Jacki and Amy arrived Friday night to visit Matt. They left Bobby with his daddy because the hospital would never be the same otherwise! That is one busy boy. Matt really enjoyed Amy, who is standing as well, however she is not walking yet and there is fierce competition between Amy and Matt as who will walk first!! Matt loved when Amy crawled all over him until she decided to stand on a delicate area around the midsection, and she wasn't his favorite neice anymore!
Quite day spent after all the excitement of yesterday. Slept the morning away and they Jacki was up to visit. When I spoke to them they were watching hockey. I asked why they were not watching the Scott's Curling and Jacki told me Matt said it wasn't on. Somehow I think he knew it waas on and just didn't say. If he is anything like John, who likens watching curling to watching poop float, then Matt would probably like hockey better!
Continues to eat weel and jacki was feeding him a sub, although a bit fast he said. Poor Matt and Amy, food crammed in any which way.
Have more info tomorrow. If it remains nice they may go outside and tour the grounds, or maybe a trip to the mall.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tried To Take A Step
Yesterday Matt tried once more with the Sask pole with no success, so I think that may be put on the back burner for awhile. Worked more on his left arm, which is constantly gaining but very slow compared to the right one.
Today Matt had to be at the Abilities Council for his leg brace at 8am, so another very early morning. Poor dad didn't have an alarm clock so hardly slept because he was afraid he would sleep in!
Matt found it much easier to stand with the brace on the left leg. He was able to stand up 4 times, each time getting better. Always dizzy at first and the spasms interfere alot, but each time less dizzy and less spasms. When Matt goes to stand, he places his arms on the parellel bars, leans ahead, and attempts to stand, but just too weak and body is having trouble remembering how. So the staff needs to lift him until he is 1/2 standing and then Matt is able to try and straighten his legs. By pushing with his legs from that position and pushing up with his right arm (and a tiny bit with his left) he can get to a standing position with less help. They thought they would try for Matt to take a step. He was able to lift his right leg, however he was unable to bend his ankle and the toes dragged on the floor preventing him from taking a step. So they put a half curling slider on the right foot so he could slide his foot forward. Once he slide it further then he had to slide it back to standing position and did well. They put a L shape brace on the top of his right foot inside his shoe to try and prevent his toes from getting in the way but may need some more adjusting. Keep up the good work, Matt!! Slow and sure, steady and strong. We are so proud of you!!
They are still talking of discharging Matt the end of February so please pray for continued guidance in the decisions we as a family need to make. He knows what is best for Matt and wants us to trust in Him. Proverbs 28:26 "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."
Today Matt had to be at the Abilities Council for his leg brace at 8am, so another very early morning. Poor dad didn't have an alarm clock so hardly slept because he was afraid he would sleep in!
Matt found it much easier to stand with the brace on the left leg. He was able to stand up 4 times, each time getting better. Always dizzy at first and the spasms interfere alot, but each time less dizzy and less spasms. When Matt goes to stand, he places his arms on the parellel bars, leans ahead, and attempts to stand, but just too weak and body is having trouble remembering how. So the staff needs to lift him until he is 1/2 standing and then Matt is able to try and straighten his legs. By pushing with his legs from that position and pushing up with his right arm (and a tiny bit with his left) he can get to a standing position with less help. They thought they would try for Matt to take a step. He was able to lift his right leg, however he was unable to bend his ankle and the toes dragged on the floor preventing him from taking a step. So they put a half curling slider on the right foot so he could slide his foot forward. Once he slide it further then he had to slide it back to standing position and did well. They put a L shape brace on the top of his right foot inside his shoe to try and prevent his toes from getting in the way but may need some more adjusting. Keep up the good work, Matt!! Slow and sure, steady and strong. We are so proud of you!!
They are still talking of discharging Matt the end of February so please pray for continued guidance in the decisions we as a family need to make. He knows what is best for Matt and wants us to trust in Him. Proverbs 28:26 "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Better Day
Dad thinks he finally figured out why Matt had such a bad day with spasms yesterday. Last Saturday, Matt ran out of the antispasm meds for his bladder that dad has to pick up from the drugstore. However the drugstore was closed on the weekend and dad couldn't get any until Tuesday. So Matt finally had his pills last night and this am, and has improved a great deal. I guess the spasms were so bad yesterday that Matt reacts very emotionally to upsets like that. But he always bounces back and today was a good day. I am so thankful there are more good days than bad days. I still get cold sweats when I remember it being the opposite, waiting for good news that didn't come for days on end.
Again in rehab for 1 1/2 hours. Exercised with the arm machine and was able to stand up twice. The first time again he was very dizzy, but refused to sit down and managed to reamin upright. They were very proud of his stance, he stood just like a soldier for 10-15 secs. They also tried the Sask pole in occupatinal therapy to see if Matt can transfer without using the board, but Matt just cannot get a grip on that pole. Don't worry about it Matt, that will come, but probably not for a long time. YOu need to crawl before you walk. He can transfer not too bad with board now, if everything is just right and 2 people are available. He can't slide over in one go, it takes him about 2-3 times. He was supposed to have therapy for another 1/2 hours this afternnon but he needded anothers chest xray instead. Not sure what for, but they didn't seem too concerned.
