Monday, April 6, 2009

One More Month

The meeting last week was very successful and Matt will stay in rehab for one more month for sure. He has been feeling blue lately and tired. I asked if he just wanted to stop rehab, that maybe it was getting too tiresome and his response was "So I can sit at home and feel sorry for myself and do nothing for the rest of my life?" I guess that was my answer. I think he just gets tired from the physical and mental strain everyday and needs the weekend to relax. However this past weekend was not very relaxing because Jacki and the kids came to visit and Amy starting getting sick late Saturday night and ended up with rotovirus. Watery, awful smelling diarrhea and vomiting constantly. The washmachine worked non stop trying to keep up so Matt couldn't come upstairs to visit and we would only go down to see him if we disinfected ourselves. But Jonmarie and Uncle played Wii and Matt watched hockey, which he loves. Jacki phoned and Amy is still not eating and can only keep small amounts of fluid in so I think a trip tomorrow to her family physician may be in order. Little ones can dehydrate so fast.
Rehab continues in the same direction with Matt's goal of putting on a shirt without assistance has been accomplished. The new stand ARGO machine that we got through funding from Telemiracle is great! Took it to the rehab department last week and now the therapist can stand him by herself. Will work so well at home for toileting and standing when we only have one person for help. It builds bone/muscle strength and helps his posture, relieve his bottom and prevent pressure sores, help to stabilize blood pressure, etc. However Matt has been having some trouble with his blood pressure. The doctor (not John!) decided to take Matt off his remaining blood pressure pill, which was given to help elevate his low blood pressure and it will take awhile for his body to get used to it. When he stands, it drops to 70/40 and makes him feel dizzy and nauseated. But we are hoping by this week his body will adjust and he will feel better.
It didn't dampen his appetite on wing night at Tony Roma's. He had over 20 wings and they were huge! Always such a great time and the staff make him feel so special, coming over and chatting and remembering what drink he likes.
Thank goodness the weather is improving and we are grateful for the wind to dry things up. You know winter is finally leaving when they don't add a wind chill warning when they talk about it being windy.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Matt! It is so great to hear about all your accomplishments... you are such an inspiration! I can't even imagine what you go through on a daily basis... it must get pretty hard at times to stay positive and not be feeling blue, but we all know that you are a trooper and will keep fighting. I don't know how you do it, but you have come so far now that you have to keep pushing forward! We are still thinking about you lots and are sure missing being able to visit you! Chad and I haven't been up to too much lately... all finished up hockey for this year, so just enjoying a few weekends before Chad's work gets crazy! We hope to see ya soon bud!

Take Care,
Amanda and Chad

Anonymous said...

Hi Matthew & Family. Great to read another blog. I don't know what we would do without it. We like to keep tabs on you every week. Keep pushing hard, Matthew. We all understand you having a down day once in awhile - who wouldn't. You are doing great. I can't wait to see you this summer. Will you be in Weekes for the long weekend in May? Hope so.

Take care and love to all of you.

Love Auntie Sandy

Anonymous said...

Kudos to you Matt! I think when I begin to complain about the little things in life, I just need to remember the struggles that you go through on a daily basis and that gives me a wakeup call real quickly.

Dan and Erin are coming for the weekend with baby Colby. I love being a grandma as I'm sure your mom can attest to. Riss of course is in Ottawa - working two jobs at one time. Although I think she'll be pretty pooped out this week. Working 2 - 12 hr shifts and 2 - 14 hr shifts. I'll have to call her and see if she survived.

Reg is back out in Alberta at the rigs. Looks like they're doing night shift now as the snow melts. Getting pretty muddy there now.

Well, I should get back to my cleaning. That job doesn't seem to end around here.

Have a wonderful Easter and say hi to the whole family.
The Hertz's

Anonymous said...

Hi all.. wait all week to read the blog - and Shelly as usual thanks again for keeping us up to date. Love reading about all the accomplishments Matt has made - talk about living your life through your kids - now we all rely on Matt.. we all wish we had your drive and ability to keep pushing when it all seems so hard. We are amazed at what you continue to accomplish, and sometime wonder where the drive comes from.. Keep on going Matt we are in your corner. Love to all .. Happy Easter and our prayers continue to be with you all. Love sis & aunty Bren