INTERACT FORUM
More => Old Versions => JRiver Media Center 19 for Windows => Topic started by: JimH on January 05, 2014, 08:57:48 am
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[EDIT April 11, 2014. I started a new thread on Matt's Return (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=88630.msg607905#msg607905) to JRiver.]
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After almost a week of flu, and not getting better, Matt went to urgent care Thursday night. On the way out, he fell and hit his head. An hour later, he went into surgery and a blood clot was removed.
He has been unconscious since then. Several times, he has responded to family members by wiggling a toe or finger. He opened his eyes briefly last night.
At JRiver, we all care about him very deeply, and I know how many friends he has here. I wanted you to know, and I know your well wishes will help him recover.
Updates are below.
Jim
----------- Updates -------------
Matt's family set up a page at Caring Bridge (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland). Brooke is his wife. Elise and Ben are their children. Roger and Cynthia are his parents.
January 6 -- Brooke read your posts to Matt (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg591195#msg591195)
January 11 -- Better (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg592253#msg592253)
January 14 -- Maybe stable (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg592910#msg592910)
January 17 -- JRiver visit (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg593592#msg593592) One eye could track my finger moving back and forth.
January 22 -- Off the ventilator, one eye open (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg594551#msg594551)
January 23 -- Opened his mouth and lifted his arm when asked to. (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg594781#msg594781)
January 26 -- Intense gaze when I talked to him (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg595446#msg595446)
January 27 -- Moved his head (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg595790#msg595790)
January 30 -- Testing by a speech specialist and surgery this afternoon (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg596294#msg596294)
February 1 -- Surgery successful, but status mixed (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg596770#msg596770)
February 4 -- Moved to a recovery facility. Obama is President (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg597327#msg597327)
February 8 -- Matt spoke for the first time -- "I'm OK" and "I love you" (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg598111#msg598111)
February 10 -- Saw him today -- "Bye, Jim". (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg598468#msg598468)
February 12 -- Matt can type (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg598834#msg598834)
February 14 -- He fell (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/52fed94eca16b4e42bd4d405) when he tried to get up from the wheelchair with no help. No serious damage done.
February 15 -- Able to speak in complete sentences (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.350)
February 22 -- Able to carry on a conversation. Sense of humor returning. (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg600371#msg600371)
February 23 -- Matt called me. (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg600502#msg600502)
March 1 -- Sent a text message (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg601494#msg601494).
March 3 -- Moved to Courage Center (http://www.couragecenter.org/index.aspx). Less about medical problems, more about rehab.
March 4 -- Cherry Pudding Cake and the Message Loop (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg601923#msg601923)
March 13 -- Half Awake (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg603545#msg603545)
March 22 -- Gorgeous Brain Walks 75 Feet (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg605035#msg605035)
March 25 -- A Lap Around the First Floor (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg605531#msg605531)
March 27 -- A JRiver Drive By (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg605867#msg605867)
March 31 -- Up the Stairs (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg606468#msg606468)
April 2 -- Thinking about going to work (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg606801#msg606801)
April 6 -- Walking with a cane (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg607425#msg607425)
April 8 -- "Nice job, Jim" (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=86462.msg607723#msg607723)
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Oh no. Get well soon Matt!
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:(
I hope he makes a full recovery soon! Get well Matt!
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I hope that the net result of this news is that Matt soon laughs and has a story to tell in a little while of how he got off work for a short time. My best wishes to Matt and hope for a very quick recovery!
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oh man.. I wish matt and his family all the best and a quick recovery.
:(
gab
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Yikes; I'm sorry to hear that. I hope he makes a speedy recovery, our thoughts are with him.
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:'(
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So sorry to hear this. Get well soon, Matt!
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Good luck and best wishes.
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Oh my! He will be in our thoughts.
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Shocking news. Thoughts with Matt, and his family.
Keep us up-to-date with progress please.
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Matt and his family will be in my family's thoughts and prayers!
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Terrible news, Jim.
Matt, we're all thinking of you and hope to see you back here in the near future.
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Matt's family set up a page where his friends and family can follow his progress:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland
For those who don't know Matt, he's JRiver's CTO and he has run the company for about a year.
Here's a picture from earlier this year when Hendrik came for a visit. Glynor is also in the picture.
(http://wiki.jriver.com/images/b/b6/5373376013-1-.jpg)
Left to right:
Adam, Hendrik, John, Matt, Bob, glynor.
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Jim, thanks for sharing the news with us.
Matt has been a positive presence on this forum. He knows more than the rest of us but he asks for input and listens to us with care. His work on MC has been very useful to all of us. I don't know Matt in a face-to-face way but I'd like to.
Matt, get well!
Bill
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Man, that's shocking. I really, really hope Matt makes a speedy recovery! Thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends.
