Side Stroke and Walking on Frozen Water

Kat has defied just about every obstacle one can encounter with the situation she has found herself in these past 9 months. Yes, I said nine months! So much has happened since I last wrote so here goes … I’m going to list the items first and then make a few comments afterward:

• She has walked in the pool without holding on to anything
• She has put on her snow-boots and has walked outside by herself in the winter elements (snow and ice)
• She has climbed into her brother’s van and sister’s SUV with a stool (and took a ride in our pickup last week by stepping up on our large wood snow sled we use to cart wood into the house)
• She has put on special ice cleats to walk outside on the icy spots
• She swam in the pool doing the side stroke with her good arm and kicking both legs
• She walked into a restaurant without her cane or walker — just simply holding my arm and did the same the last time we went shopping at Wal-Mart

WOW, her progress has been amazing! I am absolutely proud of her.  It is apparent the pool therapy is helping her balance tremendously. Our son Pete has some weights (dumbbells) and he had them on his bed when she went to lay down there to watch some TV, she moved them … as she was standing not holding onto anything but lifted them up and crouched placing them on the floor — keeping her balance! One of her therapists who came to our home back in June, saw her at the Aquatic Center where she goes for pool therapy and was marvelling at her just walking in toward the pool area at how well she was moving. Kat’s strides and steps have been longer and brisker since she’s been in the pool!

There is more news to tell!

I want to show you a picture of our dishwasher in the Tremblay home 

Ha! Ha! Well, sometimes it’s not so funny … 4 guys trying to keep up with cooking and dish/pot cleaning! Yes, even Brent has helped. But it can be overwhelming. Kat’s brother, Ken (who’s a plumber) acquired a like-new dishwasher and said he would make sure it was good and in working order then he would put it in our house.  Kathy was getting anxious about it (she has on many occasions been up at the sink, too helping with that task) but remembered the verse in Philippians where it says, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”(4:6 NIV)  That very next Saturday, Ken and David (his son) came to the house and began the process of installation. So check out how we do dishes NOW! 

 AWESOME! Thanks, Ken!

Prayer works, because Kathy cried out to our God again, and Dartmouth Medical Center has set up Kat’s Botox treatment for Wednesday, February 6th! We are still praying because the insurance has been dragging their feet so we are trusting our God for His provisions if insurance somehow doesn’t come through.

The journey continues, God is leading the way — Kathy is improving and new stuff is occurring almost weekly (at times daily)! We give Him glory and praise … come back again for the Botox update.

Update with Pictures

 Kat visiting her first SNC Gathering after her return home from HealthSouth (September 2007)

 At Funspot with Brent (in background) (August 2007)

 Facepainting at FallFest (October 2007)

 Christmas fun - walking around the light display in Enfield, NH (LaSalette Shrine, Nov. 2007)

Christmas & New Years Greetings!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!

Christmas 2007

Our Christmas letter this year is to a combo Christmas and New Years Greetings! We trust all is merry and bright with you. As you know, this year has been a challenge as Kat suffered a major stroke on April 29^th. As her journey began we kept a blog to inform everyone of Kathy’s progress. The blog’s first entry stated that “Our World Turned Upside Down Yesterday”. It will be 8 months since that statement and we can say that our God has been turning our world right side up again. Please don’t think that all is back to normal as we are no where near that, but we are making great strides, especially Kat. She is amazing as God works through her each and every day. See the progress @ www.mtis4gvn.wordpress.com.

Our sons, Tim and Pete, have been a great help during this time in our life. They both work at a local cable manufacturing company where Tim is a manager and Pete is a cable creator! Tim’s son Brent began 1^st grade and is learning so much. The family has been involved in many Christmas family traditions like visiting the Lights at the LaSallette Shrine (see Kat below) and decorating the outside of our home with the Christmas Joy felt inside our house!

We do trust that you and yours are still rejoicing as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Please keep in touch and we look forward to possibly seeing you in the coming year.  

Merry Christmas!  May God bless you and yours,    

Mike and Kat Tremblay and Family

Rumney, New Hampshire 03266 603.786.9334  

Now She’s Dancin’!

