Not much different

Sorry this blog was so late. Matt's day was not much different, however he did spike a temp so they took another culture to see what was going on. My dad had been a little worried Matt was becoming obstinate and did not wan't to do some of the things he was being told. Matt kept indicating that something was wrong, they kept checking, nothing. However when they finally figured out what Matt was trying to tell them, he had been right. His ventilator tube was blocked and was really having a difficult time breathing. They suctioned him and he improved. You realize how hard it is to say what you want when you are unable to talk. Thank goodness for persistence by staff, dad, and Matt. Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord & he answered me and delivered me from all my fears".

Breathing better

Thanks to everyone for all their prayers. God answered the one to ease Matt's suffering. He is back to breathing 55% on his own and the ventilator at 45%. His temp stayed down all day and he is much more relaxed and comfortable. Dad said he was quite exhausted from yesterday and is resting as much as possible. Another answer to prayer, they found a neck brace from the Abilities Council in Saskatoon that fit Matt's giraffe-like neck. Who knew their is someone out there like him! Matt 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer".However the saga continues and we are standing by him day by day. Thanks to everyone for the messages of encouragement.

Another step back

Another difficult day. The pneumonia is still quite severe, and Matt had a very difficult time breathing. He gets quite anxious so they gave him some meds to calm him a bit. Also because Matt is so tall, they have to special order a chair for him, and it could be weeks. The neck brace is too small as well, but because he is not healthy enough he can not have one made for him at physio department. He is becoming quite discouraged, so please pray continuously for an ease in his suffering and that the pneumonia will settle down. Job 9:10-11"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted". Continue to write him in this blog, or directly to the Royal University Hospital and send him get well wishes.

Day 11

Matt had a little better day, not as much pain. Temp still not stable, will see tomorrow. Jacki and Nolan had to leave today, so was a little sad about that. He is holding up well. Thank You for keeping him in your prayers. We read him all the comments and he said to tell you all thanks.

An OK day

Matt is still struggling with the vent tube and his oxygen level is still giving him lots of problems. They started him on stronger antibiotics today as the other one just wasn't doing the job. They are hoping this one will do the trick. Matt is still very tired, and has a hard time getting to sleep. Matt still has no motor skills, which causes much concern, as they were hoping for some in the first ten days. The days are very long for him, but the nursing staff have been great, they are bringing him DVD's to keep him busy. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, and thanks so much for the many messages of encouragement.

2 steps back

Something the nurses and doctors told us early last week was that for every step that Matt took forward, he would take 2 or 3 steps back. Well today was a step back. Although Matt seemed to get through the pneumonia that he had last week, he has developed a new strain. Thus, he is once again on antibiotics to fight the infection, and his oxygen % has increased to 60%. This was discouraging for us as we had hoped to see some forward progress by today. The pneumonia is hard on Matt's lungs, and we need these to stay strong so that he can focus on his physio. So pray that this bout of pneumonia will pass quickly.

Nolan has downloaded a bunch of songs onto a new ipod that was bought for Matt to help him pass the time. As his eyes get tired when he watches TV, the ipod seemed a better way for him to relax. We're hoping that Matt will get a good night's rest tonight and that tomorrow will be a better day.

Thanks for all your kind comments, prayers, and support as we deal with this challenge.....

Matt with Jonmarie and Shaunie August 2006

Not a great day....

Matt didn't have a good day today as the vent tube is really irritating his throat and every time they move it to another location it causes a lot of gagging. He is very frustrated with not being able to move. They keep him very sedated, but he still has a hard time sleeping. He is very tired - the Nurse said when Matthew is laying in bed he is using as many calories as a marathon runner. Time passes very slowly for him. However, he enjoyed watching some of the RoughRider game with his sister and was glad of the win. We will keep you updated. Please keep him in your prayers.