Infection comes knocking again...

Matt did not have a good day today, he has infection in his lungs again, so the trach trials are on hold. He is taking antibiotics which they feel is causing some of the nausea. He was up in the chair for a couple hours, but was not feeling well so went back to bed. He fell asleep and was sleeping all afternoon and early evening. He also was having a hard time keeping any food down so had mostly fluids. Jacki went and spent the evening with him, and though he did a lot of coughing he still enjoyed the crossword and Suduko puzzles. Wasn't to thrilled that Edmonton lost to the B.C. lions, Oilers lost to Calgary and Boston beat Cleveland. Not a great day for his teams. He did eat better tonight was able to keep 2 slices of pizza and some real mashed potatoes and homemade hamburgers down. Prayers for today are that the infection will clear up quickly and the trach trials can begin again as the vent is the problem with the infection in the lungs. Thank you for the continued prayers and support. Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

Trach Trials going well, Praise God

Matt was able to do a 4 hour trach trial today, with no trouble. He felt really good, so they will try a little longer tomorrow. He was up in the chair for 3 hours, but his neck started to bother him so he was put back to bed. No nausea today which is another answer to our prayers. Keeping his food down well and is really happy to have home made food. His Dad went home today, so makes for a hole in his day. Lots of company today which is always good for lots of smiles. He say Hi to everyone and thank you all for the many prayers on his behalf. He is kept busy with rehab for a part of his day and likes to bug the staff at City. Is getting to know all the staff and they keep him on his toes. 2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Wheelchair ordered

Matt's days are really busy lately. He has been having lots of company and deflates the cuff so he can talk. During that time he was up in his chair for 3 hours. Was tired in the afternoon after 3 1/2 hour trach trial and physio, but a good tired. Also had massage therapy for an hour, so that would make anyone relaxed! We had forgot to mention that Matt moved his middle finger on his left hand yesterday. Some days his movements are more pronounced, and spasms are less. So those are good days. Matt's custom made wheelchair was ordered, which will be great to have one that fits that tall drink of water! Mom says Matt was a little less talkative and quiet today. I think he is feeling with the ordering of the chair that they feel he will never walk. But it is just until he does walk. We know that it will be awhile and he might as well be comfortable. Then we can donate it back for someone who really needs it. Prays that Matt will remain strong in faith. Psalms 62:2 "He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Whirlpool bath

Today was a busy day for Matt. He had a whirlpool bath, and then went to the gym to listen to a speaker who was quad because of a accident at the age of 17 in 1984. He is an wheelchair rugby player and showed the people present all some different styles of chairs and boards to play certain sports. He was very interesting to listen to. Matt also did a 3 hr trach trail and sat up in the chair for around 4 hrs. He beat his sister in Yahtze and then she beat him Golf. So they both came out even. He was very tired and had a nap after he was back in bed. He was able to eat some dinner and then his sub in the evening. This evening he had some trouble with his pulse going up and lots of secretions, but all in all a good day. Prayers for tomorrow that Matt will continue to do well with his trach trails and his muscles continue to strengthen. Romans 12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. God bless each and everyone of you.

Weight up and rubs his nose

Matt had another good day. He was able to do another 2 hours trach trail and also had the cuff down so he could do some talking. Was up in his chair for 5 1/2 hours and did really well. He went up to rehab and was able to do some work on the arm and hand pulleys using both wrists. His right arm is much stronger than the left, but was able to do a little with his left. He had a couple bouts of nausea, but was able to keep everything down. Took a trip outside and to see our beautiful fall weather. Ate well today and after his weight was checked is now up to 176lbs. If they feel he is gaining enough they may do away with the tube feedings all together. For the first time was able to lift up his right hand to rub his nose, all smiles. Lots of company today, loves to visit and get all the news. Praise the Lord. Prayers for continued success with the trach trails and with rehab. Isaiah 26:12 All that we have accomplished you have done for us, O Lord.

Keep the Movement Coming

I was driving home from swimming and was thinking what I should pray specifically about for Matt. From a nursing perspective, I know what a huge thing it would be for Matt to bend his elbow. So while I was driving, prayers for Matt to bend his elbow were heard, because tonight Mom told me that Matt could bend his right elbow by himself! An answer to pray before I even asked it! 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." Matt was able to lift his arm off the bed, bend it at the elbow at a 90 degree angle. He could hold it only a second, but what an accomplishment! Jacki said he was just sweating and panting hard. Go Matt! (Jacki and the kids arrived today the same time as mom. Bobby gave Matt 2 very wet kisses!) The physio also was amazed at how well Matt has done in the last week. He is able to curl his right fist into a ball, however the tip of the thumb and forefinger still can't bend. His left leg movements, though slight, are just as strong as his right leg. Just his toes are not quite as strong. His left hand is only a quiver in his pinkie and thumb, but the antispasmodic meds may be inhibiting some of that movement. It will come. They were able to complete a trach trial today for 2 hours. Matt was beginning to get tired, but it was another plus! No de-sating either. And they also deflated the cuff when Matt had company so he could talk. They left it deflated for over 2 hours. The respiratory therapist feel that Matt's left lung and diaphragm are increasing in strength all the time. Will be off that vent by Christmas, right Matt? Has had some nausea, but they have changed the times they give the meds and that seems to be working. Has more of an appetite. Which reminds me,Bev, ginger snap , peanut butter, and oatmeal macaroon cookies are some thing he likes to eat. E-mail me for the recipes if you don't have. Thanks again for everyone who reads the blog and keeps Matt in their prayers. Matt has shown the benefits of prayer.

Getting organized...

Just to let everyone know, we were not able to do the blog yesterday as the power has been out at Shelley's since yesterday at 6pm, and dad & I were unable to hook up for me to get an update. We should be back on track for this week.

Anyway, Matt has been doing awesome. I understand that the hospital staff have changed the timing of his meds to try to prevent the nausea that plagues him most days. It seems to have worked today as he was able to eat all his meals without feeling sick. Lets pray that this trend continues! He had lost of visitors today and yesterday which is great as Matt really perks up when he has people to talk too. Since he is an official coach potato, he can converse on many topics that he sees on TV - his favorites being football and baseball right now. He watched the last quarter of the Rider game today (was asleep for most of the game as he didn't know it was on - part time fan!), and is currently cheering on the Rockies in the MLB semi-final.

Physically, Matt was able to sit in his chair for 3 hrs today and 4 hrs yesterday, and also had his cuff deflated for about 2-3 hrs each day so he could talk to his visitors. He didn't have a trach trial today, but had one yesterday for 1/2 hour (they stopped as this was the first time in a while and didn't want to overdue it - but I guess Matt did great). Please pray for continued success in his trach trials so that his lungs will get stronger, and he will become more independent.