Another Good Day

Before I get started just want to clarify it was 1/4 lb weights and not 1/2 lb weights. Still good though. Physio/Occupational therapist come up every day for one hour and work with Matt. Today they brought him a remote control for the TV that he can control with his head. She was so amazed at how fast Matt understood. Usually she has to explain it many times. She also stated she felt some movement in Matt's left middle toe, although he couldn't see it. Small blessings lead up to big things. He was only sick once today and otherwise ate fine. Still needs more protein in his diet to help him heal. Had quite a few visitors and they are always welcome. They were even able to hear Matt talk when the respiratory therapist deflated his cuff. Tomorrow Matt is meeting with a fellow who was injured years ago and is now a paraplegic. He is a computer whiz and will set Matt up with a computer that is eye/voice activated so he can play some games and surf the net. Just temporary until he gets the use of his hands back. He will have to buy the computer, so we will look into that. No way Gary could beat him then! On a sad note, the rookie's are being called into the game because the head cheerleader needs to go back to work. Mom is leaving in the morning, first time in 3 months. But the rookie's are ready to go, cheering all the way. And the head coach is always with Matt. Joshua 1:5 (shortened version) "I will never leave you nor forsake you." But any one who wants to stop in for a few minutes, especially in the evenings would be great. The more the merrier!

Workout

Matt was able to go to the rehab department to check it out today. Soon Matt, soon. Eventually that will be were you are. Tried out his chair again today, didn't do quite as well as yesterday, but he has been doing some exercises so it plays him out. He didn't eat very well either, and when he did eat well he threw up. So then he really has no energy. They are no longer able to establish an IV's so he has been taking some of his meds by mouth, and makes his stomach upset. But back to Matt's workout, they have him lifting 1/2 lb weights with his right wrist. The therapist lifts his hand off the bed, then Matt has to lift his hand up to his shoulder. He was able to do it twice. States it feels like he is lifting 100lb weight. That will eventually be what you lift, Matt. You must just take one day at a time. A month ago 1/2 lb weight would have been impossible. He is also much stronger when he clenches his right fist, but the pointer finger and thumb still need more work. They are more numb than his other three fingers. 2 Samuel 22:33 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

On The Move Again

Matt was in a powered chair today for a short time. It isn't the one made for him, but it will do. It is one with hand controls, so they were unsure if Matt would be strong enough in his right hand. They had to make a few adjustments but by the 3rd attempt he was moving the chair himself with the controls. He couldn't go far but imagine that few minutes of freedom. Careful walking in the hospital now! Matt will soon be on the loose! He gets tired quickly, but that is to be expected. It is taking everything he has right now to move, and that is exhausting. He is also out of isolation, which is great because Jacki and Amy are coming down and we don't want any sick babies! He is feeling and looking better. They gave him his sleeping pills early last night and he was sleeping by midnight, so less groggy today. Matt is eating better as well, however he doesn't eat until after 3pm, still a bit nauseous before that. Pray that God will continue to lead the way and that we trust in him. 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."

Mediocre Day

Not too much to report today. Matt had no further episodes of de-sating. But they also stated they will not start any trach trails until they feel he is stronger. Hopefully that will change. Very sleepy for most of the day and some friends were unable to visit. They also didn't get him up in his chair either, so maybe tomorrow the will start to push a little bit more. All good athletes need a kick start once in awhile, and Matt will have to work harder than anyone. But he had a good supper and no emesis. Small blessings are always there, you just have to look. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who persevere under trial, because when he has stool the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

Matt gave us something to really be thankful for. He rolled his left leg slightly and again moved his left pinkie finger! Make a joyful noise! "I will enter in his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter in his courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made." They were very worried with the new med if it would inhibit his movement, which it can do, but it also promotes movement by preventing some of those spasms that make movement impossible during range of motion or exercise. Talk about a mouthful. Ate well today with no emesis. Have to take it really slow to get his stomach used to more food. They are again turning off his tube feed form 7am until 12am. Would be nice to eliminate one more tube. However that left lung of Matt's is continuing to give him problems. He de-sated again today, once he was down to 62% O2. They think it is a spontaneous pneumothorax, which means that his lung spontaneously collapses and then regains normal lung function within a short time. Still not great but on chest x-ray his lungs were clear. So please pray for healing of his diaphragm and lungs so that soon the ventilator will come out. Psalms 95:7 "for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

