House full of kids

The blog is late, it was all Jacki's fault. She came for a visit, both of us went and seen cousin Patti curl in Red Deer until 11:30 pm, and her Bobby wakes up at 6:00 am. So all her fault. Anyway, Matt had an interesting day yesterday. First thing in the morning, had a episode where he de-sated, but turned out it was just a mucus plug in the tube. Then Dad and Matt went up to rehab to visit Rocky. They took the portable O2 with them, but the nurse said to keep an eye on it, was not sure how long the tank would last. So 25 mins into the visit, dad checked the tank, it was on red (empty). The rehab nurse came to check, and the O2 wasn't even on! So Matt had been without O2 for 25 mins!. He said he was fine, but dad was worried so they went back to ICU, got it straightened out, and resumed their visit. Way to show them, Matt. You are a tough one! Had a haircut and a bath, so is all ready for the weekend. Last night, Matt convinced the resp. therapist to cap his trach again. They didn't want to but Matt insisted and completed 2 hours. He likes it because he can talk much louder (which he needs to so he can compete with Gary). Gary arrived yesterday evening, and today they watched a couple of movies and Matt showed him around the hospital. Once the staff figured out the best way to sit Matt in his chair, he can control the wheelchair like anything. Gary and Matt played Trivia Pursuit Star Wars edition, which Gary won, only because he is such a nerd! Matt is now able to use the call bell to call the nurse. It is flat, and they put it close to his hand, and he is able to lift up his hand and hit the bell himself. More company from home, which Matt really enjoyed because he finagled a massage from one of them. It's those big Bambi eyes that gets them every time. I know, because he used it on me all the time. So tonight they are taking Matt Chinese food, by special order, and I may possibly speak to Matt on the phone. Prayers that Matty keeps his wonderful spirit and praise that he has so many prayers for him! James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Another Good Day

Matt was a hungry man yesterday. Usually Matt doesn't eat too much of his dinner at 12:00, and yesterday it was no exception. However Dad got him a BLT and fries, which he gobbled in no time. Supper was also eaten without exception, which was another first, because it was the hospital food. As anyone who has been in the hospital, the food leaves much to be desired. The weather was cold, but Dad and Matt braved the element's and went outside for a spin around the grounds. Then off to "exemisises" (what Jonmarie calls exercises). Last week, when Matt had sat on the floor with support, then put his hands behind him, he was able to support himself for 3 mins. Now he was able to hold himself for 6 mins. They also practiced rolling on the floor. With help, he was able to do it 4 times. But dad said the 3rd time, Matt almost did it himself. Keep up the hard work, Matt. It will pay off.
They did no further capping of the trach yesterday, however Matt still did 13 hours with the cuff down, and minimal support from the ventilator. With the cuff down, he talked to mom on the phone. I think she is having a hard time being away from Matt. It is like being away when your baby rolls for the first time. As a mother, you don't want to miss anything! Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

God Is With Us

I am always amazed at the power of prayer. Exodus 15:11 " Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"Matt had such a good day with only a few minor setbacks. They capped Matt's trach today. But let me explain it to you first. When Matt has his cuff deflated, he is still hooked up to the ventilator at the lowest setting and moisture is continuously running. But with the trach capped, the inner cannula of the trach is removed and the cuff deflated, so he can only breathe with his nose and mouth. The respiratory therapist then puts Matt on nasal prongs, so O2 is still entering his system to give him and extra boost. It is hard work, and Matt lasted over 1 hour. 1 hour & 15 mins to be exact. We are so proud of you! God is watching over you always. Matt had emesis again after he ate dinner, but he was having trouble breathing and they suctioned him, which always makes him gag (it would make anyone gag!).
But to me the best news of all is when I was able to hear Matt's voice on the phone. He now has a phone in his room. It is a bit complicated, and is only working if he phones out. But to hear his voice was so encouraging. His sense of humor is still as sharp, I laughed for 15 mins. Matt is trying to grow a beard, and states he looks like a mexican! He received a carved pumpkin and a mask (pirate) from one of the nurses, so Halloween was full of "Shiver me timbers" But the worst was, when he was sleeping one of the nurses painted his toenails lime green! And he knows which one did it, though no one is talking. Matt said they better watch out once he is mobile! Prayers that everyone has a safe Halloween!!

