Happy Christmas

Apologies for the lack of posts! We would like to start by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and to thank you for all your love, support and prayers throughout 2012.

 Christmas will be a lot different to how it was spent last year in the hospital and we are both very much looking forward to it.We have both sets of parents, Emma's brother, Richard, and two close friends, Norma and Joan, coming to us on Christmas day, so there will be nine of us altogether.  We will also be spending some nights up in Lancashire with the rest of Andy's family and we  will be having a post Christmas family meal there on New Year's Day.

Andy continues to make some progress. Andy, however, still can't see past where he is at the moment and continues to be very anxious about the future.To us it does seems painfully slow. On a positive note we were encouraged today as both of Andy's hydrotherapists have been on holiday for a couple of weeks and both commented on how  Andy has improved in that time: with having slightly better trunk control and some improved effort in standing in that the therapist felt that she was doing less to help him stand.

Andy had botox in his legs on Thursday. This is a routine procedure to allow stretching of tendons and calf muscles with the aim of improving the position of his feet.

Andy has improved lateral movement of the tongue. This means that he can move food, as long as it is small, to the side of his mouth, but he is finding it difficult to swallow such small amounts so it is a bit of a catch 22. The positive is that his tongue movement is improving and he has been able to chew small pieces of gammon and bacon, thus moving further away from the soft, mashable diet.

It has been suggested by Andy's physio and consultant that he has an intrathecal pump  fitted to administer his anti spasm drugs directly to the spine. This would allow for a much smaller dose, therefore reducing the seccondary sedative effect of the drug. Administering directly to the spine could also make the drug more effective. This is a big decision as Andy would have to have a general anaesthetic and there are risks posed by having a pump fitted. Andy is also nervous about going into hospital. Please pray for us as we weigh up this decision.

Andy would like prayer for encouragement that there is hope in his future. 

Out and About

Last week we had a few days with Andy while Emma enjoyed a well earned break. It was really good to spend time with Andy, being part of therapy sessions at home and at rehab centres. He is becoming much stronger, developing more voluntary movements and supporting himself for a few minutes when sitting. He can also stand for a short time in the hydrotherapy pool with support from therapists.  It is very encouraging to see small flickers of movement in some fingers on Andy’s right hand. 
Andy’s speech continues to improve as he is now able to talk for long spells of time and enjoy conversations with visitors when reclined in his armchair. Andy has been able to share many memories and thoughts, telling us about the time when he was very ill in hospital and the events leading up to his stroke. He is OK with recalling these harrowing events and is also typing up some on his computer using a head mouse and microswitch on his right thumb. 
As Andy is now able to deal with more solid food he has enjoyed some meals out in restaurants and in the homes of friends. We also enjoyed the German Christmas Market in Birmingham, with Andy and his Dad sharing a giant bratwurst!  Getting out and about and socialising away from home has given both Andy and Emma a real boost.
Andy is struggling in his faith as he is discouraged by his slow progress and doubts he will make sufficient progress to achieve independence. He has asked if we can all pray for his renewed faith and assurance of God’s love. 

God’s message of assurance came in our reading for 1st December from Isaiah 49.

‘I WILL NOT FORGET YOU!  SEE I HAVE ENGRAVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS.’  v9-10

‘THOSE WHO HOPE IN ME WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED’  v23

Mum and Dad (Barbara and Trevor)

Fire Conference

We have just come back from the Fire Conference at the LG arena, led by Reinhard Bonke and Daniel Koleda. It was encouraging to hear some of the amazing ways that God is moving in Africa, the gospel is being preached and people are coming to know Christ by the millions. I personally felt encouraged to keep on trusting God for Andy's complete healing. My faith has been renewed even though we are still waiting to see the complete fulfilment of Andy's total healing. Below is a picture of one of the meetings led by Reinhard in Africa:

This week Andy has has a couple of hurdles to overcome: the main one being that he had a fall from a seated position when we were putting him into his standing frame and hit his head. Thank God that he is ok: we did have to go through the ordeal of going to A and E and having a CT scan done though and so it was very unsettling.

We continue to see improvement. Various people have commented that they think Andy's speech is more intelligible. The occupational therapist commented that when she was moving his right index finger, Andy was able to join in. Andy is continuing to try new things in hydrotherapy.

Please pray for Andy's own sense of well being, that his hope will be renewed and that he will know God's perfect love casting out all fear.

Fundraising from Castleview

It seems like a while since we have added a new post. The 1st of November, and the days leading up to it, were extremely difficult for Andy and so last week I asked Andy's mum to update the blog as we were both feeling quite emotionally roar.

Today Andy went to the practice where he used to work in Dudley where he was presented with a cheque for the sum of £1800 to buy two Saeboflex gloves. We are so thankful to Stracey, Andy's colleague, who ran the half marathon in October to raise the money, as well as all the staff and patients who contributed so generously. I have mentioned the gloves in previous posts that these gloves enable Andy to grip and release his hands by using a spring mechanism. We hope that Andy will be able to relearn the function of holding a cup and eventually being able to give himself a drink. We have a meeting on Saturday so that Andy can be fitted for the gloves.

Andy is now able to eat some solid foods. This is just brilliant and is a big step forward from the soft, mashable diet that he has been so used to. He can now chew foods like sandwiches at the front of his mouth and has been particularly enjoying Macdonald cheeseburgers!!!  Please pray for his tongue that he will be able to move the food inside the mouth so that he can chew with his back teeth.

Our timetable is very busy: each week Andy has two physio sessions, one to two occupational therapy sessions, two speech and language sessions and three sessions of privately funded hydrotherapy. In addition to this, Andy does a lot of daily rehab with myself and/or his carer, Tina or Gyorgey, including going in his standing frame, arm and leg exercises and functional electric stimulation.

