Friday, July 25, 2008

Blessings

Jordan has really made more progress in the last few months than he has since the first visit to Dr. Tennant almost two years ago, immediately following his accident. After only two weeks of exposure to a power chair, Jordan was able to surprise everyone by learning to stop, start, backup, turn in both directions, move forward in a straight line, and travel in circles. He can drive on bumpy terrain like grass or on the smooth surface of concrete pavement. He is able to follow verbal directions and carry them out consistently, often with only one prompt. He was learning to avoid or turn away from obstacles, which is tricky with his limited vision. By all accounts, Jordan has met the criteria that we were given as goals for Jordan to achieve in order to be approved for his very own power chair. The power chair has given him a new freedom and encouraged him to move to the next level of healing. He has even "run" from Mama when it was time to go inside.
Jordan's vision also seems to be improving. He has greatly improved eye contact and tracking. His head and trunk control is amazing. He has been able to drive over very bumpy areas with his chair and not lose control of his head and trunk. He has held up his head for long periods of time in the chair and not bobbled. He also has been working on pointing his finger and making choices. He has been amazingly successful. He is also working on grasping objects and moving them into his lap. He has more overall purposeful body movement than at any time since the accident. According to his summer teacher, he is like a different child. There is no doubt about his improvements. It is not anecdotal, it is measurable healing. Praise God for His blessings.
We have been praying and looking for answers for Jordan's swallowing for over a year. Recently, we were able to find some answers for that. One of the therapy centers that offer Pediatric Vital
Stim Therapy have agreed to consider taking Jordan. They usually do not take patients under six years old. Although Jordan is only four, they seem to be willing to make an exception.
Jordan's ENT wrote the prescription several months ago and we are just now finding someone who can do it for him. Jordan has the first part of the swallow, but the second part is the tricky part for him. He is going longer and longer periods of time without needing suction and he has never had aspiration pneumonia. Several professionals in this field seem very optimistic that this therapy will help Jordan. We are very hopeful. Another answered prayer!