenton and by looking at him and talking with him you would never know about his terrible ordeal. 
    So, after hearing about that, that picked Bobby up and helps keep him going.  This Saturday will mark 9 months since the accident.  We could say that Amy's journey is still in the beginning stages :) 
    When you get a chance to share your faith with her and encourage her to keep working for the future.......that will be so comforting for her.  We can send her a card, we can send her a message through Caring Bridges...go to www.danceforamy.com and click on the caring bridge link to leave her a message.  Bobby or the therapists get her to the computer screen.  And remember, she is intellectually all there, so she can read your message.   Give her that " tough love" that she needs to keep working hard.  We all believe in her so much, we can show her how much by flooding (no one knows anything about flooding these days!) her with our positive thoughts and words.  That can be some of THE BEST therapy in the world - positive thoughts, words and actions.
    Be a blessing and serve those around you today.  You will be blessed in return.  Have an awesome day.
    Love, Lynda

  • june 8, 2008

    Hi Prayer Warriors!  This will be a long one, but it is full of great stuff!
    It was great to see Amy this past week.  Her monthly evaluation went well; all present, except G.I.Joe.  "Pedro" said he was off in "training".  ????   Although we missed Joe, it was a productive meeting. :)
    After being there all day, you would never have known she had a rough couple weeks in May.  She is doing much better overall.  Per nurse Lisa; Amy has a general overall improvement.  They have introduced Cymbalta to help Amy with her emotional health, along with the Strattera and Norvasc medication.  The results are; she has more alertness, she gets less agitated or angry.  This is all very important so that she can complete her therapy on this journey of recovery (that's my opinion, not the nurses words :) ).
    Couple minor things.... Amy continues to have some wax build up in her left ear.  They have treated it 4 different times and it has been flushed once.  And for some reason she lost one of her toe nails?  Well this all seems petty, but God can help us with the little things, just as much as the big things.  Might seem silly to pray for wax and toe nails, but heh! it's all a part of Amy's full recovery, right???  :)
    Her OT evaluation was good, too.  They said her shower routines are slowly improving.  She adds more assistance and has better balance.  Most of her transfers are just with one staff member and they are working on "sit pivots".  Terry said that the Bio-ness/e-stem process has been going very well.  Last week she tolerated it for 30-40 minutes.  She explained that it is a splint that they put on Amy's right arm.  The electrodes send signals for the hand to open up, grasp, move the arm, etc.  She did this repetition 10 or so times.  They allow her to turn it off when she is uncomfortable.
    She continues to do well with the Dynavision.  She doesn't need support as she sits for this therapy.  She is able to reach across with her left, while balancing on her right.  Terry set a goal of 3.5 seconds  with the right eye and the left eye covered - Amy met that goal within 3 seconds.  They alternate the patch and continue to build this skill in therapy.  To refresh your memory, the Dynavision is a large board with the little red lights.  They randomly light up one by one and Amy is to push the button at the light that is lit and then another one will light up and so on.
    They have put the tray back on her wheelchair to give her right shoulder more support, although it does encourage Amy to lay her head down some.  Overall she is putting her head down less since the medication changes. 
    "Pedro" in PT says that overall Amy is doing really good; better than last month.  With the medication changes they are able to give Amy choices on activities in therapy whereas before they would just decide on what they were going to "do" in therapy.  He mentioned that there are certain things Amy CAN do, but is sometimes just STUBBORN.  Hmmmmm, stubborn?  Not our Amy! :)  Well, he said that they will ask her about doing some therapy and she will say "yes" and confirms that she knows that will help her to get better; then they say "so are you ready to do it now?"  She will say "no".  :)  So there are times where they have to strategize with her to get her to do what she needs to do.  He asked her at one point if she "worked her patients pretty hard".  Nelson vouched that yes, she does - because has been one!
    It was GREAT to see Amy in her PT session while we were there.  COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY ENCOURAGING to see.  She is SO VERY MUCH STRONGER in general.  She used the "stepper machine".  Basically, each foot is on a platform and she holds onto handles at the top while she is in a standing position.  She is to push down each foot one at a time as if you were "stepping".  She did it!!!!