Lots of Company

Matt was surrounded by members of the Relitz clan today. Makes such a difference when company comes and breaks up the routine. Had no diarrhea today, but was so hungry at supper, maybe ate too much too fast and everything surfaced again. But he is looking better even though he is so tired. He had a difficult night. He de-sated twice, which he hasn't done for quite awhile. O2 went down to 72% times 2, both times when they laid him on his left side. Lung still isn't strong but we will see. There were able to deflate the cuff for about 2 hours so he could visit and was up in his chair for 2 hours. He's neck is still so sore, with huge knots the size of crab apples. Needs a good massage! Any takers? Mom may have to go back to work this week, and Matt's having a hard time with the idea. Please pray that the right decisions for what needs to be done will come to us clearly and that we follow the path. Psalms 56:4 "In God, whose work I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid, What can mortal man do to me?"

Foot Long Sub

Matt had a better day today, not as much nausea. He still had to be suctioned for a large amount of secretions, but is feeling better. Was able to get up in his chair for three hours. Yesterday we said he couldn't have company, which is wrong, he can but you have to wear a gown and gloves. Matt and his friends that stopped by yesterday had a good laugh and looked really cute in their costumes. They thought they should take them home. Today Matt was able to eat a lot better and was able to polish off a foot long sub, a Gatorade, a ginger ale and two digestive cookies, all for his midnight snack. The nurse and I thought for sure he would be sick, but he did great. Thank You to everyone for their prayers and support as Matt continues on this road to recovery. Prayers for tomorrow that all infections would clear up and Matt's lungs will get stronger. Psalm 118: 24 " This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it."

New Day

Much better day, but did receive a bit of bad news. Matt has an infection called C. Diff., which is a very potent bug that can really hit people in Matt's condition. He must now be in isolation and not many people will be able to visit, and he will not be allowed out of his room for up to a week. This certain "bug" causes lots of vomiting and diarrhea, so will make him weak and dehydrated. However they started him on the right antibiotics for it and are monitoring him closely. He slept until noon because of his night, and managed to eat a little soup without throwing up. They had to put him on a new medication for his spasms. When they try to do his exercises, the spasms are inhibiting his range of motion. The side effects are not great. He has stopped moving his left fingers and he has numbness in his right hand. Not sure which is worse. But they did hook him up to a shoulder sling, which allows him to bring a spoon (that is hooked to his right hand with elastics) to his mouth. They tried ice cream and the therapist put it on his spoon, but Matt managed to get it to his mouth a few times. First time to feed himself in over 3 months. Great job Matty! They will not do any trach trials until the infection clears up, but they are still deflating the cuff for 2 hours so he can talk. Goodness and mercy can be found, if we just look. Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us our time of need."

Keeping Nothing Down

Take a step, lose a step. Pattern continues. One of his worst days yet for throwing up. Drank water, threw it up, drank tea, throw it up. Lot 8 lbs since last week. They are still unsure what is causing all the problems, but started him on an IV again for fluids, because he is becoming dehydrated. They did get him up this am at 7:30 am, but it was really cold outside and he didn't enjoy it too much. Also got his hair washed so smells spiffy. Hard days will continue to happen, but we must be thankful for everything. Just the fact that Matt is in a nice, clean bed with a very expensive air mattress, he has mom for a cheerleader and dad to run interference, and trained professionals to help him. I heard a friend of mine say we need to start "Thanks Living". Thanksgiving is just one day of the year, but "thanks living" runs year round. 1Thess. 5:16 "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". Rejoice that today is nearly over, and tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes.

Sleepy Day

Matt had a very sleepy day, lots of nausea and gravol. They are not sure what is causing all the gas build up, but are trying a new med to see if they can control it. He is also starting to spasm much more so it is difficult to keep everything moving. He was up in the wheelchair for a couple hours and took a short walk around third floor. He is still on antibiotics for the lung infection and has five days left of that. He ate well late last night and enjoys home made food. He had his cousin Chris as his RN yesterday and gave him a hard time. Prayers for today that he will have a better day and continue to improve in mobility. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Great Day for Matt, Bad Day for Others from PP

