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.

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.