Infection Back

Now we know why Matt was feeling so poor yesterday. Dad noticed Matt was having more trouble breathing, his cough was less effective, and he was spasming more in his limbs. His white blood count was way up, which is a sure sign of infection. The sputum coming up should be yellow and thin, his was thick and yellow-green. So they want to start him on antibiotics again, but they could not get an IV line established, so they were going to get someone up from ICU to do it. I think Matt's vessels have not recovered from the beating they took before. Dad says that even though Matt's coughing is weaker, if Dad times it right, he takes the cap off Matt's trach, pushes on his abdomen and lots of lovelies come out. Better than suctioning him.
But he was in good spirits nevertheless. Nolan and Lindsay arrived last night and visited for about an hour. Today again lots of company. Matt was up in his chair for 4 hours and did pretty well. They all went to the rec room and played crib. Nolan and Matt were about to win when Dad and Cory Ryhorski beat them. Lindsay was holding the cards for Matt.
So for tomorrow's big game, they will be watching at the hospital. Planning on pizza and pop with approximately 10 people coming. So it should be great. Too cold to go out anyway.
Prayers that Matt's infection will clear up quickly and he will be better for rehab on Monday. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer".

Quiet Day

Matt's day was fairly quiet. Wasn't feeling so hot and nausea was not a welcome companion. However he still manged to eat some food and was up in his chair for 3 hours. His neck gets sore and increases his nausea, but the pain is relieved with Advil. Dad is really enjoying the amenities of rehab. Dad and Matt go and read the paper together in the "living room" and can watch TV or read books.
Physical rehab was short due to a general Friday off for most staff. In the 1/2 hour they applied the TENS machine to Matt's left leg and left arm. It stimulates the nerves and moves the extremity a bit. They didn't need to turn it up too much before the muscles start moving, which is good.
Nolan and Lindsay are driving up from Calgary and are due anytime. Matt worries about Nolan when he is driving and probably won't sleep until he arrives.
Unfortunately John and I are at a conference for the weekend and I don't have my bible at hand, but I will put down my favorite verse. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight". I believe it is found in Proverbs.

Back to Old Wheelchair

Matt has lost his zero turn wheelchair. I never realized it wasn't actually his and now someone else needs it. He is still waiting for one that is made for him . So I hope whoever has it enjoys and can use all the gadgets dad had added to it. The old wheelchair is uncomfortable and Matt can only stay up for 3 hours in it. But hopefully his custom made chair will arrive before Christmas. Then he can go home in style!
I had talked to mom for a brief time, and she was excited that they found a hospital bed in Hudson Bay we can use. Just a few more details to work out (like building a ramp into the house) but we have great faith that if Matt is meant to come home, everything will work out.
Today was an assessment day to see how much Matt could do. They were surprised when they asked Matt if he could roll over. He said no but would try. They bent his right leg and placed it over his left leg and darned if he didn't roll over! I asked Matt if he used a bar to pull himself by using his right arm or hand, but he said no. He just used momentum of his body to roll himself. Matt, I love writing the blog with so much good happening. Praise for continued answers to prayer. 1 Thess. 5:16 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".
Just an added note; Nolan is coming to Saskatoon for the weekend and is looking at renting or taking Matt to JT's for the football game. If anyone can make it that would be great. It will be the first time Matt has been off hospital grounds in 5 months. Hopefully it all works out.

Weightlifting

Well, Matt seems to be settling in well on the rehab ward. However he did go down to ICU and spend a 1/2 hour with his old crew (not old as in age, otherwise I may get in trouble!). Dad says he continues to eat really well. First thing he heard tonight when he walked into Matt's room was "I'm hungry". So dad had made some of Big Sky ham and kraft dinner, and a vacuum cleaner couldn't do a better job! Lots of nice protein to build those muscles. I had asked dad yesterday what weight Matt is able to lift. When Matt had first started, it was 0.25 lbs. Now it is up to 2 1/2 lbs. Great work Matt! The workouts really tire him out so he has a good sleep late afternoon and early evening.
Matt's secretions are getting a bit thick, so respiratory came down and hooked him back up to O2 and moisture for the night. So they uncap him and take out the inner cannula. His cuff is still deflated so he can talk. Also encouraged to drink lots of secretions. Prayers that secretions stay manageable and they are able to suction them out. Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours". Still gets suctioned 4 times a day, which is not unusual.
Matt's getting to know some of the other patients in rehab. It is difficult because for 5 months he has really been on his own, but I'm sure it won't take him long. Dad says the facility has a laundry to wash Matt's clothes, and a microwave that is accessible to warm up food. So seems to be geared for everything.
Matt has been having the occasional hot flash. Will say to dad he is feeling warm. Dad will feel him and not notice any difference, However within a minute Matt will be pouring sweat. This a normal process and will diminishes as time goes on. After Matt's injury, he constantly fluctuated between hot and cold, so now it is only once every 2nd day. However they cautioned Matt to be aware that it could indicate and infection, so if the fluctuation in temp gets worse, to let them know.

