Friday, November 12, 2010

November already

I've been going to Matt's therapies with him a lot lately because it is so great to watch how he's progressing - and he can never really explain to me afterwards how awesome he's doing. (and since the hospital wifi is my only internet connection, I haven't had time to blog, even though I've had a lot to blog about.) So here's a rundown of the last couple weeks:

PT - Matt's really working hard with his hamstrings and they are slowly progressing. One exercise he's been doing is to lay on his stomach and try to lift his heel up by bending his knee. A few weeks ago, it was nearly impossible and we had to help every time. Now he can lift his lower leg by himself and he's using therabands (which add resistance) to strengthen the muscles. He's walking around the house without his cane at all and goes on short walks outside without it, too. He carries it with him, but tries to not use it - unless he's also going without the brace, in which case he still needs the cane.

OT - We all know Matt's wicked strong and it was only a matter of time before things clicked, but now that they have, his arm control is picking up quite rapidly. It's still really hard and requires a lot of concentration, but he's been able to straighten and bend his arm without any assistance. What used to require e-stim to engage, now only requires muscle massage and some of the time his biceps will engage without anything at all. At the end of the last session, even the muscles that make the wrist bend up were working with very little massage.

It's all very amazing and exciting to see - I'll try take another video soon! He's actually just starting another OT session, so I'm going to go watch what he does today.

8 comments:

  1. Hi, Matt and Keri -

    Your news sounds good and like you've been really, really working. Excellent results!

    We're thinking about you!

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  2. That is amazing!! Can't wait to see it. Thinking about you all the time.
    Love,
    Jody

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  3. That is awesome! Keep up all the good work.

    Stephanie

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  4. Hey Keri and Matt!!
    I'm so excited for you guys about how much progress matt has made!! so christmas is rapidly approaching and i am going to be in need of a christmas tree. will you guys be selling them this year?? I'd love to see you guys!!Let me know, my email is kelsey_marie892@msn.com
    Best Wishes!!

    Kelsey
    Crotched Mountain Aide =D

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  5. This is Great!! Love to see the posts about the progress. Always knew if anyone could overcome this Matt was the one (With all the love and support from Keri)
    Anne and I have been keeping you both in our prayers. Keep up the good work

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  6. hey Keri and Matt,
    just catching up and glad to hear that things are moving along! I am constantly amazed by the strength you both have, not just in the arms! sending love and hope to see you both soon.
    Becky

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  7. Matt and Keri,
    Thinking about you today (and everyday) and celebrating the results of a year of hard work and healing. with much love and a grateful heart, Jody

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  8. Matt and Keri,
    There is a song from Rent called Seasons of Love with a line "how do you measure a year?" Jody said it all- with an extremely grateful heart.
    Love, Mom and Dad

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