When in his wheelchair, Andy's speech  seems to be getting a bit better and is more intelligible; Andy has always struggled to have the right breath support in his chair.

Andy would still particularly like prayer for increased movement in his arms.

One Year On

It is 1st November 2012 - exactly one year since Andy’s devastating brainstem stroke which left him with ‘Locked in syndrome’ Something, which at the time, we had never heard of and didn’t understand.

This is the desperate e-mail sent out three days later.....

‘The doctors can give us no assurance of any hope for even a partial recovery.

But Andy is awake, he can see us and hear us, and understands what is happening. We have this blessed assurance that Andy is held safely and securely in God’s loving hands and that Jesus lives in his heart.

Please, however tiny your faith, please pray. Don’t hold back.  Please pray for Andy, for his full recovery.

We hold on to the promise of Jesus, ‘Humanly, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 

Please pray in whatever way you can that God will heal Andy and that our precious son will be restored to us, your prayers are so important to us. 

Since that cry for help went out 1000s around the world have prayed continually for Andy’s healing and recovery. Many have visited him and encouraged him with their friendship and love. Others have helped in practical ways, given advice and raised money to help Andy and other stroke  survivors. One year on Andy is living at home, he is no longer ‘locked in’ but regaining use of muscles, learning to move and talk again. Surely all those prayers are being answered. 

On Monday 29th October 2012 Andy’s brother Paul married Katie and Andy was Best Man. With great courage, determination and the loving support of Emma he was there for his brother. Andy had composed and pre-recorded his best man’s speech which was very funny and very poignant - we are all so proud of Andy and Emma.

By the grace of God and the loving prayers of others our son has been restored  to us; for that we are eternally grateful. Looking forward there is long road ahead with many more ‘mountains’ to climb as Andy strives to achieve functional use of his hands and arms, to stand to walk and talk again. 

Please, if you can, pray for Andy and Emma that they will have God’s peace and the endurance and patience to face the days to come......

‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.’ (Deuteronomy 31:8)

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.’  (Isaiah 40: 30 -31)

Andy turns 34!!!

It was Andy's birthday on Thursday and so we have been celebrating.  We enjoyed Thai food with Harry, Pete, Dan and Beth (as well as lots of cake). On Friday we went to the cinema and then out for a meal (this is the first time Andy has eaten in a restaurant since the stroke).

Some of you will have noticed that Andy is now back on Facebook as he has finally managed to get his computer setup sorted. Andy uses his head to control the mouse as well as a a clicker built into his right splint.  Once the computer has been setup, he can do everything that he would normally do on the computer for e.g. go on Facebook, browse the web, watch something on the I-Player or use Skype.

The standing frame has now been delivered and Andy goes in this daily. When using the standing frame whilst in hospital, splints with a large platform had to be worn because his ankles had become turned-in and the soles of his feet very arched.  Since using the standing frame at home, Andy can now wear his trainers rather than the splints because  he is able to get his feet flatter against the floor.  On Friday he managed to stand for a whole forty minutes in his trainers.

Andy still cannot use his arms for any functional task and his movement in his shoulders is very limited. Please pray for increased movement in his shoulders.

Holiday in Burscough

This weekend we are up in Burscough for a well deserved break. Andy and I slept in until 10:30 this morning so we must have been tired but it proves that Andy is relaxing!!! We have been enjoying some family time and Paul and Katie have been with us. Those who have managed to pop round whilst we're here have all commented on how well Andy looks.

In hydrotherapy Andy has been standing much more. In the 30 minute last session he managed to stand three times. This was the first time that this was attempted with just one therapist supporting Andy and so this shows real improvement.

Andy sat on the edge of the bed for fifteen minutes this week and so his core strength is improving.

Andy has now written his speech for Paul's wedding and so a lot of his speech therapy will be geared towards getting this perfected. Paul gets married to Katie on October 29th.

Please continue to pray for Andy's arms that he is able reach forward.  Andy would also like prayer for his right ankle which is still quite turned in.

Andy is listening to the bible on CD and was encouraged by a scripture, which he listened to this week:

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. 2 Samuel 22:37

Third week at home

Andy continues to be much more content at home. We are very pleased with the carers who have worked with us so far, Gyorgey and Tina. They are very competent and caring and Andy feels safe with them. We have asked both of them to come back to us and they have agreed. There will be a rotation between the two of them for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your prayers as this was causing Andy a lot of anxiety.

We still enjoy a degree of normality: on Saturday night we went to see the Michael McIntyre concert at the NIA with some friends; he was hilarious!!! We also both enjoy going on walks around Bournville.

We have chosen to take communion as a couple each night to remind us daily of what Christ did for us at the cross: his body was broken so that we could be whole and his blood was shed so that we can be forgiven and be in relationship with God. We are both finding this a good discipline.

Andy continues to enjoy himself and show improvement at hydrotherapy, which he attends three times a week.Andy is learning Russian from his Belarussian hydro therapist, Rosa! At home Andy daily does his arm and leg exercises. We are waiting on the standing frame to be delivered and when this comes Andy will be using this daily. 

Andy was due to be having a prosthetic pallate made as his pallate wasn't working causing a lot of air to escape through his nose when speaking. Last Thursday we went to the QE so that they could take a mould of his pallate but on inspection they said that Andy's pallate is now working and so they didn't need to do this. Praise God for these steady improvements week by week.

Andy has asked for prayer for his arms and shoulders that he would be able to reach forward as currently he is only able to move his arms in an up down movement, which doesn't allow him to do anything functional.

