Sorry Blog is so late

I know how many people start their day by reading the blog and when it is not there, it is similar to starting your day without coffee! Mom went home yesterday morning and was glad to be home, but having separation anxiety too. Dad states Matt had a good day, and the physiotherapist is so impressed with Matt. He works so hard, but doesn't complain. During his exercises he just sweats but keeps going. He was trying to show his friends his trick of Dad putting his arm on his leg, then Matt swings his arm off his leg, places it on a ball beside his leg, squeezes his hand, and grasps the ball. Isaiah 35:3 "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way." Matt, I speak for many to say we are so proud of you and the number one goal is to have Matt home for Christmas, even for a few days. What a homecoming that will be! They also deflated his cuff for a total of 4 1/2 hours yesterday and did really well. Was feeling sick again but didn't throw up. Ate a sub that dad brought and watched a movie with one of his friends who came to visit. Was a bit upset they were not showing the Colorado/Arizona game, but a movie is alright, especially with a friend. I also forgot to mention a young women is coming to give Matt massage therapy. He had one treatment already and must have felt great! WIll have more news later.

Another Good Day

Before I get started just want to clarify it was 1/4 lb weights and not 1/2 lb weights. Still good though. Physio/Occupational therapist come up every day for one hour and work with Matt. Today they brought him a remote control for the TV that he can control with his head. She was so amazed at how fast Matt understood. Usually she has to explain it many times. She also stated she felt some movement in Matt's left middle toe, although he couldn't see it. Small blessings lead up to big things. He was only sick once today and otherwise ate fine. Still needs more protein in his diet to help him heal. Had quite a few visitors and they are always welcome. They were even able to hear Matt talk when the respiratory therapist deflated his cuff. Tomorrow Matt is meeting with a fellow who was injured years ago and is now a paraplegic. He is a computer whiz and will set Matt up with a computer that is eye/voice activated so he can play some games and surf the net. Just temporary until he gets the use of his hands back. He will have to buy the computer, so we will look into that. No way Gary could beat him then! On a sad note, the rookie's are being called into the game because the head cheerleader needs to go back to work. Mom is leaving in the morning, first time in 3 months. But the rookie's are ready to go, cheering all the way. And the head coach is always with Matt. Joshua 1:5 (shortened version) "I will never leave you nor forsake you." But any one who wants to stop in for a few minutes, especially in the evenings would be great. The more the merrier!

Workout

Matt was able to go to the rehab department to check it out today. Soon Matt, soon. Eventually that will be were you are. Tried out his chair again today, didn't do quite as well as yesterday, but he has been doing some exercises so it plays him out. He didn't eat very well either, and when he did eat well he threw up. So then he really has no energy. They are no longer able to establish an IV's so he has been taking some of his meds by mouth, and makes his stomach upset. But back to Matt's workout, they have him lifting 1/2 lb weights with his right wrist. The therapist lifts his hand off the bed, then Matt has to lift his hand up to his shoulder. He was able to do it twice. States it feels like he is lifting 100lb weight. That will eventually be what you lift, Matt. You must just take one day at a time. A month ago 1/2 lb weight would have been impossible. He is also much stronger when he clenches his right fist, but the pointer finger and thumb still need more work. They are more numb than his other three fingers. 2 Samuel 22:33 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

On The Move Again

Matt was in a powered chair today for a short time. It isn't the one made for him, but it will do. It is one with hand controls, so they were unsure if Matt would be strong enough in his right hand. They had to make a few adjustments but by the 3rd attempt he was moving the chair himself with the controls. He couldn't go far but imagine that few minutes of freedom. Careful walking in the hospital now! Matt will soon be on the loose! He gets tired quickly, but that is to be expected. It is taking everything he has right now to move, and that is exhausting. He is also out of isolation, which is great because Jacki and Amy are coming down and we don't want any sick babies! He is feeling and looking better. They gave him his sleeping pills early last night and he was sleeping by midnight, so less groggy today. Matt is eating better as well, however he doesn't eat until after 3pm, still a bit nauseous before that. Pray that God will continue to lead the way and that we trust in him. Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Mediocre Day

Not too much to report today. Matt had no further episodes of de-sating. But they also stated they will not start any trach trails until they feel he is stronger. Hopefully that will change. Very sleepy for most of the day and some friends were unable to visit. They also didn't get him up in his chair either, so maybe tomorrow the will start to push a little bit more. All good athletes need a kick start once in awhile, and Matt will have to work harder than anyone. But he had a good supper and no emesis. Small blessings are always there, you just have to look. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who persevere under trial, because when he has stool the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

Matt gave us something to really be thankful for. He rolled his left leg slightly and again moved his left pinkie finger! Make a joyful noise! "I will enter in his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter in his courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made." They were very worried with the new med if it would inhibit his movement, which it can do, but it also promotes movement by preventing some of those spasms that make movement impossible during range of motion or exercise. Talk about a mouthful. Ate well today with no emesis. Have to take it really slow to get his stomach used to more food. They are again turning off his tube feed form 7am until 12am. Would be nice to eliminate one more tube. However that left lung of Matt's is continuing to give him problems. He de-sated again today, once he was down to 62% O2. They think it is a spontaneous pneumothorax, which means that his lung spontaneously collapses and then regains normal lung function within a short time. Still not great but on chest x-ray his lungs were clear. So please pray for healing of his diaphragm and lungs so that soon the ventilator will come out. Psalms 95:7 "for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."