I'm passing on Lori's update as she explains the wonderful meeting we had with Gerry's therapy team. What an encouragment to see their excitement over Gerry's progress. We are so blessed to have all of your prayers and support!
Gina
From Lori:
Gerry's sister Carla came to town today and the family met with the therapy team. It's official, Gerry is out of the coma! He is responding to enough outside stimulus. Now we are looking for increased and more consistent responses. An added blessing is that Anessa had been praying that her dad would wake up before her birthday May 29th and God answered her prayer.
Every day, Gerry does something a little more during therapy. He continues to say "hi" to his therapists, shaking their hands, resisting back and balancing when being pushed while sitting, catching a ball on his lap, going outside in the wheel chair, and best of all for me is he continues to smile at our silly jokes. We still don't know the extent of brain injury as he is
continuing through the healing process. Continue to pray that he will progress and not plateau or have any medical set backs.
He is doing about 2-3 hours a therapy a day and working hard as muscles need to be strengthened because he has been in bed so long without activity. When given a command like raise your head, you can see him struggle to perform, but if you then physically touch his head he responds right away. They are working on the process of understanding and responding just to the verbal command.
Also encouraging is the validation that he can see and is anticipating, like when he moves his legs away before you can tickle his feet. They are also working on his swallowing reflex getting him to the point he can eat.
In the near future when Gerry can tolerate 3-4 hours a therapy a day and is medically stable, he will need to be moved to an acute therapy rehab center. I would prefer one that specializes in brain injury. Pray for wisdom and guidance as to the best location and agreement with the insurance company. We are told of programs in Pomona and Bakersfield that we are looking into and I am still researching San Diego locations. Distance is a factor, but we also would like the best treatment possible.
I marvel when thinking back over the last 2 1/2 months. When Ger first went to the ER, we were told he had less than 20% chance of survival, and then we were told less than 10% chance of emerging from a coma from this type of brain injury. What I know is that God is God over the odds. He is powerful to heal!
The verse Dr. Machado shared has been our comfort:
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Is. 41:10
I can't wait for Ger to express how the gentleness of God has upheld him during this struggle. God's promises are sweet and sure. God is with Gerry.
Lori
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