Yup! That’s right! Kat rang in the new year by joining in on the limbo line at the New Years Eve party we attended. New Hope Fellowship had a party at a local elementary school and a lot of activities were going on … one of which was doing the limbo. With the stick nearly halfway down, Kat decided she would give it a try so she grabbed her walker and strided over to the line. Her twin brother Ken grabbed one end of the pole stick and Mike grabbed the other and as Kathy went up to the stick to go under Ken and Mike lifted the stick up and under she went! The crowd of folked clapped and cheered for Kat’s great accomplishment.

Surprisingly, after a long day of travelling to Dartmouth for a Dr.’s visit and then to Tilton to go to the bank (in the midst of a snowstorm) and then later to the store to get goodies to ring in 2008 AND THEN to the school for the party AND THEN back home to celebrate the new year with the boys: Kat stayed up until 12:30am! She did amazingly well only catching a few cat-naps (or should I say “KAT-NAPS”) while driving on the roads.

Happy New Year All! I’m still trying to get the pool pics up and hopefully later I can post our Christmas/New Year’s Letter for all to see. THIS IS A YEAR TO REJOICE IN HIS GOODNESS AND SHOW FORTH HIS GREAT LOVE! 2008: A Year of Possibilities!

There’s “SNOW” Getting Her Down!

These past few weeks prior to Christmas and around the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we have been getting dumped with white fluffy snow. Then the Sunday before Christmas a snow to rain mix occurred which caused the fluffy snow piles to shrink some but a road of ice remained around us. It’s very difficult for us with balance and strong leg muscles to get around this stuff so imagine poor Kat’s dilemma. But as it says in this title, there’s “snow” (meaning NO) getting her down! We actually ventured out on Monday to do our last minute shopping. By the way, independent Kat had been using Wal-Mart’s electric carts to get around the store so a week before Christmas, we took a trip to Concord to that Wal-Mart to do some shopping. Horribly, it was not a pleasant experience. While Mike walked ahead trying to clear a way for Kat to drive, the movement became very frustrating. In fact, she chose to walk at one point and Mike used the cart to gather a few things in another section. That was even hard for her as folk would bump into her, etc. Our experience left us downhearted at the holidays and with headaches. Our experience on Christmas eve day in the Tilton store was way better as Mike pushed Kat in the wheelchair cart. so our hopes for an exciting Christmas experience returned!

Mike surprised Kat last Sunday when he walked into church and stood next to her while worship singing occurred. She immediately burst into tears of joy as she was wishing for a long time that we could attend church together. He was able to get a co-worker to come in on his day off that Mike could leave early and take the rest of the day off! Kathy had no idea Mike did this so she reacted as she did. She said it was a great Christmas gift! We had a blast fellowshipping, worshipping and reflecting on Jesus’ birth. Later we went to the store together and got some things for a meal at home as the Pat’s game was coming on so we had a great time at home afterward, too!

You recall we spoke of the 18th of Dec >>> the appointment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Med Ctr with Dr. Cohen and Kat’s receiving botox treatments. He felt she was a good candidate and they would put the request through to the insurance company … we now await word.

The botox simply put is a muscle relaxer that is strategically shot into certain muscle areas where spasticity occurs. Her bicepts tighten up causing her arm to bend like in a sling and her hand to fist tightly. The treatments help cause that muscle to relax so as more therapy can be utilized to help her get movemnt especially in her hand and fingers.

Christmas came with Kat making some cinnamon buns and coffee, Tim making bacon and eggs and later Mike, Kat and Pete made the dinner (ham, roast beef, veggies, etc.). Brent later joined us as he was with his mom from late Christmas eve to the middle of Christmas day. We opened gifts and enjoyed family stuff together.

We trust you all had a blessed Christmas day. May our God be praised for His good gifts to us. Jesus has come … God with us and to Him be glory! Keep praying for His working in Kat’s life.

New Therapy Begins!

On Tuesday, December 4th … approximately 6 weeks from her last therapy session, Kat went to the new Pemi-Baker Aqua Therapy program >>> POOL THERAPY, it is called. Her therapist was one who came to our home shortly after Kat returned here from HealthSouth, so she knew Kathy and was excited to see some of her progress as well as her again.

