Sweet Amy...

Matt sure enjoyed seeing little niece Amy today. She looks at him with her big eyes and smiles, and Matt just grins. He really wishes he could hold her.... He's also a little jealous because she's started to roll. Our goal is for Matt to be walking when she does. Keep praying - Acts 3:6 "...In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk".

So, overall not a great day, but better than yesterday. Although he didn't throw up this morning, he did throw up this afternoon again which is very tiring. We now fear that that he once again has pneumonia due to some of the vomit getting in his lungs (aspirates). A culture will be sent tonight and we will know the results tomorrow. Please pray that we are wrong and that he doesn't have pneumonia, but if he does, that it will be dealt with quickly and effectively. Psalms 46:10 tells us to Be still, and know that I am God. Besides a "down" afternoon, Matt was pretty bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this evening and was able to visit, laugh, and talk about food (he hasn't eaten since Wednesday, but feels he'll be ready for food tomorrow). Also, Matt really enjoyed the video from his friends in Porcupine - especially the homemade 3-wheeler! Thanks everyone who drops by to visit,sends messages and well wishes, they really brighten Matt's day.

A rough day

Matt had a really rough day. He had started throwing up last evening, it continued through the night and all during the day. He has been running a low grade fever for the last three days. They were not sure what was the matter so they took some x-rays and then took him to the main floor to see if the feeding tube was not in the right place again. They put in a new feeding tube and changed the rate of how much he is getting. He will still be able to eat, which is now a regular diet, but if he has a day like today he will continue to get enough nutrient ion. He has gained about 10 lbs, which for Matt is not very noticeable. He had lots of company to see him, but they were not able to get in as he was sleeping most of the day from all the Gravol he was given. The Dr.'s from City Hospital were in to see Matt today and they are trying to make the arrangements to get him moved to the I C U their so they can also start his rehab. Matt is so blessed to have so many caring Nurses and staff at R U H, they are so good to him and us. Prayers for tonight and tomorrow are that Matt's infections and vomiting will subside and he will again be eating and on his way to a full recovery. Thank you for your continued prayers and kind thoughts. John 16:23, 24 says "Verily. Verily, I say to you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name He will give it you...ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

No More Infections, Please!

Today Matt had a swab taken to see whether he has MRSA, a relatively nasty infection that can be dangerous in patients like Matt. Apparently a patient 2 beds down from Matt had it, so as a precaution they want to make sure he doesn't have it. The results won't be in for a few days, so lots of prayers that the test results are negative. He did throw up after supper, but they feel it was from a nasty coughing spell so soon after eating. All that food gone to waste! Thank goodness for the feeding tube. He was up for over 2 hours in his chair and had tons of company, which always brightness Matt's day. Another high note was meeting the author of the book "Healing Nuggets". The christian nurse brought him in to talk and pray with Matt. Just a note: Matt hasn't had any breathing trials for awhile. They have lowered his O2 to 33%, the lowest it has been since the pneumonia. They want him to work harder all day instead of really hard for 1 hour and spend the next 4 hours recuperating. As a family, we would like to send out our gratitude to everyone who has donated money towards Matt's recuperation and recovery. The generosity of people is astounding and mom couldn't be with Matt without it. The light is shining bright throughout Saskatchewan and beyond. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. An God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work".

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

I am so happy to write the title on progress rather than regression. Mom says Matt's strength is improving everyday, more in his right leg then in his right arm, which is a little strange but we will take it. Today when mom put her hand to the bottom of Matt's big toe, she could feel him putting pressure against it. Also when she held his right arm at the elbow and wrist, she could feel and see slight pulling by Matt. Keep it up Matt! They are thinking of trying Matt on a regular diet tomorrow, instead of the soft one he is getting now. Soft eggs and mushy cereal doesn't sound appetizing and I am sure Matt is tired of baby food! At 6 foot 7 inches he probably wants a HE-MAN meal. Just think, last week he was barely able to drink water, and now look. Real food. On the downside he had a bit of trouble with his breathing this evening, not in great distress but they did have to bag and suction him for about 40 mins, which really plays him out. But he is bouncing back so much better after those episodes, that it is just a speed bump now, instead of a mountain. So amazing that when I read the comments, there are people as far away as Florida reading this blog. Internet is good for somethings. There is goodness every where if we just look. Matt 6:22 "The eye is a lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light". Keep the lights on!

