Dr. Hao Day 4

On Thursday, we visited Dr. Hao for our fourth and final appointmet before making the 12-hour journey back to Oklahoma. Daddy received a record 8 needles in his head, which again, caused a “tingling” sensation in his brain. Something is going on in there!

The final family consensus from this trip is that we’ve seen improvement in the following areas:

Speech - Daddy is able to recall words and numbers with more ease and we’ve seen the ability for him to string multiple words together increase. 

Walking -  Daddy is bending his right knee which is creating a more natural stride. There is a lot less flinging of his leg using his hip. Appt #1 Walking Video vs. Appt #4 Walking Video. (the difference might seem slight, but it's there!)

Arm/Hand - We’ve seen quite a bit of the loosening of the muscles in his arm and hand. He now has the ability to raise his arm above his head, where previously he max out at his nose. Appt #2 Arm Video vs. Appt #4 Arm Video.

Swallowing - Mom says she can still hear daddy make a hiccup type noise when he eats, but he has not choked on food or drink since the first appointment! This is a huge win since his issues with swallowing has landed him in the hospital more than once.

We received a list of physical therapy homework for daddy to do each day. Dr. Hao let us know that there are nerves firing in his brain again. These connections mean we can see some real improvements with physical therapy, where previously he had plateaued. We’re enlisting some help of Nowata friends to make sure daddy keeps up his exercise regimen. 

Mom and dad will be making the trek back to New Mexico in July for two weeks worth of appointments. We’re excited and expectant for daddy’s healing and what God has planned for him in the future.  Mom let me know that daddy asked to go to their church in Bartlesville this morning, which he hasn’t been to in over a year - he definitely must be feeling better! Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement - they mean a lot to daddy and our family!

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