Matt had a really good day. This is Day #6 with no suctioning and Matt is feeling great. The exciting thing was in rehab. They decided to try a new machine to see how Matt would do. It is a little complicated to explain, so forgive me if you don't quite understand. I haven't see it myself so I have to use my imagination.
This machine is different from the tilt table, where they strap Matt into it and tilt him into an upright position. He doesn't use his own muscles to do this, it is to see if he can handle the upright position without his blood pressure dropping.
So this "standing" machine looks like a hammock and Matt sits in this hammock/sling. They put straps around Matt's upper body so he won't fall out. In front of Matt is a table that he can rest his arms on that moves with the machine (hammock). Matt puts his feet on the floor on a blue sticky mat so his feet won't slide. So now Matt looks like he is sitting at a desk with his elbows and arms on the table. They slowly raise him up with the machine until Matt is almost in a standing position but his knees are slightly bent. Then the therapist asked Matt to use his arms, bum, and legs to push himself up the rest of the way. Matt was able to move about 3 inches off the hammock! Then he did it again 4 more times but stopped due to exhaustion. Way to go Matt! What a great feeling that must have been to put pressure on your feet for the first time in 7 months! And he had no dizzy spells or blood pressure dropping at all. Another plus!
I can't wait for mom to see him do this today and will give you feedback on her reaction later.
Signed Frosty the Snow-woman!
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10 comments:
Hey Matty
The progress is great. Im glad to hear you are feeling better. It is so cold out here right now, nobody has worked in 3 days everything is shut down. Even dad is in Swift Current and tey are shut down there too. Matt if you need anything or if you just want to BS give me a call 306 834-8399
Benny Boy
Wow, just wow! That must have felt awesome. Defying the odds I would say. Keep up the good work and STAY WARM. Reg never even left the house today. Income tax time I guess instead.
The Hertz's
Hey little brother,
Glad you are doing so well - the power of positive thinking and prayer! I sure hope to be able to make a trip down to see you in February depending on Mom & Dad's accomodations (i.e. kid friendly or not!) Keep up the breathing exercises as getting that trach out is key to your success. Lots of love.... Jacki & family.
good to hear you got to that machine and did so well the first time-way to go! Keep working hard-yy
That is so awesome about the standing machine.. and you lifting yourself off the hammock, it's so good to hear, that there is always something different and new for you to do. Keep up the great work..
holy cow matt, you made my day. what a great feat to do. keep it up big guy.what a surprise for mom. keep up the great work and stay warm.ella
Holy cow! I had shivers when I read about your latest accomplishment- and it wasn't even because of the wind chill! Ha! Way to go, Matt!!! Fabulous!! You continue to amaze and inspire us all. We're very proud of you! Keep up the awesome work!
Love, Shannon, Ray and kids xoxoxo
Yeah Matt! Way to go! Glad to hear that the standing up thing went well. I'm sure it was quite exciting. It was exciting to read about it. Keep up the good work!
Darryl & Denise
Great Job Matt!!!!!! Keep up all your hard work and you will be walking out in this cold in no time!! MW
Way to Go, Matty!!
Great to hear you are continuing to progress. All of Porcupine is rooting for you.
The Fosters
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