Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Still Hoping

Still praying that Matt will make it to Alberta next weekend. The van is unavailable for comment on its condition so we will wait and see.
Monday Matt does rehab just in Parkridge. Dad wanted to see how Matt would do in the manual wheelchair. As nice as the electric chair is, it really doesn't help Matt with improving his strength and dexterity. So they put Matt in the manual and dad asked Matt if he could move it. Couldn't lift his left hand so dad put the left hand on the wheel and again asked him to move it. Wouldn't you know that he moved the chair a little bit. The biggest problem was lack of grip strength so dad will take it tomorrow and see what the physio? department can rig up to make it easier. Matt did stay in that chair all day, however dad had to push him around so Matt loses a bit of independence. At least dad can keep up with him! Able to do the arm bike for 25 mins with slight tension. They are hoping to have it so if someone is with him and the machine is free, he could exercise whenever he wants.
Tuesday was rehab at City. The stepper didn't work out so well but Matt did great with the upper body tone machine. They also tried him with the Saskpole again, but they had made an error on meds and he was really dopey, felt his head was too fuzzy. So try again next week.
Today dad didn't go with to City for rehab, he sent a stand in. Krista, the RN from RUH went with and said Matt had a great day. They did his standing and walking exercises. Matt walked (not on his own) 25 feet. When I talked to him tonight he told me that his right leg did it on its own without any help but his left could do about 2-3 steps and needed constant persuasion. The left foot has a curling slider on it so he doesn't have to lift it, and his toes want to curl down all the time so they rigged up a rubber band (like those exercise bands) to hold his foot up(a physio therapist has to hold it the whole time). Matt feels soon he may be able to go without the brace, feels stronger in his left he may be able to hold his own weight. But we will wait and see.
Leaps and bounds, Matt. Leaps and bounds!! I get so excited to think of all the progress you have made since Christmas. God has truly been listening to pour prayers and knows what is best for you. When you lay all your burdens at His feet, He loves you even more for putting your complete trust in Him.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30: 15.

Had a busy time at the cancer conference in s'toon including the fire at the hotel!!

will try to see you when I get my next treatment and will get a book to you.

keep on working hard, then take your much deserved rest. ttyl.
smitty

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt
just watching the news and checking up on you! Wind is still cold but at least it is warming up a mite! Kelvin was practising his horses tonight after work. We may be in the city on the 13th as Dan has his surgery on the 14th-so we may try get a visit in with you too. Take care and if those toes wanta curl under maybe you need some toe exercises in bed! Glad to hear of your walk - every step is a step closer eh?yy

Anonymous said...

Hi all. Good job bud u just keep on working all those muscles. Wont be long and u will be driving that wheel chair as easy as the one with the motor. Still cold as ---- here every morning, only1.3 degree this morning frost on the windshields.Good ole saskatchewan. Must get reday for work so will say bye for now.Keep up the godd work.

Anonymous said...

Hi me again that was supossed to be good work

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt. Glad to hear you had a good day yesterday. Cheryl was disappointed she missed you but you were gone to rehab at City. Now that she has a boyfriend in Saskatoon, she will probably be making a few trips up there. Now that she knows how to find you, she will come for sure.

The guys started seeding wheat today and after a little breakdown, it is going not too bad right now. I hope to plant some garden next week.

Take care and hope all your plans go good for your trip to Red Deer. It will nice to have some different scenery and your sisters and brother giving you a rough time. Ha.

Love Aunty Sandy

Anonymous said...

Hey Matt!

Glad to hear that you are making such amazing progress (not that I had any doubt!!)!!

The weather has been pretty nice here, so hopefully it stays that way for your trip to Red Deer...

Hopefully we will get to see you this summer, we will be heading to sask for Michelle's wedding.

Anyways, continue the hard work...and take care.

Love Heather

Anonymous said...

Good morning Matt - very glad to hear this move has been good. You are making amazing progress. You are going to have a great time in Red Deer - easy on those nieces though... the change of scenery for a few days is always nice. Hi to all the moms reading the blog this am - Have a happy mothers day.. Joanne have a great day today... Love to you all Brenda