Slower Pace

Yesterday Matt was feeling a bit more sluggish. Felt dizzy in the am which affected his exercises. He did the 20 mins on the arm bike and then went to City to do some standing exercises. Matt had to sit down on the first attempt at standing because he felt dizzy but managed to stand again. He did really well when he practiced taking small baby steps. The right foot is much stronger but they were surprised at the left, which he also took 2 good steps with. Now it is not the same steps you or I would take. Matt's brain and body have forgotten how to walk so they continually encourage him and tell him what he should be doing next: lift your foot, bend the knee, twist at the hip to swing your foot forward. If Matt's feet are a big sluggish they sometimes prod it forward with their own feet. So it is really a process but Matt never gives up!!
I actually had a laugh at one of the exercises they want Matt to practice to strengthen him to use the Sask Pole (remember, the pole that goes from ceiling to floor and is beside his bed to aide in transferring). They want him to practice a movement similar to starting a push mower and all I could picture is Uncle Neil at every dance I have ever seen him at doing the lawnmower dance, especially to "Old Time Rock and Roll"! So Matt, get Uncle Neil to come show you how it is done!
Matt also tried the stepper again but wasn't very successful. He had such a good day on Tuesday that it was hard to beat. I had forgot to mention on Tuesday Matt was able to transfer from the chair to the mat using the transfer board and only 2 people helping him, which was really great. It was also good when he got back to Parkridge he got a massage.
Today was sad because mom had to go back to work. But dad always steps up to the plate and pinch hits. She left at 1100 to get to work by 2:45, talk about cutting it close. I guess travelling that same route so many times over the last year gives her a good estimation about arrival time. Matt had therapy on his arms at 3:30. Went outside but still really windy. When I asked him if he was doing any exercises in bed he told me at every commercial, he opens his left hand. He tries not to close it because the muscle tone is so bad, if he closes it he can't get them open again. Works on wiggling his toes too. Keep at it Matt, the journey continues and we are all with you, if not in body , then in Spirit. Please put a memory verse in the blog comments for tonight. I'll get back on track for the next blog!