The new leg machine

Today Matt had his first go at the leg machine (for 20 minutes) - a motorized bike that peddles his legs which will help to strengthen his leg & butt muscles. Matt was a bit disappointed that he couldn't put much effort himself into the machine, but he forgets that his biggest muscle (i.e. butt) has disappeared in the last 4 months. As he uses this machine more, he will only get stronger. He also had a stint at the arm machine for 10 minutes. Since he has an IV in his left arm, they couldn't strap his arms in as tight, and therefore he couldn't do quite as much as yesterday. But the IV should only be there for another 4 days and then he'll be able to make a better effort (IV is for the antibiotics to fight his lung infection).

Matt had another great trach trial today for 9 hours and 5 mins. It could be longer, but mom is still at the hospital and we do not know when they put him back on the ventilator. He had also had lots of company who came bearing food (gotta love those cookies!) He's really enjoying the homemade goodies! Quick note from Nolan, states Matt looks great and was he was so surprised when he saw Matt lift his hand to his nose by himself. He was actually teasing Matt by putting a french fry in his hand, and watching him try to get it to his mouth (the meanie!!!). Matt kept saying -"stupid fry"! This is great practice for Matt - anything to keep him motivated. Joshua 1: 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage: do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

9 hours

Matt did an incredible 9 hour trach trial today! Was very exciting and I think he was very proud of himself. And he did this with an infection still hovering, so well done Matt! Another workout day in the gym, and Matt was on the mat today. They propped him up with his arms behind him and palms on the ground, like when you sit on the floor to watch TV. They assisted him but he was able to sit that way for 3 minutes. Strengthens his stomach muscles and his arm muscles. They tried to get him to roll over, but that one still needs more practice. Ate around 3000 calories all day, which was great, but still not maintaining his weight. Matt could eat a horse and not maintain his weight! He was very excited for his friend Rocky, who was able to drive a car today with a driver trainer. I am not sure how he did, but wish him the best. Once Matt masters the wheelchair, next will be the Jeep Cherokee! Watch out Weekes! They are having trouble finding a wheelchair for Matt. They wanted to get him a second hand one, but there is none in Sk. to fit his size. Hopefully they will see the need to custom make him one, regardless of price. So big praise today for the trach trial and prayers for continued big steps forward. Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Long Day

With Matt only getting the one sleeping pill, he is awake much earlier and doesn't sleep in the afternoon. So that makes for a long day. But it was also busy. It was tubby time, and I am sure that feels great. Hopefully they let him have a bit of a soak. His trach trials are going awesome, with today being a grand total of 6hours, 20 min. He does get pretty tired, but knows it is for the best. He also went outside today, and motored around in his chair. He can only do it by himself for a short time. His hand movement has improved, but his muscle strength is very weak. They gave him so more exercises to do. Mom had spoken with the doctor, and he said there was still swelling around the spinal cord, which causes compression. That can remain anywhere up to 18 months, so we will continue to see progress as that swelling slowly goes down. So by that standard, Matt is doing great. They have also encouraged him to do exercises himself every 20 mins. Sometimes it is easy to forget, so they put a sign on his board. And when company comes, encourage him to show you what he can do. Matt still feels numbness in his hands and feet, but when you think about it, when you watch TV in a chair for even 2 hours, everything is stiff, sore, and you may have numbness in the butt! So Matt, it will come. You just must continue to work hard and believe. Your cheering squad is always in your corner. Psalms 54:4 "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me."

Breathing Keeps Improving

Matt's trach trial lasted 5 3/4 hours today. They were hoping for 6, but when they reached 5 1/2 hours, Matt wanted to come off. However, they kept encouraging him to push a little harder, and Mom was right there cheering him on. He had been awake at 8:30 am, and hadn't slept since, so he was tired. But they got an extra 15 mins from him. Way to go Matt! That extra 15 mins is hard earned. They did suction Matt for lots of thick mucous, but it was still okay. O2 levels are still great. Thanks again for continued company. It really encourages Matt and keeps him focused on family and friends, and that they are an important process in the healing. Eating well, and weight was again up to 174lbs, had taken a bit of a dip before. Watched Nolan play some video games. Watch it Nolan, Matt is memorizing what you are doing and will soon kick your butt! Last night they gave Matt's sleeping pills earlier than usual, and want to see if that helps him so he is not so groggy in the morning. Maybe then he would be able to eat breakfast, which he doesn't feel up to doing right now. All in all a good day. I encourage everyone who believes to pray when they read this blog for Matt's continued success in his trach trials and movements. James 5:15 "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." Matt this is a verse for you, Mark 11: 24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

5 hours

Matt did a trach trial for 5 HOURS today. Even with the infection he is still barrelling ahead. He also sat up in his chair for 5 hours as well. Let's pray that his new chair will come sooner than later, as his current chair is very uncomfortable. It was workout time today, as Matt went downstairs to the gym, where they put him on the machine that moves his arms. From what I understand, Matt has to do some of it on his own, but the machine helps stabilize his arms. I think Matt's feeling a bit discouraged that the movement, and especially the strength is so slow in coming. But remember Matt, that each nerve ending has to heal. They have been without brain stimulus for a long time and need lots of "reminders" and practice. 3 1/2 months without much movement really eats your muscles. I read an article about people in space, that their muscles waste away very quickly with no exertion from very little gravity. Same thing with Matt. It will come. Jacki and kids left today, but big brother Nolan showed up to cheer Matt on. Brought a few movies along with his brotherly love, and they are all set. A note of praise. By the end of December, the wonderful apartment that mom and dad have been using is needed by the owners. Today, a nurse offered her house for 3 months while they are in New Zealand. So another answer to prayer. Job 26:24-26 "Remember to extol his work, which men have praised in song. All mankind has seen it; men gaze on it from afar. How great is God- beyond our understanding."

Strong Matt

The infection is not keeping Matt down as much this time. He still was able to do a 4 hour trach trial, but did have more trouble at the end. He also ate a little better today with no emesis. Need to build up that body, so has to keep the food in. Mom said he had lots of mucous, but he is so strong with his coughing that he is able to bring it up himself, so very little suctioning today. He was up in his chair, but only for 2 1/2 hours. His neck gets so sore, the chair is not built for him so gets uncomfortable. What chair could accommodate those long legs! Just a note that Jacki and the kids are leaving tomorrow, so need some visitors who like to play Yahtzee or dice. Maybe even a game of trivia pursuit, but let me warn you, he has all the answers memorized. He said he doesn't but that is the only way he could beat me! A real inspirational discussion was had by mom and a physician who doesn't know Matt, but had read through his files from RUH. He wanted mom to know that Matt has far exceeded anything they thought he would do. Everyone is amazed by Matt's continued recovery. Thank goodness we relied on faith of the power from above and not faith in man. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Prayers for Matt's continued recovery and the ventilator off before Christmas.