Up and Down

Matt's day was up and down. He stared throwing up this am and they are worried it is the tube feeding. May still consider a surgical tube in his intestine from the outside of his body. Like Matt says, just another place for infection. Little worried about it so need prayers for guidance. Because of his throwing up, they did not get him in his chair today, but the did convert his bed so he could sit up in bed. He did three breathing trials, 30, 40, 45. They really had to push him with the 3rd one, was extremely tired but dad and mom were both there cheering him on. They also gave him some ativan to help relax him, but it really made him more groggy for the rest of the day. They will insert a PICC line tomorrow, a IV line in his antecubital space or elbow joint which goes into a vessel just above his heart. The IV line on his arm blew and he had major swelling. Hopefully he will have on of the chest tubes removed tomorrow,and then one each of the next 2 consecutive days. Noted also to have swelling in his feet, retaining more fluid then normal. Pray it is not his kidneys. God can accomplish all things, beyond our comprehension. What is impossible for us is possible with God. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day".

Visitors

Matt's day was pretty stable again. They will leave the chest tubes in until Sunday, but they are no longer draining. They just want to make sure. He was up for 2 hours in his chair with a new neck brace. He had some difficulties with it and they had to put the old one on for the last hour, but hopefully it only needs a few minor adjustments. He also did really well with his three breathing trials, 30 min, 30 min, & 40 min. Great job Matt. The pulmonary specialist told mom that his right lung is working well now, but only half on his left lung is working. Also his diaphragm is weak as well so he is really pushing himself. Matt is now allowed to start seeing visitors, but it is no guarantee that they will be able to see him. Even family is often not allowed in when he is having a difficult time or other patients are having trouble. So it is really the luck of the draw if you are allowed to see him. The one DR. has been really great with Matt and tells him to keep believing. James 1: 6 "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".

Neutral Day

I know the big question tonight is did Matt pass his swallowing assessment. The answer is no. A big disappointment but they will do it again next week. He can drink water okay, but has difficulty with food, where the epiglottis (prevents food from going down the trachea) isn't losing properly. But they are going to give him some exercises to do to see if it will improve. There is also the possibility of getting a surgical tube into his stomach. After awhile, the tube in his nose will start to break down his tissue, so surgery may be the only option. The chest tubes are still in but he still completed 2 breathing trials and did well on both. He was also up in his chair for an hour, which was good. They also moved him back to the main ICU, where he gets his TV back. There was no steps backwards, but none forward either. It is difficult that progress is so slow, but I often turn to Paul's words in Corinthians, about his sufferings in prison. "Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us."

Tubes Still In

Matt's day was alright. They did take the chest tube out of the abscess in his right lung, but just to put a bigger one in. They were able to drain even more from the abscess which is good. Matt was able to do 2 breathing trails, 25 min and 30 min. The 2nd one they did while he was up in the chair and the transfer back to the bed. He did great. Way to go Matt! He seemed to have less difficulty breathing, which may be from the sedation he received for the insertion of the bigger chest tube. The Dr. was amazed Matt has done so well so soon after his near death experience. Thank the Lord for small miracles. They also assessed the nerve conduction to his diaphragm (EMG). Results won't be back until Friday. However the resp. therapist noticed Matt's diaphragm skipped every 10-12 breaths, which could have been from birth or damage since the pneumonia. Could be why he struggles to breathe sometimes. But even with that, Matt had a good day, with more to come. Prayers for tomorrow, it is the day for his swallowing assessment. Go Matt!!

Prayers for Tomorrow

The Long weekend is over and back in Red Deer. Mom had been writing on the blog since Friday from Saskatoon because the computer in Weekes wasn't working. I had been able to visit with Matt last night and we had a great visit, with a few blonde moments thrown in that he really teased me about. This am he was a bit more subdued, had tried a breathing trial, and we really had to encourage him to do the whole 20 mins. His anxiety level is higher then before, and rightly so. He had a terrible set back this weekend. He also completed another breathing trail with mom present, and he sweats like anything. They explained that his body reacts like it has completed a 500 metre dash.However they would like to see him off the respirator so prayers for Matt's anxiety and peace of mind. Tomorrow will be a big day hopefully. They would like to move two of the chest tubes because they are no longer draining. The reason for this is they believe some air escapes when Matt breathes and may be causing him the feeling of inadequate air intake during the breathing trials. In the morning they are performing an EMG, which is a nerve conduction test on his diaphragm, to see if there is nerve damage, which we don't want. Prayers that the results are okay. Another plus is they will definitely do his swallowing assessment on Thursday. The physio therapist tested him quickly and feels he is doing much better, and that he will probably pass the test. They didn't want Matt to suffer another disappointment and had chose to wait. Hard sometimes to wait for positive outcomes but patience is a virtue all of us have had to learn. Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".