After a 1/2 hr evaluation, they got into the pool. The therapist felt working on Kat’s hips would help her lossen her muscles that have been tightened for a while. Her first session in the pool was very good! I took pictures with my cell phone which I will post soon. I also took a short video — Kat was walking backwards so she looks a little like she’s moonwalking!

Since this was her first therapy for a while — she was wiped! So she slept very deep and sound overnight. She was also sore from the workout. She’ll be going in 3 times a week so we are excited over how this will help.

Just a side note: we’ve had snow here and we were concerned how Kathy would get around in it. She’s been doing amazingly well! She just has to watch her step. She gets bundled up with snow pants and extra tops with a sock on her left hand and Mike’s winter hat he got from Quebec! She’s a site, but still moving along!

Well, the Botox Eval appt is coming as this Journey continues … come back!

DECEMBER 18

We got word from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Med Ctr that Kat’s appointment for evaluation to get Botox treatments is on Dec. 18th! This news came one day after Kat sought God intensely in prayer and Mike’s contacting the Neurologists about the updated insurance info! This was such an excitement to her. Our God is good.

She is concerned as the days get colder, though. She loves to walk outside … even when it’s cold => in the bright sun but as we anticipate snow and ice, she doesn’t feel real steady on her feet for that. A fall could be a major issue so care in knowing when to go out must be taken. We are trying to determine what to do about the porch as we should cover the stairs and landing to keep snow and ice off that comes down from the metal roof. In years past we could handle the ice build up etc., but now since Kat is working through this situation in her life, we must make changes to accommodate her disability.

She is also doing very well doing stuff around her home like cleaning up, dishes, making meals, etc. Her determination in high and her activity shows it.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving this week. We’ll miss gathering with our Florida family, but we’ll enjoy the morning together here at home and then Mike works mid-afternoon thru the early evening while Kathy goes over her twin brother’s house. Mike will catch up with her after work. We have much to be grateful for: answered prayer, good friends, loving family, caring Christ followers from local churches and helpful neighbors. Even though it would be easy to question the Almighty rather than praise Him, we are reminded of His great handiwork day by day and His Word is a stronghold as we walk with Him! We are learning new lessons and Mike concedes that his loving wife’s strength, attitude and close walk with Jesus is a challenge to him!

The JOURNEY is still in full swing as we approach the Day of Thanks to God Almighty. Come, Ye Thankful People Come — give Him the Praise and Worship DUE HIS HOLY NAME! Thank you, Lord Jesus! You are our Rock, our King, our Comfort and our Joy!

Good News and New Gains

Kathy had an appointment at DHMC in Lebanon yesterday morning … a follow-up from the seizure incident as well as other issues concerning her stroke. Essentially, Kat was told that around 25% of stroke sufferers experience a seizure as Kat did in early September. Further she was told that she would need to remain on the anti-seizure meds for a long while. The effect of the lack of oxygen in her brain as well as bleeding in her brain was swelling that caused the scar tissue to interact under pressure with her nerve system there thus causing the convulsions. We were told that the swelling will take near a year to subside and many who experience what Kat did go on without any other reactions under the meds. Dr. Robin Clark reaffirmed that Kathy had a major, major brain attack and that her recovery is going remarkably!

We then spoke about her tone and muscle tightening. Again, Robin mention that at times stroke patients do great and then experience stuff like this. Then the great things occur once again. Since we saw the Neurologists back in August, there has been talk of Botox treatments for her left hand. Kathy is able to move her arm from the shoulder. She has some movement of the wrist. Finger movement is very limited. Her hand clamps up when she moves the arm and when she thinks to move her fingers. She has experienced her hand stretching out at will (but not her will!) and has experienced this with the arm as well. It seems the hardest to move by herself is bending her elbow. The same is with her knee. If she were to lie down and lift her leg (sliding the foot on the bed bending at the knee) her leg lifts way high and the foot comes down a little toward the bed but little bend at the knee. That has yet to be relearned.