Andy's First Week Home

Andy's first week at home has been incredible and the change has noticeably affected Andy immensely.
Since coming home Andy has improved in the following areas:
Andy is now able to manage thinner fluids
Andy's hydro therapist said that there is a noted improvement in terms of voluntary movement in his right arm. (Andy has been doing his arm exercises each day)

The BIGGIE, however, is that, as you know,we asked in the last post for prayer for Andy's right ankle as he was yet to put weight through it and it was particularly inturned. Well, on Saturday morning at hydro he was able to put weight through both feet for the first time!!!!  He stood for a whole minute.  Praise the Lord. I don't believe that this is a coincidence as I know that this has been the focus of people's prayers this week. Andy partially uses spasm movement to be able to get into a standing position. Please pray that Andy is voluntarily able to straighten his legs to be able to stand.

Andy's whole demeanour has notably changed since being at home and we have really enjoyed doing more normal things like going to Sainsburys, visiting a garden centre and visiting Selly Manor. We have also been blessed individually as well as a church by attending evening meetings as part of the week of prayer at CLC. We both really experienced God's peace that passes understanding 'Philipians  4:7'. We are so thankful for our hope in Christ which is unchanging and steadfast and keeps us secure in the midst of trial.

Andy is Home

Andy officially came home yesterday (Sunday 2nd Sept). It was a massive milestone with Andy having spent 10 months in hospital. We had some friends over to celebrate and Andy really enjoyed himself. Thank you for praying for the carer situation. We are happy so far with the setup. The carer, Gyorgy, moved in on Saturday evening. He will be with us until Monday 10th September when another carer from the agency will take over. Please continue to pray into this and that we reach some stability, having the right carers working on a more permanent rotation.

Andy has now raised about £3500 (including gift aid) for Hope for Justice. We wanted to say a BIG, BIG thankyou to all who have sponsored Andy. It has meant so much to him and is going to such a good cause. As always we are overwhelmed by people's love and kindness towards us.

Andy continues to make steady progress. Andy was able to get his left ankle flat on the floor for the first time in hydrotherapy last week and this was a milestone because the therapist had said that it was the position of his ankles which were preventing him from fully weight bearing and moving on in what he can achieve. Please pray for his right ankle to follow and that he is able to start standing in hydro.

As mentioned in the last blog Andy held his head for the whole 4.2 miles of the sponsored walk. This is great progress. Andy now only uses the non tilt space chair which is much less supportive with it not being able to tilt back.

After his legs have been properly stretched, Andy is able to select a knee and bend and straighten each knee about three times before he tires. This is really encouraging improvement.

Andy now comes to church each week and it is great for him to connect with others in a faith filled atmosphere.

We Did It!!!!!!

 Start of walk at Snow Hill Station.

THE FINISH! 4.2 miles later at CLC, Selly Oak. Mission accomplished in a non tiltspace chair with no headrest.  £2,293 raised for Hope for Justice and donations still coming in. Well done Andy.

Sponsored Walk

Andy has been doing so well in his training in the non tilt space wheelchair.

Thank you to all those who have sponsored him already. We've raised a whopping £1,968 for Hope for Justice. 1.2 million children are trafficked every year, two every minute generating 9.5 billion dollars every year. The majority are taken for sexual exploitation. Hope for Justice exists to rescue and rehabilitate these victims.

Please sponsor Andy to do a 3 mile route in a non tilt space chair on Monday 27th August.

http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Davies 

Finding a Carer

Hi all. Andy was due to be coming home on Friday however now this is looking unlikely due to there not being an appropriate carer as yet. Please pray for Andy as he is particularly down at the moment because he is desperate to get home having been in hospital for nearly ten months. Please pray that we find appropriate carers (they normally work on a two week on, two week off). Please pray that the carer is able to understand Andy and that we get on with them. Please pray for Emma as well that she too copes with this change.

We have been praying fervently about this and so we believe that God has his hand on the situation.

Future

Sadly we found out today that Marianne couldn't commit to being Andy's carer. Andrew is bitterly disappointed and afraid of what the future holds. Please pray for Marianne that she gets a job in a lab as this is her passion and for Andrew that he won't be so afraid and we get an appropriate carer.

'Coincidences'

Andrew and I have been reflecting over the last nine months. Together we found that although Andrew isn't well yet, there have been many ( coincidences). We both felt it right to share them with you:

Our house wasn't wheelchair friendly but due to alterations started two months before Andy's stroke and finished in time for his first visit home, it is now perfect. Andrew  was project managing the build until he was unwell but our friend and architect stepped in to help and, by Andrew's own admission, did a better job!

Andrew took life insurance and hand income protection so we are financially ok. We only took out life cover around nine months before Andy's stroke.

Andrew's grandad, who was very ill, sadly passed away after ninety years just one month before Andrew's stroke. Andy's grandma said that he wouldn't have coped with the situation had he been alive.

Emma has had health problems herself, which she has been treated for with medication for the past 10 years. It would have been expected that the stress of the situation would have caused the illness to flare up but this hasn't happened and she has been able to support Andy throughout the last nine months.

Andrew's official date for him to finish his postgraduate degree to teach medical education was in Novemeber, however he completed all the necessary work just a few weeks before he had his stroke. He has now received his PGCE and we believe that this will give him the opportunity to return to work at some point should he wish to do so.

Andy has been attending hydrotherapy at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and we are seeing real improvements through this. To our knowledge, this is the only place that offers hydro in the West Midlands and people travel from all around. It just so happens to be about a mile from our house.

We couldn't see a way forward with how Andy would be able to come home from Hospital and not
go into nursing care. It was suggested that we apply for funding to have a live in carer. Emma mentioned jokingly to Andrew how wonderful it would be to have Marianne to be this person (she has always been Andy's favourite carer and the two have become friends). We audaciously asked Marianne and she agreed! The care agency said that they would employ her and she has now given in in her notice to Moseley Hall. 

