New BIke

I am at work right now, and I forgot all Matt's information at home so I will try and wing it. (Don't worry, I am at John's office, he can't fire me!!)
Wednesday Matt was able to try out a new bike. I have seen them before on TV, especially on long bike races. They transfer Matt into it with the lift. He sits very low to the ground with his legs extended in front of him. The way he makes the bike move is with arm power. But the good thing is Matt has to use both arms to get it going, not just relying on his right arm. He did really well however he hasn't got the technique for turning yet and ran into a few walls!! He will use this machine once a week in the gym. They were also impressed how well he sat in the machine. Only needed a velcro strip.
Matt also did some standing exercises, trying to get those big clod hoppers to move. Needed lots of help but still progressing. Visited with Rocky and Barett. And sorry, but Matt did some more baking and there are no cookies left. They were gone in 5 minutes. Of course they were double chocolate chewy things so what did you expect? Matt did everything except measure the margarine, it was too hard from being in the freezer.
Thursday Matt had more visitors. Didn't have as much rehab today because he had a Dr's appt with the urologist. He was impressed by Matt's improvement and credits alot to the new meds he is on. Previously in December, Matt's bladder could only hold 100mls and would start to spasm. Now he can hold 300 mls. Occupational therapy consisted of playing Sorry, which Matt lost.
Today the troop should be going home for the weekend. Mom doesn't work so it should be much better. Will go the Golden Age to kick butt in crib and maybe get up to see grandma at the nursing home. It might be possible to use the standing machine there for Matt to practice but will have to see.
Tonight I will only be able to talk to Matt on the phone. I was really enjoying seeing him on the computer, but dial up at the farm just won't cut it!

Matt's Big Belly

Yesterday was able to see/hear Matt on Skype. I made him show me all of his moves. It took awhile because they would have to reposition the camera for different angles. It was amazing the difference from the end of February until now. He lifted his bum way off the bed 5 times in a row, was able to cross his legs in bed, however was difficult with the spasms at times. His left hand is what really amazed me. When I was there, he could barely move his fingers at all. Now if mom holds the hand just right, he can move his fingers more easily. It reminded me so much of the video I have of Matt's right arm moving at first. Of course I also saw Matt's big belly!! On most people that would be not a great thing, however it is wonderful to see on Matt!! I thinks he may be over 190lbs, a far cry from the measly 165 lbs he once was.
Rehab has been a bit slow. No standing for awhile, many staff are sick. However they did a re-evaluation of Matt's strength in his right arm. He can now lift 1 kg with his bicep, which is the weakest muscle on his arm, 3 kg weight when he pulls his arm across the chest, and 3 kg when using his tricep. That is kg, not lbs! Keep up the good work! They had Matt transfer to the elevated mat in gym by using the transfer board. It takes two people to help him, but once he gains more strength he could do it himself. The got Matt to then practice rolling on the mat. He did really well turning on his left side, but needs work to be able to turn on right side.
Mom arrived yesterday so I was able to speak/see her on Skype. Matt was glad to see her back. Today they were able to visit for over an hour with Casey Peterson, a quad from Kelvington. He had a C6 injury 6 years ago so great to hear about some of the things he has tried. He went to China for stem cell replacement?, but not much improvement with feeling in his legs, however it helped with his bowels, which is a huge issue. He also attended a few months at ProjectWalk. It helped a little but not to much. He has no movement or feeling below the chest, I believe.
Tomorrow they are trying a new machine so can't wait to hear all about it. Praise for Matt's continued progress, God truly is never far away, He is just one step behind Matt, encouraging him all the way. Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you,saying, 'This is the way;walk in it'"

Seen Matt on WebCam

Well I had an exciting call this evening. Matt has now signed up with Skype on the computer, which allows him to talk for free via the internet if someone else has Skype. Not only did I speak with him, I was able to see him via webcam and he could see me. It was great!! So if anyone wants to talk to Matt, sign up with Skype. It is free download and free computer to computer talking. Saves a bundle. However I have to wait until the kids are asleep, can't chase after them sitting at the computer.
Matt says he gained weight, appr. 190lbs. Dad says that Matt is eating the hospital food now, which probably means he is starving and anything tastes good then!
On Friday, Matt had forgot to mention he tried something new. He baked cookies!! I teased him and said that is something completely new, he didn't even do that before the accident!! He poured the ingredients, stirred the batter, and dropped them on the sheet. However the therapist had to put them in the oven, the tray was too heavy.
Weekend was quiet, did go outside today and took a tour of the park grounds. Not too cold. Really lazy day. Mom will be back tomorrow after her shift to give dad a break. Prayers for her safe travel and Matt's continued progress.