Trudging along

Matt was able to breath on his own 3 times today, and could have spoonfuls of water and chew some ice. His temp was stable all day, and he was able to go outside again for a few minutes. Matt was quite exhausted from all the excitement yesterday. Had a difficult time resting because he said everytime he closes his eyes, he worries. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God". Pray that Matt will have a good and restful sleep tonight and continue to heal spiritually and physically.

Wonderful Busy Day

Matt had a really good day today!!! First of all, he had an excellent sleep last night which let him feel refreshed and alert today. Second, he really enjoyed getting his hair washed with real shampoo (not hospital guk!), and his teeth brushed with Crest (they previously used peroxide - ugh!). Then after dinner, they hospital staff capped off the trach for 50 minutes, which means that he was able to breath on his own with no assistance - way to go Matt! After this, they did a swallowing assessement with some ice cubes, and he did okay with that. If all goes well they will do another big swallowing and chewing assessment on Monday. Finally, the highlight of his day was he was able to get up in the Wheelchair and take a little trip outside. He was so trilled to be outside for the first time in 3 weeks. The only downside to the day is that Matt has a slight temperature again this evening and he is so afraid of pneumonia getting worse again. Please pray for Matthew to stay calm and let his body get rid of this infection. Psalms 57:1-2 "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in my soul takes refuge. I will refuge in the shadow of your wings untils the disaster has passed. I cry out to God most High, to God, who fullfills his purpose for me".

New Chair

Sorry it took so long for this update. I travelled with my girls today to Saskatoon, then spent time with Matt and watched a movie with him. He got to sit up in his wheelchair today, with the neck brace and did really well. States his neck is stiff tonight from sitting up, but otherwise okay. Doing well with the breathing. So happy to see him without the vent. Trying to wean him off the oxygen machine , hopefully in a few days. Eph. 6:18"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests".
P.S I was able to see all the cards and letters from people who care so much for Matt. I realized how much his wonderful personality has touched so many. Thank you from all of us.

New trach

Matt had surgery for the new trach at 1200 a is doing much better. They had also wanted to insert a feeding tube into his stomach. The cons were having more surgery and that most people with this are considered invalids. Pros were it would be easier to feed and Matt could get rid of the tube in his nose. We were not sure the answer, but God very strongly told us to ask Matt. At the time mom asked him , he had been quite groggy, but suddenly he was alert and orientated and made the decision not to have it done. A minister then came in to pray with Matt, who became more relaxed and had one of his best days for awhile "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest" Matt 11:28

Another pothole

Well, not such a great night. Matt had so much trouble with the trach. Tey had put in a talking trach, which is different then a normal trach. It has holes in it and Matt was unable to keep his oxygen levels up, similiar to trying to breath in a plastic bag. They were hoping he would improve but went into a respiratory arrest and they had to manual assist his breathing. So off to surgery again to get the normal trach in and hopefully that will enable him to breathe easier.
One is hard pressed to see light at the end of the tunnel, but God says "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 We realize many will be down when you read this, but keep your spirits up, we love how much you care for Matt.

Trach is in

Matt finally had has surgery for the trach insertion. Things went alright, however they had attempted to put his feeding tube in through his nose instead of his mouth. He had difficulty with this and they had to take it out. Hopefully they will reinsert it later when he calms down a bit. The trach is bothering him because it isn't what he is used to and feels like he isn't getting enough air. Pray that he will get used to it soon. Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Another plus is there is a wheelchair on order from Ontario and hopefully will get it within the week.

Waiting

Sorry for not having a blog for yesterday. We were waiting for the surgery to insert Matt's tracheostomy so he won't have the ventilator tube in his mouth. But still waiting. Mom said Matt's day was alright, he is feeling anxious because he still has no movement, but Luke 1:37 for nothing is impossible with the Lord. Please continue to pray for healing and thank Him for small miracles. Matt's pneumonia seems to have subsided and is breathing easier with the ventilator. I will update again later once he has the trach inserted.

Fiesty Matt

Matt had a bit of a difficult night, very restless and unable to sleep. He is getting stronger in the neck area and was tossing his head back and forth. The nurse told him to calm done or he would pull the ventilator out. Sure enough that is what he did! Think it gave him quite a scare!
Dad said when he went to visit Matt, there was a fellow in the next bed who's 1 year old came to visit him. Dad noticed the boy was playing peek-a-boo behind the curtain. He soon realized it was not with him but with Matt, who was lifting his eyebrows and rolling them, which the little boy thought was quite funny. Little children are not hindered by what they see. He could see past all the tubes and see Matt as he truly is. Let us all see Matt this way Romans 8:25" But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."