Just when we were considering changing our car so that Andy could come home and be taken to
hydrotherapy, that same week Emma found by accident a car dealership in Kidderminster about 100 metres form where she was working that day, which specialised in wheelchair accessible vehicles.   The dealership was much cheaper than any Emma had been looking at on the internet. That was midweek and by the Saturday we had bought our now vehicle and sold Emma's old car for just £900 cheaper than we paid for it 3 years' earlier under the scrapage deal. We actually made a profit on the swap even though the two cars are both the same age and make!

Andy's mum felt that she should share a scripture with Andy on the day before he had his stroke because she knew that Andy had been having headaches, although none of us knew the journey we were in for. The scripture was Isaiah 40:29-31 which says that even youths grow tired and faint but those that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary and they will walk and not faint. Since then we have had ths scripture confirmed many times by people Facebook messaging it us, writing it in a card, through podcasts, 
encouraging texts or at prayer meetings(not knowing its significance to us). 

Please Sponsor Andy

Andy is doing a 3 mile route in his wheelchair to raise money for Hope for Justice. Please sponsor him.

http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Davies

 

  

Chilling at Home

Andy came home overnight this weekend. I just had to post this pic to show you all how well he is looking!!!! Whenever he is at home he is always so much more relaxed; Andy usually sits in this comfy armchair: here he is showing  his good head control and posture. This week he will be trialing a normal wheelchair as he no longer is so dependent on his head support in the tilt space chair. Please pray that Andy can cope with being in a normal wheelchair. We have a discharge meeting on Friday and we will discuss what package of therapy will be offered. Please pray for favour for this. Thanks for your continued prayers;they are being answered.  Have a blessed week.

Coming home

Just a quick note to let you all know that we got the funding for the live in carer as well as the standing frame. Once the equipment has been ordered and delivered, Andy can come home. We are over the moon. We have also had favour with being able to choose who the live in carer is and this has been so important to both of us. Thank you for your prayers.

Hope

Please pray that Andy's hope is renewed. It is so important that Andy continues to have hope :Hope deferred makes the heart sick Prov 13:12

We continue to trust and believe ,as from the beginning, that God will fully heal Andy and he will go onto make a full recovery.

These were the scriptures that stood out to us at the very beginning when Andy first had the stroke and the prognosis of Locked in Syndrome:

Romans 4: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations... His faith did not weaken when he thought about his own body... In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

We need a supernatural sense of hope for Andy.

Eight Months On

Progress

Andy has increased control of his torso and is now able to sit on the edge of the bed for 11 minutes. When Andy first started hydrotherapy, the therapist needed to hold his head above the water. Over the sessions Andy has needed less support and now only needs support from his hips and below.


 Andy continues to use the standing frame to assist in standing and continues to be hoisted using an overhead hoist, needing two people. Please pray into this.

Andy is very dependent on others for all of his needs. Please pray that Andy will be able to reposition himself in bed and give himself a drink.

Andy's speech continues to improve.He is still on a mashable diet and needs thickened fluids because of his involuntary swallow and inability to control his tongue, however this is improving.

It was our anniversary last Wednesday and we went to the cinema to watch Spiderman. This was lovely to be able to do something normal and we both really enjoyed this. On Saturday Andy coped with going to Lewis' wedding as well as the reception in Bristol. With the long journey and the wedding, Andy was in his chair for 11 hours and so he coped amazingly!

Please pray for increased movement in Andy's hands, arms, shoulders and legs. 

We thank God that Andy's hydrotherapist commented that she couldn't believe the difference in Andy from when she saw him on the Saturday and then again on the Thursday. She said that she felt he had turned a corner and that they were doing new things in the session that she didn't feel could have been done in the session before. Andy was prayed for at the Renewal Tuesday meeting that week and so we can definitely see prayers being answered here.

We are still waiting on a decision from the PCT regarding funding for when he comes home. Please pray that this is successful.


I am personally aware of the suffering of many others who are recovering from brain injury including Santino and Mifta who I have mentioned in previous posts. Please pray for these young men. Mifta is due to have his trache out after 11 months of being dependent on this. Please pray that this goes smoothly.

God continues to sustain us. We are very much in the valley at the moment but our comfort is that we need not fear because God is with us. He is our shepherd. I pray that I am able to show HIS love to those around us who are suffering as well. Sometimes people just need to know that God still cares and for this we are His hands and feet.

Clarification

Just to clarify that there are no definites about Any coming home as yet. This week we will be looking at care packages and this will then be put to the funding panel. Having the right carer is essential. Please pray for favour and for wisdom for those who assess Andy's needs.

Coming home

The discharge meeting went well and we are happy to announce that Andy is coming home!!! We will be having support with his care and his rehabilitation will continue. We are both really excited by this. Please pray that we are granted favour in the amount of therapy that is provided at home. Andy will have a standing frame at home and this will enable him to stand more often (at the moment he only manages to get into this three to four times a week). Please pray that the Continuing Health Care agrees to fund the standing frame. Andy is suffering from muscle tightness and increased spasms and this is possibly because his med's have been reduced for this. Please pray that his spasms reduce. We thank God that Andy is getting more movement in his right hand and is able to clench and release his fingers. His speech is noticeably better and, when lying flat, he can speak in sentences. This is just incredible. Thank you for your prayers.

Discharge Meeting

Tomorrow at 11 am we have an important meeting regarding what the next steps are with Andy being discharged from Moseley. Please pray for favour in terms of the right care and rehab package and that God's perfect will is done.

