Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The Saga Continues

Matt continues in rehab and we are hoping to keep him there as long as possible. He likes the staff and therapists, but still loves to come home on the weekends. This weekend the weather was great on Friday and he was able to sit out on the deck while John cooked on the barbeque. However the weather turned into that March lion and dumped over 15 cm of snow. Wet, cold, miserable. On Sunday our wonderful neighbors came and cleaned our driveway so we could get Matt back to rehab. By the time we returned a lot of the snow was blown back in and Matt's van barely made it through. No four wheel drive which makes it tough.
Matt was disappointed today because he couldn't stand without his brace. He wanted to try and the therapist said that he could but it might be difficult. He still stood three times. Matt is now trying to go from a standing position and then a slight sitting position and back up again. I will try to explain. When Matt goes to a standing position, they move the bed to the highest position so when he goes into a standing position, he doesn't have far to go. After he stands for a bit with the leg brace on the left leg in position, he tries to bend his right knee like he was about to sit down. because he cannot stand without his brace, it must stay locked in place and only the right knee is bending. Then Matt must push up back into a standing position. He is able to do it three or four times, each time he is standing so it adds up to 10 times. Mom says his right leg just shakes it takes so much effort with such a little bit of muscle to work with. The therapists are still amazed at his progress.
Yesterday they were working on his left arm, practicing supination and pronation. basically when his arm is resting on the table, Matt must try and turn his arm so his palm faces upwards and then back so his palm faces to the table. He does it better when he turns so his palm faces up. They are working on it to give Matt more mobility to help dress himself. He can now put his own shirt on by using his right arm and teeth. They got him doing his own buttons with the neatest little tool.
We are so grateful for all the prayers and thoughts regarding Shaunie. She is back to her normal self and the MRI did not show anything, however it wasn't the best diagnostic tool as Shaunie was unable to hold still enough in the machine. I had prayed that she would do well but just before she went into the room, I decided to give the Ativan the Dr. had prescribed to semi-sedate her. Thank goodness it did not take effect until after the MRI because it had the exact oppisite effect. We had to watch her like a hawk because she was like a drunk 4 year old, running into walls, jumping on the bed and off like it was still beneath her feet, screaming and agitated for 12 hours. Not a good day. Trust in the Lord and do not doubt, that is what I learned!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

good to hear of your accomplishments and hard work will pay off Matt. Nice photo updates!yy

Anonymous said...

Hi Matthew & Family. Sounds like you guys have had quite the week around there. So proud of all your accomplishments Matthew. You are quite the strong-willed young man. Love you to pieces.

Shelley, you do a great job explaining Matthew's rehab and also we are so happy to hear that Shaunie is okay. We had prayers for all of you at Bible Study.

I am taking my computer in to be checked today so may not have it for the next week. I am glad you sent in a blog yesterday so I could check your update.

Love to all. Auntie Sandy

Anonymous said...

Hi all. Good to hear everybody is doing well, and the progress is amazing. The snow you can keep,if your neighbours play out shelly you can borrow my shovel its never been used. We are getting rain and minus teens for weather. Spring will come sometime (July probably) Take care. Bryon,Brenda&clan

Anonymous said...

Hi Matt & Family;
I still am not sure why? I cannot connect to the Internet early in the day. Then once things get going out here , meaning our crazy days in the apartment bldg. I just don't stop to check the blog.
So happy to hear of recent accomplishments Matt. you are amazing!
So very sorry to hear of Shaunies tough time again, yet so very thankful that the Lord is our refuge and strength a very present help in times of trouble. (Ps.46:1) May He continue to give all of you the strength, wisdom,encouragement and protection you need each and every day. oxoxx
Winston & Carol

Anonymous said...

Look at you Matty, blowing all these doctors and therapists away! You are an inspiration! Keep working hard, keep your faith and always stay optimistic - because you're doing it! Look how far you've come! There are so many people who are so proud of you. Way to go! Take care!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like quite the week for all of there. Will continue to pray for Matt and Shaunie! The only way a person can make it through is with the help of the Lord. Couldn't do it without Him. Still praying!! Bev

Anonymous said...

Matt you are certianly an inspiration for people. You are always working so hard and never give up. Just think of what kind of world we could have if everyone was like you. Say hi to your mom and I am happy to hear that your neice is doing better. Like you we still have winter and are all sick of it. The roads around here have been terrible this week.Makes for a long drive to and from work. Take care.

Candice

Anonymous said...

Swedish Proverb:
Fear less, hope more,
eat less, chew more,
whine less, breathe more,
talk less, say more,
love more,
and all good things will be yours.
ns