Another Saturday

Matt was in better spirits today, the new sleeping pill didn't help a whole lot, but he was more at peace today. He had two trials of breathing on his own, 30 and 35 mins. His o2 sats stayed above 90% the whole time. He had two spikes in temperature, but was easily relieved with Tylenol. He also stayed up in his wheelchair for 2 hours today, and again went outside in the heat. The minister came to pray with him, and Matt wants him to come again on Monday before they retest his swallowing reflex. He so wants to pass. Mom says he is getting better with his swallowing, so let's lift our voices loud to the Lord that Matt will pass the test. Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear: I will help you". Thanks for all the great comments from everyone, they really lift our spirits.

Small Blessings

Mom states Matt had a little better day physically. He was able to breathe on is own twice, 10 mins. then 15. His temp was high all day, above 39 degrees, but finally went down in the evening. They started him on a new antibiotic, which we pray will do the trick. Also, they are going to try him on a new sleeping pill, he is just not getting enough sleep. They did move him back to a room with a TV, which is great. But more importantly, Matt's spiritual healing took a big leap. A christian nurse looked after him who seemed to understand Matt's fears and explained that medical science can only do so much, but belief in God has no boundaries. He prayed with Matt and told him he must not only ask for God's help, but also believe with all his heart. Matt seemed to relax more and his attitude perked up. James 1:5-6 "If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind".

A Bad Move

Well, today was another off day. Matt was moved to a new room due to renovations and he doesn't even have a TV. He has become so anxious because he has no distractions. We are feeling some of the staff have really given up on him, so please pray that they will see Matt as an individual, not a lost case. He attempted to breathe on his own twice, but he was so anxious that he couldn't do it for very long. Please pray for us as a family so we do not lose faith and give into despair. It has been an extremely difficult time for all of us, and thank all of you for your continued prayers and thoughts.

Regarding Visitors

Thank you everyone for all the comments and concern you are showing for Matt. We have had a number of people who really want to see Matt. Unfortunately he is still classified as critical, and with his breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and inability to speak properly, we think it would be too much for Matt. They tell us his body is using up as much calories as a marathon runner, and you can imagine with 4 weeks of training how exhausted his body is!! We will update his visiting status when his condition improves.

Good Morning, Bad Evening

Matt had a really good morning, had been able to breathe on his own twice, once for 1hr 20 min, then 1 hour. B when they tried to do it this eve, he only lasted 35 mins, stating he was just too tired. The nurse stated he was quite warm, and realized he had a raging temperature. His oxygen sats should be between 96-98%, they could not get it above 82%. The respiratory therapist had to manually bag him for 45 mins. They are unsure if it is another pneumonia, partially collapsed lung, or infection around the trach site. Unfortunately he is already on an antibiotic, which obviously is not working. Please pray that God will renew Matt's strength. He is becoming so discouraged, and is losing physical strength to fight another infection. Please pray also for wisdom for the nurses and doctors, pray that they won't give up on Matt. Eph. 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occassions with al kinds of prayers and requests".

Better Day

Matt's breathing improved a bit today. He was able to breath on his own 3 times, 45 min, 1 hour, 40 min. They are really trying to push him to change the way he breathes. With a spinal cord injury like Matt's, he is unable to use the same muscles you normally use for breathing, so instead your diaphragm is working harder, and he must learn to use his shoulders to breathe. He does much better when he is in his chair, but they are finding he is still to tall for it. Unfortunately they cannot order a custom made chair for him until September, so that is one huge prayer request. Also, the neck brace is a little too small as well, and they cannot make him one because of his trach. So prayers for a solution are needed. Matt 7:7"Ask and it shall be given onto you, seek and yea shall find, knock and the door shall be open unto you".

Did Not Pass

Matt's morning wasn't so great. Difficult time breathing, pain in his neck, couldn't cool off. He had his swallowing assessment at 3 pm, and did not pass. There is problems with the muscles around the injured area in his neck, and he would choke if he had too much food or liquid. So he can only have 2 tsp of water a day, plus ice chips to chew on, but must be suctioned and not swallowed. He did sit up in the chair for 1 1/2 hours, but his neck hurt so bad that he wanted to go back to bed. Also, he did breathe on his own twice, so they may push him to 3 times tomorrow. Please pray that his neck will heal and be less painful. Also pray that he will get a neck brace that fits him better. He has lost 30 lbs since his accident and nothing fits anymore.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". (Just returned to Red Deer, haven't unpacked my bible so unsure where the verse is found, almost certain it is Proverbs)

Tough Day

It was a long day today. Matt had trouble with his breathing off and on. He did manage to breath on his own, once for 20 mins and again for 55 mins. They did not get him up in his chair today, he just wasn't up to it. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day so he can still have his swallowing assessment. While I was in their with him, I was having a difficult time seeing him in pain and discomfort. He said not to worry, God was worrying for me. Then when it was time to say our nightly prayers, he asked if the nurse would join us. What a great brother I have. Romans 5:2 "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God".

Trudging along

Matt was able to breath on his own 3 times today, and could have spoonfuls of water and chew some ice. His temp was stable all day, and he was able to go outside again for a few minutes. Matt was quite exhausted from all the excitement yesterday. Had a difficult time resting because he said everytime he closes his eyes, he worries. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God". Pray that Matt will have a good and restful sleep tonight and continue to heal spiritually and physically.

