A day up ups and down, highs and lows - the good news is that none of the lows involve Allie who continues to progress and make forward progress. It's amazing, I'm really tired and have to drive home soon but as I sit and reflect on the days events I can only smile. God is good.
The good news, Allie starts slow in the morning but revs up around 10:00 am and begins showing her stuff. I arrived at 7:30 this morning because last night I had a prayer meeting with the charge nurse where I relayed how disappointed in the care Allie was being given and without going into to much detail, had to have another meeting with the Nurse Manager this morning. Basically the nursing staff is non-existent and I was very concerned - nobody ever seemed to be checking up on Allie. During the nurses shift they should check in at least 6 times in 12 hours and we were seeing them once or twice and basically if we needed something we had to do it or call (disturb) them. The last straw came last night and daddy had a minor meltdown - service is excellent today.
Allie's personality continues to come through as she smiles and her eyes twinkle with the laughter her voice can not yet make. She is present and alert and knowing. She has not eaten again yet as she didn't do very well on her swallow test the other day but she will the next time. KAIZEN. Constant and never ending improvement. Someone asked me if I ever have doubts and honestly, I never do, I will admit that today when the therapist sat her up (yeah, first time she sat in 3 weeks) and I see out beautiful, active, vivascous daughter needing help sitting and she is drooling because she is not swallowing yet I have a pang of this is real and it's going to take time but I NEVER - ever- not for a second doubt a full recovery. Remeber the LAw of Attraction - Positive begets Positive and I am positive of one thing and that is FULL RECOVERY.
To test Allie's girley girlness, I held up a hundred dollar bill and a five dollar bill in front of her and asked her which one was bigger (worth more) and of course being the girl she is - she chose the took the hundred dollar bill.That is huge, seeing the numbers and knowing worth. She also played a scale on her keyboard and watched some MTV. Thanks for the CD ALiie, we all loved it.
Allie's voice coach stopped in for a visit and it was a great one. Allie really responds well to Ginger and was all smiles as Ginger sang, talked to her and played the keyboard for her. Now for the coolest event of the day - I asked Allie if she wanted to write anything to Ginger - I held up an writing board and she wrote in cursif "to esta mi amiga" - how cool she is writing in spanish and in script and quickly in excelelnt penmanship. And she doesn;t even know spanish - only kidding, of course she does. Got ya.
Well the downer part came when last night they told us we had insurance for the rehab center and then came back today and told us we didn't and they would not accept her, so we are currently at a standstill. I went and talked tot hem and asked them to put together a plan of care and an approximate bill for me and that we would do whatever it takes to get her in there for as long as necessary - and we will! Remember - never a dount, full recovery.
Thankss for all of your posts -30 today, they keep us going. Sometimes things seem a little rough but we will never be foresaken.
God Bless
Allie's Dad
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18 comments:
It certainly HAS been a day of ups and downs, but thank goodness the ups all involved sweet Allie. The other situations will work out as your faith has proven over and over. Hang in there and know that so very many of us are continuing to pray and feel Allie and all the Cagens in our lives every moment. We love you.
Tibby
Hi again - Your love for Allie is wonderful to behold.
More prayers, then, for her continuing her care in rehab.
I told my friend, a minister, that Allie is coming on and is now out of the coma. He and his prayer group have been praying since nearly day one, and was very happy to hear the good news. He is going to update the group.
Much love and prayers to you all xxx
SusanJ
Dearest Allie, Matt, Nancy, & 'Allie's Dad',
What a mighty God we serve! Praise Him for His awesome power and truly amazing grace and mercy!
Remember, His mercies are new EVERY morning (even those that seem to have lasted 24 hours or longer)!
My father was nearly killed 30+ years ago by a car plowing through a guardrail and hitting him head-on on his motorcycle. God healed him (recovery over one year)and gave us another 30 years and 2 months (exactly) together. What a blessing it was!
I just wanted to encourage you and let you know there are still those praying with you through the seeming challenges (rehab situation) yet to come. Remember that God is in control as we allow Him the opportunities to perform His miraculous works.
Paul was no easy convert, but look at what God was able to do in so many others lives through Paul and his sufferings.
Cagens, God has a special purpose for each of your lives and is allowing this to strengthen you that you may go on and mightily bless and make THE difference in someone else's life (lives!).
Just keep on being obedient to His call and remember He is always present to do the impossible!
Allie, keep leaning on the Lord, He will strengthen and sustain you on your way ahead and wants to use you as he can use no one else.
We love you all and are continuing to pray God bless you more abundantly than you will ever be able to ask or think.
The Great News: God loves you! =>
Thank you so much for the wonderful posts, we feel a part of your family and Allie's wonderful progress. Keep 'em comin';)
Praying God's Best for You...
Everything you need is always there if you have faith, so view Allie in her new surroundings and having the therapy she needs. It is ready for her and for you.
I heard about this blog through FlyLady. I am amazed and inspired by your faith and courage. It sounds like Allie is making remarkable progress, and I'm so happy for you. I will keep you, Allie, and your whole family in my prayers.
Love and prayers from Ohio,
Mary Lou
God with you all on your journey of healing!
Sheila
I heard about you through Marla, and wanted to drop you a line. Two months ago we almost lost my mom and she is now having to have Physical Therepy and everything so she can walk again. Your faith is inspiring and I have been praying for you and for Allie daily! Have a blessed day!!
Allison in Oklahoma
I just found this blog, and I am so incredibly glad that i did!