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All best wishes to Matt and his family!
Manfred
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You will get well soon!
Thanks for all the help.
Ekpen.
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I wish matt all the best and a quick recovery!!!!
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I hope Matt recovers quickly. I'll be praying for him.
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That is terrible news and out of the blue. All the best to Matt, his family and friends during this time.
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Please keep us updated on his condition .
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My heart skipped a beat when I read this terrible news. Best wishes and a speedy recovery Matt.
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Get well soon Matt
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Get well soon!!!
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Best of luck to Matt and his family. Wish you a speedy recovery and no complications.
Best regards,
Mikkel
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Get well soon Matt.
My thought are with you.
SBR
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Get well soon Matt.
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So sorry to hear the bad news. Hang in there Matt. Stay positive and you'll be on your feet in no time, I'm sure of it.
My best to you and yours
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Wow. Suddenly, a program that can play music doesn't seem all that important. Best wishes to Matt and his loved ones on the road to recovery.
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Really sorry to hear that.
Wishing a full and swift recovery Matt.
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Get well soon Matt. Let's hope that all that comes of this is an interesting story for the grandkids in a few years.
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Not the best way to start the New Year.
Matt, for yourself and for the rest of us please make it a happy 2014 from this point onwards.
All the best.
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Here's to a speedy recovery. Thoughts with Matt and his family.
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Matt's wife, Brooke, posted this on the Caring Bridge site (linked above):
Welcome to our site for keeping you updated on Matt's continuing progress. The family wants to thank all of you for your encouragement, thoughts, prayers and words of support.
Here is how Matt ended up in the ICU.
The whole family got sick with a bad cold or the flu during winter break. While Brooke's and the kids' fevers and symptoms subsided after 5-7 days, Matt's worsened. After his 8th day of high fever, on Thursday January 2, we brought Matt to an urgent care clinic. He was seen and told that he should go to the emergency room. On the way to the car, Matt fell backwards (likely fainted) and hit the the back of his head on the sidewalk. Urgent care staff came immediately and called an ambulance. Matt was taken to Abbott Northwestern ER, assessed and given a CT scan.
Shortly thereafter he was transferred to HCMC for immediate surgery. His skull had fractured when he fell and there was a lot of blood between his skull and brain. The neurosurgeons removed a large blood clot and left a section of his skull removed to allow for swelling.
Matt has been in a coma-like state since shortly after he fell, however, he is showing signs of improvement already. Subsequent CT scans have shown no additional swelling or bleeding and his physical assessments are slowly and steadily improving.
On Saturday, January 4, he lifted the thumb and fingers of his left hand in response to the nurse asking him to do so. He has squeezed family members' hands, wiggled his toes and shown responses when we speak with him. He moves both hands and feet to avoid unpleasant stimuli. This afternoon, he tried to open his eyes to look at Brooke and when we told him Elise's Get Well Soon sign was hanging in his room across from his bed.
He understands us and wants to show his understanding. But it is exhausting and he needs to rest to allow his brain and body to heal.
Matt's chest x-ray showed signs of infection and he is being treated for pneumonia as well. His temperature has been regulated with a catheter. He is on a ventilator and feeding tube.
Matt is recovering in the HCMC surgical ICU.
Thank you for visiting Matt's Caring Bridge website. We appreciate your loving thoughts, actions and prayers more than we can say.
With love,
Brooke
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Shocked to hear this news but it sounds like Matt is beginning to make progress and has embarked on the road to a full recovery. Sending healing vibes and caring thoughts to Matt's family from across the pond.
Get well soon Matt
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Sending positive thoughts to Matt and his family
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Awful news. Best wishes to Matt and his family.
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We will include Matt in our prayers for a speedy and complete recovery !
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This is shocking news. Matt, take your time and get well.
I will light up a candle for you and your family.
Greetings,
Nina (ninouchka)
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Most shocking news!!
Matt, I'm praying for a full recovery from your flu and head injuries!
Blessings,
Dan
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Get well Matt !
You'll be in my thoughts & prayers .
EarlK
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Best wishes to Matt and family. Get well soon.
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Get well soon Matt!!
My thoughts also go out to your family and friends as well at this time.
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Your in our thoughts Matt, wishing you and your family a speedy recovery.
thanks for everything you do here :)
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Best wishes, hoping you get well soon.
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The flu has been pretty bad this season and I'm sure the subzero temperatures don't help any. =(
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Get well soon, Matt. You will be in our prayers.
Alex
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Get well Matt!
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I'm shocked to hear this, and I wish you a steady recovery.
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The news today has been good.
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What shocking news! We are so sorry to hear of this terrible situation. Matt and his family are in our prayers. Hope to see you up and about real soon.
Rod & Sandra
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Get well soon, Matt.
