All Dressed Up

For the first time in 3 months, Matthew was all dressed in a T-Shirt Kim Logan had given him, sweatpants, socks. Mom said he looked like a million dollars. Sat up in his chair for 4 hours, tired him out though and did get a bit nauseous. But he still ate well for supper, almost a whole chicken burger (without the bun). They managed to keep his temp down today with just Tylenol, still unsure where the infection is but pray that it will clear on its own with no antibiotics. The physiotherapist did a functional assessment to see what Matt's mobility level is at, and stated that she felt muscle tone in his left forearm and his left thumb quivering, which is great. She gave him some exercises to do to strengthen what he has for mobility. They are hoping to start his trach trials tomorrow, he had to switch to a portable ventilator and thought it might be better to let him adjust. Nolan got to see Matt's "partner in crime" Rocky, who was with Matt in ICU in RUH. He is in rehab and is off his ventilator, and had his motorized wheelchair already. Things to look forward to. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Quiet Day

Well all the excitement of the move is over. Matt slept well considering it was a new place with different sounds and people. Will take awhile to get to know the staff, but the seem really pleased that Matt is finally there. The respiratory therapist was in to see him, and think they will start the trach trials tomorrow. Their speciality is getting people weaned off the trach, so they know how to push and when to step back. Hopefully the trials will go well. Unfortunately Matt has another temp, but his lungs were clear so it is an infection somewhere else. The believe it is a urinary tract infection so poor Matt again had to have the catheter put in. Very unpleasant. They also noted Matt was more nauseated after physio, so they don't give him Gravol as quickly and he seems to be more alert for the rest of the day. They were unable to get him up in his chair, but he sat up in his bed at 80 degrees for most of the day, which is great for his lungs and blood pressure. After being in bed so long, your body has a difficult time adjusting to being upright, so it's training your body all over again. They also said Matt needs to eat more protein, and the hospital food is not quite to Matt's liking, so we have to come up with some recipes that he will enjoy and increase his protein intake. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." Pray for Matt in his new endeavour.

THE BIG MOVE

The day finally arrived. By 4:30 p.m. Matt was moved to City Hospital ICU via ambulance. He was having a rough day with his nausea, and was only able to sit up in his chair for an hour. But mom said when he got to City, even though he was apprehensive and worried, he looked brighter and was even able to eat soup, spaghetti, and some bacon, the most he has eaten in a week. We have waited so long it was a bit of a shock it happened just like that, no warning at all. But we will take it! It is a great move forward, but scary too. Matt and mom became so familiar with the comings and goings of the ICU at RUH, the staff were great, and now they are in unfamiliar waters. But the staff at RUH were very happy for Matt, and they knew City was where he needed to be so he continue forward in his progress. Matt's new room is big and private, and the ICU is much quieter, so hopefully he will get to sleep at night without the use of sleeping pills. Matt, the road ahead will be the toughest thing you will ever do, but with so many people cheering for you and the Great Physician by your side, you can't go wrong. 1 Peter 5:10
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

News From Nolan

Nolan and Lindsay arrived this evening from Calgary. Matt brightened up immediately, and seemed really alert and happy. Nolan could not believe the progress Matt has made in the last 2 months since he saw him. He was stunned to see Matt move his fingers and big toe on his right foot. Matt was even able to put slight pressure with his big toe against Nolan's hand. Also, when Matt tried to move his left hand, there was no movement but he noticed Matt's bicep contracting, which is great. His right hand is also getting stronger. He can move his 4 fingers off the bed, and curl them up a bit as well. And the grip with his pointy finger and thumb is improving as well. Hopefully within the next few days, physio is going to rig up a sling that when Matt moves his shoulder, it will lift his hand. Such progress is great. Psalms 47 1 "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." Lots of continued prayers that the nausea will subside and he will be able to eat more. They even gave him some baby Oval, which Matt doesn't care for, but I think he is getting flashbacks from when he was a baby and we gave it all the time for 14 months! No trach trials again today, but Matt was really tired from all the Gravol. Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With The Wind would say, "Tomorrow is another day."

A Fun Time

Well the Riders were so close, but close is only good in Horse Shoe. Matt had a good time watching the game with friends and family. Tried a little pizza and coke and sat up for the entire game. He was really tired this evening, but was a good tired. He wanted me to thank the ones that could come and share the game, or parts of it with him, meant a lot to him and us. He also had other company and it sure helps pass the day. Thanks also to the staff that let us use their room to watch the game. He was a little nauseous this evening and needed a little gravol to settle his stomach. Prayers for today are that his appetite will improve and his breathing trials will go well. ( If someone listen, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen. - Lorettaa Girzartis) Psalm 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadows of your wings.

