Sorry it has taken so long to update. Even I get confused about who is with Matt. All Thursday evening I kept trying to call mom's cell phone and then realized at 1030pm that it was dad with Matt.
Thursday after Matt left he was so tired he slept from noon until 6pm, and then slept most of the night as well. A good catch-up day for sleep. All that exercise makes even me sleepy writing about it!
Friday Matt had one session of physio and was able to practice standing. He even tried a Sask pole, a pole that they will put beside someone's bed that needs assistance getting to a standing position. It reaches from the ceiling to the floor. However Matt doesn't have the grip strength yet to pull himself up. When they asked Matt to try and take a step forward while he was standing by the parallel bars, he said it was like he forgot how. And that is the way it is. Matt will have to train his body all over again, telling his knee to bend and push off with his foot, etc. The nerves that were damaged can't get the impulses through consistently, even if the brain is telling it too.
Today Matt didn't get up until 130pm! Lazy bum! I guess he was so tired from the long week of getting up early and the physio.
While talking to Matt on the phone, he was holding the cell phone the whole time which is another improvement. Dad was busy hooking Matt up to the Tens machine to stimulate the left arm to move. Dad says it looks like a chicken after the head comes off!! Sorry for those with a weak stomach but it is a fairly accurate description.
Matt also got a haircut and looks as cute as ever. He played crib with dad and skunked him so bad dad is sulking!
I don't have a verse for today. I am at Jacki's babysitting and have just got the kids to bed. Thank goodness Nolan and Lindsay showed up when they did. I had the three kids in the tub and little Amy was determined she was going to join the action... fully clothed!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mom Went Home
Talked to mom yesterday. States Matt was pretty tired because even with the busy days he still doesn't sleep that well. But he still did alright in rehab. Matt tried 4 times to stand, was successful every one and then when pushed him to try the 5th time, ran out of juice. He had lots of spasms so makes it difficult. Mom happened to mention that prior to this week, when Matt spasms his left arm and elbow always remained straight. But now it bends. Not sure whether that is a positive thing or not but I will believe it is for the better. Matt also did his arm cycle exercises. He does it about 20 times, the left arm doesnt't have any weights and the right arm has 2 lbs. I think Matt still gets down about things not happening fast enough. It is easy for me to say what great progress he has made but I don't have to live it 24/7. But Matt, try and focus on what you can do, not on what you can't do. We are so amazed by your accomplishments and you still have a huge cheering section!! Go, Matt, Go!!
Mom was leaving today and dad may not be there yet, as he had to wait until mom got home. The heater in his truck wasn't working so needed mom's vehicle to return to Saskatoon. Not sure how today went but will find out tomorrow.
I noticed that Bev was wondering what sort of goodies Matt likes. He doesn't like baked goods that much but really likes oatmeal/banana cookies, chocolate macaroons (mudpies), and ginger snaps. Jesus talks about food to his disciples in Mark 7:19 "For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this Jesus declared all foods clean). Now I think that is as good as reason as any to have some cookies!!
Mom was leaving today and dad may not be there yet, as he had to wait until mom got home. The heater in his truck wasn't working so needed mom's vehicle to return to Saskatoon. Not sure how today went but will find out tomorrow.
I noticed that Bev was wondering what sort of goodies Matt likes. He doesn't like baked goods that much but really likes oatmeal/banana cookies, chocolate macaroons (mudpies), and ginger snaps. Jesus talks about food to his disciples in Mark 7:19 "For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this Jesus declared all foods clean). Now I think that is as good as reason as any to have some cookies!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Earlier Morning
Yesterday was a long day for Matt. He was up at 5 am to get ready for his 7 am appt. at the Sask. Abilities Council across town. They took longer getting him ready and were late getting to the taxi. The driver was upset until he realized they had sent the wrong size cab and Matt couldn't fit. So had to phone abilities council to say they would be late and waited for another cab. Finally made it to the appt. at 9:30 and they were still able to make a space and fit Matt for a brace for his left leg. Did lots of occupational therapy today where they do games and fit Matt for special equipment so he can do activities of daily living. They tried him out with a special pool cue attachment so he can play pool and also got him an automatic card shuffler. Played WII, which is a Nintendo game that needs actions to play. Tried the boxing and Matt was able to box with the right hand, also tried air hockey as well. Great game to increase his physical mobility. Thinking of purchasing one for Matt's birthday on Feb. 28th (21st birthday) but most places are sold out.
