Sunday, September 21, 2008

Apprehensive

Talked to both mom and Matt tonight and I think they are quite nervous about coming to Red Deer. Not the trip itself, but being away from home. However, I think once they are here and Matt being able to work out everyday will help in the long run.
Last Monday Matt was able to visit with the fellow from Saskatoon again. His dad and him went hunting but never got anything.
Matt has been going to the Golden Age quite often and enjoys playing cards with the men.
Wednesday they travelled to Melfort for rehab. The physio therapist working with Matt has family from Somme. His dad actually lived 4 miles away. What a small world. Matt was at rehab for 2 1/2 hours and felt he did really well. First on the agenda was the sit/stand machine. However it was not the right kind so it was a bit more difficult but Matt was still able to stand for 10 minutes the first time and 5 mins the second time. Second thing the PT worked on was rolling on the mat. Trying to strengthen Matt's core muscles so got him to lay on his back and put a small roll under his knees. Then Matt had to try and lift his bent leg up while keeping his stomach muscles tight. Matt's right leg is much sronger so was able to do about 10 reps. The left leg he was able to do almost 5. Very hard exercises for anyone. Worked out on weights as well and tried a new exercises again involving core strengthening. Sat Matt on a special cushion which helps stabilize him. But they wanted him to move back and forth to put him off balance so his body would try to straighten him out. By the time the left he was exhausted. Just wish his left arm didn't pain him so much. Please pray for improvement in the shoulder and arm.
Saturday Matt had a great massage. A girl he went to school with comes home every three weeks and brought her massage table with her so Matt was able to lay down on his stomach for 1 1/2 hours. Felt great. Hasn't laid on his stomach for that long since before his accident.
Tonight company came over to visit and wanted to help Matt stand. It was awkward and not the prettiest standing maneuver, but it wasn't bad. Thanks for helping! Any exercise Matt can get is great. Quite tired tonight when I talked with him so couldn't hold the phone for long. Still getting stuff ready for them when they come to Red Deer so have to sign off. Thanks again for those who continue to read the blog and pray for Matt's recovery.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

so good to see that you are getting out and showing those ol guys how to play crib. might not be what you want but it might be what you need.
we will be home at the end of the month or 1st of oct but dont know for sure yet. board meeting tomorrow so will find out then i guess. was hoping to get to see you. miss seeing that tall fellow once in awhile.. cold here today with lots of mist. greg is busy on the course getting ready for winter. brought one of the girls back to help out. farmer type eh. anyway greg wants her to go for a swim as they lost a chain trying to bring the big diving board in. it is a double decker and very popular but im not just quite sure of it. it kinda scares me cause it is right at the drop off point in the lake. so they have to bring it in and move it back out again in the spring.lots of work around here. only have 10 trailers left in the park in the seasonal spots and they will be gone right away.
take are of yourself and continue getting stronger.
ella

Anonymous said...

Good Morning. Its a little cool here but not to bad yet. Good to hear your getting out a playing cards at the golden age, have they let you win a game yet Matt. Its tuff to leave home but you will be back so it wont be that bad once you get there. Thw worst will be the big sister pushing you to do your exercises but you need that so I'm on her side. (sorry Matt) Must get ready for work now so will chat later. Say hi to everybody for us.Bryon,Brenda&fam.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you did so well with the rehab at Melfort. Will be great to get back on a regular diet of exercise and physio. I am sure you will do just fine - just as you have with everything in the past. Just keep on pushing - we know you have more stamina than I will ever think of having.

Love to read your blog Shelly - and know it takes time out of your busy schedule - thanks... Be easy on your brother when he gets there.

Joanne you will do fine as well - give me a call and let me know how things are going. Love to hear from you as well,

Love Aunty Brenda