Okay Day

Matt was tired today and slept quite a bit. He didn't feel well, but still managed to eat a few of Auntie Sandy's flax cookies! He worries when things go wrong, and we continue to pray that they will start going right more often. He was able to have a bath again today, because he is preparing for the big rider game tomorrow. They were able to book one of the conference rooms at the hospital with a big screen TV, so if anyone wants to join him for the game, just come on down. Mom is going to buy some chips and finger food, so it should be a good time. Sorry I have to miss it. The girls and I will be heading out to Saskatoon next weekend, and hoping to see him at City Hospital! Matt started his trach trials today, but only lasted 10 mins. Tomorrow will be better. If he could get off the ventilator, he may be able to go home for Christmas. That would be a great present. Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do no fear; I will help you. " That's why Matt's right hand is moving, God has a hold of it!

Double,Double

Matt was feeling much better today, was able to go for a walk around more of the campus and get a double, double at Tim Hortons. He enjoyed some Timbits and his auntie Sandy's flax cookies. Was able to keep his food down today, praise the Lord. He was more wide awake and able to visit with his company. He got to see some pictures of the Philippines which was a treat. Had a meeting with the Dr and she explained to us what they had in the works for Matt's move to City. They are hoping that it will be no longer than two weeks. The trach trials will hopefully be a go for tomorrow. Prayers for tomorrow, that the trach trails will start again and Matt will continue to get stronger. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Psalm 37:24 Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

A step back

Matt ran into another road block today. He started vomiting this morning, they did some e-rays and found out that he is again plugged up. They had to stop his tube feeds for a part of the day and start him on some more meds. They also suspect he has some more infections, so did blood work and cultures to see. He was very sleepy for most of the day and part of the evening. He felt better later this evening, and was happy with a pedicure and a manicure. Thank you so much Krista and the rest of the staff for making him feel so special. He also had some company which he didn't know were there, but it helped brighten my day. Our prayers for tonight are that Matt will have a good rest and keep on smiling. Psalm 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out you heart before him: God is a refuge for us.

A Beautiful day to be outside

It was a beautiful day and Matt went for a tour of the grounds and some of the places on campus. He remembered some of the places from the tour they took in school and enjoyed a chance to see a lot of young people. He was outside for about two hours and then went for a frappa. He was really tired for a while but all in all had a great day. They are going to start the trach trials tomorrow, so that is the big prayer for tonight. They feel he is now strong enough to try again praise the Lord. It will be one of Matt's hardest battles to recovery. Thank you so much for all the company, blog comments, cards and prayers they are a highlight of Matt's day. 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Lots of Friends

Praise God Matt had a better day today. He was able to get up and go outside for a tour, went past the little school house and up college drive for a bit, got to smell the diesel from all the buses. He got to visit with lots of friends the last couple days and that always brightens his day. Only one vomiting session today, so did keep down a little food. He also had a lot of pockets of secretions in his lungs and was suctioned a large amount. Things are at a stand still with City, talked with a couple people today, but not much progress. Thank God also for the wonderful staff that we have gotten to know and have helped with Matt's care, they have been so encouraging to us all. Prayers for today are that a solution will be found, Matt's lungs will clear up so he will be able to get off the ventilator and get moved to rehab. Psalms 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and ye shall have them.

Reality Bites

Bit of an emotional day today. The realization of the severity of his injury and just how long it will take until full recovery hit Matt today hard, but tears can be cathartic and a little self-pity is okay. The next step is looking up and forward to the coming morning and realize every day is a step closer to getting back home. Physically the day was pretty good, sat up in his chair again for 3 hours and had less vomiting as well. His stomach is so small that he eats very little at one time, just spreads it out over the day. They believe he is ready to start his trach trials and once he is at City, things will move along quicker in the rehab department. Mom will hopefully talk with the CEO tomorrow and see if things can start happening for Matt's benefit. Please pray that Matt will get to City within the week and that the nurses will be just as wonderful as they are in RUH. Psalms 77:13-14 "Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."

Strength and Patience

Matt is still having trouble with vomiting, but in the evening was able to keep down some macaroni and cheese, a glass of coke, and chocolate milk. He 's cough is much stronger and he is easier to suction. He watched some of the Riders game, but because they had given him some gravol he slept through a lot of it. Not to much happening today, just waiting for an opening at City. Prayers for today much the same, also that he will get movement to his left side, plus strength and patience for tomorrow. Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

Waiting Game

Less throwing up today and was able to keep down a vanilla shake. Matt's still impacted, or full of, well, same thing you walk through in the pasture. But they gave him medicine in the feed tube to help clear it up. In regards to infections, Matt's seems to be in the clear. No one has said anything, and the old saying "No news is good news" seems to apply here. Matt is being catheterized every 6 hours now to try and train his bladder to fill, and then to hold it. So far not doing too bad. He was also able to get another bath in a real bath tub, not just sponge baths. There is a big push to move Matt to City hospital where the rehab can finally begin, however there are doors that need to be opened, and wheels to be turned. Unfortunately politics are involved with everything so it is a bit of a waiting game. Please pray that these doors will open and Matt can finally begin to focus on rehabilitation, not just recovery. Just a quick thanks to mom who is able to be Matt's advocate, and is Matt's full time trainer, always in his corner and giving him pep talks for the next round. Thanks Mom!! Proverbs 31:28-29 "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Praise the Lord

