I just spoke with Daniel's dad and he said that Daniel isn't doing as well as the doctors had hoped he would be at this point. They think he is having a difficult time regaining his strength because of the fact that he was such a tiny preemie (born at 22 weeks gestation - 1.4 lbs) and because of his blindness. His surgeon believes some of the problems are due to the fact that he is blind and regaining his balance is more difficult than for a sighted person.
Daniel on his birthday 7-6-97
He did physical therapy twice and occupational therapy once today. He had little energy and was easily exhausted. His medical team is discussing options right now. They are trying to find a rehabilitation center in the Washington DC metro area that will accept his insurance. They want him to have specialized rehabilitation for a couple weeks before returning home.
He has been laughing and playing with his toys. He is able to keep his eyes open, but doesn’t have much strength to do much of anything else after physical therapy. He was wiped out. Daniel’s mom shared that Daniel tried to flip the shower cap off his head today while she was washing his incision and his head. She also gave him a bath in his bed tonight.
It’s challenging for the family to be separated during this time. Please continue to keep Daniel and his family in your prayers as he continues his recovery and rehabilitation.
*10:15 pm Update*
Laura, Daniel's mom called me tonight in tears, tears of joy. She said she wanted to tell me about a miracle! Earlier today Daniel wasn’t even able to hold his head up and at 9:20 pm Daniel sat up in the bed and held his mom’s hand and started walking around the room. Praise the Lord! Please keep praying for Daniel because your prayers are working!
