Mom left

I will have to write about yesterday. Unable to contact dad tonight. Mom had to go back to Weekes to work, feeling down and teary, she will be gone for 10 days. God doesn't prevent things from happening, but if we ask he will give us the strength to persevere. Hebrews 5:3
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope". We may not rejoice now, but maybe 1 year down the road we will. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see".
I think we see all the progress because we are not there for the day by day struggles, but mom, dad and Matt feel progress is slow. So to recap, 6 months ago, Matt was unable to move at all, not able to drink even a tiny sip of water, constant pain, unable to even mouth words due to the ventilator in his mouth, and prognosis was very bleak. So if you look at it that way, you've come a long way, baby!! Yesterday's teleconference was with the doctor in Vancouver, to give tips on what should be done and what may help. The urologist consult found that Matt's urinary sphincter, instead of releasing when he has to pee, actually constricts or tightens, so it is not quite working properly yet. Hoping they may give him some exercises to help that.
Talking about Matt going home for Christmas. Still up in the air. They want him to have an air mattress for the hospital bed, so we can rent one from the hospital for $100/week. Prayers that Matt's pneumonia will be better and he can come home to Weekes.
Matt is getting better at playing crib. He can pull out the card if you hold them, and then lay the card down. Not only that, he can peg on the crib board as well. That is fine motor skills and that is great news. When mom would lift his left hand, he could wiggle his four fingers, and his thumb would quiver. But that is how his right hand started and look what it is doing now. Matt's TV is one that comes out of the wall, like most hospital rooms. If situated so he can reach it, he can turn off the TV, change channels, turn volume up and down. Great job Matt! We are so proud of you! You keep astounding them everyday, and never give up. We have half the country rooting for you. Praise God for continued success. Joshua 1:5 "....as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Exercises

Jacki and the kids are leaving today, so last night was very busy. Jacki and Dad went to see Matt and Grandma got to stay with the kids. They are working on getting Matt to strengthen his neck muscles. When his head goes too far forward, he is unable to lift his head back up. And strong neck muscles are needed for most of his movements. The physio is working on transferring from the chair to the elevated mat, rolling over using the swinging motion of his arms and head, and starting to get him into a sitting position. That one will take more time a work, but it will come. Matt's stomach muscles are getting stronger every day, so time will tell.
Everyone ate in the lunchroom. A 25 year old patient in there keeps coming and asking Matt to join the group. However Matt is still self conscious and doesn't go in there too often. But last night he did. Jacki said that she would hold mini carrots in her hand and Matt would be able to pick them up and put them in his mouth. He dropped a few, but he did that before his accident as well! He doesn't really use his fingers for much, because the tips are still numb and he can't feel with them very well. So when he wants to scratch his nose, he curls his right hand into a fist and scratches with his knuckles.
Today will be a busy day. They have a teleconference with the specialists in Vancouver regarding the strength of his diaphragm. Way back in Sept I think, there was a discussion on implanting a "pacemaker"in his diaphragm to help him with his breathing. Matt's diaphragm still isn't the strongest, so not sure what they will discuss. Then his physio at 1100, urologist consult at 1 pm and then more exercises in the afternoon. So hopefully mom will be able to tell me some good things. Will write again tonight.