Matt had a much better day today. He had a period of being sick after Physio this morning, but was able to keep down some soup, a few fries and a piece of ice cream cake. He also was able to go for a bath on 6th floor which sure made him feel better. Lots of company which always makes his day. Talking to the Dr. today and we are not sure when he will be able to go to City Hospital. We are finding out that there is lots of Politics in Health Care. RUH feels Matt is ready to be transferred out of acute care but City Hospital is full. Please pray for guidance on what we should do as we feel Matt needs to start Rehab as quick as possible. Prayers for tonight are that Matt's left lung will start working to full capacity and he will be able to start rehab. Mark 10:39 With Men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Chicken and fries

Matt is still having trouble with the vomiting, not sure what is the problem. He was able to get up today for a good 3 hours, which helps get everything working better. He had lots of company today and was happy to see everyone. He enjoys reading the blog comments. The staff also help brighten his day and keep him smiling. Not to much change, he was able to eat a few fries and a chicken strip, but that all came up along with his orange frappa. Prayers for today that Matt will be able to keep down food, gain some weight and get his own ventilator. Psalms 42:5 Tells us to "Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him"

Skinny Matt

Sometimes being skinny is not an asset. Matt is down to 157 lbs again, and is still throwing up in the mornings. They have increased his tube feeds and will not feed him in the mornings before physio, to see if all the movement is making him sick. They will try and feed him more frequently throughout the day in small amounts, instead of 3 big meals. Still enjoying his Frappos and soup. He had a great day in his chair, spent 3 hours in it and was really alert. Even went outside and enjoyed the very crisp summer weather (still technically summer until 21st). Tonight they suctioned him for lots of stuff in his lungs, but he rebounds quicker and his O2 levels are staying up. Mom said he is on the lowest setting on the respirator he has ever been, so continues to work hard all day, but is getting more conditioned. City Hospital was over to see Matt and it sounds encouraging he may be over there soon, it would be great to start more rehab and work on Matt's continued movement. He is now able to bend the outside 3 fingers on his right hand, so keep on doing those finger push-ups Matt. I don't have a verse tonight, but the words of a great song come to mind. "Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing, power and majesty praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar, at the sound of your name. I sing for joy at the work of your hands, forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in you"

Praise God

Matt had a much better day. He had a low grade fever off and on, but only one episode with vomiting. He was able to keep down a orange frappe, some supper and then this evening he ate some macaroni and cheese. His weight is down again, so we are all pleased that he eating again. He said he was feeling much better this evening. We still don't know about the infections as the results were not in yet. He was happy to have company today. Our prayers for tonight are that Matt will continue to eat, no infections and his body will continue to heal to a full recovery. Psalms 57:2 I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me.

Patience and Prayer

Matt was feeling a little better today, played a few games of Golf with his sister and had lots of smiles for Amy. They had to take another sample of secretions tonight as he still has quite a bit of mucus in his lungs. They still do not know if he has another infection. He didn't get up in his chair, but they sat him up in his bed which makes into a chair. They had put a patch behind his ear to cut down on the secretions in his mouth, it didn't work as all it did was dry up his lungs and then they had a hard time suctioning him. They took out the catheter because of infection and now must train his bladder again. He was able to eat a few grapes and drink a Pepsi today, said they tasted great. Tomorrow they will try food again, I promised him some onion rings from A&W and a strawberry milkshake. Our prayers for tonight are Patience to deal with the many set backs and faith to trust God in all things. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.

Chaos reigns

A staff shortage caused Matt to be doubled up today (1 nurse per 2 patients), which means he wasn't able to get up in his chair. They were very busy and it is hard to meet every person's needs. Had lots of company and watched the Riders lose only their third game this season. He had an okay day, but still feels like vomiting when he tries to eat. Lots of secretions in his lungs, so quite a bit of suction needed. They feel that something is brewing, but not sure what it is. Our prayer for tomorrow is that Matt's infections will be gone and he will be able to eat once more. Hebrews 12:1(c),3 says Let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

A New Puppy

Matt started the day with a bit of nausea after Physio. He wasn't able to eat today as his stomach just wasn't up to it, they will try again tomorrow. He felt better today and seemed to be breathing easier. They still don't know what or if any more infections are present, but maybe tomorrow. He had lots of company today, and also got a surprise from a family of another patient. The family had bought a toy puppy in a basket for their relative and the nurse brought it over for Matt to see. It looks and feels like it is real as it has a breathing motion. The family and some of the staff went and bought Matt one, his eyes lit up when they gave it to him. He has it sitting on his right side so he can feel it with his right hand. It was a wonderful surprise and a real pick me up. He is thinking of calling it Whispers, he told Jacki it is a he and is very quiet. He also beat Jacki in a game of Golf, which made him smile after losing so many games to her. The Lord says in Eph 6: 13, 17 "Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over you'll still be on your feet.... God's Word is an indispensable weapon." Prayers for tomorrow are that Matt infections will all be gone and he can start eating food again so he can continue to heal.