tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969210395394702399.post4531778357821830458..comments2023-03-23T03:26:25.631-07:00Comments on Pray for Levi: Ups and DownsThe Ryska Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14599948432503405366noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969210395394702399.post-65409398768731765672011-11-07T19:59:24.440-08:002011-11-07T19:59:24.440-08:00Ahhh Levi looks like Dan in the last picture with ...Ahhh Levi looks like Dan in the last picture with the hat on. Beautiful family photo too!! Hey we will keep praying for you and your family. Love you guys!!Stacey Bensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00178111532303293489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969210395394702399.post-91168890599631151662011-11-06T19:09:29.091-08:002011-11-06T19:09:29.091-08:00Hello! You don't know me, but Julie Dixon is ...Hello! You don't know me, but Julie Dixon is my cousin and I've been following your blog and praying for you all from the beginning of the journey! Thanks for sharing this path you are on -- the goods and the bads! Your honesty lets us know how we can better pray. When I read about your introduction to Botox, I wanted to write and share a little of our experience.<br /><br />My boyfriend, Tim, had a hemorrhagic stroke three years ago that damaged the part of his brain that controls his left side. Thankfully, it didn't affect his memory or speech, but it did severely affect his movement. In the days following the stroke, we wondered if he'd ever walk or do anything with his left side again. For four months he was in the hospital and rehab (and even a nursing home for a few weeks when insurance decided they didn't want to pay for rehab anymore but he was not at all ready for home!). But, here we are almost three years later, and he is walking, teaching again (he's a college music prof), driving, and is continuing to make incredible progress. All of that to say that Botox has made a HUGE difference in his recovery. He had/has significant tone in his left arm and hand, as well as some in his leg and foot. About two years ago he started Botox, specifically in his arm, wrist, and pectoral muscles, and it is AMAZING the difference it's made. Before the stroke he was an incredible pianist and organist, but the stroke took that completely away. With the aid of Botox, he was able to make his fingers start to move without tightening up and started the process of teaching his hand how to play again. The process is slow, but it is truly amazing to see the progress he has made! The affects of the Botox can come somewhat subtly, so try not to get discouraged if it's not like "magic" overnight. In our experience, it is a gradual improvement that comes over a few weeks. He still gets Botox every 3-4 months (and we're praying insurance continues to cover it!). It's a continuing journey, and the Lord is teaching us much through it. I am praying your little Levi experiences great improvements through this!! <br /><br />Hope this is an encouragement! Praying also for your financial situation... the Lord WILL provide! <br /><br />In Christ,<br />Rachel (in PA)Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523542200215917842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969210395394702399.post-90475151765687629252011-11-05T22:59:17.372-07:002011-11-05T22:59:17.372-07:00Kara, our family is still praying for you all! I&...Kara, our family is still praying for you all! I'm sorry to hear about the job situation, but just like everything else, the Lord will provide exactly what you need financially. We've been there, on the verge of losing everything, and He kept us afloat. Let me know if I can do anything. Hopefully I will see you at one of the Friday park dates soon :) Andrea CoxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com