Putting on weight

I am not sure how Matt is putting on weight, he sleeps until 3:00 pm! Dad usually goes in the morning to feed Matt his breakfast, and was a little upset that Matt slept through it. I think Dad enjoys feeding Matt as much as Matt likes eating! Mom did say they are continuing to feed him through the tube during the evening and nighttime to make sure he doesn't start to lose again. But those frappes that mom gets him have over 600 calories, so a few more of those and he is set. Regarding the infection, it is a urinary tract infection and they have to change Matt's catheter. It is extremely painful and Matt doesn't want it done, but it is the best way to prevent the infection from getting worse. Lots of prayers on helping Matt with the pain. Mom also said that though he isn't moving anything different since yesterday, those movements are getting stronger. Keep it up Matt! You have a whole country cheering for you, from Nanaimo B.C. to Newfoundland, plus an all star international squad as well. I read a verse from an e-mail I received from Esther and Henry Penner in Yorton about Matt. Lam. 3:22-23 " Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Go Roughriders!

Matt had a good day, especially when the Roughriders won. He even had a few of the nurses watching with him when it wasn't to busy. He also had a few ketchup chips, however they were harder to swallow because of his sore throat. They took a sputum swab and throat swab to see what infection he has. The already started him on a very expensive antibiotic to make sure it doesn't progress into anything bad, like pneumonia. Mom says Matt"s chest muscles are getting stronger so hopefully he will be able to cough more effectively and keep the bad stuff from settling into his lungs. Matt's leg movement remains the same. But they noticed when they laid Matt's right hand sideways, the outside 3 fingers bent a little. Whether that was active movement or just spontaneous they were not sure, but I will take it as positive. He was also able to turn his right wrist slightly as well, so things are starting to click. It may not be very fast, but like the turtle that won the race, it is the outcome we are looking for. The christian male nurse came to see Matt and pray with him. Matt really likes him and has enjoyed the book he gave him "Healing Nuggets". I know I have used this verse before, but it is so good. Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".

Sleepy Day

Just wanted everyone to know that Mom has been doing the blog for over a week. We were on holidays and wanted her to know she did a great job. Matt's day was that of a typical teenager, he slept until 3:00 p.m. However they had woken him up a few times for his exercises. He did only one trach trial for 1 hr 10 min. Matt also did something today that no one can figure out. He can slightly roll his right leg back and forth! Usually it would start with his right arm, but Matt is so unique that he just has to do it differently! Cheers for Matt and his individuality! Thanks be to God. Matt was able to eat mashed potatoes and gravy today, but had a hard time swallowing the turkey because his throat is sore. They believe he has another infection, that originated from a urinary tract infection. His trach was finally healed and now it is infected as well. The infection is also causing his backside to breakdown. Prayers that it will heal quickly and no pneumonia will develop. Matt states he wants us to pray for Beaner, a young fellow from Porcupine that was injured in a motor vehicle accident last night and is in the hospital too. In John 14:1, Jesus says" Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me".

Getting Stronger

Matt had a bath today, they took him up to the 6 th floor to use the tub, he said it felt great. He was really tired after his bath and trach trial, so slept a lot of the morning. His right hand and arm are getting stronger, he can move all five fingers and put some pressure on the thumb and fore finger. He can move his toes a little bit easier also, still has to concentrate to get things to move. He was able to eat a cookie today and also some cake, he had a Carmel frappa and a Iced Cappuccino from Tim Horton's that his nurse brought him. She also did a manicure and pedicure for him. Thank you all so much for lifting Matt up in prayer day by day. Psalm 146: 1 tells us Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 121:1 states I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Fries and soup

Matt had another good day. He was able to have a full fluid diet and then they tried fries at supper, they were harder to swallow so didn't have too many. He enjoyed the potato soup and ice cream, but the coffee was the best. Tomorrow he will get another frappa, will try strawberry this time. He did get to go outside for awhile and also did two trach trials. He was very tired this afternoon so did some sleeping. He got a Rider jersey and hat from some friends, was excited about that. Matt was happy to have company. He so enjoys the Nurses and staff they are all so good at making his day as good as they can. We are so thankful to them all. Psalm 105:1 states O Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Matt is always happy to read all the comments on the Blog and says Hi to all.