Wonderful Busy Day

Matt had a really good day today!!! First of all, he had an excellent sleep last night which let him feel refreshed and alert today. Second, he really enjoyed getting his hair washed with real shampoo (not hospital guk!), and his teeth brushed with Crest (they previously used peroxide - ugh!). Then after dinner, they hospital staff capped off the trach for 50 minutes, which means that he was able to breath on his own with no assistance - way to go Matt! After this, they did a swallowing assessement with some ice cubes, and he did okay with that. If all goes well they will do another big swallowing and chewing assessment on Monday. Finally, the highlight of his day was he was able to get up in the Wheelchair and take a little trip outside. He was so trilled to be outside for the first time in 3 weeks. The only downside to the day is that Matt has a slight temperature again this evening and he is so afraid of pneumonia getting worse again. Please pray for Matthew to stay calm and let his body get rid of this infection. Psalms 57:1-2 "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in my soul takes refuge. I will refuge in the shadow of your wings untils the disaster has passed. I cry out to God most High, to God, who fullfills his purpose for me".

New Chair

Sorry it took so long for this update. I travelled with my girls today to Saskatoon, then spent time with Matt and watched a movie with him. He got to sit up in his wheelchair today, with the neck brace and did really well. States his neck is stiff tonight from sitting up, but otherwise okay. Doing well with the breathing. So happy to see him without the vent. Trying to wean him off the oxygen machine , hopefully in a few days. Eph. 6:18"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests".
P.S I was able to see all the cards and letters from people who care so much for Matt. I realized how much his wonderful personality has touched so many. Thank you from all of us.

New trach

Matt had surgery for the new trach at 1200 a is doing much better. They had also wanted to insert a feeding tube into his stomach. The cons were having more surgery and that most people with this are considered invalids. Pros were it would be easier to feed and Matt could get rid of the tube in his nose. We were not sure the answer, but God very strongly told us to ask Matt. At the time mom asked him , he had been quite groggy, but suddenly he was alert and orientated and made the decision not to have it done. A minister then came in to pray with Matt, who became more relaxed and had one of his best days for awhile "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest" Matt 11:28

Another pothole

Well, not such a great night. Matt had so much trouble with the trach. Tey had put in a talking trach, which is different then a normal trach. It has holes in it and Matt was unable to keep his oxygen levels up, similiar to trying to breath in a plastic bag. They were hoping he would improve but went into a respiratory arrest and they had to manual assist his breathing. So off to surgery again to get the normal trach in and hopefully that will enable him to breathe easier.
One is hard pressed to see light at the end of the tunnel, but God says "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 We realize many will be down when you read this, but keep your spirits up, we love how much you care for Matt.

Trach is in

Matt finally had has surgery for the trach insertion. Things went alright, however they had attempted to put his feeding tube in through his nose instead of his mouth. He had difficulty with this and they had to take it out. Hopefully they will reinsert it later when he calms down a bit. The trach is bothering him because it isn't what he is used to and feels like he isn't getting enough air. Pray that he will get used to it soon. Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Another plus is there is a wheelchair on order from Ontario and hopefully will get it within the week.

Waiting

Sorry for not having a blog for yesterday. We were waiting for the surgery to insert Matt's tracheostomy so he won't have the ventilator tube in his mouth. But still waiting. Mom said Matt's day was alright, he is feeling anxious because he still has no movement, but Luke 1:37 for nothing is impossible with the Lord. Please continue to pray for healing and thank Him for small miracles. Matt's pneumonia seems to have subsided and is breathing easier with the ventilator. I will update again later once he has the trach inserted.

Fiesty Matt

Matt had a bit of a difficult night, very restless and unable to sleep. He is getting stronger in the neck area and was tossing his head back and forth. The nurse told him to calm done or he would pull the ventilator out. Sure enough that is what he did! Think it gave him quite a scare!
Dad said when he went to visit Matt, there was a fellow in the next bed who's 1 year old came to visit him. Dad noticed the boy was playing peek-a-boo behind the curtain. He soon realized it was not with him but with Matt, who was lifting his eyebrows and rolling them, which the little boy thought was quite funny. Little children are not hindered by what they see. He could see past all the tubes and see Matt as he truly is. Let us all see Matt this way Romans 8:25" But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Not much different

Sorry this blog was so late. Matt's day was not much different, however he did spike a temp so they took another culture to see what was going on. My dad had been a little worried Matt was becoming obstinate and did not wan't to do some of the things he was being told. Matt kept indicating that something was wrong, they kept checking, nothing. However when they finally figured out what Matt was trying to tell them, he had been right. His ventilator tube was blocked and was really having a difficult time breathing. They suctioned him and he improved. You realize how hard it is to say what you want when you are unable to talk. Thank goodness for persistence by staff, dad, and Matt. Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord & he answered me and delivered me from all my fears".

Breathing better

Thanks to everyone for all their prayers. God answered the one to ease Matt's suffering. He is back to breathing 55% on his own and the ventilator at 45%. His temp stayed down all day and he is much more relaxed and comfortable. Dad said he was quite exhausted from yesterday and is resting as much as possible. Another answer to prayer, they found a neck brace from the Abilities Council in Saskatoon that fit Matt's giraffe-like neck. Who knew their is someone out there like him! Matt 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer".However the saga continues and we are standing by him day by day. Thanks to everyone for the messages of encouragement.

Another step back

Another difficult day. The pneumonia is still quite severe, and Matt had a very difficult time breathing. He gets quite anxious so they gave him some meds to calm him a bit. Also because Matt is so tall, they have to special order a chair for him, and it could be weeks. The neck brace is too small as well, but because he is not healthy enough he can not have one made for him at physio department. He is becoming quite discouraged, so please pray continuously for an ease in his suffering and that the pneumonia will settle down. Job 9:10-11"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted". Continue to write him in this blog, or directly to the Royal University Hospital and send him get well wishes.

Day 11

Matt had a little better day, not as much pain. Temp still not stable, will see tomorrow. Jacki and Nolan had to leave today, so was a little sad about that. He is holding up well. Thank You for keeping him in your prayers. We read him all the comments and he said to tell you all thanks.