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.
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Thank you again for sharing the latest news. I am so glad that your hard work has been rewarded again.
ReplyDeleteHi, Matt and Keri -
ReplyDeleteWhew-hew! Sounds like good hard work, focused effort and lots of positive thinking are paying off! Excellent news. Hats off to you both!
-Jan T. and the ISU Crew
Matt and Keri,
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely 'something' !!! We have been waiting to hear this news. A slight movement is enough to get Matt working even harder. The therapists kept telling us that the arm would take longer so let's all begin the process together. There are so many, many friends and family supporting both of you. Yesterday at the Roxbury Farm workday, members were asking 'how is Matt doing?'. And we didn't even know their names.
We love you,
Mom and Dad Bolluyt
Hey Matt & Keri. Sorry, just caught up with the postings of progress. (Going through colon
ReplyDeletecancer with Uncle Kenneth.)
I am sure the progress is going slow for both of
you but you have to hang on with every bit of fight you both have. YOU WILL GET THERE! The 1 year anniversary of the accident is around the corner. Wow! I know you will enjoy the horse
therapy. Matt do you remember riding down here
in Louisiana? You will use your legs, arms, ankles and back. But don't think you are in a Rodeo!!!!! HA
Love to you both. Aunt Elaine
Yippeee! Just more evidence that the hard work is paying off. The horse therapy sounds like a wonderful addition to your routine. We're keeping you always in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAunt Barb and Uncle Daryl
Keri-- I looked into the driving classes in VT and found 1 in White River Jcn (adaptive driving associates) and 1 at Fletcher Allen (driving rehab). The web site www.driver-ed.org has a directory of certified instructors in all the states. Good Luck & Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
ReplyDelete~Lauren (OT at CMRC)
Keri and Matt,
ReplyDeleteThanks again for continuing to post, it is so helpful when we can't see you! You are both thought of and prayed for every day. Keep up the great work!
Love,
Brooke