new update
"Good news - April is getting another day pass for New Year's (Saturday). Also, her neck brace is coming off in two weeks from this Thursday. In case you didn't know, her feeding tube was removed about a week ago. She is able to eat pretty much anything now, although she does need assistance eating as she has limited mobility in her wrists and fingers.
In occupational therapy, April is able to write her signature by using a pen-holding device that holds her thumb and index fingers in place -- although it's not perfect. In April's words, "It looks like a five-year old who is trying to forge her mother's signature to go on a field trip." Ha Ha!
With this device, she is also able to write sentences and draw shapes. She says that it's a little sloppy, but she's working on it. Practice makes perfect!
With electrical stimulation therapy, April is re-gaining some finger extension, and her wrists are re-gaining full range of motion. This type of therapy is designed to "wake up" her muscles... and it's working. Unfortunately, her physician does not want to try electrical stimulation on her legs, because they are not moving (voluntarily). The therapists give two reasons for not trying e-stem therapy on her legs: it would be a waste of therapy time, and there is no proven evidence that it has worked on dormant muscles. However, there isn't evidence that it has not worked either. April and her family are very frustrated with the doctor's and therapists' unwillingness to try e-stem on her legs. April and her spine surgeon believe it would not hurt to try it.
She still has no feeling in her mid section (belly button to knee). She has some numbness in her left forearm. There is still no finger, leg, foot or toe movement.
She and her family are keeping faith in God that He will restore her body completely. One day she will walk again and move her arms and legs without restriction. Every day, April is claiming Luke 13:13, "And immediately she was made erect again..." and Jeremiah 29:11, "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Please keep praying for April. She needs your prayers, love and support more than ever. So, visit her! As a reminder, visiting hours are 9am-9pm, and it's OK to visit during therapy. She is in room 324. Although she appreciates your prayers, she also needs you to visit.
Regards"