Getting a Leg Up

A little over a week ago, Patti started botox therapy on her right leg. Just to review the procedure, in most stroke-affected limbs, there is a group of muscles that is over-toned, or two tight. In essence the flex signal is steady and the relax signal is absent. This creates two problems: 1. Muscle tightness causing inflexibility and some deformation characteristics, and 2) An inability to exercise the weaker or under-toned muscles thereby increasing the imbalance. Botox is injected into the over-toned muscles to relax and temporarily paralyze them so the weaker muscles are exposed and can be exercised and strengthened.

In Patti's case, she is now experiencing the equivalent of one step back to take two or more steps forward. Her weak muscles are giving her some problems walking now with the stronger ones out of action. So she is working very hard on specific exercises to work the muscles that need it.

We would appreciate your prayers for her for encouragement and diligence as it is very frustrating to make progress and have to go back to an earlier level and work through problems again. And, secondly, that God would use this treatment to dramatically improve her ability to walk, her balance and ability to react with confidenct to a trip or a bump or some other disruption to her walking.

We are also looking at reducing her time in therapy after the first of the year from five days a week down to three. This is to begin a transition period that will put Patti back in a normal life routine at home. We will really need some grace for this as Patti will need to have people she can count on for fellowship and friendship during the day when I am at work. She will need to find some specific activities that will help keep her busy and continue her recovery.

So over the next three to four months, we have a lot of things going on that need divine direction. I'm glad we serve a faithful God who even counts the very hairs on our heads!! (Although in my case it looks like that's getting easier every year!!)

Anyway, thank you for your prayers!

Forever in Him,

Mike

Patti and I want to wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! Remember, whatever your situation in life, you are blessed in Christ and have much to be thankful for!


"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ"
Ephesians 1:3

Got this via e-mail from a friend. Hope you enjoy it!

T'WAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING!

Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep,
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned - the Dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
and Gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Forever in Him,

Mike and Patti

P.S. New update on Patti coming this weekend.