Brighter Day

Got to talk to dad today. He felt the move went really well, however Matt not having a TV with a remote was a downer. That would have put a frown on Matt the TV addicts face! So Krista, a RN from city came down to check things out to see if everything was going okay. When she found out Matt didnt have a TV she went home and brought back a 20 inch TV with a remote, some weights, and anything else she thought Matt needed. I had forgot to mention when Matt went to Subway for supper, he was unable to get in because someone was parked in front of the ramp. So Matt had to wait outside while dad went and got him what he wanted. Well Krista heard that and happened to know the manager of the Subway, so I don't think Matt will have a problem next time! There was also some confusion regarding Matt's catheter supplies, bowel care products etc. Again Krista staightened everything out which Matt and dad were grateful.
Dad is really optimistic about the whole thing. The scenery is much better than originally thought and there is more places to go. The dining room is huge with a big common room, big screen TV, etc. The meals are really good. They have it buffet style and yesterday they were serving beef strogonaff, potatoes, gravy, the works. Of course it had to pass the sniff test, because with Matt he doesn't like new things and only likes mom's cooking, so was tentative. However once he started eating, he wolfed down the whole thing! No offence but I am sure it beats hospital food.
It turns out Parkridge has some staff working there that have ties to Porcupine and Weekes. The director? of nursing looked familiar to dad, and she asked if they were from Weekes. It turns out she had an uncle Andy Macdonald from Weekes, so dad and her chatted a bit. Then the doctor of Parkridge came to see Matt. His last name is Yelland and grew up in Porcupine!! While dad and Matt were outside, they heard a horn honking and it was one of the staff form ICU. She stopped to tell them she lives right dowwn the block and they should come sometime for a visit.
Matt even got to keep the same bed he had in City. So things are really looking alright. God knows what we need before we do, and if we trust in Him, he will provide our needs. Thanks agian to all who continue to keep reading the blog. Thanks also to Pat Gustafson who wrote about her son Andy. Not sure where you are from but have a visit with Matt if you are in the city. It is always great to have company. It sounds like rehab will start next week, so hopefully it wil go as well as when he was at the hospital.
Will speak with Matt tonight. He was so tired last night he went to bed at 9pm.

Move To Parkridge

This will be a short blog tonight. Just wanted to say the move was a success. Matt went to Parkridge just after 9 am this am. He was down hearted tonight, new place with new staff, new environment, new things to get used to all over again. There may be some problems when Matt needs to be cathaterized. The staff ratio is 6 nurses to 42 patients so when he rings the call bell, it will take some time before a staff will get there. I could see in his face he was trying to be positive but feeling overwhelmed and out of place.
Was able to go down to Subway for supper. The surroundings are quite a change as well, Parkridge is located on 22nd ave and not the most scenic. However each move that Matt has made he has done well after a few days, and each move was traumatic. But in time they will come to know him and love him. So prayers for some sleep tonight and that the transition stage will be over soon and the settling-in stage will start. No matter where you go Matt, God will follow you and carry you through it. Love you lots!

Can't Keep A Good Man Down

That Matt never ceases to amaze me with his resilience. He bounces back so well. The biggest hurdle about getting down is climbing back up and Matt always does just that. Yesterday he was in much better spirits. A resident who was doing a special exam on Matt had all the young medical students with him, so Matt had alot of attention. They tested his peripheral nerves or the ones that extend from his spinal cord to his body and extremeties. Matt can feel everything normally at about the C6 level, and then the feelings are less distinct. The resident tests Matt with dull and sharp to see if Matt can distinguish between the two. After the nipple area and down to his toes, Matt states it always feels dull, even when they are poking him with something sharp.
During OT, Matt played crib. He can now pick up al six cards at once but he can't open them up to see what they are. So he looks at them one at a time, memorizes what and where they are face down on the table, discards the two he doens't want and plays that way. He doesn't use the card holder any more which is a step up. Was able to take a trip outside and was less anxious. Still had a few "breathless" periods, but the resp therapist checked him over and stated it wasn't his lungs. However she did give him a royal tongue lashing about Matt not doing his breathing exercises, which are so important.
A social worker from Parkridge came over to talk with Matt about the move. Incidently, the social worker is related to Uncle Bob Thompson, small world!! She explained how everything workes. Matt will get 3 days a week rehab at Parkridge, then come to City 2 days a week as an outpatient. Matt was feeling pretty comfortable about the whole thing by the end of the talk.
Today was another good day. Matt again did his standing exercise, and was quite excited that he was able to take a small step with his right foot without any assistance. Overall he took 20 steps, with lots of help. Fantastic Matt!! Ask and you shall receive!
Went down to ICU and said his goodbyes. There were definetely a few tears shed in that room. Matt leaves for Parkridge at 10am tomorrow. Paul Gustafson came over to give his positive feelings about the move and Matt is really looking forward to it. We don't have much to worry about because Matt always has his cheerleaders beside him, making sure everyone tows the line. Paul also is encouraging Matt to practice self-catheterization, so he can do it himself instead of relying on someone else. Matt can void 200 mls into a urinary bottle, howwever his bladder holds 500 mls, so after an hour he still feels like he has to go. So still needs to use the catheter. But everything is getting better, however slow it may be. I was reminded of Fanny Crosby's old hymn "Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice. O come, to the Father throught Jesus the Son, and give him the glory great things he hath done!" Prayers always need to followed with praise.

Two Tough Days

Sunday was a difficult day mentally for Matt. He had went outside with dad and the weather was quite beautiful. However with warmer weather brings people riding bikes, playing ball, tossing a frisbee. Matt was finding it really hard to see everyone having fun and he couldn't do the same things. Depression had set in and would not give up its hold. Monday was another mentally exhausting day. He tried to do his exercises but felt he couldn't breathe. Anxiety hit him like a ton of bricks. He said he tried so many things to shake it off but it stuck. I had talked to mom last night and I think she really needs a lifting of her spirits. The world can get pretty heavy and the weight just continues to push down on her. Then when I spoke to Matt, the same feelings that mom was experienceing was being felt by Matt as well.
However by the end of the conversation, Matt said he was feeling a bit better, and I prayed that the night would not be endless and today would be a better day. I think the trigger was hearing that Matt would be moved to Parkridge Nursing Home within the week. Mom does not want Matt to go and is not sure what to do. Parkridge does have a step down rehab, but it is not as intense as City and we don't want Matt to lose what he has. We want him to continue to gain in strength and abilities. So prayers for God to show us the way. We are not sure what to pray for and this verse says it best. Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express".

Not too much to say tonight

Sorry about the late blog. The problem is I talked to Matt last night, had all the information written down, and now I can't find the paper!! My memory is so bad I can barely remember what Matt did. I know he was happy to have some company on Friday. Dad and him went outside to enjoy the wonderful weather (Friday or Saturday). +15 degrees but said it was cool in the shade. He laughs at dad because he watches over Matt like a mother hen, always asking if he is too cold, hungary, comfortable, etc.
Matt tried out the stepper machine on Friday and was able to do 30 secs by himself without the physio pushing down on his knees! Great job Matt, keep it up.
Watched Tv on Saturday, hockey and some of the Master's golf. His neck is very sore and it was hard to watch him last night. I just wanted to reach through the screen and rub his neck. I wasn't able to speak to him tonight so not sure how Sunday was for him. But no news is good news.
Hopefully with the week starting I will have more news tomorrow. Lekker slaap which means sleep well in Afrikaans. John is trying to teach me, but the going is rough! Jonmarie picks up up much quicker.