THE BIG MOVE

Matt has now moved on up in the world (just like the Jefferson's from the 70's). He is in a private room in rehab. Finally! What an answer to prayer. I think God was tired or listening to us. So no more sleeping in for Matt! There wasn't a dry eye in ICU when they moved Matt. They had become very protective over him. But they all know this is the best place for him.
Dad says the view from Matt's room is great. It overlooks the Kinsmen Park and the university bridge. He seems to enjoy the facility. There is a communal dining area, and dad said for supper there were over 30 other patients, all different genders and ages. And Matt ate like a horse. Grandpa Gustafson used to say about himself that he doesn't eat much, he just eats long and fast. Matt it a chip off the Gustafson block. Dad had to go out and buy extra food.
Rehab was tough today. They worked Matt for 1 1/2 hours and he was tired. They are really working on what Matt could do to help with the transferring. For instance, when he transfers from his chair to the mat (it is elevated and at the same height as his chair), they got Matt to put some weight on his feet and try to swing himself over, also incorporating the use of his right arm. They were impressed by what he could do. Unlike a dead weight, Matt was able to assist, even if it was minimally. Also, when he was laying flat on this mat, they asked if he could lift his bum up. Dad said Matt was just sweating he was working so hard. And by gosh if he didn't do it. Matt, words are so vague when it comes to expressing how we truly feel. Proud just doesn't cut it. Great sense of jubilation is more like it! Rehab is so difficult for them to do on Matt because they need to work on everything. Shoulders, legs, arms, abdomen, the works. But they have a very willing patient so it makes their job easier.
Praise for God's continued grace and prayers for more! 1 Peter 4:11 "...If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ".

One More Game To Go!

What an exciting game! Just one more win and then the Grey Cup is Saskatchewan's. It has been a long time coming. Matt had a busy day prior to game time. Dinner, then a whirlpool, then up in his chair at 2 pm. By the time the game started, he was so sleepy he slept through some of it. But he was up for the most important part. Tonight cousin Chris is his nurse, which he likes. Nothing like family looking out for you.
Matt has now been capped for 36 hours, so he isn't getting O2 or moisture anymore at night. No more trach trials! He is doing his own breathing. Rehab better find him a bed because he is ready!
Matt is a bit frustrated because his left side is so slow. Some days it moves slightly, the next day hardly at all. But it also didn't start to move until Sept. 28th, while the right side started Aug. 16th. So it has a ways to catch up. It was so good to see Matt throw the ball and bend his own arm. I even have a video of it. I tried to post it on the blog, but wouldn't upload. I sent it to Jacki and she will try again tomorrow.
Things are starting to look up for Christmas. The ball is definitely rolling and hopefully everything will be ironed out when the time arrives. Prayers that Matt's strength physically and mentally will continue to improve and that the left side will start responding better. Psalms 86 "Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me".

Company and presents

Matt had a really good day, sister Shelley, John and Jonmarie made a quick one day trip up to see him. Shelley brought him some new clothes that are long enough for his long legs. He was happy to see them and beat his sister in a game of Scrabble. He also had company from home which he enjoys, thank you all. He had his cousin Chris for his RN today and there is always lots of teasing going on. Matt has lots of fun with all the staff and is known to give them a hard time and some laughs as well. He is doing so well off the ventilator, that they would really like him to move to rehab as quick as possible to open up an ICU bed, they know it is the best place for him to be. He is looking forward to the Rider game tomorrow, ready for a good game and hopefully a win. The Riders have a look of supporters and a lot riding on them. Go Riders. We will have lots of fun cheering them on. We had snow today so he didn't go outside, but had a great day anyway. We thank God for his blessings on Matt and our family. Isaiah 26:12 All that we have accomplished you have done for us, O Lord.