Matt's new exercise partner

Matt had some very active visitors for his physio in the gym. Bobby, Jacki's boy, decided to help Matt with his exercises. Bobby loved playing with the balls, climbing the stairs, general 2 1/2 year old stuff. So Jacki could not tell me how Matt's exercises were, because she was preoccupied. And I thought all mom's had eyes in the back of their heads! After the gym, Matt took Amy, Jacki's girl, for a ride in his chair. She sat with him the whole time. Then Bobby got a turn, however he is a bit more busy, so it was a short lived ride.
Matt ate somewhat better today, and Jacki is supposed to encourage fluids, but "forcing" sounds more appropriate. Matt says he is going to swim pretty soon, he is so full. And Jacki tried to help him with his coughing. If you time it just right, when Matt is in the middle of a cough, you push on his stomach to "assist" him with coughing. However Jacki forgot to let go, so when he tried to breathe in, he couldn't because she still had her hand bearing down into his abdomen. She finally caught on when Matt started to turn blue! Well it wasn't quite that bad, but "assisted" breathing now has a whole new meaning!
Mom had bought Matt a Christmas tree, so his room is more festive. There are some stickers on his window as well, which prevents him from spying on the people in the parking lot. Just remember, if you come to visit, someone is watching you!
Whispers is now at the house waiting for surgery. He needs new batteries, but there is quite a waiting list, and it might not get done this year. And the surgeon went home, and the resident on call is not the best when it comes to these types of procedures (sorry mom!), so best to wait until the specialist comes back (dad, bring your tools)!
Last night, I prayed very hard for Matt to be free from anxiety during the night, however I forgot to pray for him to sleep. And wouldn't you know it, Matt was up from 4-6 am, just because he couldn't sleep, but he had no anxiety. I will have to be more specific tonight! Thanks for all the continued prayers for Matt, and keep them coming! James 5:11 "As you know we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

Anxiety Begone!

Matt has been having some issues with anxiety attacks at night. He wakes up and can't go back to sleep. Those panic attacks make it hard for him to breathe properly, and his neck becomes really sore from being so tense. They didn't get him up for rehab until mom came, because Matt was so tired with dark circles under his eyes. But eventually he did make it to the gym, and mom was surprised at how much more strength Matt has. She hasn't been to rehab with him for a few weeks. When they hooked Matt up to the bicycle for his arms, he was able to push with his left wrist and arm, even though his hand doesn't move much. When he sits at a table, he is able to reach across and grab the edge of the table with his right hand. Also, by manipulating certain nerves and muscles in his butt, Matt is able to move his legs slightly up and down. The physio bends his knees, and then Matt slowly slides his feet towards his bum to bend his legs more. (When mom explains it, I try to visual it in my head to explain it to you, however it may not be exactly correct).
Since Matt has been on antibiotics, he hasn't been eating or drinking as well. It is more difficult for Matt to stay hydrated in rehab. In ICU, it was one on one care and the staff were continuously in and out to push fluids. In rehab, they only come when he calls with the buzzer, and he cannot drink without someone to help him. So the doctor encouraged Matt to ring every hour for something to drink. They are a little worried his secretions are getting too thick, and his cough isn't as strong. But Matt doesn't want any O2 or moisture at night, so hopefully he will drink enough fluids.
Jacki and the kids came down for a visit. Matt is always glad to see his niece and nephew. And of course Jacki as well, though I don't know why! She is terrible to play games with because she hates to lose! I know where Matt gets it from!
Prayers that the anxiety attacks will diminish, and Matt will get good nights rest. Needs to be strong for his workouts. 1 Thess 5:16 "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

Lots of company

Yesterday was quiet in regards to physio, but very busy with company. When Matt went to sleep at 11 pm, it was a good tired. He was exhausted, but it will help him sleep throughout the night. Friday night they had to suction him quite a bit, and then had to give him gravol for nausea. Mom is not sure how he slept last night, but hopefully it was better.
Yesterday he also joined the ICU staff for a pizza party. It was a party "just because", which is as good of reason as any to have a get together. Eating by himself is still progressing. Matt can get the spoon to his mouth about 5-6 times. The hardest part is getting the food on the spoon, or stabbing it with his fork. But it all helps that fine motor skills to "relearn" what is once knew to do, but now needs repetition to remember how it works properly.
3 more days worth of antibiotics and then the IV can come out. It is in a very awkward place, which makes it a pain, but hopefully this will be the last pneumonia Matt will ever get. Colds, okay, maybe an earache or two, but no more pneumonia!! However the respiratory therapist feels Matt's lungs and immune system have improved so much that he is fighting a lot of it on his own.
Prayers for no more pneumonia and home for Christmas. Praise for continued strength and recovery. Col. 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body your were called to peace. And be thankful."