New Machine

They are always trying new things with Matt to try and improve his current abilities.And you can really tell. When I watch him on the webcam, I ask him to move his right arm and he does it so much easier and with greater range of motion. The physio is really focusing on his mobility and taking his movements to the max and spends less time on weight training. So he may not be able to lift as much, but he can move so much better.
Monday Matt spent the day in his electric wheelchair. As much as Matt wants to be in his manual, he is unable to do his exercises in it. The back is high and wraps around him like a seat of a sports car, so he can't pull his arm back when he does the arm bike. Matt went outside for quite a bit and was proud to show me the beginnings of a tan. He has been eating spitz like crazy which makes him stay outside longer. He can grab the spitz out of the bag himself, however his hands are too big to get them out of the bag. So dad pours the spitz into a cup which Matt grabs and he can pour the quantity he wants into his mouth(which is usually alot!). Spent 1 1/2 hours in therapy doing the arm bike and pulleys.
Today was another beautiful day, maybe not with sunshine but was still warm. They made the trip to City for rehab and they tried Matt in a machine that he stands in, but doesn't do any walking. It is on a stand with wheels, and they strap Matt's upper body in and his legs rest against a cushioned area in the front. It can be moved around the room, so Matt can remain standing and go other places. It would be a great machine to have at home to gain muscle in his legs when he visits. He didn't stand long today, just getting used to the new machine. Felt like he was tipping to the right all the time. Also worked out in the gym on the stepper, however wasn't very successful because he had tired himself out on the stand machine. Matt is finding his left arm is getting stronger, the dexterity is slow but the pushing/ pulling movement is coming. Neck is feeling better because he just got a massage.
Lots of prayers for the van to be road worthy for the long trip. Dad is quite concerned but Matt really wants to come and just visit with family and have a different change of pace. Nothing is too great for God when you put your trust in Him. Psalms 56:4 "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid."