Much Better

Yesterday Matt was feeling better, still not eating as much but his spirits have improved. Had some visitors from PP who were able to watch Matt "work out" in the gym. Then the occupational therapist played a game with Matt called "Connect Four". It is similar to checkers but it stands upright. Matt won that game however Devin challenged Matt to a game. When it seemed quite apparent the Matt would have to concede defeat, he quickly flicked the game to remove all the chips, so Matt, you are still a poor loser!! When we would play games when he was small, the crying that would go on because he had lost was something to behold, and of course the more we laughed the worse he got.
Dad was getting quite concerned about Matt's weight loss and lack of appetite. He discussed with the dietitian some of the food Matt likes and dislikes. At the beginning of the week, mom or dad fill out a card to say what is offered each day and some choices are available. However 90% of the time he never gets what he ordered. So hopefully the discussion with the dietitian will help matters. Because of the concern, they decided to put Matt back on the tube feeds at night. It isn't really a step back if it will help him regain strength and weight. Thank goodness they didn't take the tube feed out.
Mom arrived from her long hiatus from Matt tonight at 8pm. She observed a noticeable difference in the ease of movement for his right hand and arm. Also the left fingers continue to twitch, which is still hopeful. Also his right leg movements are somewhat stronger and he is having less spasms. We realize that Matt's improvement would be better if he had some private physiotherapy that could come when he feels at his best, say in the evening. So mom said she would look into it. Prayers that if this is the right decision, that things will work out, and that God will lead the way. Proverbs 3:7 "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Another Bad Day

Before I get started, I would just like to thank the person who wrote the devotional message on the comments. We are very much in a world that tells us we must take control of our lives and change what is wrong. The difficulty in doing that is we are unsure of ourselves and often make the wrong choices. It was mentioned that God didn't make us strong, he made us vulnerable so we would turn to him. 1Cor. 1:25 "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."
While speaking with dad tonight, he wanted to let me know that Matt's day yesterday wasn't all about eating. He actually only ate until 5 pm and then didn't eat again until tonight at 5 pm. So 24 hours without food isn't great. Matt weighed 174 lbs in November. Then pneumonia hit and the weight plummeted to 165 lbs. The weight today was 162 lbs. That is one skinny man. However Matt hit a record yesterday of being up in his chair for 10 hours, but it may have been too much as today he could hardly stay in his chair for 3 hours and just wanted to lay down. Rehab was very unsuccessful. They took one look at Matt's peaked and pale face and knew it was not a day for miracles. The doctors ordered x-rays of Matt's chest for tomorrow to see if another infection is taking hold. When they suctioned Matt it was very thick, which makes it difficult for Mattt to cough it up on his own. Thank goodness there is no fever at present and prayers that it stays that way.
I believe Matt is just so tired of being sick. He knows that rehab is so important and feels frustrated when he is unable to do it. Prayers that God will guide the physicians and nurses in discovering what bothers Matt's appetite so bad and that Matt will gain weight from now on.
2 Samuel 22:7 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears."

Sunday: Matt had a tough day on Sunday. Nothing was going well. Everything was bothering him and his neck was really sore. He did not eat anything all day. Dad was feeling bad for Matt and the nurse finally told dad to go home, take a break, and the staff would feed Matt when he got up from his afternoon nap. She said knowing Matt he was just having an off day, and would bounce right back tomorrow. Sure enough that is just what happened. However it is good to know that Matt has far fewer psychological "off" days than others in his position, so he is still pretty positive.
Monday: Matt really picked up today. By the time dad got there in the morning he was up in his chair wanting to eat! And he didn't stop eating all day. The occupational therapist worked with Matt in his room playing games and watching how he could brush his teeth and wash his face. She tried a peg board with small dime size pieces that he had to move, and he did very well. After lunch the physio therapist took Matt to the mat to assess his functional capacity again, just to see if there was any difference from the last one he had before Christmas. tThey stated Matt was gaining in what he could do, that his strength was improving however slowly.
Thanks again to everyone who comes to visit and writes on the blog. Also a great big heartfelt thank you to all who came Dec. 29th hockey game in Porcupine. It was so great for Matt not to think of hospitals and rehab for a short while and it lifted his spirits. We are unsure of the final tally but it was well over $5000. It is a real blessing and can help in so many ways.
Proverbs 18:16 "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."

Quiet Weekend

Not sure what happened today. We had company and they left a short while ago and didn't want to phone dad so late. Also Jacki and the kids were here for a late Christmas celebration. The kids were so excited to get more presents!
Yesterday Matt was able to get his TV hooked up again right before the Canada/Sweden game. Good thing Canada won! Matt had some relatives for company and since there is no rehab on the weekends, it was pretty quiet. The big concern with Matt is is inability to gain weight. He is so sensitive to coughing spells, and any change in body routine sets him feeling nauseated. So prayers that this will pass and we can start beefing him up to increase his strength. Matt also had some trouble breathing but was relieved quickly. Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Dad was feeling much better so I think he was able to visit better with Matt. Hopefully have some more exciting news tomorrow.