I'm praying for you and your family.
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Thoughts with you & your family Matt, get well soon.
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Matt, get well soon! You are in our family's thoughts and prayers. I know I am not alone in saying your pioneering work at JRiver and terrific presence on this forum have been a great part of many of our daily lives. Please let us know if there is any way we can help.
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Terrible news to read.
Get well, Matt!
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Hoping for a speedy recovery. Good thoughts going out for you and your family...
Ken
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Get well soon, Matt.
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That's just awful news. Get well soon, Matt.
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Best wishes from Down Under, Matt!
My wife and I send our most positive thoughts to you!
Regards
Robert & Fiona
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Get well soon, Matt.
We need you. :)
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It's so sad. I hope it'll all be better soon.
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Stunned. Mortified. But looking forward to welcoming Matt back, fully recovered, soon!
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That's terrible news. My thoughts are with Matt and his family. Get well soon, Matt!
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Get well soon. Best wishes to family also.
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Best wishes to Matt and his family, we are thinking of you in London. Get well very soon.
Ross
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Matt's family set up a page where his friends and family can follow his progress:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland
I took the liberty of linking the thread above back here. I'm expecting that should meet with everyone's approval.
The news today has been good.
Hopefully there's more good news soon.
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My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family, Matt.
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Matt, hope you'll get well soon.
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Stunned. My thoughts are with Matt and his family.
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Brooke (Matt's wife) called last night to ask me to tell all of you that you have had an effect on Matt. She was reading him posts from Caring Bridge and he seemed to hear her, but when she told him about this thread and all of the well wishes from his forum friends, he opened his eyes and turned toward her to listen. He kept his eyes open for longer than he had before.
Small victories, but thank you for helping him.
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Best wishes to Matt and his family and JRiver team!
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Good to hear. We're all pulling for him!!!
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衷心祝福，早日康复！
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Thoughts and prayers go out to Matt and his family. Perhaps he is thinking up some way cool new code while he is recovering!
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I just wanted to send my prayers and best wishes for you matt and your family! Rest up, get well and pull through because we your family all need you!
This has been an unbelievable flu season for me and my family as well. I travelled to mexico during the hurricane and got violently ill. Then returned home only to get even more sick and pneumonia and pharyngitis etc. Reading this post about matt literally caused me to pause and sweat (I am all healed now) to know that something like this could have happened. There must be some new strain or something going on.
You simply sometimes don't realize just how sick you really are. Me and my family are sending love and prayers to you and your family matt! Get better and hope to see you here in full strength! Lots of rubberduckie noodle soup and rest :) and we will see you soon!
**And although it's quite comical, rubberduckie isn't even the work I am typing lol. For some reason it is changing my word to rubberduckie when I am typing c-h-i-c-k-e-n lol.**
Hope that gives you some laughs Matt :).
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Best wishes to Matt and his family. Get well soon, Matt!
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My thoughts are with you from Calgary, Canada. Stay strong, good luck.
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Get well, Matt! Best wishes to you and your family from Vienna, Austria!
Chris
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Get well soon Matt! :'( You are in my thoughts here in Tennessee.
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Get well Matt, hope you will be back soon.
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En guete Besserig. (A "get well" from Switzerland too).
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Que te recuperes pronto. Mis mejores deseos para ti y tu familia.
(Get well soon. My best wishes for you and your family)
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All the best from Vienna, Matt!
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Get well soon Matt. God's Speed.
Keith
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I hate news that takes my breath and this definitely qualifies.
Wishing you a full recovery Matt.
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Wishing you a full recovery Matt, best wishes to you and your family.
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I had a similar experience last spring without the severe head injury . Flu, fainting, head injury (but not severe) etc. it took me 5 weeks to recover. So Matt hang in there you will get better. It will just take some time.
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OMG! I just heard the news. Please get well. We're all thinking of you. I'm dealing with a severe health issue with my dad ATM and am with my mom in Quebec until Friday. So I know the toll such events can take on a family. But it's inspiring to see how much positive thinking and genuine caring and love from family and friends can make a difference.
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This is shocking news indeed. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Get well Matt, Keep going with your progress and recovery. From Mexico and California.
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Get well soon Matt! My prayers for a speedy and full recovery!
Mitch
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I can't believe that I missed this sticky thread until now. This is shocking news, and I wish Matt the speediest recovery.
I've said before that MC is more than software to me, and the developers and some other forum users seem more like friends than strangers. Nothing emphasised that as much as my reaction on reading this news. From the news so far, i am positive Matt will make a full recovery.
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衷心祝福Matt和Matt的家人。望早日康复！
Best Wishes to Matt and Matt's Family.
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I've said before that MC is more than software to me, and the developers and some other forum users seem more like friends than strangers. Nothing emphasised that as much as my reaction on reading this news.
