Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Long Day

With Matt only getting the one sleeping pill, he is awake much earlier and doesn't sleep in the afternoon. So that makes for a long day. But it was also busy. It was tubby time, and I am sure that feels great. Hopefully they let him have a bit of a soak. His trach trials are going awesome, with today being a grand total of 6hours, 20 min. He does get pretty tired, but knows it is for the best. He also went outside today, and motored around in his chair. He can only do it by himself for a short time. His hand movement has improved, but his muscle strength is very weak. They gave him so more exercises to do. Mom had spoken with the doctor, and he said there was still swelling around the spinal cord, which causes compression. That can remain anywhere up to 18 months, so we will continue to see progress as that swelling slowly goes down. So by that standard, Matt is doing great. They have also encouraged him to do exercises himself every 20 mins. Sometimes it is easy to forget, so they put a sign on his board. And when company comes, encourage him to show you what he can do. Matt still feels numbness in his hands and feet, but when you think about it, when you watch TV in a chair for even 2 hours, everything is stiff, sore, and you may have numbness in the butt! So Matt, it will come. You just must continue to work hard and believe. Your cheering squad is always in your corner. Psalms 54:4 "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me."

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt,
WOW...6.5 hr trach trial???? Well done and congratulations!! The information that your mom received from the Dr.(stating that the swelling/compression could take time to resolve) is encouraging since there's only one direction for the swelling to go now and that is DOWN, which certainly means more movement and more sensation (which is necessary for strength).That is such good news! I believe your only hurdle now is patience and we all pray for God to you this patience. Your progress is amazing; YOU are amazing Matt. Hey, who is your pick for the world series? Wow, what a whooping Colorado took,eh? I'm going with Colorado simply because of their Canadian pitcher (deep down I'm a Manny Ramirez fan- he's got the cutest smile!).
Patty H.

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Matthew & Family

It is great to read your blog each morning and see how great you have done that day.

Always think positive and have happy thoughts. You have SOOO many family and friends cheering for you every step of the way. We know it can be really tough sometimes but you have worked so hard and come so far in your progress.

We can't wait to see you tomorrow afternoon. I am bringing you some treats. Have a good day.

Love Aunty Sandy & Uncle Orest

Anonymous said...

hey matty great trach trial!! baby steps buddy. greg and i are on the road again with hockey. went to tisdale other nite. beat the argos 7-0 and last nite the stangs beat the wolfhounds 4-2 i think. didnt look like they were going to do it in the beginning but they came on. glad u are able to get around in your chair. i warn u are on the move and ........Hey matty, watch out for the other guy.ella

Anonymous said...

Awsome dude. wont be long and that trach trial will be 24 hours.Keep up on those exercises Matt,you need them to get stronger. I know i just got off the floor from doing back exercises,went to the dr. on monday gave me a week off,and all i did was trip over a box.So remember matt them exercises are very important.I know sound like a old nag,(but you were on Brendas side on sunday picking on me)I"ll pick Boston to win the series.How are them wheels working out give aby nurses a ride yet.Still got that chick by your side with your puppy,cant remember his name.Will say bye for now.Take care,Loads of love and prayers. BIG TURKEY and the rest of the clan

Anonymous said...

When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.
Author: Greg Anderson

Anonymous said...

Wow Matt 6 hours + that's great and I know personally that that is 3 times as long as you studied for any exam :) hahaha Take Care and see you in 8 Day's

Gary