    And, all on her own.  Meaning that with her right leg she is pushing with her own strength to push the platform down.  Back and forth, back and forth.......she did it.  There were times that she would push the left down so far that she did need help to get the right side started, but she would use her strength to push it all the way down after a little nudge from someone.  It was wonderful to see.  They had said that Amy is able to do 3 sets of 25 reps, shifting her weight  and maintaining her posture.  Whoohoo!!!  Yippeee!!!!!  And she sure does turn the machine off when those reps are over :)
    We also saw an exercise where they had her to step up on a box (4-5 inches tall?), both feet up on the box.  And so they would have her with her left leg, step on and off and on and off.  This forces her to shift her weight to the right and build her confidence and trust back in that right side.  With her left side being dominate, she of course, relies on it more, not always "trusting the right".  And so they are really working on building that trunk, transferring weight from side to side....  they then increased the box to double in size.  Amy accomplished this as well.  They said that they have been working on this for a couple weeks and she continues to improve. This will help build more strength in the right side therefore she will have more stability, which will make it easier to move her hip, then her knee and then her ankle.  All of this, leading up to walking again.
    Speaking of walking!!!!  They also had her stand in the parallel bars.  By the way, Amy gets herself up to that standing position on her very own (awesome to see!).  No support from the therapists.  (Woohoo!)  Her right foot remains stationary and her knee doesn't buckle.  She did take a step with her left and then used all of her might attempting to move that right foot forward.  She did slightly and I can guarantee she had lots of cheerleaders around encouraging her..........  It is coming.  I can see it.  She did step back with her left and then she did pull her right leg back.  It was great to see.  Bobby was so pleased and encouraged.
    There are those times, Pedro said, that Amy will clearly say "I'm tired".  They remind her of her goals......continue working hard..........getting to go home.  He said she is capable to do what is called "bridging" and there are times she is just stubborn and doesn't want to do it.  Maybe we can pray this week for Amy to have the will to do more, the courage to continue and the desire to beat her best.
    Soon the V-stem will be reintroduced to Amy when she is more consistent with keeping her head up for the 45 minutes of therapy on her throat.  They are introducing Bio-ness (the splint with the electrodes) to her right leg; simply a tool to help her build her strength.
    This week Amy will be getting a "practice" augmentative device to "try out" for a month.  It can be customized for Amy; having pictures or words, making it possible for Amy to build sentences.  HERE IS A JOB YOU FOR ALL OF THE PRAYER WARRIORS.  Insurance is denying payment for this device.  I am sure that you can guess the cost of such a device.  Thousands of dollars; whether it be the Pinto or the Cadillac.  Well, if WE could do Amy and Bobby a favor and check with organizations that we are familiar with, that may assist in sponsoring or funding such a device.  For example, Cindy G. from Marthasville, led Bobby to the Curive River Co-op as an option.  So that is being looked into and is a great possibility.  yippee!
    So who do you know?  A Lion?  An Elk?  (and I don't mean animals!  hee hee!).  What organization might be out there to assist?  Amy will get the machine one way or another.  Bobby said so many people and organizations have been so generous already.  I say, I bet there are options out there that will make a difference in the funding of this expensive machine, besides what has already been done.   So, let one of us know if you find anything out, ok?
    This "machine" is to assist in Amy's communication.  We all know that Amy has things to say and can't say them YET.  This is not to be a "crutch" to hinder her speech, but a device to assist as she continues speech therapy.  Which, by the way, continues to go well.  Johnna  said that they have introduced more cognitive therapy.  For example:  where are we?  what city are we in?  what day of the week is it?  how old are you?  Sometimes she has choices of answers.  I understood Johnna to say that Amy has success with these sessions.  Soon will come reasoning and problem solving in their sessions together.  They continue to work on nodding the head along with saying yes or no instead of using her 1 or  2 finger signs.  They work on exaggerated speech - slow and over moving the lips - for exercising the mouth.  They work with "filling in the blank" on sentences.  Sometimes Amy searches for the word; she is not yet 100% on this activity, but does a great job.  She does well with keeping her attention on the activity/staying on task.  They also work on controlled breathing, saying and holding "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........".  She can do this for 9 seconds.  Ideally they want her to get to 20 seconds.