At a standstill

We seem to be in neutral at this point. We are hoping they change their plan of not pushing the trach trial longer than 13 hours. Matt really wants to continue moving forward, so lets pray that will happen. Proverbs 4:25 "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." He had lots of company, which is great and even better with the cuff deflated so he can talk, instead of reading his lips (which Matt knows I am not good at, he would just roll his eyes in disgust!). Matt's appetite is improving slowly, and he ate very well today. A bit of nausea when getting up in his chair, but it was a rough ride. Enough said. Massage therapist was in again to work out those kinks. She has a hard time doing it herself, so it wasn't as good as she would have liked, but it is better than nothing. Still hoping he will go upstairs tomorrow or Thursday to rehab for a few hours. Needs to continue building those muscles. Gary is coming this weekend, and then Matt could give him a workout. Just ask him to play a game of Trivia Pursuit Matt, that should keep him quiet! We continue to thank all those who respond to the blog, who read it, who take encouragement from it, and for those who come and see Matt. Every act of encouragement keeps him looking ahead and looking up. Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Double Touble

Isn't a great title, but oh well. Matt was up in his chair today at 1 pm. The occupational therapist and physical therapist were there to assess Matt's muscle strength. The last time they had tested him was 2 weeks ago. They were really surprised to find Matt had doubled his strength in his right arm, hand, and shoulder. Way to work hard Matt! Little by little , it will continue to improve. They had also hooked him up to muscle stimulation with electrodes to his bicep and triceps. They didn't think Matt was so strong yet, and when they asked him to bend his elbow, he nearly knocked himself out with a punch! After that they turned it down, and used less stimulus to help him along. Practice those punches for when Gary gets there! They are continuing with Matt being off the ventilator during the day (13-14 hours), and on it at night. Hoping he will be able to go to rehab for part of the day starting Wed. or Thurs. They also refitted him for a new "touchie cushie" or a bum cushion for his wheelchair. It works on the same principle as his air mattress, so feels like he is sitting on the clouds. I need that for when I am marking papers! Thanks again to dad for all the info. Matt, we are daily reminded of God's great goodness and mercy. We are so glad you are pushing ahead and keeping strong in faith. Ephesians 1:16 "I have no stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."

Tim Horton's

Matt right hand is getting so much stronger, he was able to pick up one of Tim Horton's timbits today. He could almost get it to his mouth, but it fell out of his grasp. Once they put it in Matt's hand and closed his fingers around it, he could then bring it too his mouth. Keep up the good work. Those timbits will put weight on your body! Matt was also able to pick up a ball that was put close to his hand, then he flicked his wrist, and threw the ball over the side of the bed! So much progress is great to hear. Tubby time in the whirlpool today, so his body is now as clean as his hair! Mom was glad to see him looking and smelling so good before she left. She must return to work again, and will not be back until next Wednesday. She will be amazed at what Matt can do by then. Trach trials continue to go well, and they are going to continue to keep Matt on the ventilator at night, to make sure that his infection is gone and ensure he is getting enough moisture. While during the trach trials, Matt is on 35%O2 with moisture (that is the lowest it can go), and his cuff is deflated so he can talk. But at night, the ventilator helps him to breathe and the O2 and moisture are higher. The deadline is Christmas for Matt to be off the ventilator, so they don't want any setbacks. This way, they can almost guarantee success. Matt 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Lazy Day

Sorry the blog is so late. Mom is in Prince Albert celebrating at Aunty Sandy's surprise birthday party, and I was unable to get a hold of her. Dad said Matt had a lazy day yesterday, which is only right on a weekend. The trach trial had started at 9:30 am, and when dad left at 11:00 pm, he was still on it. So definitely over 14 hours. They were going to try it while he was sleeping, so hopefully update you later today. Did not eat as well yesterday, but he also had such a quiet day that didn't build up an appetite. Had his hair washed, so again he is one spiffy looking guy.
They finally found Matt a new bed, a 7 footer. Took them a long time to find one to fit him. Dad says he looks great in it. They were worried about foot drop, because of his feet hanging over the edge of the bed. A very difficult condition to fix so thank the Lord for the proper size bed. Psalms 105:3-4"Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face evermore". Matt watched Colorado be defeated again, and he is not too happy about it. But I hope the win the Roughriders had the other night makes up for it.