Yesterday Matt was feeling a bit more sluggish. Felt dizzy in the am which affected his exercises. He did the 20 mins on the arm bike and then went to City to do some standing exercises. Matt had to sit down on the first attempt at standing because he felt dizzy but managed to stand again. He did really well when he practiced taking small baby steps. The right foot is much stronger but they were surprised at the left, which he also took 2 good steps with. Now it is not the same steps you or I would take. Matt's brain and body have forgotten how to walk so they continually encourage him and tell him what he should be doing next: lift your foot, bend the knee, twist at the hip to swing your foot forward. If Matt's feet are a big sluggish they sometimes prod it forward with their own feet. So it is really a process but Matt never gives up!!
I actually had a laugh at one of the exercises they want Matt to practice to strengthen him to use the Sask Pole (remember, the pole that goes from ceiling to floor and is beside his bed to aide in transferring). They want him to practice a movement similar to starting a push mower and all I could picture is Uncle Neil at every dance I have ever seen him at doing the lawnmower dance, especially to "Old Time Rock and Roll"! So Matt, get Uncle Neil to come show you how it is done!
Matt also tried the stepper again but wasn't very successful. He had such a good day on Tuesday that it was hard to beat. I had forgot to mention on Tuesday Matt was able to transfer from the chair to the mat using the transfer board and only 2 people helping him, which was really great. It was also good when he got back to Parkridge he got a massage.
Today was sad because mom had to go back to work. But dad always steps up to the plate and pinch hits. She left at 1100 to get to work by 2:45, talk about cutting it close. I guess travelling that same route so many times over the last year gives her a good estimation about arrival time. Matt had therapy on his arms at 3:30. Went outside but still really windy. When I asked him if he was doing any exercises in bed he told me at every commercial, he opens his left hand. He tries not to close it because the muscle tone is so bad, if he closes it he can't get them open again. Works on wiggling his toes too. Keep at it Matt, the journey continues and we are all with you, if not in body , then in Spirit. Please put a memory verse in the blog comments for tonight. I'll get back on track for the next blog!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Heavy Workout
Monday Matt had some meetings to figure out the best rehab for him. They discussed what he could do and how they could build on his strengths. A person from City came over to discuss what they would be doing for Matt over there.
So today they put Matt through his paces. First he did the arm bicycle for 20 mins. A trip to City rehab had more work for him. They worked Matt on the mat for 1 hour, rolling, sitting up. He discovered he could balance himself fairly well while sitting, so they have decided to do one day a week on the mat and one day a week standing/walking. You have to crawl before you can walk. It will be great to work out the core muscles such as his abs and back so they are stronger when he eventually walks by himself. So after being on the mat his neck was sore but they were not through with him yet. Matt went to the gym for 1/2 hour and did the stepper for one full minute by himself. He was very proud of himself and so are we!!
They also tried the rowing machine or upper body tone machine. He did way better then he had previously in his right hand but they were very suprised at his left hand. The way it works is they start with nothing, then some tension, then some weights at the beginning. So the left could hardly do anything when he was at City when there was nothing on the machine. However now he now can move the machine with a little tension on it.
Matt got to try a new machine they have which they didn't think would work for Matt. It makes his arms move like he was cross country skiing. The increments are from 1-7 and Matt could do increment 2. Matt, you not only amaze the staff but you also amaze all your die hard fans!!
Tommorrow he again goes to City . But first they will teach Matt to do self cathaterizations. It will increase his independence and help increase dexterity.
Will write more tomorrow. Keep praying and praising!!
So today they put Matt through his paces. First he did the arm bicycle for 20 mins. A trip to City rehab had more work for him. They worked Matt on the mat for 1 hour, rolling, sitting up. He discovered he could balance himself fairly well while sitting, so they have decided to do one day a week on the mat and one day a week standing/walking. You have to crawl before you can walk. It will be great to work out the core muscles such as his abs and back so they are stronger when he eventually walks by himself. So after being on the mat his neck was sore but they were not through with him yet. Matt went to the gym for 1/2 hour and did the stepper for one full minute by himself. He was very proud of himself and so are we!!
They also tried the rowing machine or upper body tone machine. He did way better then he had previously in his right hand but they were very suprised at his left hand. The way it works is they start with nothing, then some tension, then some weights at the beginning. So the left could hardly do anything when he was at City when there was nothing on the machine. However now he now can move the machine with a little tension on it.
Matt got to try a new machine they have which they didn't think would work for Matt. It makes his arms move like he was cross country skiing. The increments are from 1-7 and Matt could do increment 2. Matt, you not only amaze the staff but you also amaze all your die hard fans!!
Tommorrow he again goes to City . But first they will teach Matt to do self cathaterizations. It will increase his independence and help increase dexterity.
Will write more tomorrow. Keep praying and praising!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lots of Company
Was finally able to speak with mom and Matt. We were in Calgary for Jacki's birthday and just got back tonight. Matt looks so good because he got rid of his facial hair. He says he looks 15 but I think he looks great!
Matt is still not feeling great in the am and early pm, but by 4 pm he feels like his normal self. Mom was really pushing Matt Saturday to do his exercises. However she did it after he had his sleeping pills, so not good planning. But Matt always puts on his best performance and was able to hold the "bridge" position for 25 seconds. Matt is laying in bed and mom helps to bend his knees and hold them. Then he lifts his butt off the bed and has to hold that position. He was teasing mom that she couldn't hold that postion for 25 seconds! Go team Matt!! She also makes him move his left hand all the time and even though it makes him spasm it is improving, even if it is slow.
The weather hasn't been cooperating in Sask so not too much touring outside. But thank goodness for lots of company, it always makes the time go faster.
Played Wii against mom. They decided on golf. Matt beat mom. She didn't do too bad but her putting needs some work. So with two good arms mom couldn't beat Matt. Wait until the left really starts pulling ahead, then you could even beat me!!
Tonight Matt and I were asking trivia questions related to the bible. Matt had a few that were so difficult for me so I better start reading some more!
Psalms 147:10-11 "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
Matt is still not feeling great in the am and early pm, but by 4 pm he feels like his normal self. Mom was really pushing Matt Saturday to do his exercises. However she did it after he had his sleeping pills, so not good planning. But Matt always puts on his best performance and was able to hold the "bridge" position for 25 seconds. Matt is laying in bed and mom helps to bend his knees and hold them. Then he lifts his butt off the bed and has to hold that position. He was teasing mom that she couldn't hold that postion for 25 seconds! Go team Matt!! She also makes him move his left hand all the time and even though it makes him spasm it is improving, even if it is slow.
The weather hasn't been cooperating in Sask so not too much touring outside. But thank goodness for lots of company, it always makes the time go faster.
Played Wii against mom. They decided on golf. Matt beat mom. She didn't do too bad but her putting needs some work. So with two good arms mom couldn't beat Matt. Wait until the left really starts pulling ahead, then you could even beat me!!
Tonight Matt and I were asking trivia questions related to the bible. Matt had a few that were so difficult for me so I better start reading some more!
Psalms 147:10-11 "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
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