The physical therapist began working with Nathan yesterday to restore a full range of motion in his right knee after three weeks in bed. The external fixator (see the footnote below) on his left leg for the next four weeks prevents any motion in his left knee. But the therapist asked us to bring him a pair of athletic shoes so he can get to his feet. That has been Nathan's desire for several days: "I wanna walk!" he's been saying. So now he'll get his wish. :)
What a difference a day can make! Day before yesterday they moved Nathan from his bed to a huge "chair" (for several hours). (Sitting up straighter raises his blood pressure, which increases his wakefulness.) But by the time we arrived, he wanted to get back in bed. Yesterday was different. He didn't want to go back to bed in the afternoon. (But they put him back anyway. "That's enough...for now," they explained.)
Not good news: Nathan's being gradually weaned from the heavy doses of sedative drugs he has been given these past three weeks results in his being able to remember and think with clarity about many things, but being very confused...and fearful...about other things. Diminishing the dosages of the drugs to which he's become accustomed creates a lot of mental and emotional confusion and distress. That confusion and fear, when combined with the vulnerability of being an invalid in the hospital, is very scary. Nathan desperately needs clarity of mind and peace of heart when it comes to trusting the hospital personnel in a situation that he sometimes finds bewildering and threatening. Pray that Nathan would experience Psalm 3:5-6: "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side!"
(Fixator: a device that provides rigid immobilization of a fractured bone by means of rods attached to pins that are placed in or through the bone.)
7 comments:
Dear Nathan, Greg, and Hannah,
We just found out last night about Nathan's accident. We love you guys and are praying for you. Hannah and I both spent a restless night last night grieving and praying. It was so good to be able to see your blog this morning and learn that Nathan is out of the coma and beginning to come back to the world. Give him my love. -Mary
Please continue to write as it is so helpful to know how to pray specifically for Nathan (and your) needs. Right now peace is definitely at the top of my list for all of you. Blessings.
We enjoy the "good news" and the "not so good news" that are developing day by day! We look forward to the day when it will be mostly "good news." it's so amazing to see God at work -- one little bit at a time!! We continue to pray for all of you! -- ging and herbert
Dear Greg, Nathan and Hannah,
You don't know us but we are part of your Christian family around the world. Dileeni Abraham informed us of Nathan's accident and I emailed my Christian friends to pray for Nathan and his family - got many wonderful responses to my request.
Just wanted you to know that even Christians you don't know around the world are praying for you all. Watching Nathan coming out of the effects of sedation and seeing him anxious must be so hard.
Praying that the words of Psalm 20 may be true for Nathan. "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm'.
May Nathan feel the loving arms of God carrying him through these difficult days.
Blessings,
Anusha A.
Dear Greg and Hannah,
just read this blog today, thanks to Abbie, been with you in prayer since we heard about the accident..
love from Manila and the Sacred Companions
hugs,
zoila!
every day i go to your blog to get the latest on the condition of nathan. am heartened to know that he is steadily improving everyday. God is good. our church (UECG) and my ladies group (MM) are continuing praying for you.
love,
jenny
Daily praying. May God's peace that passes all understanding guard Nathan's heart and mind. Also asking Him to give both you and Hannah the endurance and strength you need.
Blessings,
Eric, Tammy and Ellie
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