Lots of Company

Matt had a sleepy day today. He didn't get a lot of sleep last night, so thought he should sleep all day. Went for rehab for an hour, was having trouble with his neck so they had to be careful about what they did. Did some e-rays on his neck and they all came back fine. Lots of very tight muscles so will need more massages. Had lots of company today and got to do lots of talking. Didn't eat as much today, but will make up for it tomorrow. Matt is still off the ventilator. Praise our Lord. Prayers for tonight that Matt will continue to improve in his movement, his neck will relax and his lungs will continue to grow stronger each day. Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Breathing going well, Praise God

Matt had a busy day, he went up to rehab for a good hour to work out. He had company from RUH and enjoys when they drop by. He still gets tired after rehab and likes to nap. He is eating well and still loves his oven roasted chicken sub in the evening. Tonight he was going to have a Tim Hortons chocolate donut with the staff. They are spoiling him and he loves it. He is getting stronger in his right arm and hand, he can pick up a sponge ball and throw it at you. He is still off the vent and is doing really great, his lungs are getting stronger all the time. Praise God. He says hi to everyone back home and he misses you all. Prayers for tonight Matt will have a good nights rest and he will continue to get more movement on his left side. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Off the Ventilator

Can you believe it? I am still reeling from yesterday's big news and them mom slapped me back on my...posterior with more great news! They actually wheeled the ventilator out of his room. True it is still outside of his room, but he hasn't used it for over 3 days. He will be capped during the day, and be on the trach trial at night, with the cuff deflated, the inner cannula in for suctioning purposes, supplemental O2, and moisture to help keep his secretions from getting too thick. But no forced air into his lungs. He is breathing on his own! Praise God! Psalms 105:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done".
They had a meeting with all the departments involved in Matt's care. They had a long discussion about Matt going home for Christmas. There was some scepticism, and the physician voiced her concerns about Matt going home. Most of the questions were answered and hopefully they can help us get everything in place. We need to look at getting a ramp built for him to get into the house, transportation (Leonard Jays has graciously offered the loan of his van), needs a hospital bed for the house, O2 for when he needs it. However the physician was still worried. Finally she told us that Matt had 3 things going for him. 1) His spinal cord is not severed, 2) He is young and the most determined man she has met, 3) Matt is her hero. I think that comment opened the floodgates for a lot of the staff. They all stated that Matt is just such a joy to have in there. Not many men who have gone through what he has gone through are so optimistic, his personality has never changed, and he is so determined. They are just so worried what could happen to him when he is not under their care.
The doctor went on to say that right now there is no bed in rehab because truthfully, they never expected Matt to be off the ventilator with the severity and location of his injury, and the long duration of being on the ventilator. Not to mention a collapsed lung, 3 chest tubes, and countless pneumonia's. They also never believed when they started the trach trials he would progress so quickly. "Leaps and bounds" are the terms they used. I used this verse at the beginning of Matt's journey, and now I use it as praise, not a prayer. Job 9:10 "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."
There is continued talk of taking out his feeding tube. He is still only at 175 lbs, but he doesn't have much for muscles, which weigh quite a bit. He didn't eat as well today because he was tired. With only one sleeping pill, Matt isn't sleeping very good at night, but that will take some getting used to. It is not easy to go off sleeping pills. Matt also had a whirlpool bath, so that always plays him out. Prayers that Matt will have a good night sleep, and regain strength for tomorrow.

