Let's start off talking about Wednesday. It was a funny day. Dad said Matt went to rehab in the am to do some standing exercises and just had such a bad go of it. They kept telling Matt to tighten and straighten up, and he just couldn't do it. He was trying so hard and was becoming so discouraged. Nothing was working and Matt couldn't explain what was wrong. He wasn't having spasms, feeling sick, weak, anything. By the time he got back to his room he was exhausted and wanted to go to bed. However when he woke up 2 hours later he was back to his old self. So hopefully whatever it was was self limiting.
Thursday Matt got in the pool for the first time. He was apprehensive but still pushed himself to do it. They get Matt into the pool with a chair, then they encouraged him to do a back float while they helped him. Matt was nervous because he felt so light!! Since the accident, Matt has felt so heavy because he was unable to move his limbs properly, and so in the water he felt very bouyant. It was much easier to move all his extremeties and do his exercises. When I asked Matt what felt the best, he responded" Getting fully immerged in the water, like a big tub bath". The things the rest of us take for granted. Makes me want to go have a tub right now!! Mom was dad were both there for the big event and stood by as lifeguards. Of course if something were to happen I wouldn't want them trying to save me in the water!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
No more tube feeds
Actually this statement is about 10 days late! I asked dad tonight how Matt's weight was and said it was around 185 lbs. So I asked if they would continue the tube feeds and dad replied they had stopped them awhile ago! I then asked why he didn't mention this before and he stated I didn't ask!! I will have to do more investigative reporting from now on! Matt's stomach has been doing well, so well that he is eating everyone out of house and home. His "nighttime snack consists of more food than some people eat all day! Keep it up Matt. Your body needs all the calories it can get. Must be nice!
Matt's rehab went well again. They did not try any walking but continue to do standing exercises: twisting the upper body, turning and bending. All to strengthen his abdominal muscles. Matt was quite stiff form the W11 workout so was really feeling it during his arm exercises. They tried him on a machine that is similiar to rowing, however they need to clamp his wrist in because his hand grasp is too weak yet. Worked on the pulley exercises and the arm cycle machine.
Dad said he was really chatty and upbeat today. Had some company this evening and was in fine form. Somedays his mood is more quiet but today he really perked up.
Matt is enjoying surfing the net with his computer. Dad says he can do everything himself with his right hand: loading the DVD, pushing the buttons, checks the blog, etc. Breaks the monotony of the day.
Thanks again to everyone who remembers Matt in any way, whether it is through prayer, reading the blog, or coming to visit. Matt thinks so much of people back home and really appreciates what everyone has done for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you tonight. Romans 1:12 "that is, that you and I may be encouraged by each other's faith". James 5:13 "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.'
Matt's rehab went well again. They did not try any walking but continue to do standing exercises: twisting the upper body, turning and bending. All to strengthen his abdominal muscles. Matt was quite stiff form the W11 workout so was really feeling it during his arm exercises. They tried him on a machine that is similiar to rowing, however they need to clamp his wrist in because his hand grasp is too weak yet. Worked on the pulley exercises and the arm cycle machine.
Dad said he was really chatty and upbeat today. Had some company this evening and was in fine form. Somedays his mood is more quiet but today he really perked up.
Matt is enjoying surfing the net with his computer. Dad says he can do everything himself with his right hand: loading the DVD, pushing the buttons, checks the blog, etc. Breaks the monotony of the day.
Thanks again to everyone who remembers Matt in any way, whether it is through prayer, reading the blog, or coming to visit. Matt thinks so much of people back home and really appreciates what everyone has done for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you tonight. Romans 1:12 "that is, that you and I may be encouraged by each other's faith". James 5:13 "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.'
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Played W11
Hope the title is right. Not sure how to spell the new nintendo game. Matt was able to play his game at occupational therapy on Friday. He played for one hour. Nolan was amazed at how well Matt did at most of the games. The backhand in tennis gave him some trouble but it is such a great tool for rehab! A real motivator. Matt was so proud to show Nolan all his tricks: lifting his left hand off the bed while bending it at the elbow, lifting his bum in bed, lifting his legs while in his chair. Actually dad said it was quite funny to see the 2 of them interact. Ever since Matt's accident, Nolan has continued to tease Matt, tickling his nose, feet, etc. When Nolan tried that again however, Matt grabbed a hold of Nolan's arm and squeezed! You just wait Nolan, your time will come!!