Matt's weight is at a whopping 175 lbs. Better then 162 I guess. It sure takes alot of calories to get that boy fat!! Rehab went well. They have started the neuromuscular stimulator on Matt's left elbow and hand, instead of just the bicep. Hopefully soon Matt will be able to bend his elbow and eventually be as good as his right. Tried standing again with the sit/stand machine. The first time Matt was dizzy so had to sit back down. The 2nd time was much better. He stands with his kness braced against the machine, so he is in a standing position. They asked him to move his right arm in front of his body and his left arm behind his body, so he could stretch his neck to look behind him. Did really well. Then while stilll standing, they asked him to pull his knees away from the machine and stand on his own, which he was able to do. This all lasted about 30 secs. Good work Matt!! The 3rd time he didn't stay up as long and the 4th time he was too tired and sat down quickly. What improvements already!! Wait until the brace is ready and then the left leg can take some of the workload.
Forgot to mention Matt finally received his own wheelchair, but they are still working out all the kinks. Lots of work to do before he can actually use it.
Believe Matt would have slept well last night because he was up so early and didn't nap all day. They are trying to cut down on his sleeping pills, but he still is up at night beause his mind won't turn off. But they will try and keep him so busy in the day that hopefully he willl sleep all night. Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matt's weight is at a whopping 175 lbs. Better then 162 I guess. It sure takes alot of calories to get that boy fat!! Rehab went well. They have started the neuromuscular stimulator on Matt's left elbow and hand, instead of just the bicep. Hopefully soon Matt will be able to bend his elbow and eventually be as good as his right. Tried standing again with the sit/stand machine. The first time Matt was dizzy so had to sit back down. The 2nd time was much better. He stands with his kness braced against the machine, so he is in a standing position. They asked him to move his right arm in front of his body and his left arm behind his body, so he could stretch his neck to look behind him. Did really well. Then while stilll standing, they asked him to pull his knees away from the machine and stand on his own, which he was able to do. This all lasted about 30 secs. Good work Matt!! The 3rd time he didn't stay up as long and the 4th time he was too tired and sat down quickly. What improvements already!! Wait until the brace is ready and then the left leg can take some of the workload.
Forgot to mention Matt finally received his own wheelchair, but they are still working out all the kinks. Lots of work to do before he can actually use it.
Believe Matt would have slept well last night because he was up so early and didn't nap all day. They are trying to cut down on his sleeping pills, but he still is up at night beause his mind won't turn off. But they will try and keep him so busy in the day that hopefully he willl sleep all night. Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Left Hand Is Coming
Yesterday Matt didn't do quite as well as last week with the standing. With the infection, he felt nauseated when trying to stand and his body was spasaming so bad that they decided to wait until today. However he did really well with the arm exercises. A physio therapist who has been off for a week was suprised at the increased strength and mobility. Mom said when Matt tries to squeeze the putty with his left hand, he can leave very distinct hand print. When mom asked him to bend his fingers ande make a fist, he could almost close his hand, though not quite like you or I would. But definitely an improvement.
Today Matt was getting up early, 7am, to be fitted for a brace for his left leg, wo when he stands, his right leg isn't doing all the work. They are trying to fill Matt's days and keep him busy. A social worker had met with mom and Matt and praised him for his accomplishments so far, but encouraged Matt to try even harder. Sometimes it is easier to have someone do things for him, such as eating, brushing his teeth, etc. So from now on, Matt has to do as much as he can by himself, and when he feels tired, he has to keep going. So Matt, I know you feel you are giving alot, but think of it as an 8 hour working day and use TV as a treat, instead the main meal! Work for a half an hour to start, and only then can you watch TV for a half hour. Time yourself so you don't watch too much and get complacent. God has giving you so much, but he doesn't want to do all the work! Your a team and He'll give you the stregth you need if you ask for it. Psalms 18:35 "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; and stoop down to make me great."
Did some visiting yesterday. Met with the ICU staff for awhile, and then got to see Rocky, who is doing great. He only comes for rehab a few times a week so matt can visit with him.
Mom didn't mention anything, but I assume his breathing continues to go well. So Matt, prayers are with you that today will go well.