Almost There

Matt, you continue to amaze me. Last week, the capping of the trach had barely started and now, you are just sailing! Last night, Matt did an amazing 9 hours of being capped. I just couldn't believe it until mom told me he went 14 & 1/2 hours today!! And Matt has now been on the trach trial for 2 and 1/2 days (they never did put him on the "full" ventilator last night). Matt has been on O2 intermittently throughout the day at 1L/min with nasal prongs, those little tubes that go in your nose. A few times Matt's O2 sats dropped, so for about 5 mins they increased his O@ to 2L/min (which still isn't very much) and he recovered nicely. But mom said tonight they may encourage him to take a short break, even for just a few hours. He was looking very tired and his secretions are starting to get thick, because when he is capped he gets no moisture. But she won't know until tomorrow whether or not they convinced Matt.
They are trying to cut down Matt's sleeping pill to one a night because the way Matt is going, they think he will be upstairs in rehab by next week!! So no more sleeping in, he will have to be up before 9 am to get ready for his workouts! All this news is so exciting. I looked back in the blog when Matt was still in RUH and not moving, chest tubes in, and skinny as a board, and thinking at that time this day was so far away. And here we are! You just show them what you can do, Matt. The Lord is good. Psalms 150:2 "Praise Him for his acts of power, praise him for his surpassing greatness".
Mat had more company today, which is good because Dad went home for awhile. So mom will have to rely on someone else to fix Matt's wheelchair, because I know how she is with mechanical things, not the best. Sorry Mom! That's a dad thing to do. You can help him get stronger and make him do his exercises! Thanks again and again for all those who continue to pray for Matt's progress and read the blog. It is so comforting to know that so many people care for Matt and our family.

Capping of trach going well

Last night, Matt completed 6 hours of being capped. Also he is still on the trach trail from yesterday, so that will be 36 hours. For those who are new to the blog or haven't read it for awhile, capping and trach trial are considered two different things. Trach trail refers to deflating the cuff in his trachea so he can speak and he is on minimal assistance of the ventilator. It still supplies him some moisture and O2, when he is in his room. However the capping refers to taking out the inner cannula of the trach, and putting a red cap on it, so Matt must breath through his nose and mouth. As you know, Matt has an extremely long neck, so he needs to work a bit harder to get the air he breathes to his lungs. So great job Matt and I love to say I knew you could do it! Today they again have capped his trach, and will probably go for another 6 hours. However tonight they may put him back on the ventilator, and not keep his trach deflated. Mom said she could tell he was tired, but Matt is so determined that he won't admit when he has had enough. But they don't want Matt to overdue it, so are encouraging him to speak up when he is tired. We don't want any setbacks. (But I think Matt likes to hear his own voice, that he feels nervous when he can't speak. It is very scary when you can't talk, this way during the night he can call out if he needs something). However there is One who can always hear you, Matt. Psalms 130:1 "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy".
Matt went outside today, but it was too cold and was having some steering difficulties, so they came back in. Matt is eating extremely well and is getting no supplementary feeding from the tube in his abdomen. He was able to talk to Nolan on the phone, but otherwise had a quiet day for company. Dad is leaving tomorrow but mom will be there until she works again. Matt did not have any rehab this weekend or today because of holidays. Will get back on track tomorrow.

Another Win

Matt was pretty excited today over the roughriders win. They had it set up in ICU so the nurses could watch some of the game, and they invited Matt for their party. There was pizza and pop, and Mattt was in his roughrider outfit. At our house, we had a birthday party for Jonmarie and Jacki dressed Amy in her roughrider outfit, so Matt and Amy are good luck. I must apologize for giving false information. Matt did receive a second hand wheelchair 3 days ago. It isn't the best, but it does fit him better. However there were many adjustments that needed to be made, and the staff just didn't have the time. So last night dad spent 1 & 1/2 hours trying to fix it for Matt. He also rigged up a holding compartment for Matt's O2 tank on the wheelchair, so Matt would be free to boogy where he wants to. It is working great. This wheelchair is called a mid-drive. It is similar to dad's lawnmower, zero turn radius with the big wheels in front and the small wheels at the back.
Matt was having so much pain in his neck, that dad had suggested they give Matt Advil 1/2 hour before getting him up in the chair, because getting him in the chair causes him the most pain. They tried it and it seems to be working. (They give the Advil in his feeding tube, to try and prevent stomach upset). Matt ate like a horse today and when mom phoned at 8:00, she was out buying him a sub because he was still hungry! Just like old times. You had to eat fast in our house, otherwise the food would be gone. Mom also mentioned that Matt had his trach capped for 4 hours, and still counting! Possibly tomorrow I will know the full extent of the time he lasted without the ventilator. For a least an hour of that time he went without any O2 as well. Well done Matt! You will have that thing out before you know it. Matt is now able to scratch his nose without bending at the neck. He still has to really concentrate and it takes him awhile, but he can do it. Matt, progress is being made everyday! Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged".