Andy

We have so much to be thankful for. Andy is getting much better movement in his fingers and was assessed as having enough movement to be able to use the Saeboflex, a glove which accentuates his movement and can help to regain function. Andy was ale to tell me a very long winded joke tonight by speaking. He said at least ten sentences so I am very thankful that his speech continues to improve so wonderfully. Andy's mood is relatively good. We were able to travel up to Andy's mum and dad's for Barbara's 60th. Andy wasn't sick during the journey and considering this was a 240 mile trip, this is truly amazing. He was relaxed throughout the weekend and coped with the gathering of close family and friends. Andy is beginning to be able to help a little more with his personal care. He can push himself against the end of the bed to push up the bed. He can also lift his bottom of the bed to help when carers are putting on his trousers. Thank you for your faithful prayers. Please pray for Mifta, who we have mentioned before; Mifta was in hospital with Andy but is now in a nursing home. Mifta is 33 and originally from Albania. He and his wife, Ingrid, have a 10 year old daughter, Oksana. Mifta had a motorbike accident ten months ago and was given little hope. He continues to be fed through a peg and still has his tracheotomy. He has regained some movement in his arms and legs and more recently has been able to focus on television and smiles. His wife and daughter, along with the rest of the family, pray for him continuously. Ingrid has asked me to include his story to ask people to pray.

Rehab

Please pray that Andy will get the rehabilitation that he needs as his funding is due to run out on the 9th July and we are in the process of discussing the next step. Please pray that God's perfect will is done. God is faithful. Thank you for your continued prayer.

Seven months on ....

Andy came home for his third overnight stay on Sunday evening. We enjoyed a walk around Bournville on Monday and managed to get to Cadbury World's cafe for a Frappe! Andy is doing really well at Moseley Hall and it has been the right thing that he continues his rehab there rather than uprooting and moving to Hunters Moor. In therapy, Andy is using a stand aid hoist rather than the overhead hoist with the aim that this can be used on the ward. This is great progress and will enable Andy to stand much more frequently and regain strength in his legs. Andy is starting to get a little more movement in his fingers. He will be assessed to see whether there is enough movement for him to benefit from a mechanic glove with springs; this accentuates the hand movement to enable him to do more functional tasks. Please pray that the movement in his hands and fingers improves. Andy has also asked for increased, controlled movement in his arms. God bless you for your faithful prayers.

Sitting and Standing

Andy is still progressing with his sitting and standing. He is now able to sit on the edge of a bed for three and a half minutes; when he first came to Moseley he could only sit for 30 seconds!!! Andy's standing has also improved. Just ten weeks ago he started out using a standing frame, which mechanically raised him into a standing position and held him there. This then progressed to Andy doing some of the pushing up to get to the standing position, with some assistance from the standing frame. This moved on to an overhead hoist raising him to the position. Now Andy no longer needs the hoist and can push himself up and briefly hold it there with the assistance of therapists, who help with the process. Please pray that Andy can stand up without the support of therapists. Andy is partially able to raise a cup to his mouth but needs quite a lot of assistance with this in order to tilt the cup into his mouth. Please pray that Andy achieves this goal of giving himself a drink and that this happens quickly. This will be the first thing that he can functionally do for himself. Please continue to pray for movement in Andy's hands and fingers. Andy remains in relatively good spirits and we are thankful to the Lord for sustaining him on his journey so far. Andy is enjoying having hydrotherapy. He has been twice over the past couple of weeks and the therapist said that he had notably improved after just one session of therapy in terms of his movement. The key scripture this week has been to praise God whatever our circumstances. Acts 16:24-26 We are reminded that even though our circumstances change, God NEVER Changes. He is always good and abounding in love. His word says that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we should fear no evil for He is with us. In the bible, the command to not be afraid is mentioned 365 times: one for each day of the year. As always we are coming into contact with many people who are in desperate situations. Please pray for Santino, his partner Sarah and their two children.

Our Son Andy

Andy is the second of our three very precious children who, along with his sister Tina and brother Paul, was born and grew up in Burscough. In 2002 he qualified as a dentist at Birmingham University, the first person with dyslexia ever to do so. Since then he has worked for the NHS in general dental practice and a drop in centre. He has also worked as a clinical lecturer, a post-graduate trainer and an advisor for training (the youngest person in the country to hold such a post) an intelligent, dedicated health professional.

In 2008 he married Emma, his beautiful soul-mate, who has worked alongside him through the church with young people, many of whom were facing difficulties in their lives. We believed at the time that God had great plans for them as a couple to bring the message of hope in Jesus and God’s love to those around them. We could never have imagined what that would mean in reality.

 On Tuesday 1^st November 2011 Andy suffered a devastating brain stem stroke which left him totally paralysed, unable to move any part of his body or communicate, other than blinking his eyes. His brain was unable to regulate vital organs and body systems including heart, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature, but his intellect, reasoning and personality were completely unaffected. He was in ICU, on life support, for 6 days then moved to a high dependency unit where his condition remained critical for a further 4 weeks.

We were told that if Andy survived he would be left with ‘Locked in Syndrome’ which would leave him unable to communicate or move with no prospect of any independent life.

 We have never accepted this prognosis and told the specialists that although they could give us little hope we believe in The God of hope who loves us and wants the best for us, healing and forgiving us and giving us peace. We believed from the start that Andrew would fight and overcome this horrible illness in that we know he is so strong– physically, mentally and more importantly spiritually. Andrew is a man of great faith who has lived out his faith in serving God and helping others with all that he has and in as many ways as he can.

 Within days of us asking for prayers for Andy and Emma there were messages of hope, reassurance, love and prayers coming from around the world, not only from people who know Andy but many 1,000s of others who were moved by his story.  The therapists have done incredible work with Andy, dedicated to helping him achieve his goals to walk, talk and use his hands again.  We have met some inspirational people; other patients and their families who are bravely battling with disabling neurological disorders and also being supported by stroke fighters like Kate Allatt who is always available to give advice and encouragement.  

 Today Andy’s condition is stable and he is gradually and slowly regaining strength and movement, learning to sit, stand, walk and talk again. He has been able to have home visits at weekends and even stayed overnight last weekend.  He and Emma have a long road ahead of them but Andy now has funding for 8 more weeks rehabilitation at Moseley Hall – thank God for answered prayers in this.