Matt had very exciting news today. He will get his motorized wheelchair next week, and the physiotherapist thinks he will be strong enough in his right hand to move the controls. Otherwise he would have to steer with his head and neck, and would be a lot more difficult. He is now able to have his hand on his leg, then use his shoulder muscles to put his hand on the ball by his leg. Then he can squeeze it lightly, grasp it in his hand, and turn his wrist so the ball faces upward. If mom holds his arm up, he can release the ball when he wants. Great job Matty! Feels much better today and had his cuff deflated for 2 hours with no trouble. He is also eating better due to new anti-nausea medication, so they have stopped his tube feeds from 10 am until 7 pm. As long as he eats 900 calories in that time, they will continue to shut it off. If he keeps this up, they may be able to remove the tube feed all together. He is now up to 176 lbs, a far cry from the 154 lbs he was 1 1/2 months ago. More company in to see him. Relatives from B.C. plus people from home. Also a RN from RUH was in and thrilled with his continued progress. But on a sad note, we would like everyone to pray for a family in Porcupine, who's little boy is in very critical condition in RUH. I used this verse in the beginning of Matt's struggles when there was very little hope. Job 9:10 "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted".

Wings and ribs

Matt had a sleepy day with some nausea. He is still on antibiotics for the infection in his lungs and we are praying this will clear it up. No trach trials until infection is gone. He did eat a little today, he tried the mild and lemon and pepper wings but found them to spicy for now so he stuck to the ribs. He finds he is more hungry at night than in the morning. He was up in his chair today and was happy for the company this afternoon. Was able to have the cuff down for two hours, which because he can talk makes it much nicer to visit. Thanks you so much to the people who have been coming to see him as it makes the days much happier. He is always happy to hear from the ones who write on the blog and send mail to the hospital. Thank you all so much for praying for Matt as he continues his journey to recovery. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Little Tired

Matt was groggy most of the day from the Gravol he is receiving for nausea. They notice whenever his trach is moved too much or it becomes irritated, he feels more sick. Also the antibiotics he is on can make you sick to your stomach as well, so maybe when they are down he will improve. However he did not throw up and ate quite well. Thank the Lord for small blessings. He was all dressed up in his roughrider gear for the big game. I had brought him my roughrider jersey from 1988, and the riders won the Grey Cup the following year so it is good luck. Got a visit from Rocky who is now in a motorized chair and showing Matt what he has to look forward too. More good times ahead. Visitors from Matt's old job were in to visit, which he always enjoys. Moved his middle finger on his left hand today as well, but needs to concentrate very hard. Keep it up Matt! Practice, practice, practice. Romans 15:13 "So may the God of your hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope."

Too Much Estrogen

Today Shauna, myself, Jonmarie, mom, and dad were in to visit Matt. Dad and mom took Jonmarie out to play in the park. The female nurse and respiratory therapist were in the room and asked Matt how he was feeling. He said he was fine but there was too much estrogen in the air! Maybe some will rub off! But maybe it was all that positive energy that helped Matt move his Left pinkie and ring finger for the first time! More great news! Praise the Lord. Matt did have a pretty good day, but he does have an infection in his lungs which he is getting antibiotics for. They did have to suction him more today, but he is so much stronger he can cough it up. Ate well with no vomiting today. Up in his chair all dressed and looking spiffy. And they had given him a whirlpool bath so he even smelled spiffy (unlike the regular stinky boy smell!) Watched "Wild Hogs" on his portable DVD player, so funny. Had a sad moment thinking about home and missing his friends. But you know Matt, you can't keep a good man down. Continue to pray that Matt will get breathing on his own and able to leave the ventilator behind...Psalms 118:8 "It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

Looking Great

The girls and I travelled from Red Deer today to see Matt's progress. I spent the latter part of the evening with him and didn't get back to Auntie Karen's until 1 am. Excuse for the late blog entry. Matt's day didn't start so well and hoping to pinpoint the nausea. But he was up in his chair and able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. By the time I arrived, he was bright, cheerful, and really awake, the night hawk. To be able to talk, the respiratory therapist deflated the cuff of his trach so air could pass through his voice box. So great to hear that raspy voice. He stayed that way for 3 hours, with no assistance from the machine except oxygen. He didn't even break a sweat! So great to see those finger movements and was even able to give Matt a little Swedish massage! Neck muscles are really tight. Also a scalp massage, so he owes me big time! Looks so strong and hoping to be off the respirator soon. Then big plans to be home for Christmas holidays! Ephesians 1:6 "So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear son."

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.