Prayers Needed-Got A Prayer to Spare: Prayers Needed

1 st E-mail to Laticia's Prayer Group, Aug. 14, 2010

Sorry to take so long in passing on some news about Laticia, but I knew I would be visiting her shortly, so here is the latest, from a one scared great grandparent.

She is now twelve months old, weighs approximately 17 pounds and 28 inches in length, while her size and weight may fit a normal child, her capabilities are such as 2 month new born.

Her improvement is moving at a snail’s pace. To further complicate matters are the seizures she suffers; some are more severe than others and a shot of Valium must be administered to her. The shot must be effective within a 5 minute period otherwise a 911 call must be placed. The seizures, whether mild or severe, interfere with her brain from healing. Family members that attend her have been able to recognize a small cry she makes just prior to the onset of a seizure. I sat through a number of them and while the family did what was required, I sat far away from the action taking place and said a few Hail Mary’s just so that she didn’t have to go to the hospital some 65 miles distant. The seizures come at any time even while riding in a car, or even while she sleeps. She can have them more than once a day for I have seen her have two in one day.

She is fed 4 times a day via her feeding tube in her tummy. 5am, Noon, 6pm and 10pm, the last feeding lasts all through the night, since the feeding rate is different. Water is administered the same way, because of Silent Aspiration. (The

possibility of food particles going into her lungs rather than her stomach.) The latest challenge for the family, Laticia has not be able to tolerate her feedings due to increase of seizures, and some digestive issues. There is a team of doctors that review Laticia’s case, and the doctor looking after her feeding, would like to Laticia fed on a 24hr schedule, but the family disagrees for Laticia would not be in a position to take physical therapy etc. She would have to be in her bed, on her back 24 hrs a day, and that would set her back from some of the small improvements she has made to date. So far the family has a number of doctors on their side. The feeding of this little lady is a big issue for she cannot swallow her food and gas is another constant issue, causing her great pain.

Now some good news..below are photos of her braces I mentioned in a previous message. The family refer to them as her dancing shoes, hopefully she will be able to do that one day…The family has just been notified that her "wheel chair" has finally been approved and they should have it in a few weeks. The wheel chair looks like a baby stroller. Laticia is also receiving a high chair, and a workout stand.

Laticia, on her own can lift her head and hold it upright longer than before, a big improvement. She also can roll onto her right side, and her determination is something to be admired when she reaches at her toys that are suspended from her floor play mat. She loves to be cuddled, and smiles easily, it appears to me that she has good hearing and eyesight, for she reacts to sound and will move about on her floor mat to watch Disney on TV. She has a couple of upper and lower teeth, and will give you good bite, especially if you get your finger in her mouth while trying to give her the pacifier. Ask Agnes when you see her.

I don't have to tell you that your prayers are greatly appreciated by the family members, for they realize that all that the doctors, nurses, and Laticia are capable of doing is only by the grace of God, so please continue your prayer efforts. They are sorely needed.

Phil

PS… Her grandmother is Laticia's ghost writer and will occasionally will send forth a message. I'll pass them along to you as well.

Here is a picture of Laticia being fed; Her "Dancing Slippers"; 1st Christmas and Birthday.