Long Week-End

Matt had a quiet day as with the long week end all his therapy is on hold. He took a tour around the hospital to see all the Christmas decorations, didn't go outside because his chair was giving him some trouble. He had some company and is always happy to visit. His appetite is getting better and was happy with the homemade Pizza Pop from one of the mom's at home. He is very tired of hospital food and says it all tastes the same. He was on the trach trail for 17 hours and they capped it for one hour. He will try for longer today. He continues to get stronger with his breathing, Praise the Lord. Prayers for today are that Matt will get more sensation in his hands and His left side will start moving more easier. Matt sends his love to all and thanks you for your prayers, jokes, food, visits, messages and support. Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Mom's Back

Sorry about missing yesterday's blog - lack of communication between mom and myself. Matt was so glad to see mom - he really missed her! He always says she is his biggest cheerleader. She had some discussions with the respiratory therapist to see what the plans are for Matthew. They are just so scared of pushing him too quickly but have now decided to cap his trach every day. Today he did it for one hour and his oxygen saturation did drop a bit. He continues to do the trach trials for 15 hours per day. He did his exercise again where he is strapped to the table, however, he only made it to 60 degrees and his blood pressure dropped. While he is in this position they do exercises on his arms.
They took Matthew's catheter out as they are trying to train his bladder. So far he is doing okay. They do not want his bladder to fill more than 500 ml at a time so they have to re catheterize him about every three hours. Having a problem trying to get a wheelchair. The one that is best for Matt is unavailable due to cost as Sask Abilities is unwilling to pay for it. So we are looking at the second best wheelchair - still unsure when it is coming. He has been having a lot of neck pain so they will do an x-ray tomorrow. He had an interesting visitor today. One of the doctor's that looked after him at RUH came to visit. He is a doctor from Winnipeg and had just done a locum at RUH. He told Matthew not to give up no matter what people say - he will be better one day as long as he continues to believe. Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak".

Matt and his Harem

Well, Matt was back to his old self. Waking up late, ate 2/3 of his lunch and then had BLT for a snack. Was able to go upstairs for rehab. Today they tried something new. They strapped Matt on a table that looks like and x-ray table. Then they slowly (over a period of 15 mins) tilt the table so Matt would eventually be in a standing position. They must do it slowly because his body is not used to being in the upright position and his blood pressure will drop into his socks if they do it too quickly. Matt made it to about 70 degrees, and then his blood pressure went too low and his pulse rate was above 170 beats per minute. But he recovered nicely and they were happy with how well he did. There are mirrors all around, and Matt commented that this was a view he hadn't seen in awhile, seeing himself standing up. I was happy for him as well, because they wouldn't be doing that exercise unless they believe Matt will walk again. So we have more believers on his side, which is great! Matt was still feeling like doing something, so back to ICU for a "fill up " of O2, then off to find Rocky. Couldn't be found, so Matt and dad went outside for about 1/2 hour. Was able to chat with Jacki on the cell phone. More company when they returned, so dad left for awhile. By the time he came back, Matt was getting a massage, a pedicure and manicure, plus another nurse was getting supplies ready for washing his hair. Dad had to fight past 3 women to feed Matt his foot long sub. Just like a Sultan and his harem. I could almost hear Matt purring. Psalms 30:11 "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy"."They may possibly cap the trach tonight, if not he has been on the trach trial and average fo 16 hours per day. Capping is just one more step closer to getting rid of the ventilator all together. Prayers for continued success, and for mom's safe journey after being away for 1 & 1/2 weeks (will return tomorrow).

Pukey Day

Matt's old friend emesis (throwing up) came back for a visit. Dad was wondering why Matt was sleeping at noon. When he woke up for lunch, Matt said he really didn't feel like eating. The nurses didn't want to get him up in his chair to go for rehab, but Matt insisted. He was feeling so bad that he couldn't even operate his chair. But he still wanted to go. He was very pale and they put him on the mat to do some upper body exercises. There was a new therapist on, and asked Matt if his legs were in spasms. Matt replied that he was moving them. She was so impressed she had to find out how much he actually could do. The left still has minimal movement, but the right is getting stronger, though he is unable to bend the knee. Unfortunately the exercises were a bit much in Matt's state that he got sick on the mat. But we are so proud of you Matt, to have the determination to do your exercises even when you are so sick. 2 Samuel 22:33 "For it is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." The nurses gave him gravol when he got back, so he slept from 3-5 pm. At supper, Matt was able to eat about half, but then he needed suctioning and threw everything up. But dad was happy this evening, because Matt was able to finish 1/2 sub, some Ensure and some tea. Matt was much more perky and stated he felt better. Hopefully it was just a 12 hour flu bug and tomorrow will be a better day. Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Exercises