I must retract my statement on Friday. They were treating Mattt for a urinary infection but today the results came back negative. So the cranberry tabs are working so far. However Matt's breathing was heavier and they had respiratory up to do an assessment. Everything clear so far. Took bloodwork and some nose swabs. More sleepy and is having more spasms so they are suspecting something so prayers that it is nothing. God tells us to put things in his hands so we do not have to worry. Matt 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Saturday Matt and dad went to the Mac store, appr. 6 blocks away. But on their return they were trying to find a different way back and came upon a water main break. So they had to go back a block. Good to be outside when it isn't so cold. Dad said Matt ate almost his entire meal himself. It was food that was more difficult so kudo's to you Matt!! I think Matt gets a bit embarrassed when he has to eat in front of people. So good excuse to keep practicing! People will stare no matter what you do. Next time someone stares, wink at them. Or if it is a cute girl, blow them a kiss!! That will make them smile!!
I just thought I would try and explain what the big deal is regarding Matt's spasms. Unless you have seen them, it is difficult to comprehend. The way I think about it, Matt's brain is constantly trying to send messages down his spinal cord to other parts of his body. But with Matt the messages are not always getting through so the body reacts abnormally, causing his knees to bend and his arms to go straight out, fingers outstretched, etc. It takes a few seconds for his body to go back into a normal state. This is always worse when Matt has been resting for awhile and then reaches for something or starts to do an exercise. The brain knows he wants it to do something so it sends out signals that somehow lose their way. But by the 3rd attempt, Matt's body is receiving the signals more appropriately and the body works better. So that is why when he is having company, he may try not to do something that he know will start a spasm, because he is uncomfortable with the way his body reacts. Matt, we are all so grateful that your body is moving at all, you could jump up like a chicken and we would applaud! When I do it, people are asking if I need help(and not just with my physical abilities, they are questioning whether my signals are crossed!).
Love and prayers to those who read this blog. God knows who you are.
I must retract my statement on Friday. They were treating Mattt for a urinary infection but today the results came back negative. So the cranberry tabs are working so far. However Matt's breathing was heavier and they had respiratory up to do an assessment. Everything clear so far. Took bloodwork and some nose swabs. More sleepy and is having more spasms so they are suspecting something so prayers that it is nothing. God tells us to put things in his hands so we do not have to worry. Matt 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Saturday Matt and dad went to the Mac store, appr. 6 blocks away. But on their return they were trying to find a different way back and came upon a water main break. So they had to go back a block. Good to be outside when it isn't so cold. Dad said Matt ate almost his entire meal himself. It was food that was more difficult so kudo's to you Matt!! I think Matt gets a bit embarrassed when he has to eat in front of people. So good excuse to keep practicing! People will stare no matter what you do. Next time someone stares, wink at them. Or if it is a cute girl, blow them a kiss!! That will make them smile!!
I just thought I would try and explain what the big deal is regarding Matt's spasms. Unless you have seen them, it is difficult to comprehend. The way I think about it, Matt's brain is constantly trying to send messages down his spinal cord to other parts of his body. But with Matt the messages are not always getting through so the body reacts abnormally, causing his knees to bend and his arms to go straight out, fingers outstretched, etc. It takes a few seconds for his body to go back into a normal state. This is always worse when Matt has been resting for awhile and then reaches for something or starts to do an exercise. The brain knows he wants it to do something so it sends out signals that somehow lose their way. But by the 3rd attempt, Matt's body is receiving the signals more appropriately and the body works better. So that is why when he is having company, he may try not to do something that he know will start a spasm, because he is uncomfortable with the way his body reacts. Matt, we are all so grateful that your body is moving at all, you could jump up like a chicken and we would applaud! When I do it, people are asking if I need help(and not just with my physical abilities, they are questioning whether my signals are crossed!).
Love and prayers to those who read this blog. God knows who you are.
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