Thursday, December 11, 2008

Update #19

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday—we all have a lot to be grateful for. We are pleased to send this update to all of you—to let you know that Laree is doing well. She is still paralyzed from the waste down and has little movement in her hands and totally dependent on skilled nursing services but she is off all of the life support systems and monitors now. She is talking, smiling and eating (although she still has a feeding tube, it is scheduled to be removed soon), her pain level (although still there) has greatly diminished along with the hallucinations. Now when she is moved and repositioned by the nurses she does not cry out in pain. We are so relieved she can communicate with us and advocate much in her own behalf.

Some of our family members have been traveling the greater Seattle area visiting some care/rehab facilities in order to find the best place for LaRee’s next phase of care. Although her body has not completely healed she will start the rehabilitation process now. LaRee has progressed so aggressively and is doing so well that she can skip the skilled nursing facility and go straight to the rehab facility. This is incredible news!!! She was transferred to the University of Washington Hospital yesterday we have been told that this rehab facility is one of the top two in the northwest. This facility is awesome and so wonderful!!!! Within the first two hours of her arrival (yesterday) she was examined by two physical therapists a Dr. of physical therapy her (new) regular Dr. a speech pathologist and occupational therapist and her nurse. All but one knew what Guillain Barre was and where very educated about what to do with Guillain Barre.

She will be setting her own goals and having weekly meetings with the staff. They are getting her dressed each day and taking her to the gym for intense rehab. This will EXHAUST her.

We as a family and LaRee consider this new UW facility to be heaven on earth as LaRee can now be very pro active in her treatment. She does have her own room and is still considered to be in isolation even though she has tested free of MERCA. She needs to test clean of MERCA 3 more times before she will come out of isolation.

LaRee got her first shower last night. In a couple of weeks a test will be done to determine her recovery prognosis. This will help us all understand what type of movement she will get back in her hands and legs! We are hopefull that she will regain all movement and continue to pray for this.
.

Thank you for all you are doing for Laree—your prayers, cards, loving thoughts and faith have made all the difference!

Love, LaRee's Family

PS. LaRees visiting hours will be limited during the day as she will be working with her therapists. We will post visiting hours within the day.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glory to you GOD!! I have been praying for her. I am her patient that had the mild case of Guillian Barre 3 years ago. I am so so so so happy to hear this. My children, husband and I have had her on our hearts and in our prayers. Please give her a hug from us.
Corrina

Anonymous said...

The Mohl family is cheering you on LaRee! It was incredible news to hear about your transfer. I knew you could do it! Can't wait to see you again!
Love ya! BJ

Anonymous said...

I am so very glad to hear that you are doing so much better! I have been praying for you and chloe every night! give her my love and I will continue to pray for you! I should be home for a visit in March or april and look forward to seeing you!
Much Love!
Kris Stillwell

Aina said...

Just loving you and missing you tonight LaRee. Just wanted to let you know that not a day goes by that we aren't thinking, talking and praying about you. We made candles today, the boys and I. You would've gotten a kick out of the disaster that it was. Some turned out ok...it was hilarious. Miss you and hope to talk to you sometime soon. love you.

Anonymous said...

Hi LaRee!
I guess you have heard about all the snow we have had out here (about 2ft with 3ft drifts). What fun for the kids and what a mess for the rest of us. About 24 hrs with out power, not bad considering.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, keep up the good work! We love you. Hugs Jay and Linda

Anonymous said...

LaRee:
Just came back from the dentist's office where I learned about what has been occurring in your life. I have to say, I shed a few tears...I know that you have the strength and faith to get through whatever will come your way. I am thrilled for your progress so far. Please know that you are in my prayers...I understand some of what you are going through given my own journey with my spinal cord injury. I send you my love, LaRee! Jan MacIntyre

Anonymous said...

Dear LaRee, we were surprised to hear about what you are going through. It is so hard to imagine that life can change so suddenly as we can attest from our own experiences. God's grace is more than sufficient and we know He will uphold you no matter the outcome. We have always looked forward to your smiling face and happy conversation in the dental office on our visits. We pray for your continued recovery and look forward to your progress reports. We love you. Ron & Sharon Franz