Today Matt was getting up early, 7am, to be fitted for a brace for his left leg, wo when he stands, his right leg isn't doing all the work. They are trying to fill Matt's days and keep him busy. A social worker had met with mom and Matt and praised him for his accomplishments so far, but encouraged Matt to try even harder. Sometimes it is easier to have someone do things for him, such as eating, brushing his teeth, etc. So from now on, Matt has to do as much as he can by himself, and when he feels tired, he has to keep going. So Matt, I know you feel you are giving alot, but think of it as an 8 hour working day and use TV as a treat, instead the main meal! Work for a half an hour to start, and only then can you watch TV for a half hour. Time yourself so you don't watch too much and get complacent. God has giving you so much, but he doesn't want to do all the work! Your a team and He'll give you the stregth you need if you ask for it. Psalms 18:35 "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; and stoop down to make me great."
Did some visiting yesterday. Met with the ICU staff for awhile, and then got to see Rocky, who is doing great. He only comes for rehab a few times a week so matt can visit with him.
Mom didn't mention anything, but I assume his breathing continues to go well. So Matt, prayers are with you that today will go well.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Another Infection
Matt does have another infection however thank goodness it is not in his lungs, it is a urinary tract infection. They started him on a mild antibiotic but an infection and the pills always makes Matt feel rough. As mom puts it, it knocks the stufing right out of him. Told her to go a buy some cranberry pills, medical proven to help stop the infection beffore it happens.
Still going strong with the breathing exercises. No suctioning for almost 2 weeks and O2 Sats always above 95%. Talked to the respiratory therapist about removing the trach all together and we will just wait and see.
Matt was complaining today of his legs being stiff and sore. Kept asking mom to move his legs because they hurt. Finally figured out it was his hips that were sore from his exercises and standing. My hips hurt after standing for any length of time so I can imagine what Matt must be going through. That is alot for his atrophied (wasted) muscles to hold right now. Encougraged to to stretching exercises on the weekends to prevent them from stiffening up.
Mom is going to ask the doctor tomorrow to order a bone density scan. Matt needs it in order to be accepted in Project walk in San Diego. Still have some things to look into, because the cost for one month is more then some people make in 6 months. But need prayers on what the right path is to choose. Without His guidance we will just struggle for answers. Eccl. 7:13-14 "Consider what God has done; Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future."
The staff are trying to encourage Matt ot eat more by himself. However Matt does alright for awhile, but then when he gets tired, not only does he stop feeding himself, he doesn't feel like eating. So in a Catch 22 situation . We want Matt's weight to increase so need him to eat, but also want him to feed himself to strengthen his right arm. Bit of a balancing act needed. They are continuing to feed Matt through the tube feed every night. He gets 80 mls/hour for a total of 1000mls /night. They will weigh him on Tuesday and then reassess.
While I was talking to mom, here cell phone said she had another caller. It was dad. So I waited and when she came back on the line she told me it was Matt looking for his home made wings! Talk about pushy! Mom was on her way back to the hospital and was almost there. I am sure he times it so she won't stop to chat with anyone (not that it would happen, because mom is known for her shyness!). I take after her!
More good news to come, I am sure of it.
Still going strong with the breathing exercises. No suctioning for almost 2 weeks and O2 Sats always above 95%. Talked to the respiratory therapist about removing the trach all together and we will just wait and see.
Matt was complaining today of his legs being stiff and sore. Kept asking mom to move his legs because they hurt. Finally figured out it was his hips that were sore from his exercises and standing. My hips hurt after standing for any length of time so I can imagine what Matt must be going through. That is alot for his atrophied (wasted) muscles to hold right now. Encougraged to to stretching exercises on the weekends to prevent them from stiffening up.
Mom is going to ask the doctor tomorrow to order a bone density scan. Matt needs it in order to be accepted in Project walk in San Diego. Still have some things to look into, because the cost for one month is more then some people make in 6 months. But need prayers on what the right path is to choose. Without His guidance we will just struggle for answers. Eccl. 7:13-14 "Consider what God has done; Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future."
The staff are trying to encourage Matt ot eat more by himself. However Matt does alright for awhile, but then when he gets tired, not only does he stop feeding himself, he doesn't feel like eating. So in a Catch 22 situation . We want Matt's weight to increase so need him to eat, but also want him to feed himself to strengthen his right arm. Bit of a balancing act needed. They are continuing to feed Matt through the tube feed every night. He gets 80 mls/hour for a total of 1000mls /night. They will weigh him on Tuesday and then reassess.
While I was talking to mom, here cell phone said she had another caller. It was dad. So I waited and when she came back on the line she told me it was Matt looking for his home made wings! Talk about pushy! Mom was on her way back to the hospital and was almost there. I am sure he times it so she won't stop to chat with anyone (not that it would happen, because mom is known for her shyness!). I take after her!
More good news to come, I am sure of it.
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