Another Saturday

Matt was in better spirits today, the new sleeping pill didn't help a whole lot, but he was more at peace today. He had two trials of breathing on his own, 30 and 35 mins. His o2 sats stayed above 90% the whole time. He had two spikes in temperature, but was easily relieved with Tylenol. He also stayed up in his wheelchair for 2 hours today, and again went outside in the heat. The minister came to pray with him, and Matt wants him to come again on Monday before they retest his swallowing reflex. He so wants to pass. Mom says he is getting better with his swallowing, so let's lift our voices loud to the Lord that Matt will pass the test. Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear: I will help you". Thanks for all the great comments from everyone, they really lift our spirits.

Small Blessings

Mom states Matt had a little better day physically. He was able to breathe on is own twice, 10 mins. then 15. His temp was high all day, above 39 degrees, but finally went down in the evening. They started him on a new antibiotic, which we pray will do the trick. Also, they are going to try him on a new sleeping pill, he is just not getting enough sleep. They did move him back to a room with a TV, which is great. But more importantly, Matt's spiritual healing took a big leap. A christian nurse looked after him who seemed to understand Matt's fears and explained that medical science can only do so much, but belief in God has no boundaries. He prayed with Matt and told him he must not only ask for God's help, but also believe with all his heart. Matt seemed to relax more and his attitude perked up. James 1:5-6 "If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind".

A Bad Move

Well, today was another off day. Matt was moved to a new room due to renovations and he doesn't even have a TV. He has become so anxious because he has no distractions. We are feeling some of the staff have really given up on him, so please pray that they will see Matt as an individual, not a lost case. He attempted to breathe on his own twice, but he was so anxious that he couldn't do it for very long. Please pray for us as a family so we do not lose faith and give into despair. It has been an extremely difficult time for all of us, and thank all of you for your continued prayers and thoughts.

Regarding Visitors

Thank you everyone for all the comments and concern you are showing for Matt. We have had a number of people who really want to see Matt. Unfortunately he is still classified as critical, and with his breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and inability to speak properly, we think it would be too much for Matt. They tell us his body is using up as much calories as a marathon runner, and you can imagine with 4 weeks of training how exhausted his body is!! We will update his visiting status when his condition improves.

Good Morning, Bad Evening

Matt had a really good morning, had been able to breathe on his own twice, once for 1hr 20 min, then 1 hour. B when they tried to do it this eve, he only lasted 35 mins, stating he was just too tired. The nurse stated he was quite warm, and realized he had a raging temperature. His oxygen sats should be between 96-98%, they could not get it above 82%. The respiratory therapist had to manually bag him for 45 mins. They are unsure if it is another pneumonia, partially collapsed lung, or infection around the trach site. Unfortunately he is already on an antibiotic, which obviously is not working. Please pray that God will renew Matt's strength. He is becoming so discouraged, and is losing physical strength to fight another infection. Please pray also for wisdom for the nurses and doctors, pray that they won't give up on Matt. Eph. 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occassions with al kinds of prayers and requests".

Better Day

Matt's breathing improved a bit today. He was able to breath on his own 3 times, 45 min, 1 hour, 40 min. They are really trying to push him to change the way he breathes. With a spinal cord injury like Matt's, he is unable to use the same muscles you normally use for breathing, so instead your diaphragm is working harder, and he must learn to use his shoulders to breathe. He does much better when he is in his chair, but they are finding he is still to tall for it. Unfortunately they cannot order a custom made chair for him until September, so that is one huge prayer request. Also, the neck brace is a little too small as well, and they cannot make him one because of his trach. So prayers for a solution are needed. Matt 7:7"Ask and it shall be given onto you, seek and yea shall find, knock and the door shall be open unto you".

Did Not Pass

Matt's morning wasn't so great. Difficult time breathing, pain in his neck, couldn't cool off. He had his swallowing assessment at 3 pm, and did not pass. There is problems with the muscles around the injured area in his neck, and he would choke if he had too much food or liquid. So he can only have 2 tsp of water a day, plus ice chips to chew on, but must be suctioned and not swallowed. He did sit up in the chair for 1 1/2 hours, but his neck hurt so bad that he wanted to go back to bed. Also, he did breathe on his own twice, so they may push him to 3 times tomorrow. Please pray that his neck will heal and be less painful. Also pray that he will get a neck brace that fits him better. He has lost 30 lbs since his accident and nothing fits anymore.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". (Just returned to Red Deer, haven't unpacked my bible so unsure where the verse is found, almost certain it is Proverbs)

Tough Day

It was a long day today. Matt had trouble with his breathing off and on. He did manage to breath on his own, once for 20 mins and again for 55 mins. They did not get him up in his chair today, he just wasn't up to it. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day so he can still have his swallowing assessment. While I was in their with him, I was having a difficult time seeing him in pain and discomfort. He said not to worry, God was worrying for me. Then when it was time to say our nightly prayers, he asked if the nurse would join us. What a great brother I have. Romans 5:2 "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God".