Swallowing assessment a go

Praise the Lord Matt's swallowing assessment went well. He was able to have a orange frappe drink and was smiling from ear to ear. For the next few days he will get a fluid diet, and then if he does okay will go to soft dental and then on to the good stuff. Staff were very excited for him as were we. He was able to go outside today and did a tour of the main floor. Company in so day went very fast. He is doing well on portable vent. Psalms 118:29 says O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Our prayers for tomorrow are that Matt will continue to get stronger and start moving his left hand.Jeremiah 29:12 says Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.

Matt says Hi to all

Matt had a very good day today. They put a size 6 trach tube in from an 8, they also deflated the cuff that fits around the trach to keep the air in, so he was able to talk and hear his voice for the first time in two months. He was excited to be able to communicate with visitors and staff. His voice was quite husky but nice to hear him talk. They also put a new feeding tube in, so now is getting some calories again. They set him up on a portable vent, it will a bit easier to get around. It is the same kind that they have on order for him. He will go for his swallowing assessment tomorrow at 3 o'clock. Lots of company today, which always brings a smile to his face. Prayers for tomorrow, swallowing assessment and lungs and diaphragm to stenghten so he will be able to breath on his own. Thank you all for lifting Matt up in prayer and praise God for what he has done and will continue to do. Isaiah 25:1 says O Lord, you are my God, I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

Patience and Faith

Matt is happy to be able to have company. It definitely makes the days and evenings go faster to see other faces. Today was another day of not much happening. This morning the nurse noticed that Matt's feeding tube had been pulled partly out, so they had to stop the feeds and get the Dr. to look at it. They decided to take him back to surgery and put a new one in, that will be done sometime tomorrow. His swallowing assessment is also scheduled for tomorrow. They were able to keep the fevers down today with the fan and cool cloths. Matt enjoys reading the e-mails, cards and the blog comments, they always brings a smile or two. Our prayers for tomorrow is that the feeding tube will be replaced in the morning and that the assessment will go well. Hebrew 10:23 says Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Another good day

Matt had a good day today. He had lots of company and a fun loving nurse to help him through the day. He was able to do three trails and even though he gets very tired he tried his best. His fever went up several times during the night and day, but so far they have kept it down with a fan and very light covers. He will also do another swallowing assessment on Tuesday. He is very anxious about the assessment and really needs your prayers to stay calm and have faith in his ability to succeed in all he needs to get through. Hebrews 11:1 states "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

A Good Day

Matt had a good day today, very positive Nurses and staff. He was able to get up and go outside for awhile. Did two trails and did well. They changed some of the vent settings so he is doing more work on his own during the day and then giving more support during the night so he gets more rest. They are trying to get his lungs stronger. Had a fever during the night and this morning, but was good all day. Thank You for your continued prayers for a full recovery, it is such a blessing to know so many people care and are praying for Matt and our family. John 16:24 Ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.

A different day

Today started out fine, Matt looked good and was in good spirits. He did two trails in morning and afternoon and did well. He had a different Dr. and with that came different ideas. Not sure what it was all about, but from what I gathered he decided that Matt is getting to tired on the trials so has told Matt he only has to do what he thinks he can do and they were not going to push him. He is also going to put in an order for an portable vent. Came away not to sure what direction we are going and what it all means. Matt was very discouraged and not sure what to think. Please continue to pray for guidance for Medical staff and also for us, also that Matt will continue to be positive about his recovery. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

More Excitement

I couldn't wait until this evenings news to write in the blog. It was just too good. Matt moved the toes on his right foot! Mom of course was visiting other people and he was trying to get her attention by clicking. He then told her to watch his right foot. She said she could hardly believe it. Just like dad did, she called the nurse over to confirm what she had seen. What great news! Way to go Matt! Psalms 145:3 "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom". Had also had 2 breathing trials so far, 1:10 and 1:10. That is as long as they will let him go. He did de-sat after laying on his right side, or his bad side, but again after some physio and suctioning, the o2 went back up. Tonight is his last dose of antibiotics and so far he is clear from any more infections. He's had a bit of diarrhea, hopefully it isn't a virus, just too many meds to keep everything soft, and the nutritionist said they may change his food as well. But we will see tomorrow. Also a fellow from City Hospital rehab came to see Matt, and currently there a re no beds, but maybe we will see in a few weeks. Right now ICU is still the best place for his lungs, but the rest is obviously wanting to get on with rehab! Sorry Matt, cannot divide you up and send pieces to where they must go. Your too good-looking just in one piece!

