another good week

Things are still rolling along here - Matt continues to have little movements in his hand. His OT today said he could squeeze his fingers together towards a fist and as he did that his wrist moved up. Last week he couldn't really bend his wrist back - it was only forwards.

Matt also started horse riding lessons this week and loved it. He and his horse have some communication issues to work out - Matt has to hold the reigns in one hand and move them across his neck to turn him, which the horse didn't understand at first, but I think they'll get it figured out quickly.

He's still frustrated by what he feels is slow progress. He really wants to be done with his cane, but can only go for short distances without it. I know there is also a lot more he wants to be telling us, but often has to resort to "thinking good but speech is bad."

We're trying to work out ways for him to do things around the house and recently got him a cutting board that can hold vegetables or a mixing bowl so he can prepare meals one handed. He made gumbo last night which was awesome!

what a week

Matt had re-evaluations in all his therapies this week and they all showed a lot of progress. The most exciting was in OT - with all his might and concentration, Matt got his wrist to move ever so slightly! He could also barely squeeze his fingers together and release them again. The movement was almost imperceptible, but definitely there if you watched very carefully. His therapist was so excited that she kept bringing more people over to see him do it again and again and he was completely wiped out but very happy. We looked at one of his old evaluation sheets and every single arm muscle tested then was a 0/5 and this time every muscle at least had a trace of something happening. Only a few muscles show movement with gravity eliminated and none can withstand resistance yet, so he's still at a trace to 2/5, but it's something!

Even his doctor back at Crotched Mountain was cautiously optimistic about his improvement. He said that when there is nothing, it's hard to know if anything will ever come back, but with some movement, it's 'easier' to get more. There is still no guarantee that Matt's arm will completely recover and be as useful as before, but things are looking a little less bleak.

better and better, but bored

Matt keeps telling me that is leg is feeling better and better and he is so ready to be done with either the cane or the brace - or both! He's not there yet and continues to be frustrated by that. He seemed stronger than ever during his pool session the other day and his therapist is finding ways to add resistance to his exercises since they've become easier.

The main thing we're trying to deal with now (besides his arm function) is boredom. Matt's taking the same walk through the woods everyday and spending a lot of time watching TV which is just not him. He's not ready to venture off the road yet to explore other parts of the farm and there is a limited number of places to walk via road.

We're starting to look into other activities and programs available for Matt and finally found something he's excited about - horseback riding! There is a stable near by that offers a therapeutic riding program that we're hoping Matt can participate in once a week for the next few months. The lessons would consist of grooming, tacking and riding and figuring out ways for Matt to accomplish everything on his own. They're excited to work with Matt and he'll hopefully have his first lesson on the 22nd. (If you're curious and want more information on this program it's called hippotherapy.)