Monday, December 3, 2007

Anxiety Begone!

Matt has been having some issues with anxiety attacks at night. He wakes up and can't go back to sleep. Those panic attacks make it hard for him to breathe properly, and his neck becomes really sore from being so tense. They didn't get him up for rehab until mom came, because Matt was so tired with dark circles under his eyes. But eventually he did make it to the gym, and mom was surprised at how much more strength Matt has. She hasn't been to rehab with him for a few weeks. When they hooked Matt up to the bicycle for his arms, he was able to push with his left wrist and arm, even though his hand doesn't move much. When he sits at a table, he is able to reach across and grab the edge of the table with his right hand. Also, by manipulating certain nerves and muscles in his butt, Matt is able to move his legs slightly up and down. The physio bends his knees, and then Matt slowly slides his feet towards his bum to bend his legs more. (When mom explains it, I try to visual it in my head to explain it to you, however it may not be exactly correct).
Since Matt has been on antibiotics, he hasn't been eating or drinking as well. It is more difficult for Matt to stay hydrated in rehab. In ICU, it was one on one care and the staff were continuously in and out to push fluids. In rehab, they only come when he calls with the buzzer, and he cannot drink without someone to help him. So the doctor encouraged Matt to ring every hour for something to drink. They are a little worried his secretions are getting too thick, and his cough isn't as strong. But Matt doesn't want any O2 or moisture at night, so hopefully he will drink enough fluids.
Jacki and the kids came down for a visit. Matt is always glad to see his niece and nephew. And of course Jacki as well, though I don't know why! She is terrible to play games with because she hates to lose! I know where Matt gets it from!
Prayers that the anxiety attacks will diminish, and Matt will get good nights rest. Needs to be strong for his workouts. 1 Thess 5:16 "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi Matt-hope you are having a good sleep-it's too windy and snowy to be out and about tonight-Bryce just got home from trucking and I was at the HB carol festival-glad to be home-say hi to ma and pa-keep working hard!!yy

Anonymous said...

Morning Matt - haven't wrote in awhile but I never miss reading the blog or the comments. You are making such amazing progress - just keep believing you will continue to improve. We are all praying for with you for your continued success.

So who is winning all the games this week- you or Jacki?? Make sure you keep her on her toes. Must be great to see Bobby & Amy.

Anyway must run - keep working hard - Hi Jo - glad you are back with your boy, I am sure he misses you when your not there. Give him a hug from all of us - or vise versa he can hug you from all of us. Have a great day - love to you all. Aunty Brenda

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Matthew

Hope you have a good day today and had a good sleep last night. You are doing so good, don't let things get you down. I can only imagine how discouraged you feel sometimes but you have come such a long way - you will make it all the way.

Happy Anniversary George & Joanne. Not sure if you will be together today but all the best to you both.

Cheryl said she had a great visit with you and your mom yesterday.

Talk to you soon. Take care and God bless you always.

Love Aunty Sandy & Uncle Orest

Christy said...

Matt - When I was in the hospital having my kids, I struggled a lot with the same thing. I would wake up for hours and my heart would race, so I know how incredibly hard that is. I was pray specifically for this for you. May God grant you the 'peace that passes understanding' and 'guard your heart and mind'.

You are amazing me every day - I never miss a day of your blog.

Your blog friend - Christy
(I'm also a friend of Chris Relitz's) ;o)

Anonymous said...

Hi guys!
It's been a while since I wrote anything here as we were down at Briercrest for 3 days to see Larissa's college Christmas musical. It is always good to see.

Then back home to cold weather, although it was really cold when we were down there as well.

Finally got my tree up. Starting to feel more like Christmas although I'm used to Larissa helping with it. This is the 2nd year she's at college and not around to give me a hand. I miss that a lot.

Praying the anxiety attacks subside and you continue to gain strength. Sounds like you really have those arms moving. Praying that the pneumonia goes away quickly as well.

Hang in there. The Hertz's

Anonymous said...

hey matt, glad to hear about the great progress, its been a while since i wrote to you, it was nice to talk to you the other day on the phone, havent heard you talk in a long time, it was awesome, i hope you keep up the good fight and keep working bud, you will make it


Braden Kipling