God's Grace

Matt had another very tough day, this morning his blood pressure dropped to 50/10, oxygen level to below 80 and his pulse was 28. They called a code blue, but thanks to very good nurses who knew just what to do, they were able to revive Matt. It was discovered that the tube on the outside of his lung had quite working and his lung partially collapsed. After a long day it was decided to put another tube up higher and get rid of all the air. The procedure seems to have worked as the last x-ray was much better. Matt was resting comfortable at 2300 hours. He wants to thanks everyone for all their prayers and to let you all know he will get through this. He believes God does not make mistakes. Phil:4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Resting Day

Matt had a resting day today. After all the trauma of yesterday he did a lot of sleeping. His lung is still draining and he still has a temp. His Oxygen stats stayed up most of the day. Thanks you for all the prayers for Matt. We keep him updated about the blog comments. John 16:23 Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

Another Bump

Matt hit another bump in the road today. After they inserted another feeding tube that goes into his intestines they could not get his oxygen stats to come back up. After trying for 90 minutes they decided to sent him for a CT scan. They discovered a pocket of infection in the right lung, so decided to put a drain tube in to the pocket. As they were putting in the tube, they got air on the outside of the lung so another tube was needed to drain the air out of that. Matt was in considerable pain and states this is the worst day he has had. We thank God for the wonderful Nurses and staff who got not only Matthew but us as well through a long and stressful day. We thank each of you for the many prayers and encouraging words. Hebrews 5:8 He learned obedience by things which he suffered.

Same Place

Matt stayed at RUH today. He may still be moved if more critical cases come in, but so far so good. The girls and I travelled to Saskatoon with Jacki and her 2 kids to visit. Looks better. Breathing is easier, they did not have to suction as much, and has a bit of pink in his cheeks. Also I noticed he was stronger in his neck and shoulder muscles. Still really skinny, appr 155 lbs, so they are putting a feeding tube in his nose right to the small intestine to see if they can stop his throwing up (which he does about 2 times a day). He can not afford to lose any more wait. He did 3 breathing trials, first 2 were 30 mins long (that is the max they will do because they don't want him to regress). The last trail tonight was more difficult but he did last 15 mins. Has to use his shoulders quite a bit to get a deep breath. Matt is still waiting for the okay to have some water again, so need lots of prayers that will happen soon. Psalms 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry".

Possibly Another Move

Matt had 4 breathing trials. 1st was unsuccessful, crackles in the lungs, suctioned for large amounts of mucus after 1 hour long chest physio. 2 trial 30 min, had another chest physio and was much better. 3rd trial 30 min with suctioning of more mucus. last trial tonight was again unsuccessful, Matt was quite anxious and they feel the trial was too late at night. He did have a hair cut last night and mom says he looks good. A bad day was had by all emotionally though. Like marathon runners, a brick wall hit. Matt may be moved to City Hospital tomorrow due to the fact the Long weekend is approaching and they are a max capacity. Matt does not want to go, feels comfortable where he is because he knows so many of the staff. Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".

A Bit Better

Matt seemed to have a better day. His O2 sats are the best they have been for awhile. Mom thinks the move regarding that aspect has improved. Air quality seems to be better. Matt does have a window in his room, which is another bonus. Staff and administration had a meeting and things have improved. Still not up to par,but hopefully within the next few days. Matt was able to get a DVD player so he can at least watch movies. Mom had a discussion with the director of nursing who was very understanding and Matt did not have that particular nurse again. Matt did 2 breathing trials, 25 mins and 30 mins. He is still quite anxious when he does them and they are trying to encourage him to go for longer periods. Only when he is off the respirator can he be moved to rehab. So that's our big prayer for today. Please remember to thank God for all the little blessings as well (no temp, DVD player, different nurse, window). 1 Thess 5:16-18 "Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".

Bad Move

I know many are wondering about Matt's swallowing assessment, but it was not done today. Administration decided they were closing the ICU for renovations and moved them to very inadequate conditions. Respiratory therapist is 5 mins away, there is no ice machine close by , there are no cardiac monitors, no tv hook ups, very hot and cramped conditions. And it will be like this for 10 days. Matt's temp continues to climb, and he has a terrible wound were the trach "fell out" (it was sutured in place). Also a nurse told Matt he could do more for himself, so she put his suction on a clipboard close to his face so he could suction his own mouth. She wanted to make up a schedule for how often Matt could have water, ice pack for his sore neck, and wet cloths for his fevered head. "We cannot run for your every whim every 2 mins". Matt can only move his head and shoulders. Very difficult to help himself. Imagine yourself dug in the sand up to your neck, and only then can you think about what Matt must be feeling. He is reliant on someone for everything. I am sorry I am writing so emotional, but I felt people should know what we are dealing with. He was only breathing on his own twice, 45 mins each time, but with the move they were unable to do anymore. They were not able to get him up in his chair as well. Very hard to stay positive when a loved one suffers so much. Pray that God is opening a door for Matt to be moved to more adequate conditions. 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you".

Much needed rest

Matt's trach came out during the night. Unsure exactly what happened, but they inserted a new one. Quite a bit of discharge from it due to the infection. He then began throwing up, possibly from the Penicillin they are crushing and putting down his nasogasric tube(tube in his nose). They started him on Gravol to see if that would help.(I also forgot to mention that he had a mouth guard made by the in house dentist because he was grinding his teeth, due to stress and anxiety. However they haven't used it because he is more relaxed, we think). Mom states he did a breathing test for 35 mins today, but he was practically comatose for the rest of the day. They suspected it may be depression, but we think that his body is finally getting a much needed rest. They didn't even get him up in his chair or try any further breathing on his own, he was so lethargic (tired). I know have used this verse before, but it fits so well. Matt 11: 28 "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".

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)