Update on Gerry 9/29/04

Dear Family & Friends,

I'm happy to be sending an update with quite a bit of news to report. We see God's hand at work in many ways, and we are so grateful for your faithful prayers.

On Monday we took Gerry back to Riverside County Regional Medical Center, where he was first admitted after his accident, to finally remove the braces from his teeth. As Lori mentioned in her last update, we went a couple of weeks before, but Gerry had an incident of low blood pressure and collapse. So, we were very happy that this time it was "Mission Accomplished"! The braces were removed, and although it was a very painful procedure for Gerry, and a long day, he did remarkably well.

Because of the low blood pressure incident, the doctor removed Gerry from all medications that can cause low blood pressure. So far, he has not had any further problems. Gerry has been having periods of frustration or agitation, which is a result of his brain injury. The hospital was putting him on a strong prescription, Adavan, when they felt it was necessary. We noticed that this medication made Gerry very "loopy". It would bring him up, and then later he would drop way down, with his coherency being greatly affected, and even his physical balance and stamina.
We talked about it and both agreed that Gerry is not going to be able to learn to deal with those feelings and cope if he is just medicated through those episodes. This will be especially important once he returns home and is out and about. Lori talked to the medical team, and this week they agreed to take him off of the Adavan. They will now use other measures to help him cope, like getting Lori on the phone, or putting on the music that he loves, or watching a family or church video that we have at the hospital for him. Gerry was thrilled to hear that they will not be giving him the Adavan anymore!

Another praise report is that Lori felt Gerry was ready for an overnight pass, and she was able to arrange that for this Saturday night. She will pick him up in he afternoon, and bring him back by Sunday evening. Lord willing, Gerry will be able to worship with his family at their own church on Sunday! When Lori told Gerry he was coming home for one night, he was overjoyed! This may be a lot of stimulation for Gerry, so for those of you at their church, the only thing we want to mention is to keep conversations with Gerry short. We pray for a successful, enjoyable home and church visit for Gerry and pray that he will return to Ballard willingly. Lori has been talking to him about his remaining time in the hospital as "his job" to learn the skills he needs to come home soon.

These past couple of weeks we are seeing an increase in Gerry's understanding, and also his emotions, which is all good! He has been able to communicate his feelings. At times, he has confided to Lori about how difficult things have been. He has explained his frustration, and when she questioned him further about how he feels, he said, "I feel like a black in the South". Lori said, "How does that make you feel?" And Gerry replied, "It's hard because people think I'm stupid." It is so good that he is able to communicate these feelings! In our family visits, as we joke back and forth with Gerry, we often see great clarity and alertness. He loves to lead in prayer, and we see great clarity there as well. He is now communicating that he wants to come home. He calls Lori on the phone and says "When are you coming, at 2 or 3?" or "When are you coming to take me home?" Another time on the phone he said to her "Hi Doll, love ya', babe!" When we were at his appointment, he went up to the desk and asked why they hadn't called his name yet. Seeing these totally appropriate responses has been very encouraging to us. When we take him out for any reason, like out for the appointment this week, or for ice cream on other occasions, etc., he doesn't want to get out of the van when returning to Ballard. We do believe that his level of understanding is greater than he is able to articulate with words. We know that he is there, and we pray that in time, through therapy, or after returning to his normal surroundings at home, that he will be able to communicate better with words. At times, you can clearly understand his words (generally shorter statements). Other times, he can babble on and you will not be able to understand, partially because of the sound of his voice, and also because his of his inability to find the right words. He may not look quite normal or act quite like the old Gerry, but he is in there, and for those of you that will be able to see him, we know that you will treat him normally and embrace him with joy for the miracle that he is!

Gerry can also receive phone calls now, and he really enjoys hearing from family & friends.

He has improved at Ballard in many ways, and believe he is now ready for the next step. We are still on target for release in mid-October. There is still no official written denial from the insurance co. for further treatment at a transitional living center, and we are not sure why. The Escondido Learning Services where we would like him to go next is coming out on Tuesday to evaluate Gerry. Please pray for this and for acceptance into this program. If acceptance is denied, and our appeals are also denied, we pray that some creative financing can be arranged so that we can get Gerry the further treatment he needs. If all doors close for a transitional living center, then Gerry will likely be coming home, so we ask your prayers for the many upcoming decisions. Lori asks for prayer as she questions short term vs. long term decisions regarding Gerry's care, financial issues, job issues, and all the possibilities of Gerry's inpatient and/or outpatient care, their home life, and for God's continued miracle of healing for Gerry.

God's faithfulness is great! We have been amazed and encouraged by your faithful prayers!

'The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble, And those who know Thy name will put thy trust in Thee; For Thou, O Lord, has not forsaken those who seek Thee.' Psalm 9:9-10

God bless you all!

Gina