God has done amazing things in all our lives as we as a family has been so greatly blessed in so many ways. There have been times when Andy has been tormented by doubts and struggling to fight on and each one of us despaired; but always, just at the right time a word of encouragement and hope comes and lifts us up. We have this blessed assurance that Andy is held safely and securely in God’s loving hands and that Jesus lives in his heart.

Many people have told us how their lives have been changed and their faith renewed by either meeting Andy and Emma or hearing their story. We are truly humbled that so many of you concerned for us have immense problems and are dealing with devastating health issues of your own. We think of you and pray that you will be encouraged and know the love and power of God in your lives as you trust in him. Thank you for your continued and faithful prayers – rejoice and believe – God answers prayers. We hold on to the promise of Jesus, ‘…. with God all things are possible.’

Barbara and Trevor (Mum and Dad)

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.’   (Isaiah 40: 30-31)

Continued care

Thank you all for your prayers. The PCT has agreed for Andy to have an extended time at Moseley Hall and so Andy will not be going to Hunters Moor rehab. Please pray that Andy's time here continues to be productive and that there is a speeding up of his continued recovery. 

Six months

3 John 2 Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way. I pray that your body is strong and well even as your soul is. Praise points I really feel that this scripture is significant. Most days Andy asks to listen to a cd with scriptures or sermons on as he continues to look to God for daily, fresh encouragement. Andy is learning how to stand up from a sitting position and so he is able to put his weight through his legs. This is amazing and is the first step towards him walking again, literally!!! Andy managed to get to Harry and Pete's wedding in Buckinghamshire and coped with the journey. This was a massive milestone as it was around a 100 miles away. Andy has seemed better in his mood over the past week. Andy continues to come home for a few hours on a Saturday but we now have the equipment for Andy to stay overnight and the occupational therapist is visiting the home next week to prepare for a possible overnight stay on Sunday night. Andy had his hydrotherapy assessment and will be starting this next Saturday. Points for prayer Please pray that Andy gets the funding for further inpatient neuro rehab. (We should get the decision from the PCT this week) Andy has good gross movement in his arms and legs. Please pray for increased fine movement and that this is selective I.e. Andy can select which movement to do rather than having to move everything to get the desired movement. Andy has high tone and much less movement in his right leg. Please pray that the tone decreases and that he is able to move it freely. Andy gets overs his water infection and that this doesn't interfere with his therapy. Andy i

Faith and Hope

Andy is developing more movement and strength in his legs and arms.

Please pray

• For the determination and strength to keep working on developing new brain ‘pathways’
• that he will be able to regain functional movement in his limbs
• for improved communication
• that he will get funding for Hunter’s Moor for continuing Rehab needs

Emma is amazing – being an ‘assistant therapist’, organising hydrotherapy,
           home visits and keeping Andy’s spirits up.
Please pray

• For strength and faith to continue her loving support as she and Andy travel the long road to recovery together.

Mista aged 32, who is in the next bed to Andy, – who suffered head injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Please pray

• For his recovery, for his wife, Ingrid and his 9 year old daughter (Emma and Ingrid have become friends)

So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (1 Peter 5:10 -11- The Message)

Thursday 19th April 2012

Moving On Again.
Andy continues to make good progress with all aspects of his rehab with new movements in arms and legs especially being able to move in opposite directions. All movement takes an enormous amount of effort but Andy is practising and working hard to maintain and increase the range of movement. 
He is increasing the number words he can say with greater clarity but he needs to be able to get more air from his lungs to create volume. Developing communication is so important to Andy both speaking and using a computer.  Those of you who are Facebook friends will have been delighted to see Andy's first 'post' on Monday.
Andy and Emma are planning to go Harry and Pete's wedding on 28th April which will involve a long journey by car.
Andy is doing so well but progress is very slow which is is very frustrating and he needs your continued support in prayer (and visits if you live nearby) that his faith and hope will be renewed and strengthened.
As Andy reaches the end of his time at Moseley Hall and funding is being applied for to move to Hunter's Moor for the next stage of his rehabilitaion and continuing care.  This continuing care and therapy is vitally important if Andy is to build on the good progress made so far. Andy and Emma also need your prayers as the application process involves reliving the traumatic circumstances when Andy first became ill and went to hospital. They are finding this a very frightening and stressful experience.
Andy told me  'I can endure a lot if I have hope'
Please pray that:-

• Andy will continue to develop movement especially in his hands and fingers
• Funding will be agreed for Andy's continuing care at Hunter's Moor
• Andy and Emma will know God's peace and hope as they go through the application process
• God's richest blessings will be poured out them as they trust  His promises....

'I will never leave you nor forsake you'
'My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you'
'I have engraved you on the palms of my hands'

Thank you
Barbara Davies (Mum)

Continuing Health Care

We have a meeting tomorrow to have Andy assessed for Continuing Health Care funding. Please pray that Andy gets this funding.

Five months on

Andy is still making really good progress. He has now got voluntary movement in his legs and can stretch both legs out straight.Andy is getting increased movement in his arms and his speech continues to improve. Andy is now coming home for weekly visits.

Andy and I spent some time this evening going through the blog and we found it amazing that every prayer request has been answered:some in full and others in part. It is amazing how we can be specific in our prayers and see God perform his healing work, even if it is one step at a time.God is faithful. Your prayers are being answered: please continue to pray.

Andy has asked that this week we pray for movement in his fingers and that his faith increases. Andy can only stay at Moseley Hall for limited time. Please pray that funding for his next stage of rehab is granted so that he can go to Hunters Moor. Andy's friend, Harry, is getting married in Buckinghamshire at the end of April. We are planning to try and make the ceremony so please pray that the journey to and from goes smoothly and that Andy copes with the time there. Please also pray for increased movement in Andy's legs and that the movements become easier for him.

