1 year + 8 months

Good day all. We've had a small setback this week as we are in the hospital with Shawna again. Two weeks ago She had a small siezure which was followed by increasing tiredness and sleepiness. Four days ago Shawna became unconscious during her therapy session at home for approximately 25 mins. She could not be roused during this time. She was hospitalized that evening and a series of tests and monitors performed. She had another siezure on Wed. morning for about 5 mins. By this time the doctor had determined that her bloodwork was good, in fact her kidney and liver functions had returned to normal finally after medecine changes. The Urinalysis however confirmed an infection which they promptly started to treat. There was an advantage to Shawna being hospitalized in that she could now recieve certain proceedures which we've been waiting for since May(good health system). Shawna went for a CT scan yesterday which showed no internal brain changes since Dec 08. That was good news of a sort. She recieved a Spinal tap this morning which showed that the intracranial pressure was normal and not elevated. Unfortuneatly the Dr. could not withdraw 30cc of spinal fluid which was required to test if lowering her brain pressure would lower the amount of tone in her body and increase her cognitive function. Since the pressure was considered normal the tap was discontinued for Shawna's comfort. She is now resting and has to lay flat on her back for 24 hrs and thus will not be coming home till Saturday morning. It is quite possible that all the symptoms she was experiencing were from the infection.
We are thankful that we could experience one last fling at summer with Shawna at Long Point. Although our test beach wheelchair did not arrive we managed to get Shawna down to the warm beach and lay her in the sand where she could let the sand trickle through her fingers. Although Gramp and Gram's pool has been closed for the season Shawna's pool therapy can continue at home in the hot tub. Shawna continues to pull herself to standing from the wheelchair with great effort. We have also patern walked her for 40 ft to which she smiled immensely for hours. The use of the MyTobi computer has been integrated into therapy and Shawna continues to use it successfully. She also continues to do swallowing trials. Shawna also spells words and phrases with her eyeblinks using flipcharts of letters. One of her first phrases was "Big Brother Will". That was immediately follwed by a visit from her big brother two days later as she requested. We are still blessed with small advances every month and continue to rely on our Father's hand for our daily needs. Thanks for your prayers and support. Al, Deb, Shawna, and family