Resting Day

Matt had a resting day today. After all the trauma of yesterday he did a lot of sleeping. His lung is still draining and he still has a temp. His Oxygen stats stayed up most of the day. Thanks you for all the prayers for Matt. We keep him updated about the blog comments. John 16:23 Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

Another Bump

Matt hit another bump in the road today. After they inserted another feeding tube that goes into his intestines they could not get his oxygen stats to come back up. After trying for 90 minutes they decided to sent him for a CT scan. They discovered a pocket of infection in the right lung, so decided to put a drain tube in to the pocket. As they were putting in the tube, they got air on the outside of the lung so another tube was needed to drain the air out of that. Matt was in considerable pain and states this is the worst day he has had. We thank God for the wonderful Nurses and staff who got not only Matthew but us as well through a long and stressful day. We thank each of you for the many prayers and encouraging words. Hebrews 5:8 He learned obedience by things which he suffered.

Same Place

Matt stayed at RUH today. He may still be moved if more critical cases come in, but so far so good. The girls and I travelled to Saskatoon with Jacki and her 2 kids to visit. Looks better. Breathing is easier, they did not have to suction as much, and has a bit of pink in his cheeks. Also I noticed he was stronger in his neck and shoulder muscles. Still really skinny, appr 155 lbs, so they are putting a feeding tube in his nose right to the small intestine to see if they can stop his throwing up (which he does about 2 times a day). He can not afford to lose any more wait. He did 3 breathing trials, first 2 were 30 mins long (that is the max they will do because they don't want him to regress). The last trail tonight was more difficult but he did last 15 mins. Has to use his shoulders quite a bit to get a deep breath. Matt is still waiting for the okay to have some water again, so need lots of prayers that will happen soon. Psalms 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry".

Possibly Another Move

Matt had 4 breathing trials. 1st was unsuccessful, crackles in the lungs, suctioned for large amounts of mucus after 1 hour long chest physio. 2 trial 30 min, had another chest physio and was much better. 3rd trial 30 min with suctioning of more mucus. last trial tonight was again unsuccessful, Matt was quite anxious and they feel the trial was too late at night. He did have a hair cut last night and mom says he looks good. A bad day was had by all emotionally though. Like marathon runners, a brick wall hit. Matt may be moved to City Hospital tomorrow due to the fact the Long weekend is approaching and they are a max capacity. Matt does not want to go, feels comfortable where he is because he knows so many of the staff. Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".

A Bit Better

Matt seemed to have a better day. His O2 sats are the best they have been for awhile. Mom thinks the move regarding that aspect has improved. Air quality seems to be better. Matt does have a window in his room, which is another bonus. Staff and administration had a meeting and things have improved. Still not up to par,but hopefully within the next few days. Matt was able to get a DVD player so he can at least watch movies. Mom had a discussion with the director of nursing who was very understanding and Matt did not have that particular nurse again. Matt did 2 breathing trials, 25 mins and 30 mins. He is still quite anxious when he does them and they are trying to encourage him to go for longer periods. Only when he is off the respirator can he be moved to rehab. So that's our big prayer for today. Please remember to thank God for all the little blessings as well (no temp, DVD player, different nurse, window). 1 Thess 5:16-18 "Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

Bad Move

I know many are wondering about Matt's swallowing assessment, but it was not done today. Administration decided they were closing the ICU for renovations and moved them to very inadequate conditions. Respiratory therapist is 5 mins away, there is no ice machine close by , there are no cardiac monitors, no tv hook ups, very hot and cramped conditions. And it will be like this for 10 days. Matt's temp continues to climb, and he has a terrible wound were the trach "fell out" (it was sutured in place). Also a nurse told Matt he could do more for himself, so she put his suction on a clipboard close to his face so he could suction his own mouth. She wanted to make up a schedule for how often Matt could have water, ice pack for his sore neck, and wet cloths for his fevered head. "We cannot run for your every whim every 2 mins". Matt can only move his head and shoulders. Very difficult to help himself. Imagine yourself dug in the sand up to your neck, and only then can you think about what Matt must be feeling. He is reliant on someone for everything. I am sorry I am writing so emotional, but I felt people should know what we are dealing with. He was only breathing on his own twice, 45 mins each time, but with the move they were unable to do anymore. They were not able to get him up in his chair as well. Very hard to stay positive when a loved one suffers so much. Pray that God is opening a door for Matt to be moved to more adequate conditions. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you".

Much needed rest

Matt's trach came out during the night. Unsure exactly what happened, but they inserted a new one. Quite a bit of discharge from it due to the infection. He then began throwing up, possibly from the Penicillin they are crushing and putting down his nasogasric tube(tube in his nose). They started him on Gravol to see if that would help.(I also forgot to mention that he had a mouth guard made by the in house dentist because he was grinding his teeth, due to stress and anxiety. However they haven't used it because he is more relaxed, we think). Mom states he did a breathing test for 35 mins today, but he was practically comatose for the rest of the day. They suspected it may be depression, but we think that his body is finally getting a much needed rest. They didn't even get him up in his chair or try any further breathing on his own, he was so lethargic (tired). I know have used this verse before, but it fits so well. Matt 11: 28 "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".