Thank you

I would just like to stop and say a BIG thank you for the way that you have all shown SUCH love and care for us since Andy first had his stroke. We really have been so overwhelmed by the way that people have supported us in so, so many ways. Your love and support really have kept us going and we have felt so encouraged to know that so many are standing with us in prayer for Andy's full recovery. The ways that people have been supporting by visiting and in other practical things have really helped sustain us. The words of encouragement have been invaluable and have been read to Andy to spur him on. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Andy has been standing this week during therapy with support from the standing frame. Andy is able to pronounce more sounds and he has particularly been working on the 's' sound and this has improved this week.

Andy is coming for his first home visit on Saturday. Please pray that this will be a relaxed time and that Andy will be able to cope with this.

Please continue to pray for movement in Andy's legs and fingers. Please also pray specifically for Andy's frustration and also that Andy's tone in his arms would reduce and that he wouldnt have spasms in them.

Four and a half months on

My apologies for the delay in writing. Life has been hectic. My last post was regarding a call to pray for Andy's speech and I am delighted to tell you that Andy's speech has dramatically improved now and is really intelligible. His p,b, c and d sounds are much clearer and he is mastering friends' and family names: Paul, Tina, dad, mum, Keith, dan, Harry etc. Praise God.

Since my last post locked in syndrome has been in the news quite a lot with the guy who is wanting the law changed for assisted dying. When Andy was diagnosed with this we were given no hope of any recovery and so everything that he is now doing is truly miraculous and we have to keep reminding ourselves.

Andy is starting to have some gross voluntary movement in his arms. He needs to be aided with this and hasn't got full range of movement but it is really coming on. Please continue to pray for full range of movement.

This week Andy had orthotic splints made to make up for his feet not being able to reach the right position for standing. With these made, the therapists would like for him to try standing. Please pray that Andy is kept safe during this as he has spasms and it wold be awful if this were to happen whilst he is standing and cause him to fall and injure himself. Please pray that Andy can stand as this is the next step to him walking!!!

As you are aware, Andy was denied funding to go to Hunter's Moor. I now realise that Moseley Hall is the best place for him at the moment as the therapy has been excellent and it is right for his needs at this time. Nevertheless Andy is only given 60 days' funding at Moseley and then he will have to move on. He has now already been there for three weeks. Please pray that the PCT will accept the application for him to go to Hunters Moor as his next stage of rehab.


Andy's mood has improved in the last week.

There is lots to be thankful for but we would urge you to KEEP praying. Andy is still very vulnerable and as yet can't do anything for himself as he has no functional movement apart from the movement in his thumb which he uses to operate a mouth. For all of his other needs he relies on others. We STILL need a breakthrough and I urge you to continue praying fervently for Andy's full recovery.

Goals Achieved

We are having a further goal setting meeting on Monday. Looking back over the previous short term goals it is encouraging to know that Andy has achieved all of them apart from speech, although this has improved.

Andy is still struggling to communicate and this is a major frustration for him. Please specifically pray for the ability to move his tongue such that he can produce the correct sounds. Andy needs to talk!!!! Please make this a priority for your prayers.

We had a great time of prayer at church tonight. The specific scripture which stood out was Jeremiah 29:11.

Continued hope

Andy has been able to hold and voluntarily release a therapy ball by relaxing the muscles in hos left hand. Andy is sitting out for longer periods in the chair each day. The move to Moseley has gone well and the therapy and care has so far been very good.

Thank you Lord for the continued out working of your miraculous power in Andy:
Ephesians1:19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

In the world seeing is believing but in God's economy believing is seeing!!!

Moseley Hall Move

Andy will be moving to Moseley Hall Hospital tomorrow. It is ward 9 and the visiting times are 1pm to 8pm. Contact Emma on 07814736483 if you would like to visit.

Moving to Moseley Hall

Andy could be moving to Moseley Hall this week, it could be as early as Wednesday, so we will keep you posted. If you are visiting it would be best to text me first or get in touch with CLC church office.

Andy is getting a little disheartened and frustrated at the moment particularly regarding his communication. Please pray for those that care for him that they will be able to communicate effectively with Andy and that Andy will be able to communicate what it is he needs. Emma

Sitting up!!!

Andy really enjoyed having a service, led by Pastor Stuart and attended by other CLC'ers, in the chapel last Thursday. It was a real opportunity for Andy to do something 'normal', which is worship with other CHristians. It brought tears to my eyes as I watched him singing the words and worshipping his saviour.

We are starting to introduce other more 'normal' activities. Andy ventured to Costa a total of five times last week and is more and more able to stand increased amounts of time in his wheelchair.

This week Andy was able to sit unaided on a bench in the physio gym as his core muscles have really strengthened. Andy also sat in a normal armchair and as of next week his therapy will be to sit in this chair as much as possible. Andy's head control is also improving.

We will be having a meeting with Andy's consultant at Moseley Hall on Monday to discuss his transfer and what treatment he will be having. Please pray for God's favour on this meeting.

Andy's upper body movement is much improved and he can raise both arms a good way of the bed by using his shoulder muscles. Please pray for movement in Andy's legs as there doesn't appear to be any voluntary movement.

Moving On

Having had funding for our choice of rehab turned down by the PCT, Andy has chosen to go to Moseley Hall Hospital Birmingham. He really wants to be out of hospital as soon as possible but also continuing the excellent rehabilitation therapy he has been receiving at QEHB.
As you can imagine Andy is feeling quite low as his recovery of speech and movement is very slow and he has to wait for a rehab bed to become available. He and Emma are anxious about his future situation, especially, whether or not he will receive the level of therapy and care he needs.

