Thanks to all for continued support of Matt and our family. Sometimes you feel like your in a bubble alone and it feels great when the bubble pops! Matt had a pretty good day. He bounces back so well from everything. Dad arrived at 1:30 pm and was glad to see Matt looking so chipper. Matt's day consisted of a bath, stretches, 3/4 hour on the mat, 1/2 in the gym, and an outing to Tim Horton's for coffee! Wish it wasn't so cold in Sask. but managed it anyway. Went by cab and really enjoyed it.
Dad said Matt had so much company from home that by the evening he was feeling pretty tired. Matt had also been up since 7 am and didn't nap much during the day. But when Kristen brought Matt some KFC, he seemed to bounce back! He ate most of the chicken, fries, and the drink by himself. However Kristen helped him with the last piece just so he could rest his arm. Thank you Lord for your continued hand upon Matt. Psalms 145:14 "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
Another funny story about Matt came to mind while I was watching my daughter Shaunie. When Matt was learning to use the potty, he would whip his pants down 50 feet from the bathroom and waddle like a penguin the rest of the way. Thought it was quite funny until he started kindergarten and I was in Grade 12 and seen him coming down the hallway with "everything" on display because he needed to use the washroom. You should have seen me run that day1 Now my daughter does the same thing! Thanks for passing that on, Matt!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Blue Day
I could have written last night but was feeling blue regarding some news Matt received yesterday so I decided things always look brighter in the morning so I waited. Matt and mom attended a "Family Conference" to talk about the plans for Matt. They kept asking Matt what he wanted to do when he was discharged and what his plans are. He would just say "I want to feel better". So for now the discharge date from rehab is Feb. 29 (one day after his 21st birthday). They meeting was very discouraging because they feel that they have taken Matt as far as he will go and that he hasn't progressed in the last month. They really pointed at the fact that when we took him home, it was against their wishes and we had set him back. After the meeting Matt was feeling like a burden, that recovery may very well be impossible. I have a few things to say to you Matt. They are just human, and no one knows what the future will hold. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God, take up your shield of faith, because faith in the Lord gives you hope. He has done so much for you Matty, sometimes it seems so long ago that we forget.
And in regards of Matthew not progressing this last month, he can now write his name, not just print it, he plays Sudoku?(not sure how to spell it) and fill in the letter spaces himself, he can lift his right leg off the bed for a few seconds, and is gaining strength in his left arm. So Matt, you do not have to feel like there is no progress. But you do not have to do it yourself. Call on Him for the strength to continue, and every time you have rehab, ask him to carry you past the moment of stopping. Show them what the Lord and you can do together. Ephesians 6:16-18 "...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
And in regards of Matthew not progressing this last month, he can now write his name, not just print it, he plays Sudoku?(not sure how to spell it) and fill in the letter spaces himself, he can lift his right leg off the bed for a few seconds, and is gaining strength in his left arm. So Matt, you do not have to feel like there is no progress. But you do not have to do it yourself. Call on Him for the strength to continue, and every time you have rehab, ask him to carry you past the moment of stopping. Show them what the Lord and you can do together. Ephesians 6:16-18 "...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Big Fatty! We wish!
Well Matt, the tube feeds must be doing something because you have gained 10 lbs in 8 days. They are continuing on the tube feed at night, but he is also eating better again. He doesn't eat breakfast but that will come. So Matt, keep on filling your face. I remember Matt as a little guy eating his meals. He would put his face down by his plate, open his mouth and shovel it in.
Mom and Matt were able to see the neatest wheelchair. It is from Europe and costs $30,000 but it has everything , Matt could even stand up in it. We are looking into having Telemiracle possibly paying for a portion and we would cough up the rest.
Yesterday went to visit the staff from ICU. Rehab went well. Matt did something new that he hasn't been able to do for 7 months. He laid on his stomach, maybe not the same way we do but they have to protect the trach site. Matt has to have his elbows bent and hands beside his head, and he is holding his head up for a short period of time. Then they get him to rock back and forth to strengthen his neck. Hard to explain but hopefully will see it one day. Everything seems to be gaining in strength but Matt is still mad at his left hand and lack of movement. The doctor is encouraging him to think of what Matt has, not what he doesn't have. Matt is not having as many spasms as much as he was having at Christmas. He was even able to get a nice massage, however it hurt a bit because that nasty knot is back. And Matt had trouble sleeping because he had a burning sensation in his right foot. The nerve endings are trying to retrieve signals from the brain but they are not coming through properly so causes him pain.
Lots of company today. Few black rings under his eyes but is feeling better. 2 more days of antibiotics and then he will be done. Tonight he was having trouble breathing, was having a hard time talking on the phone. So the RT came and suctioned Matt for large amount of phlegm, so doing better. It doesn't appear that the trach will be taken out any time soon, I think they are worried if Matt has more respiratory problem. It would be nice if it was removed because next weekend they are hoping Matt can go home for a few days. They are encouraging mom and dad to take Matt out somewhere at least every second weekend. So Matt is looking forward to that.
Mom is returning to work tomorrow so dad is coming in as a replacement. She will be there for the Family meeting which is great. Prayers that Matt will be infection free for a week and continue to gain weight. Go Matt Go!! Psalms 20:6 "Now I know the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
Mom and Matt were able to see the neatest wheelchair. It is from Europe and costs $30,000 but it has everything , Matt could even stand up in it. We are looking into having Telemiracle possibly paying for a portion and we would cough up the rest.
