Matthew is home again! So wish that we could be there as well, but work prevails.
Prior to leaving on Thursday, they took off Matt's bandage on his toe and he did some standing exercises, which was so much better than the episode last week. No attempts at taking any steps however because the foot was too painful. They didn't do any swimming because of the toe (toenail removed) but Matt did play Wii for 2 hours, so that's great exercise. They also tried something new. They put Matt in a manual wheelchair, one he has to make it move with his arms. All the gears and things are on the right side, so Matt can control the turning and going forward with only his right arm. He didn't think he could move it at all, but the physio gave him a little push to get him started. It wasn't easy and the mechanism is difficult to figure out, but they were amazed at how quickly Matt understood the mechanics and went about 20 feet. Now that is great exercise. When you try to move yourself in a wheelchair, you realize how much upper body strength is needed. Keep up the good work. Pretty soon you won't need the mechanized chair, only the manual, and then on to walking.
Travelled last evening to Weekes with old Betsy (not mom, I meant the van!!)and made it safe and sound. I phoned this morning to see how everything went and Matt answered the phone. It was so great to hear his voice, knowing he had picked the phone up by himself. Mom was at work and dad had just went outside for some "fresh air". Matt was still in bed and watching some TV, able to change the channels on the remote himself. So much better than at Christmas. You couldn't leave him alone for very long, always checking to see if he needed suctioning, something to eat, water, channels changed, turned, etc. Still need to turn him every two hours, but he can help so much more and is starting to grip the rail to pull himself over. Not quite there yet, but that will come.
Mom had borrowed an exercises bicycle for Matt's arms so he can still keep up with his workouts. Of course he brought the Wii home. Nolann and Lindsay will be there later this evening so they should have fun.
Take a moment today to remember why it is such a special day. In Jesus' time, I am sure they did not feel it was so special, to see the Savior they loved die, unsure if he would rise again. Many doubted whether He truly was the son of God. But in Matt27:54 "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'surely he was the Son of God!'"
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Stomach Tube Out
Well Matt, I guess they think you are eating enough to fill that hollow leg so they removed the feeding tube. One more obstacle removed which just makes it that much easier to take him home for the weekend. Mom says Matt is looking great. Rehab in the last 2 days has been less exercise and more getting everything ready to take with him. What a difference from Christmas time!! Then we had to take a truck load of boxes and supplies, plus the van was loaded down as well. This time it is just one box of supplies and the van with Matt, the mattress, and the lift. No more suctioning, dressing changes, etc. Matt is still apprehensive and prayers that everything goes well and the experience will be much better. Plans to attend a wedding while at home so will be a great time to see everyone. There is a chance Mom and Dad can borrow a sit/stand machine from a fellow in Kelvinton so Matt can continue to do his exercises. Nolan and Lindsay are planning on coming so will have lots of muscles!!
Matt had a toenail removed on Monday. They felt they needed to do it because Matt is susceptible to infections and need to be more cautious. However it has been causing him to spasm alot and he can't get his shoes on due to the dressing so no standing exercises. Hopefully today they will remove the dressing and try some more exercises.
Big plans for rehab in the next 2 days, swimming, Wii, etc. They are also organizing the handivan once a week to take Matt to see Rocky and get him out of the hospital for awhile.
Mom is leaving today and dad will again take over. Matt and dad will travel to Weekes Thursday after rehab.
Mom talked with the patient coordinator of services and as of Thursday, Matt will pay to stay in rehab. However we feel it is money well spent if he continues to progress with the rehab. So thank the Lord for all the fundraising that was done since Matt injury. He knew the money would be needed for Matt's care.
Still looking into "Project Walk" in San Diego. Cost is enormous (25,000 per month!!)but if it will help Matt walk faster then so be it. One thing needed is a bone density scan and the waiting list is 2 years!! So looking into paying to have it done if possible.
Lots of things to pray about, guidance for they right path for Matt, safety for the weekend, and continued improvement in strength.
Matt had a toenail removed on Monday. They felt they needed to do it because Matt is susceptible to infections and need to be more cautious. However it has been causing him to spasm alot and he can't get his shoes on due to the dressing so no standing exercises. Hopefully today they will remove the dressing and try some more exercises.
Big plans for rehab in the next 2 days, swimming, Wii, etc. They are also organizing the handivan once a week to take Matt to see Rocky and get him out of the hospital for awhile.
Mom is leaving today and dad will again take over. Matt and dad will travel to Weekes Thursday after rehab.
Mom talked with the patient coordinator of services and as of Thursday, Matt will pay to stay in rehab. However we feel it is money well spent if he continues to progress with the rehab. So thank the Lord for all the fundraising that was done since Matt injury. He knew the money would be needed for Matt's care.
Still looking into "Project Walk" in San Diego. Cost is enormous (25,000 per month!!)but if it will help Matt walk faster then so be it. One thing needed is a bone density scan and the waiting list is 2 years!! So looking into paying to have it done if possible.
Lots of things to pray about, guidance for they right path for Matt, safety for the weekend, and continued improvement in strength.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Keep The Faith
Friday was a slow rehab day, just did some stretches. However Matt made the mistake of saying to some of the staff that "if" he started to walk, instead of "when". They tore a strip off him and said he has kept the faith for so long he couldn't give up now. Make a mantra of the verse from Hebrews, Matt. Chapter 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see".
That evening Matt and mom went to the fieldhouse to watch wheelchair racing for parapalegics. Matt found it interesting but still gets uncomfortable when he leaves the hospital and has to be around too many people. When the accident first happened, matt just wanted to leave the hospital. But now it has become a 'new kind of normal" (read Carol Kent's book). After being in the hospital for almost 9 months, it is Matt's safe zone. So mom and dad are hoping to take Matt home for Easter to be around more familiar surroundings which would be an easier transition.
Saturday was bath day, but Matt was really tired and went to sleep right afterwards. The weekends are his lazy days and a good time to catch up on sleep. Continues to eat well and watched curling (disappointing loss by Sask). Had some company from the hospital staff and also family. It is so great that so many people continue to think of Matt and take the time to visit.
Please pray for Matt's movement of his left arm and hand, increased grip strength of his right hand, and an increase in overall strength needed for walking. Psalms 147:5"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit".
That evening Matt and mom went to the fieldhouse to watch wheelchair racing for parapalegics. Matt found it interesting but still gets uncomfortable when he leaves the hospital and has to be around too many people. When the accident first happened, matt just wanted to leave the hospital. But now it has become a 'new kind of normal" (read Carol Kent's book). After being in the hospital for almost 9 months, it is Matt's safe zone. So mom and dad are hoping to take Matt home for Easter to be around more familiar surroundings which would be an easier transition.
Saturday was bath day, but Matt was really tired and went to sleep right afterwards. The weekends are his lazy days and a good time to catch up on sleep. Continues to eat well and watched curling (disappointing loss by Sask). Had some company from the hospital staff and also family. It is so great that so many people continue to think of Matt and take the time to visit.
Please pray for Matt's movement of his left arm and hand, increased grip strength of his right hand, and an increase in overall strength needed for walking. Psalms 147:5"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