Can we ask you to pray

•   Andy gets to move to rehab soon and that he can access the therapies he needs there
•  That Andy and Emma will be less anxious and know the peace and reassurance that God is with  them

Words of encouragement from God
' Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'  (Joshua 1:9)

Rehab

Tomorrow we are having an important meeting at 12 pm regarding Andy's rehab. Please pray that God's perfect will is completed. Emma

From Andy's Mum      1st February 2012

It is now a full 3 months since Andy’s devastating brainstem stroke on 1^st November 2011 which left him with ‘locked in syndrome’. Initially he could not move any part of his body except his eyes and eyelids. He could not breathe without a ventilator; his heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature were out of control and Andy was on life support in ICU.  Doctors could give us no assurance of any hope for even a partial recovery.

Today.
Andy’s vital processes are now stable, his heart and lung function is good; he now has good control over his head movement; he can swallow soft foods and liquids and is beginning to speak a few key words.

He has flickers of movement in his right thumb, left index finger and can raise his left arm a few cm from the bed. Just yesterday Andy stood on the tilt table at 90° holding up his head and left arm.
Thank you to all on the staff at QEHB who have helped Andy and the therapists who have worked so hard, helping him to achieve his goals to move, walk and talk again.
Thank you to Kate Allatt and all the ‘stroke fighters’ who have given us all inspiration, advice and support having ‘been there and come through’ – you are really special people.
Thank you all dear friends so very much; through your continued love, support and faithful prayers, God is healing Andy in the most amazing way and we as a family have been given great strength and reassurance in our despair.
Praise God for all goodness and mercy.

Left arm and index finger!!!

Great news!!! Andy spelt out arm today only to show us that he was able to lift his left arm up off the bed 2 inches. He also now has a flicker of voluntary movement in his left index finger. Thank you Lord. This is just a continuation of the recovery which God has promised to complete.

Update

Andy continues to be in good spirits. The application for funding for Hunters Moor was finally made on Tuesday. Andy is ready and earnestly wanting to mOve on now and so please continue to pray for this.

Andy had his first trip out of the hospital tOday and was fitted for a wheelchair at the West Midlands Rehab centre. Andy coped well with the outing.

We are still waiting expectantly and are continuing to believe for Andy's complete recovery. We thank God for the movement in Andy's thumb but it's not enough: we want there to be reports of new connections made. Please cOntinue to pray.

Visit from Kate Allat

Kate Allat, who had the original prognosis of locked in syndrome following a brainstem stroke in February 2010, came to visit Andy on Tuesday. Kate fully came out of locked in syndrome and has since written a book and appeared on TV to tell her story. She has founded the charity: 'Fighting Strokes' and was able to put us in touch with another man in Perth, Pete Coghlan, and a guy from Chesterfield, Mark, who also had locked in syndrome but have made an exceptional recovery. Check out Pete walking out of rehab on Youtube; type in Pete Coghlan and visualise what it will be like when Andy walks out of rehab!!!!

Kate's visit was a very special time for Andy and gave him fresh hope. She was amazed at Andy's progress, paticularly his eating and drinking as she was nil by mouth for the first seven months. Kate drove from Sheffield to Birmingham and this is testimony to what an exceptional recovery she has made. Kate was inspired by Andy and subsequently asked if she could include his story in her next book, which is just about to be published.

Please pray that Andy gets funding from the PCT to go to Hunters Moor rehab.

Progress Week 11

Thank you for your continued prayers.

We had a team meeting with Andy's therapists this week where Andy was able to feedback what goals he would like to achieve: his priority is that he is able to talk. Andy has been increasing his vocabulary, which is one or tWo syllable words and the ones that he has been using the most are becoming a lot clearer.

With the movement that Andy now has in his right thumb, he will be able to control a call system and also a computer, which is specially designed for the movement he has. This will enable him to use Facebook and email!!! This should all be set up within the next fortnight so watch this space.

This week Andy had his catheter removed and he now has regained control.

Andy is generally in good spirits and is always laughing. A patient in the bed opposite, Tony, who had a minor stroke, couldn't believe what strength and character Andy is demonstrating despite his immense difficulties.Tony read jokes and Andy lauged and laughed. He said that Andy has had a profound impact on him. I know that the hope Andy has is founded on the knowledge that Christ has already won the victory at the cross and that God has good plans for Andy's future. It is remarkable how Andy has maintained his hope from the very beginning that he will recover and we thank the Lord for the amazing inner strength that He is renewing in Andy day by day. It really is: 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow'.


Please continue to pray that Andy will get movement in his legs.
Please pray that Andy is able to sleep really well.
Please pray for continued strength and health for me as I support Andy at this time.

Movement!!!

Andy had some electric stimulation and following this Andy became able to move his right thumb and now has complete control over this. This is the first movement that Andy can always do on command. This is a real milestone. Thank you Jesus.

Andy also had some flickers of movement in his left leg today for the first time. When the occupational therapists asked him to move it he did. They were really impressed with this and said that this is the first time they have seen this. As with his right leg, he has had some flickers of movement but seems to have more control over it at some times but not at others.

Please pray that Andy gets more control over the movement in his legs and is able to consistently move them on command.

We continue to praise God for Andy's progress and thank him for the hope that he has given us which is that Andy will make a full recovery.

Update

It has been nine weeks since Andy's stroke. Andy is continuing to make progress and had his nasal gastric tube out yesterday. Today Andy was assessed to move on to a neuro rehab centre and so the next step is for an application for funding to be made. Andy is having tingling in his right leg and the doctor said that this is a good sign; he is also getting some movement in this leg. Andy has been given a device which attaches to his eyebrow and enables him to operate a buzzer to call for assistance.

Andy's grandma went to be with the Lord on Saturday and so Andy has had quite a lot to cope with: please pray that he senses the Spirit's peace and comfort and that the rest of the family are given strength at this time. Please pray that the funding application for rehabilitation is accepted and that this happens quickly.