Thursday, June 19, 2008

Summer Weather at Last

Not sure what the weather has been like in Sask, but here it has been very wet. Happy to have a day where it didn't rain.
Just to recap that Matt did not make it to ball on Sunday, but visited with Nolan and Lindsay before they returned to Calgary.
Monday Matt had upper extremity stretches in the am and then made chili with another resident. Said it was really good but wouldn't give me the recipe! Then he got to spend an hour in the pool. Was really excited about that. Was able to stand without feeling faint or dizzy. The water pressure on his legs keeps his blood pressure from dropping. Matt had weights on his legs to help prevent them from floating out of position, so Matt tried to lift his right leg with the weights on . Did it twice but got really tired. Because it was Father's Day on Sunday, they had a vintage car show at the nursing home. Matt said there was about 15 vehicles there. They even had a 1934 Chrysler with the original motor in it.
Tuesday tried out the electrical stimulation on his left arm. Asked him if he felt an improvement and agreed he feels like there is something there. Just has to remind himself to move it during the day. Tends to forget about it. Was happy when he discovered he could pu t the brakes on his wheelchair. He bends over and can also put the brake on the left side as well with his right hand. He also found out he can push himself backwards in the wheelchair by using his right foot. However because of the permanent foot pedals on the chair he can't go forward. Matt had forgotten to mention that he is being treated for a urinary tract infection since last Thursday. That could explain why he has been feeling so poorly, but states he also has a sore throat in the am's. So when Matt tried the sit stand frame felt really awful and didn't do too well.
Wednesday Matt worked out on the arm bike for 20 mins. Practiced transferring from the chair to the bed. Only needed 2 people to help transfer and said that at times only one person was needed. Great work Matt!
Today Matt tried doing activities of daily living. Could almost get his shirt on by himself but had trouble getting it over his left elbow and shoulders. Tried standing today but his blood pressure kept going wacko. Went from 90/60 to 75/50 and felt really dizzy. Played badminton in the gym but instead of a birdie he uses a balloon. Can hit it almost every timeas long as it is hit right to him.
Prayers for Matt's continued recovery. God has not forgotten about you Matt, and we thank Him everyday for small miracles.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey matty great to hear that you are doing some different things. it makes it better to know that you arent doing the same things and are experienceing new things. it is finally warm here today and the sun is shining . hope it last more than a few hrs.
the park is busy today with dump trucks coming and going at a continuous pace as there are two new cabins being built.it has been like that for awhile now. but that 30 sign out there doesnt do a hill of beans for people that cant read. and the road is really wash boardy.....no matter how slow you go.
take care big guy and have a great day.
e*

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt....just a quick note to let you know I am heading to the lake for a week with Sandy & Shauna & Jada....All the guys will come for Sat June 27th....I talked with your Mom before and I told her I am hoping her and your Dad can bring you out for the Saturday the 28th for the day....Your Mom knows where we are!!!!! I will call you during the week to touch base. Have a great week and hope to see you that Saturday....I am so proud of all your accomplishments!!! Keep up the great work...Love you
Aunty Karen

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've been working hard. I love the pool as well, but since we've been out at the farm, I haven't had the opportunity to go for a morning swim here in Hudson Bay. Really miss it as I did it every week day last summer.

I was in Saskatoon on Thursday and thought I might drop in but I've been suffering with a really bad cold and didn't think you'd appreciate if I passed it on to you or any other residents there. I was disappointed that I was feeling the way I was because I was looking forward to popping in to say hi.

Well, must run. Need to finish printing the bulletin for church and head out the door. Have a super day.

Bev