Hills and Valleys

Some good points to the day and not so good points. Matt had his 1st breathing trial this am and did really well, almost 2 hours. However this afternoon they tried a 2nd one and he kept de-sating, his O2 levels kept dropping and they could not get them up. They bagged him and suctioned him for quite awhile before things got a bit better. Then chest physio came in to do his regular physio, and Matt's O2 levels dropped again. They were quite worried about another collapsed lung or a clot, so did x-rays and found nothing. However his charge nurse heard a lot of crackles in his left lung, or his good lung, and did more physio and suctioned a large amount of loose phlegm, and Matt improved almost immediately. All this makes him quite tired so they did no further trials for the rest of the day. But a few good notes: he had both tubes removed from his nose, and he made the nurse take them out right at 4:00 on the dot. Felt great! Also mom noticed he tried to push against her hand with his index finger and she felt a light pressure. Before he was moving his fingers with no resistance, so it's like push-ups for his fingers. He was also up in his chair for 2 hours and did really well. Prayers for the night time, as Matt gets quite anxious whenever anything goes wrong with his lungs. 1John 4:4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them., because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world".

Painful Day

Well, Matt finally had surgery for the insertion of the tube into his small intestine at 4:20, and with any surgery it will cause him pain. Has been fasting since midnight last night and cannot have nothing through the tube for another 24 hours. That will be one hungry boy. Prior to surgery another tube was put in his other nostril to drain excess fluid and air from his stomach. It was a large tube and Matt said it hurt so bad. He had broke his nose in hockey this year and it still is painful, so this sure didn't help. He was able to do 3 breathing trials:1 hr 40 min, 1 hr, & the last was 35 mins. During the last trial, they accidentally pulled on the large tube in his nostril and that was the real cherry on the top. They have been trying to get Matt to do more exercises with his right hand, and he seems to be moving his fingers better. They also noticed more spasms in his legs and left hand, so were are hoping that is good news, that the brain is trying to send impulses to those parts of the body and the wiring is trying to re-route itself. Not sure, but hope is the best medicine, and as one surgeon writes"true hope can only come from Christ". Psalms 16:8 "I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand. I will not be shaken". Prayers for a better day tomorrow, Matt.

Another Day

The am started throwing up again times 3. Ordered new anti-nausea medication because the Gravol isn't really working and it makes him sleepy. They will be putting the tube into his small intestine tomorrow morning. They will have to put him under anesthetic, so prayers that he will come out of it okay. Physio worked with him and states can feel the muscle in his right arm is strengthening. Matt also states he is trying to move his right leg because he has more sensation in that leg than in the left leg. He also had 3 breathing trails for total of 4 hours and did really well. They would have done 4 but they had an emergency. Mom feels his chest muscles are getting a bit stronger and he can cough up some of the mucus to the top now. They also had a psychologist in to assess whether Matt is depressed or not, and was impressed by Matt's spirit in such a situation. I found a quote in scripture that seems to be written for Matt. Hebrews 12:12-13 "Therefore strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

One day at a time....

Well, Matt did not get sick or nauseous this morning - first time in a few days, and we were told he had a great sleep last night (unlike the rest of Saskatoon residents who heard the thunderstorm all night!) Thus, he was alert and felt really good for most of the day. He did 3 breathing trials (I can't remember how long the first 2 were), and the last one was only 40 minutes at 6:30 pm - but he was pretty tired by then as he had sat up in his bed for an hour before that. We played about 3 games of card golf (9 holes only), and this time the luck was on my side, and Matt pouted!! - It was quite funny! I'm sure we'll have a rematch tomorrow. Let's pray that Matt has another restful night - "Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalms 105:4