    Did I tell you about her laughing?  Amy can get "tickled" about something and just get to laughing, which gets everyone else laughing.  I guess you had to be there, but they like to joke around and tease with Amy in the therapy gym - laughter is awesome.  Also, I saw her looking at me with her RIGHT eye, not always her left.  Meaning, I think that right eye is improving - just my observation.  Remember, she can see out of perfectly, fine......it is that third cranial nerve that needs more improvement.  It is coming.  Keep praying!
    Amy will smile now when you ask her to; her facial muscles are stronger to do so.  It was also cool to see her focus and read whatever what put in front of her, for example the newspaper or the picture of Sam that was in the newspaper recently....... but my favorite thing of the day was this:  She happened to have a doctor's appointment and while in the waiting room, I was bragging about how well she did in PT to Lisa; her nurse that always goes with her to the doctor.  Lisa said, well what did you do in therapy, Amy?  I could clearly hear Amy respond.  She popped her head up and said softly, "I walked."  Oh my gosh!!!!  It was all I could do, not to jump up out of my chair, not to shed a tear, etc.  WOOHOO!!!!  " I walked."  Music to a girlfriends ear :)
    Thank you prayer warriors for the continued faith in prayer and belief in her full recovery.  I am excited to know that God has an amazing plan for her future.
    Have a truly blessed week.      
    Love, Lynda

  • june 26, 2008

    Hello Prayer Warriors!
    Thank goodness we are remembering Amy in our daily prayers; because if you've been waiting to pray after you get an update.....you've been waiting a LONG TIME.  Sorry about that!  June is the busiest month of my entire year......well, next to December.
    Anyway!  Karen S. and I did get to visit Amy on Monday, June 9th.  It was a wonderful time.  We left early so that we could spend as much time with Amy as possible.  We got there around 9am; Amy was up and getting ready with the help of Joann on staff.  Amy's face looked as if she was glad to see us for sure.  We had a wonderful time sharing her therapy time together.  It truly is amazing to see how much stronger she continues to get.  They had her work on stepping up on the box again; but this time she was more steady than the week before.  She was definitely willing to do the activity they asked her to complete; but when she was done, she was done.  In fact, I think sometimes she was ready to sit back down in her chair, but her foot was still up on the box!  Of course, everyone was like.......whooooaaaaa!
    She does work hard; even works up a sweat at times.
    During speech therapy they worked on her swallowing at meal time; taking sips out of the straw in controlled quantities.  And they did some cognitive exercises; questions, answer sessions. 
    We asked Amy about ordering out for Pizza for lunch.  That was a quick yes.  When we were asking what kind did she want; she said something........I couldn't understand......she kept repeating it..........we still couldn't understand.........ugh!  It was so frustrating for everyone standing there.  Amy just grabbed my arm and had that look of aggravation in her face.  Even though she is more and more understandable in her speech; there are those moments for those that don't see her as often as Bob, that are heart wrenching.  We just have to remember "this too shall pass".
    All in all the pizza was awesome. :)
    One of my most favorite moments......... we were in her room, and I caught Amy looking at me with her right eye (the one that is usually off to the side) and then her left eye moved over to look at me as well.  It was SO AWESOME.  She was looking at me with both eyes at the same time!   That tells me that that third cranial nerve is doing something better, right?  Well anyway - it sound strange.......but that was an awesome moment.
    While Amy went off to have her afternoon nap; Karen and I went off in search of Father's Day cards in preparation for the shopping event that evening.   After dinner, we all then left and headed to Kohl's for some clothes shopping and a Father's Day gift for Bobby.  All went well; we worked as a team to get Amy in and out of the car (Amy included on that team).  I can say it definitely requires strength and strategy for that process.  But, it wouldn't have been possible for us a few months ago.  Amy is stronger now to help assist.  And I am a wimp!  Thank goodness for Karen and her muscles - whew!
