Ian continues to take many small steps toward recovery, which when taken together add up to some pretty major advancements over the past month. In Larissa’s words,
“by God's kindness, Ian continues to respond to us when we talk to him. My parents visited over the weekend and while my dad was standing by his left side, Ian started moving in his bed toward his voice. He was smiling with the left side of his mouth and moving toward us at the same time. It confirmed in our minds that Ian can definitely hear us and recognize our voices. I believe that he wants us to be near to him, comforting him. Ian also started moving his right arm, which is in a really heavy cast. I can't imagine the strength it takes to move that arm so praise God!”
Ian has moved for us like this for over a week, but for some reason up till now he wouldn’t respond to the doctors’ requests. Today, though, for the first time Ian responded to a nurse’s request to lift his arm and to move his toes, and she showed that response to a neurosurgeon. That, I think, was the primary reason that a rehab facility is even a consideration this afternoon.
However, tonight one of the doctors asked Ian to respond to commands, and he would not. It was after a long day of activity, so it’s no surprise. That led the insurance company to refuse a move to a rehab center. Tomorrow, we’re going down to appeal and show that Ian does respond to commands. Please pray that Ian would be in one of his wake cycles at the time the doctor tests his responsiveness tomorrow morning (between 9am and 10am), so we can get approval for a move. Pray that the insurance company would be agreeable to this move. We, the neurosurgeon who witnessed Ian’s movements, and most of the nurses who have worked closely with Ian think this is the best thing for him at this stage. Pray that the all-wise God would rule over Ian’s situation and that the right course of action for his recovery would be taken. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Prov 19:21). Pray, most of all, for miracles for Ian.
Ian really is making progress. I learned last night, for example, that some of the medical people were actually considering not doing surgery at all on his vertebra, because they thought it might just heal on its own. I don’t know for sure if they will or they won’t do surgery, but it’s amazing that such an idea was even considered.
His knee still has a long way to go, though. I still can’t imagine the pain he would be in if he were awake, so I still thank God for the coma. He doesn’t feel the pain of his knee injury. I still pray that Ian would wake up soon, but I still praise God that He is wiser and kinder than I am. He knows the perfect time to wake Ian up.
Ian has come a long way from where the doctor said he was three days after the accident. Remember the doctor saying that brain death was imminent? Last night, one of the medical people said, “I think we have something of a miracle here."
Remember, pray that Ian would respond to the doctor’s command tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers. We know you’re praying.
7 comments:
Keep praying!
When I was sick with cancer, my insurance company, at first, wouldn't pay for a certain medicine that would have made me feel better by increasing my white blood cells. It was little vials of medicine, less than the size of half a pinkie, that cost $300 each and I would need them about 10 of them a month for 3-4 months.
But, God was good and after only a few phone calls, I got the meds, no charge to me!
God is able and He hears and answers prayers! I pray for the medical folks to see LOTS of movement from Ian!
Mary Ann K.
A group of the office staff at Noble Real Estate (the company Steve works for) gathered this morning to pray for Ian. We specifically prayed that Ian would respond well to the tests that the doctor's did and that it would be clearly obvious to the insurance company that Ian is still fighting to communicate. We also took time to thank our great Savior for His abundant mercy so far and to recount the many answers to prayer that He has already given. We are continuing to pray that God will place Ian in the rehab facility that will be best suited to him and his needs as well as that He would wake him from this coma in His perfect timing.
"And it will be said in that day: 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him; we will rejoice in His salvation.'" Is 25:9
prayed this morning and throughout the day.
God Bless
Many of us from Crossway Church have been praying and were praying especially today just before 9 am. We were praying for Ian to respond while the doctors were present, and we hope to hear that's what happened, but we know God has a plan and He loves Ian. He will take care of him wherever he is placed. We are blessed by YOUR responses to all that is happening to Ian. Reading the blog points us daily to our Savior. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and letting us grow through it with you.
Gina Plain
Hello, My name is Heidi and I live in South Dakota, My dear cousin has been forwarding Ian's prayer requests and progress to me. I pray each day for strength, love and courage.....I pray also that our Lord, in his time, will bring back Ian to his family and friends, and now his prayer group.....I just wanted you to know that I care and my prayers are with you all and you are always in my thoughts........best wishes and may God hear our prayers................AMEN!!!! please remind me where, how and when this accident took place and where you are now........just which state you are in would be great!! Thank you......Heidi
Thanks for praying, Heidi!
We're from the small town of Indiana, PA.
For details on the accident, click "What Happened..." on the main page on the right-hand side of the screen.
Thanks again for your encouragement!
-Ben (Ian's brother)
Praise God!
That is so wonderful!
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