April Update

4-4-98

This week has been more a week of learning than large changes. The concerns for future therapy were largely satisfied on Monday when the family learned that they had considerable time before moving Catherine to Barrows Neurological Center. As long as there is evidence that they can provide assistance not available elsewhere, it appears not to be a problem with the insurance company. Barrows does require that Catherine be able to consistently obey commands. On Monday the family met with the doctors and medical staff involved in Catherine's care. On a scale of 1 to 8, they consider her to be at an alertness of  "Rancho 3", part of the "stuporous-coma" state. At the meeting, one of the members tearfully told Aunt Mary Daulton that she had never been in a family meeting where there was so much faith and support and wished every family had what we have. The family has received the same feedback from numerous staff members involved with Catherine's care. The family considers it a compliment to the Lord and the people.

The doctors have increased the medicine that helps her muscles to relax to the maximum dosage. On the other hand, it also has caused her to be more lethargic and sleepy. The physical therapists took her down to the gym for additional work outs. They have been getting good response from using the "tilt table". The last couple days, it was noticed that both her eyes were dilating and contracting (focusing) in synchronization.

As each obstacle is gradually overcome, it seems there are always new ones to take their place, but we are undaunted. The family asked that you continue to pray for some of these obstacles in the next few weeks:

• Healing of her skin rash
• Greater relaxation of her muscles
• A method to constrain or limit the "foot drop" in her right leg. Her muscles resist or fight any efforts to hold her foot straight to the extent that it causes irritations on her foot. (They have tried work boots, high top tennies, and splints.)
• Increasing alertness to the point of being able to obey commands consistently.

This has been a very good week - one of great encouragement. Even on Monday, she seemed more alert and adjusted to the additional medication. Tuesday, they removed her tracheotomy. She made a discernible effort to move her hand in a slight waving motion to say good-bye to her Grandparents on command. Wednesday, the nurses indicated Catherine's vital signs were all good and she was breathing very normally since the removal of the tracheotomy. The therapists have been gradually increasing their aggression of exercises, and on Thursday, she was placed up on her knees in an exercise that stimulated a higher pulse rate and heavier breathing.

In general, she continues to become more alert and expressive. She has learned to place her arm in front of or behind another persons arm to push or pull as the case may be. She doesn't have the strength to actually move anyone, but the gesture is obvious and easily understood. On one occasion, she appeared to be stroking a stuffed animal and on another, stroked the head of on infant who was placed close by. A news paper reporter even made the comment that they could see a difference in Catherine's alertness from the first of the week to the end of the week.

One of the normal stages of recovery from a coma as a patient transitions from "Rancho 3" to "Rancho 4", is one of great irritableness. The family had hoped and is praying that Catherine can bypass at least part of this stage, but there are signs of irritability showing. Since she is unrestrained in her bed, there is some concern she could actually roll right out of bed. We would like to thank everyone again for your continued prayers and support. The fact that you have read this far down the page, indicates a sincere interest that is appreciated.

Catherine's sister Joy and her daughter Allison visiting on 4-10-98

Grandpa and Grandma Armstrong - visiting in the waiting room with Catherine sitting in her therapy chair. 4-10-98

This has been another great week - wonderful improvements and much encouragement. Catherine is more alert than ever. She is making direct eye contact with us. If we speak to her, she will turn her head and look directly at us. She has been waving good-bye to us, and also touching our faces with her hand when asked to. We have seen a more consistent following of commands. The last couple of days she has been able to put a small mouth sponge in her mouth and take it out by herself, sometimes putting it there without being told to. We have been able to give her cola and juice with this mouth sponge too. The nurses have been allowed to give her puddings and jellos, since her swallowing is very good.  She can now roll over on her right side by herself. She makes it plain that she is very determined to do some things by herself.

We are rejoicing in the Lord for His mercies to her and her family. We will try to have more updated pictures in the upcoming week. We still need your prayers for the upcoming meeting with the Dr. on Monday, concerning insurance, whether they will pay for her to remain in the skilled nursing until she is ready for acute rehab.

Last week, there was an excellently written article on Catherine with pictures in the Sunday paper of the Arizona Daily Sun. I have posted a copy of it for those interested. Just click here.
 

Brother Billy Paul Branham visiting after praying for Catherine on 4-18-98

The entire Daulton family in the hospital hallway on 4-19-98 From left to right, Neta-Bess, Joe, Cynthia, Joy, Steve, and Catherine in the chair.

Catherine looking very alert and responsive on 4-20-98

Uncle John Armstrong visiting from Arkansas on 4-20-98

Amber Hawkes visiting her buddy on 4-21-98

Catherine's room - There is a new doll for each day in the hospital from Bill Hawkes

Monday, the family met with the Doctor and the hospital staff. The doctor said that coming from the medical community, he was necessarily more guarded, but he was very encouraged and there had been a big improvement over the last 2 weeks. He upgraded her on the Glasgow Coma Scale to a 10 or 11 and on the Rancho Los Amigos - cognitive scale to a 3 to 4. They all agreed that she wasn't quite ready for Barrows Neurological Center, but would continue the same course for another 2 weeks at which time they will meet again. The concerns about insurance coverage were also gratefully taken care of. God does answer prayer!

On Tuesday, Catherine started answering questions by holding up 1 finger for "Yes", and 2 fingers for "No". When Cynthia held up colored marking pens, she correctly identified the proper colors, and also correctly identified letters of the alphabet. This was very encouraging because it demonstrated her memory and ability to see accurately in color.

The remainder of the week was more of the same culminating in her ability to recognize familiar shapes and various objects. For example, she turned a model light switch on and off, turned a rotary light switch, opened and closed a door bolt, and turned a faucet handle. She was able to correctly identify individual friends and family members by name by pointing her finger on command. All indications are that she has good memory retention.

We praise the Lord and attribute the remarkable recovery to the prayers of the people. The next most significant need is to stimulate her to move her left side and to begin speech. In preparation, she is being encouraged to blow with her mouth. Although she has expressed reluctance to move her left leg because of pain, an effort is being made to mobilize her left arm.