    Shopping was really fun.  We first went to look at outfits for Amy.  We both held different things up here and there (shorts and tops) and Amy would let us know either yes or no.  Since then, Bobby has said we did a great job; he likes what we picked out (well, Amy picked it out - we just showed her options).  We then headed on to the men's department; Karen, I believe, asked if Bobby wore "boxers" :)  Well, we saw quite a few "fun" ones hanging all over this one wall (and on sale! yippee!). We were all laughing; Karen and I holding up different ones......asking Amy which one.........well she GRABBED the bright yellow ones with smiley faces on them and then the ones that said HOT STUFF with peppers all over!  There wasn't a Yes or No from Amy - she just grabbed them and put them in her lap :)  Hee Hee   - it really was a fun moment for sure.
    We also picked up a "shaver" for her legs.  Hopefully those are being put to good use since it is shorts weather :)   
    Soon it was obvious Amy was done.  It was if you flipped a switch; she was tired and it was time to go.  We checked out and managed to get her in the car, the wheelchair in the back....thank goodness for Karen's car; definitely more functionable than mine would have been..........  And then she was just very quiet in all ways.  We aren't sure why exactly; was it just fatigue or was it that it was nearing time for us to leave??  We weren't sure.
    When we returned to the Tucker House; Amy was ready for bed.  We "off and on" had tidied up her room throughout the day, and finished that up; packed up winter clothes, organized her shelves, fine-tuned her basket FULL of cards and such.  It was all good until it was time to leave.  It was just sad, I mean.  We both signed her journal; the one that we started way back when she was in ICU.  And then we took turns saying good-bye.  Well, gosh, as I was talking to her; encouraging her, it was hard not to well up inside, shed a tear, etc.  We prayed over/with her.  Gave kisses and hugs and then had to DRAG ourselves out of her room.  Geezzz.  It is always hard to leave, I think.
    I guess the night before we were there, Amy had an emotional time.  After Bobby had left, the staff was with her and I guess she was upset; calling for Bob......they asked her if she was missing Bob....she responded yes..........so they called Bobby on the phone .........they talked..........  and I guess they just couldn't get her to stop crying....  She apparently didn't sleep well, either.
    The therapist, Terry said she though it would probably get harder and harder when the goodbyes come; Amy is just more aware of all the circumstances around her now more than ever before...
    We must continue to pray for her emotional health just as much as her physical health.
    Since our visit, Amy has come home for Father's Day weekend and last weekend to watch the boys play ball.  John went to visit the Friday before Father's Day and then drove her back that evening.  He said he watched her do some therapy; 85 times on the stepper machine - he said it was awesome!  And then "bridging"  - she must have just did an amazing job at that, too.  The ride home was good.....John said he would get to singing to something on the radio......Amy had her eyes closed, would peek open one eye and say "shut up".  Followed by some laughter.  Hee hee.  Sounds like their relationship is still thriving!!!
    I have talked with Bobby briefly since then and Nelson, too.  Bobby said Father's Day weekend was great.  Lots of family came to see Amy.  And he has tried on those boxers!  He said he hasn't had anything that silky in a long time!  HA!!!!!!!  HA!!!!!!!!!  Too funny.
    Nelson has said that Amy has since moved up to doing 100 on the stepper machine.  My goodness - that is awesome.  Her trunk, legs continue to get stronger.  Yippee!!!!
    Honestly, I have not talked with Bobby since this past weekend and I am curious to know if the communication device has arrived for Amy's trial period.  I will try to talk with him ASAP.  I am just as curious as you.  Once I personally get past this coming weekend with the Fair Queen Contest stuff, I will be less crazy.  Opposed to maybe a normal crazy :)
    Thank you for your patience.  I know many of you look forward to these updates.........I plan to get back on a more consistent schedule with them, soon. 
    Have a great week.  Thank you for continuing to pray for Amy in every area of her life; physical health, emotional health, life at the Tucker House, peace between going back and forth to visit home and her future.  Be blessed and be a blessing.
    Love, Lynda

 

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