I can say one thing for Matt, he is a brave soul. Today Dad and him went for a spin outside. The weather was cold! I didn't even want to walk to my car! But Matt was all dressed up and ready for winter. They are now able to go themselves, without a respiratory therapist or a nurse. Matt also made a trip to rehab. They put him on the machine that moves his legs, which helps his brain remember the movements and to strengthen his butt & leg muscles. He was on it for 50 mins, but I am unsure how much is from the machine and how much Matt has to do.
One of my prayers is almost answered. Matt is finally able to scratch his nose if he puts his head down. They are really working on being able to do it without bending his head. I was always scratching his nose while I was there! Sometimes I think it wasn't even itchy, he just wanted to see me do it! Matt had more company and went to visit Rocky, but was unable to go into his room because Rocky was sick. No more germs for Matt. Hope Rocky will feel better soon. Tonight is the first night Matt will be without nutrition from the tube feed. They feel his weight is more stable at 180 lbs, and that he is eating enough on his own to keep his weight up. First step towards getting that tube out. Thanks to all those who continue to think about Matt and pray for his recovery. Jude 2 "Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance."

Quiet Day

Sunday's are a day of rest, and this one was no exception. Matt did have a whirlpool bath, and then was up in his chair for the afternoon. Ate his leftover Chinese food. Gary and him watched movies, and bet on a few football games, in which Matt won $5. More company in to visit, which is always a welcome change. Matt had an afternoon siesta, and then ate 2/3 of his supper. I was able to talk to him on the phone again. I would ask him a question..silence.. then I asked him if he was tired.. "no, not really".. so again I would ask him a question.. "What?" he would ask. So finally I asked what he was doing... "watching TV". And if anyone knows Matt, when he even walks by a TV, you can be in the middle of the conversation, and he zones right out. So finally I told him I would kick him in his posterior if he didn't listen. He just proceeded to tell dad on me! Big baby. But before we even began to speak to each other, Matt was getting his "red hoody" on. No, not anything like that, just the cap on his trach. It has a red cap, so it sounds like a red hoody. So hopefully Matt will have it on for a least hours, but I will find out tomorrow.
I often quote from Proverbs, but it is one of the best books of the bible. Lots of great stuff in there. Proverbs 18:10 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

House full of kids

The blog is late, it was all Jacki's fault. She came for a visit, both of us went and seen cousin Patti curl in Red Deer until 11:30 pm, and her Bobby wakes up at 6:00 am. So all her fault. Anyway, Matt had an interesting day yesterday. First thing in the morning, had a episode where he de-sated, but turned out it was just a mucus plug in the tube. Then Dad and Matt went up to rehab to visit Rocky. They took the portable O2 with them, but the nurse said to keep an eye on it, was not sure how long the tank would last. So 25 mins into the visit, dad checked the tank, it was on red (empty). The rehab nurse came to check, and the O2 wasn't even on! So Matt had been without O2 for 25 mins!. He said he was fine, but dad was worried so they went back to ICU, got it straightened out, and resumed their visit. Way to show them, Matt. You are a tough one! Had a haircut and a bath, so is all ready for the weekend. Last night, Matt convinced the resp. therapist to cap his trach again. They didn't want to but Matt insisted and completed 2 hours. He likes it because he can talk much louder (which he needs to so he can compete with Gary). Gary arrived yesterday evening, and today they watched a couple of movies and Matt showed him around the hospital. Once the staff figured out the best way to sit Matt in his chair, he can control the wheelchair like anything. Gary and Matt played Trivia Pursuit Star Wars edition, which Gary won, only because he is such a nerd! Matt is now able to use the call bell to call the nurse. It is flat, and they put it close to his hand, and he is able to lift up his hand and hit the bell himself. More company from home, which Matt really enjoyed because he finagled a massage from one of them. It's those big Bambi eyes that gets them every time. I know, because he used it on me all the time. So tonight they are taking Matt Chinese food, by special order, and I may possibly speak to Matt on the phone. Prayers that Matty keeps his wonderful spirit and praise that he has so many prayers for him! James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."