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Stephanie Cohen and Allie and I were planning on being roommates at Pace next year.
I'm so relieved to hear that Allie's out of her coma and is making a speedy recovery!
I have my entire family and most of my friends praying for her everyday...
love you allie <3
I am so thrilled (I've been following this on FlyLady).
Kiss her for me - and have your wife kiss you for me (I'm sure you'll enjoy it that way (-: ).
I heard about Allie from FlyLady and have been praying for her. Have you spoken with your insurance carrier about rehab care being denied? I don't want to get your hopes up since I have no idea what the terms of your insurance policy are (and certainly many policies exclude various items). But it seems unusual unless you've exceeded your policy limits which doesn't seem likely. Clearly Allie is continuing to make great progress so that couldn't be the issue either.
I suggest that you speak with your insurance agent. You could also file a complaint with the Insurance Department in North Carolina (since you live there) if after reading your policy and discussing this with you agent, you believe that you are being treated unfairly and not according to policy terms.
Contact and additional information for the Department of Insurance follows
http://www.ncdoi.com/
The Consumer Services Division can be reached at:
1-800-546-5664
The Consumer Services Division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance aims to respond promptly, clearly and courteously to consumers’ insurance-related questions and complaints, assist consumers in resolving those complaints whenever possible, and help consumers understand their options for dealing with insurance-related matters.
Before deciding to file a complaint, please review the two sections below:
"WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT DO"
"HEALTH PLANS THAT WE DO NOT REGULATE"
(if your concern is related to health coverage)
What We Can and Cannot Do
WE CAN...
Forward a copy of your complaint to your insurance company, and require the company to provide a response/explanation.
Review the company’s response for compliance with applicable North Carolina statutes, regulations, and policy requirements.
Require the company to take corrective action if we determine that the company’s position does not comply with applicable requirements.
Help you understand your insurance policy.
Recommend courses of action that you can take to resolve your problem, if we do not have the regulatory authority to resolve it ourselves.
If your situation involves a health plan’s noncertification decision (denial based on lack of medical necessity), refer you to the Department of Insurance’s Healthcare Review Program (HCR Program), for further guidance.
WE CANNOT...
Act as your legal representative in or out of court.
Intervene in a pending lawsuit, on your behalf.
Consult with you if you are represented by an attorney, unless we have your attorney’s written permission.
Regarding a dispute between you and your insurance company, establish:
Who was negligent or at fault.
The value of a claim or the amount of money owed to you.
The facts surrounding the claim (that is, who is being truthful when there are differing accounts of what happened).
The facts regarding any other disagreement between you and another party.
Address plans or companies that are not subject to the insurance laws of North Carolina, or that are governed by other state agencies (see "Health Plans that We Do Not Regulate", below).
The North Carolina Department of Insurance pledges to seek fair treatment of all parties in insurance transactions. We are here to serve you.
Health Plans That We Do Not Regulate
North Carolina Teachers’ and State Employees’ Comprehensive Major Medical Plan
Self-Funded Employee Health Benefit Plans, if you do not know whether your health plan is self-funded or if you are concerned about the legitimacy of the health plan in which you are currently enrolled, the NCDOI will address your concerns.
Federal Employees’ Health Plan
Medicare
Medicaid
Workers Compensation Claims or Requirement Questions
Contact Information for Above Plans
Hello to the Conquering Cagens!
Wow - So much to think about, but just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you.
With love
Ondine
Dear Nancy, Steve, Allie and Matt,
Allie has made so much progress in such a short amount of time - it is truly a miracle. Our prayers and positive thoughts continue daily. You are all so inspiring. Thank you.
Love,
Clare and Kim
Could you post an address where we could send cards. People all around the world are praying for your little girl's full recovery. I would love to send a card to her too.
Do you have a Lutheran Church near you or have Lutheran Friends in the area? If you can contact someone who is a Thrivent member they can help you raise money for the medical expenses up to $5000.I know that is a drop in the bucket towards expenses but it is something.
God Bless you!I'm praying for Allie and for you!
Mary Lonnevik (flybaby in NTX)
Life is truly and amazing and wondrous adventure. I read this blog everyday and my thoughts, heart, and prayers go out to Allie and the
Cagen family as a whole. Steve and Nancy, you are both awesome.
My thoughts: Everything happens for a reason whether we know in that moment the reasons why.
My heart: HOPE LOVE PATIENCE
My Prayers: Allie and the Cagens are in my daily prayers for a full recovery.
-shanna
Dear Allie & Family,
Just to let you know that even at the other side of the world the are people that are totally delighted for you!
The positive thinking and heaps of humour & the love of your family will pull you through - no doubt about that!
Big hug,
Sandra (a Dutch Flygirl)
Hey Allie and family!
I too am a flybaby and have been holding your family up in prayer. I know there is awesome power in prayer, and you have an incredible number of people praying for your complete recovery.
I can tell by your dad's posts that you have an amazing amount of inner strength and love, both personally and as a family unit.
Keep up the progress. Our God is an awesome God!
Continued prayers from Arkansas.
I heard about Allie through the FlyLady
I'm glad she is doing better
As the mother of three children, two boys 22 and 18 and a little girl who sadly died due to complications of a congenital heart defect at the age of 21 months, I know what aprecious gift our children are to us
I wish you all the best
You can pray to my little Katie up in heaven anytime for hope and strength..you deserve only happiness and joy, Allie, as well as a degree from Pace!!
Smiles and love from Eileen in New York
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