Yesterday went to visit the staff from ICU. Rehab went well. Matt did something new that he hasn't been able to do for 7 months. He laid on his stomach, maybe not the same way we do but they have to protect the trach site. Matt has to have his elbows bent and hands beside his head, and he is holding his head up for a short period of time. Then they get him to rock back and forth to strengthen his neck. Hard to explain but hopefully will see it one day. Everything seems to be gaining in strength but Matt is still mad at his left hand and lack of movement. The doctor is encouraging him to think of what Matt has, not what he doesn't have. Matt is not having as many spasms as much as he was having at Christmas. He was even able to get a nice massage, however it hurt a bit because that nasty knot is back. And Matt had trouble sleeping because he had a burning sensation in his right foot. The nerve endings are trying to retrieve signals from the brain but they are not coming through properly so causes him pain.
Lots of company today. Few black rings under his eyes but is feeling better. 2 more days of antibiotics and then he will be done. Tonight he was having trouble breathing, was having a hard time talking on the phone. So the RT came and suctioned Matt for large amount of phlegm, so doing better. It doesn't appear that the trach will be taken out any time soon, I think they are worried if Matt has more respiratory problem. It would be nice if it was removed because next weekend they are hoping Matt can go home for a few days. They are encouraging mom and dad to take Matt out somewhere at least every second weekend. So Matt is looking forward to that.
Mom is returning to work tomorrow so dad is coming in as a replacement. She will be there for the Family meeting which is great. Prayers that Matt will be infection free for a week and continue to gain weight. Go Matt Go!! Psalms 20:6 "Now I know the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
Monday, January 14, 2008
Home cooked meals
Matt continues on the tube feeds at night, however he is also eating better especially in the evenings. And who could blame him? Mom has been bringing him home cooked meals she had prepared when she was in Weekes. Pizza, stew, chili, etc. Tonight for supper he received a good meal from the hospital but the big baby wanted mom's cooking. However mom makes him work for it. He must turn the pages of his book himself.
Sat up in his chair for 9 hours today and even had a siesta for an hour in the afternoon. Mom finally convinced him to take an Advil for his sore neck because Matt is starting to really dislike taking so many meds. They had Matt quite busy and was able to meet with some players from the paraplegic basketball team. Matt will start attending a support group that is run through the hospital. However after Matt met with 2 psychiatrists, one for a follow-up from RUH and another from City, they think he is doing great. They just can't figure out why he is so positive. And I asked Matt what do they expect, for him to swear, bite, or hit? Actually they do expect that but Matt just replied"Oh, I could never do that". God always amazes me that he provides the much needed inner strength to those who need it the most. He paved the way for Matt, that Matt would arise to the challenges he is facing with dignity and grace. He got it all from me!! And Jacki, stop laughing, it is true!! Actually the following verses give a true picture. 2 Cor. 4;7-8 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not on despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Sat up in his chair for 9 hours today and even had a siesta for an hour in the afternoon. Mom finally convinced him to take an Advil for his sore neck because Matt is starting to really dislike taking so many meds. They had Matt quite busy and was able to meet with some players from the paraplegic basketball team. Matt will start attending a support group that is run through the hospital. However after Matt met with 2 psychiatrists, one for a follow-up from RUH and another from City, they think he is doing great. They just can't figure out why he is so positive. And I asked Matt what do they expect, for him to swear, bite, or hit? Actually they do expect that but Matt just replied"Oh, I could never do that". God always amazes me that he provides the much needed inner strength to those who need it the most. He paved the way for Matt, that Matt would arise to the challenges he is facing with dignity and grace. He got it all from me!! And Jacki, stop laughing, it is true!! Actually the following verses give a true picture. 2 Cor. 4;7-8 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not on despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Apologies for not writing for awhile. So a little update is needed. Friday was uneventful. Matt had the tube feed on for 12 hours during the night at 40 mls/hour. However by Friday night they decided to increase it to 60 mls/hour. Matt's appetite is just not what it should be because of the lung infection and the antibiotics he is on. They started Matt on intravenous Penicillin and he also takes oral antibiotics as well. Dad went home for a break and is booked for a Dr's appt on Tuesday to see what is happening. Rehab wasn't overly productive because of Matt's weakness from the infection. However I do have a funny story to write, even though I promised mom I wouldn't. She is in Saskatoon, I in Red Deer, what can she do?! Mom helps Matt do leg exercises in bed. She bends those long legs and holds his knees together. Then she places her hands on the outside of his legs and gets him to push against her hands. To finish off he must pull his legs back together. However the clincher is that mom was unable to get her head back in time and he caught her in a WWF style headlock with his legs!! She couldn't get out, his legs were quite strong. So mom, for Matt's sake you have to do that everyday!! Just think of how strong he would get!
Saturday Matt was feeling better. At least he didn't have the dark circles under his eyes anymore. He stayed up in his chair and was feeling rather tired and wanting to go back to bed, but company came from Weekes and he immediately perked up and stayed in his chair for 5 hours. Matt ate better in the evening, which he generally does and didn't become sick. Regarding his trach, they decided not to keep Matt "capped" at night. That means the trach is left open and moisture and oxygen are attached to keep his secretions from getting too thick. Hopefully this will make him sleep better and be ready for the oncoming day. Thanks to all who come and visit and bring a little cheer into Matt's hospital stay. God provides comfort to his people so they in turn can provide comfort to others. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." That is a lot of comfort!!
Saturday Matt was feeling better. At least he didn't have the dark circles under his eyes anymore. He stayed up in his chair and was feeling rather tired and wanting to go back to bed, but company came from Weekes and he immediately perked up and stayed in his chair for 5 hours. Matt ate better in the evening, which he generally does and didn't become sick. Regarding his trach, they decided not to keep Matt "capped" at night. That means the trach is left open and moisture and oxygen are attached to keep his secretions from getting too thick. Hopefully this will make him sleep better and be ready for the oncoming day. Thanks to all who come and visit and bring a little cheer into Matt's hospital stay. God provides comfort to his people so they in turn can provide comfort to others. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." That is a lot of comfort!!
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