Still praying that Matt will make it to Alberta next weekend. The van is unavailable for comment on its condition so we will wait and see.
Monday Matt does rehab just in Parkridge. Dad wanted to see how Matt would do in the manual wheelchair. As nice as the electric chair is, it really doesn't help Matt with improving his strength and dexterity. So they put Matt in the manual and dad asked Matt if he could move it. Couldn't lift his left hand so dad put the left hand on the wheel and again asked him to move it. Wouldn't you know that he moved the chair a little bit. The biggest problem was lack of grip strength so dad will take it tomorrow and see what the physio? department can rig up to make it easier. Matt did stay in that chair all day, however dad had to push him around so Matt loses a bit of independence. At least dad can keep up with him! Able to do the arm bike for 25 mins with slight tension. They are hoping to have it so if someone is with him and the machine is free, he could exercise whenever he wants.
Tuesday was rehab at City. The stepper didn't work out so well but Matt did great with the upper body tone machine. They also tried him with the Saskpole again, but they had made an error on meds and he was really dopey, felt his head was too fuzzy. So try again next week.
Today dad didn't go with to City for rehab, he sent a stand in. Krista, the RN from RUH went with and said Matt had a great day. They did his standing and walking exercises. Matt walked (not on his own) 25 feet. When I talked to him tonight he told me that his right leg did it on its own without any help but his left could do about 2-3 steps and needed constant persuasion. The left foot has a curling slider on it so he doesn't have to lift it, and his toes want to curl down all the time so they rigged up a rubber band (like those exercise bands) to hold his foot up(a physio therapist has to hold it the whole time). Matt feels soon he may be able to go without the brace, feels stronger in his left he may be able to hold his own weight. But we will wait and see.
Leaps and bounds, Matt. Leaps and bounds!! I get so excited to think of all the progress you have made since Christmas. God has truly been listening to pour prayers and knows what is best for you. When you lay all your burdens at His feet, He loves you even more for putting your complete trust in Him.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
OOPS!!
Just wanted to clarify that mom, dad, and Matt will make the trip to Red Deer May
15th, not the Mother's Day weekend! So if you are in Saskatoon for May 10th and 11th and are not visiting your mother, stop in for a visit at Parkridge!
15th, not the Mother's Day weekend! So if you are in Saskatoon for May 10th and 11th and are not visiting your mother, stop in for a visit at Parkridge!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Warmer Weather
Finally able to enjoy some time outside. Matt said there is a nice path around Parkridge so dad and him can enjoy the "fresh air".
Friday Matt had therapy at 1 pm in Parkridge. Did some weights. The physio focuses more on Matt's range of motion and technique then on the amount of weights he lifts. For example when he does the rowing she makes sure he reaches back as far as it can go, hold it for 1-2 secs and then go forward again. Threw the ball around for a bit. They were using the velcro ball and the plastic catcher with velcro on it. After a few times Matt said he didn't need it and started to throw and catch without it.
Saturday and today Matt doesn't have rehab so tries to do some exercises on his own, but is very difficult. One thing he finds is he can't stay in bed for as long as he did before otherwise he gets very stiff and numb. So likes to be up before 10 am. Matt had no company until today which makes for a long weekend, but sure enjoys it when someone comes.
Today was bath day. I noticed something was different, his hair was all shiny and he told me his feet don't stink anymore! I told him that is why he probably didn't have any company!
Prayers for continued healing and that the van will be in good working condition for next weekend, when Matt comes to visit in Red Deer. 1 Samuel 22:33-34 "It is God who arme me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Friday Matt had therapy at 1 pm in Parkridge. Did some weights. The physio focuses more on Matt's range of motion and technique then on the amount of weights he lifts. For example when he does the rowing she makes sure he reaches back as far as it can go, hold it for 1-2 secs and then go forward again. Threw the ball around for a bit. They were using the velcro ball and the plastic catcher with velcro on it. After a few times Matt said he didn't need it and started to throw and catch without it.
Saturday and today Matt doesn't have rehab so tries to do some exercises on his own, but is very difficult. One thing he finds is he can't stay in bed for as long as he did before otherwise he gets very stiff and numb. So likes to be up before 10 am. Matt had no company until today which makes for a long weekend, but sure enjoys it when someone comes.
Today was bath day. I noticed something was different, his hair was all shiny and he told me his feet don't stink anymore! I told him that is why he probably didn't have any company!
Prayers for continued healing and that the van will be in good working condition for next weekend, when Matt comes to visit in Red Deer. 1 Samuel 22:33-34 "It is God who arme me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