When dad left Matt tonight he was getting a massag, relaxing and enjoying the moment. He had been eating like a horse and will probalby fell sleepy in a little while. Good night, Matt. Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give yo rest."
P.S Sorry I cannot highlight the verses, not working and neither is spell check!!
Again in rehab for 1 1/2 hours. Exercised with the arm machine and was able to stand up twice. The first time again he was very dizzy, but refused to sit down and managed to reamin upright. They were very proud of his stance, he stood just like a soldier for 10-15 secs. They also tried the Sask pole in occupatinal therapy to see if Matt can transfer without using the board, but Matt just cannot get a grip on that pole. Don't worry about it Matt, that will come, but probably not for a long time. YOu need to crawl before you walk. He can transfer not too bad with board now, if everything is just right and 2 people are available. He can't slide over in one go, it takes him about 2-3 times. He was supposed to have therapy for another 1/2 hours this afternnon but he needded anothers chest xray instead. Not sure what for, but they didn't seem too concerned.
When dad left Matt tonight he was getting a massag, relaxing and enjoying the moment. He had been eating like a horse and will probalby fell sleepy in a little while. Good night, Matt. Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give yo rest."
P.S Sorry I cannot highlight the verses, not working and neither is spell check!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Watched Sledge Hockey
Matt didn't have a great day yesterday. He felt sick to his stomach and so didn't do that well at rehab. However he still managed to stand up twice which is still progress.
Today Matt was feeling well enough to venture out to Rutherford Arena to watch Rocky play sledge hockey. You sit on a sled upright with your legs strapped in front of you so you can play hockey. It would be interesting to see how it is done. Rehab wasn't very successful today. Matt was having such bad spasms they had to stop. They are trying to figure out why it is so bad. Blood was taken, urine sample sent, x-ray of his chest done. They was no infection but they noticed the bottom part of the lungs are collapsed. However Matt is still breathing well and O2 Sats are 97%. I believe God made Matt's lungs extra large for just such an occassion! He has more than enough to go around. Colossians 1:15-16 "He (Christ)is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things were created by him and for him."
Matt is able to move his left wrist slightly when someone is holding his hand up. And he finds it much easier to close his left hand rather than open it. More progress!!
More company from the wild University students. They really brighten Matt's day.
Couldn't get much more info from Matt. He was watching "American Idol" on TV. Anyone who knows Matt can attest that his attention span when the TV is on is zero! Except to the TV of course. I will have to come down and stand in front of the TV to get his attention!
Today Matt was feeling well enough to venture out to Rutherford Arena to watch Rocky play sledge hockey. You sit on a sled upright with your legs strapped in front of you so you can play hockey. It would be interesting to see how it is done. Rehab wasn't very successful today. Matt was having such bad spasms they had to stop. They are trying to figure out why it is so bad. Blood was taken, urine sample sent, x-ray of his chest done. They was no infection but they noticed the bottom part of the lungs are collapsed. However Matt is still breathing well and O2 Sats are 97%. I believe God made Matt's lungs extra large for just such an occassion! He has more than enough to go around. Colossians 1:15-16 "He (Christ)is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things were created by him and for him."
Matt is able to move his left wrist slightly when someone is holding his hand up. And he finds it much easier to close his left hand rather than open it. More progress!!
More company from the wild University students. They really brighten Matt's day.
Couldn't get much more info from Matt. He was watching "American Idol" on TV. Anyone who knows Matt can attest that his attention span when the TV is on is zero! Except to the TV of course. I will have to come down and stand in front of the TV to get his attention!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Cold Weekend
Not much to write tonight. I was unable to get in touch with dad so I only have info regarding Sunday. Mom had mentioned that Matt was supposed to go to the field house on Saturday to watch the parapalegic team play, but was unable to attend due to the cold weather. It wasn't much better in Alberta but thankfully it warmed up today. Matt had some visitors on the weekend, a few brave souls who braved the elements to cheer up Matt. And he needed cheering up because dad beat him 2 games straight in crib!! Matt was always a poor loser, just like the rest of us, and didn't want to play anymore. However he did win in the scratch and win tickets. Dad says he has never seen anyone so lucky with those things. I remeber once winning $20 6 years ago, but that was it. So Matt, you didn't get it from me!
Matt also went and visited with the staff in ICU which is always a treat for him and maybe them as well. Hopefully today Matt's rehab went well and after all his sleeping he should be wired and ready to go!!
Praise for God's continued blessings on our family and prayers that Matt will only move forward. Paul had spoke to the believers in Rome about praying for him. As today we need to pray together for spiritual deliverence and guidance. Romans 15:30 "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."
Matt also went and visited with the staff in ICU which is always a treat for him and maybe them as well. Hopefully today Matt's rehab went well and after all his sleeping he should be wired and ready to go!!
Praise for God's continued blessings on our family and prayers that Matt will only move forward. Paul had spoke to the believers in Rome about praying for him. As today we need to pray together for spiritual deliverence and guidance. Romans 15:30 "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."
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