But back to the Botox. Most equate the drug with plastic surgery treating face wrinkles. Somehow they have found botox has other uses such as what Kat needs to get her fingers moving again. From what I’ve gathered the treatment, done in segments, causes the muscles to react with the neurons to restore hand and finger movement. Robin relayed to us another like patient to Kat (just a few years older who lives in Vermont), who after a year from her stroke now drives herself to her appointments at Dartmouth and is back to work. She, too, had similar issues with her arm and hand and after a series of what I believe was 3 treatments, this gal has use of her hand and fingers! This was encouraging to Kathy. This, though, prompts me to ask you to pray — the treatments are very costly and they have to get pre-approval from insurances. We have been told by our insurance provider that Kathy’s coverage has been maxed-out. They are still paying her meds (100% at no co-pay cost to us at all). Pray the insurance will cover the Botox injections and treatments. They seem to be what Kat really needs.

So the journey goes on and so does Kathy the Magnificent! She insists on walking wherever she goes even if there’s an easier way. Pray for her stamina and not to get discouraged. God has great control of her heart and mind. She attended a Ladies Retreat from New Hope Church last Saturday and the day really wiped her out but she got right up with Mike at 6am Sunday and got dressed to go to worship later that morning. She pushes and that’s good. She is being strengthened physically, mentally and spiritually in this journey! Thanks for your prayers. See you again soon. 

Stiffy Stuff

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been at this keyboard updating Kat’s Journey. Some events have occured that we need to post an update and ask for continual prayer.

First, allow me to express thanks for your faithful prayers and gifts and food. Our God has used you mightily as we go on this journey He has placed before us. We sense your uplifts and certainly enjoy your special gifts to us. We have been listening to a radio program via internet called Running to Win as we had our breakfast this morning. We were encouraged to perservere even when we think we can do things are way — FOLLOW GOD’S WAY BECAUSE HE IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

Kat’s issues lately have to do with tone and spacisity. Basically, her left arm, wrist and elbow as well as her left foot has been experiencing muscles that have been fighting against each other. It’s a bit hard to explain beyond that, but her fingers are curling as well as her toes and she’s experiencing some difficulty with that.

She hasn’t given up doing her exercises or walking outside daily, but it’s a bit of a chore now. She only has 2 more OT sessions and there is hope they can put her in pool therapy. We have an appointment with the Neurologists this coming Monday so we should know more soon.

Life goes on and the Journey continues. Kathy is doing a lot more around the house lately. So she is advancing! She made Mike an apple dessert the other night and when she talked about it to him she BEAMED with smiles from ear-to-ear! It thrilled Mike to see his honey so overjoyed in this way! Keep up prayers and visits. More news will be coming (much sooner than the last)!

Two Weeks and Counting!

After Kat’s sudden seizure a few weeks ago, she was given a med called ‘keppra’ to help numb the nerves and avoid that occurring again. She was told it would take about 2 weeks for her to really feel ‘back-to-normal’ (pre-seizure meds) and want to get back to doing the things she’s become used to. They were right, somewhat. Kat was ready to go about 9 days after this new med was administered! She feels like getting out and doing things again. And she’s been doing just that.

Yesterday, a neighbor friend took her to church and Kat had quite a time visiting, sharing and worshipping. She also spent some time outside with her grandson until the batteries in her scooter died. For some reason they are not charging when we plug it in, Mike will have to check it out on his next day off (By the way, Mike’s Dad made Kat a hanging flag for the scooter so all would see her coming — Thanks. Dad). She was disappointed she couldn’t get out as it was a gorgeous day.

That’s been her enjoyment recently …  scooting around, being with Brent, waiting for him to get out of school and visiting with friends outside. This has been good for her.

On Saturday, Mike had a rare day off so the family took a trip together to go out to a restaurant. Since Brent had charge of his 1st grade classroom’s teddy bear, Rusty, he brought him along, too. The day was partly sunny but the color changes we saw were great! Mike said he wished he brought his camera and Brent spoke back saying that Gram-pa should remember next time to bring his camera!

So the journey continues! We both have heard some messages via the internet that have reinforced our faith and trust in Jesus during this journey and the words of Scripture have been a delight as well! Praise be to God!Many thanks to all of you who have prayed, shared, provided gifts and food. God is so good using you all. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! See you again soon ,,,