I agree. I feel awkward even discussing the usual Run of Business here on the forum knowing what Matt and his family is going through. How the rest of the JR folk are still getting out updates and responding to posts must be very hard.
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I agree. I feel awkward even discussing the usual Run of Business here on the forum knowing what Matt and his family is going through. How the rest of the JR folk are still getting out updates and responding to posts must be very hard.
I've been thinking just that, Everything seems trivial and I feel a bit guilty when posting :-[
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Matt, get well soon. We are thinking about you.
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Matt,
Get well soon - Kia piki te ora
From Terry in New Zealand
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Matt,
From NY, wishing you a speedy recovery, and wishing your family strength & comfort.
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Our prayers for a full recovery.
Greetings from Lima, Peru
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Terrible news.
Get well soon Matt! May you make a speedy and full recovery.
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Get well soon Matt!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
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Bob and I visited with Matt and his family today. His wife Brooke had asked us to help set up a better music system for Matt in his hospital room. I guess she thought we might have some expertise in this area ;)
I think he is making good progress. The nurse said that he had responded with a 'thumbs up' signal when asked a question earlier, so I believe he's becoming more and more aware of what's going on around him.
It's obvious that he is getting excellent care and attention from the staff and the best possible emotional support from his family. Matt has reacted positively when Brooke has read posts from this thread and the family much appreciates the support given here and on CaringBridge.
No one needs to feel guilty or petty about continuing to post about general Media Center issues, the continued positive and productive energy around Matt's favorite "project" can only help in the long run.
Thanks everyone.
- John
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I've been thinking just that, Everything seems trivial and I feel a bit guilty when posting :-[
That's understandable.... but consider the alternative... if everyone stops posting out of guilt... interest in JRiver goes away... sales decrease.
That would make things worse for everyone.
So posting about seemingly trivial MediaCenter issues is a positive show of support.
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No one needs to feel guilty or petty about continuing to post about general Media Center issues, the continued positive and productive energy around Matt's favorite "project" can only help in the long run.
Not to mention that I'm absolutely positive that Matt, if he could tell us right now, would tell us to keep on keeping on.
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hoping only for the best…get well soon
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Sorry to hear this. Hoping you'll get well soon, Matt.
All the best...
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So posting about seemingly trivial MediaCenter issues is a positive show of support.
Pandora's box....
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I agree with other posts that posting about bugs, feature requests, and change requests is fair ball. The company has to keep going in order for Matt to have a job to come back to. Everyone just needs to be even more patient than usual about the time required to action any such posts. Without any lack of empathy and sympathy for Matt and family, I'm sure that Hendrik never thought that his first week would be like this.
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Oh, wow! Very sorry to hear this. Hope Matt gets well soon!
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Wow!! Just Wow!!
I just saw this thread, and I'm so sorry to hear about this terrible accident. It sounds like Matt is slowly getting better, and I hope that continues, and improves.
Get well soon Matt!!
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Best wishes to you and your family.
Get well soon.
Tim
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It is very sad hearing this terrible news. Best wishes of a quick and full recovery.
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We here in the Central Coast, California send strength, positive thoughts, and thankfulness to Matt, who has personally helped me a number of times, to his own family, and to the entire JRiver family.
You will continue your good works...
BC
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Not to mention that I'm absolutely positive that Matt, if he could tell us right now, would tell us to keep on keeping on.
Onward. He'll be back.
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This is terrible news. My thoughts and prayers go to Matt & his family at this difficult time.
Get well soon
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I just read about this and was quite dismayed. I wish Matt and family all the best and wish for a speedy recovery. I have never met him in person but in all my online exchanges he has been a perfect gentleman, gracious and thoughtful.
Barr
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Matt,
When you read this, know that I am praying for your speedy and full recovery. Get back home to your family soon…
God bless you and your family during these times…
John
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Get well soon, Matt.
Joao
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Best wishes to Matt and family. Get well soon.
(From the Netherlands)
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Get well soon Matt! I'm sure you'll make it man!
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Best wishes from Down Under for your quick recovery, Matt.
Zeno
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Best wishes from Sweden as well!
/Fridden
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All the best Matt - get well soon! Very glad to hear you've got such a caring bunch around you, I'm sure you'll be back in no time!
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He sat up in a chair yesterday. He's still in Intensive Care.
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Get well soon Matt. We're all thinking of you and sending positive waves!
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He sat up in a chair yesterday. He's still in Intensive Care.
Wow! That's huge progress. Great news.
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Sounds like Matt's making great progress this morning. Brooke (his wife), just posted this on CaringBridge:
This morning I have been reading posts to Matt from the JRiver Interact forum. Matt communicated through blinks that he wanted to hear them. Bright eyes for over an hour and a half. His intelligence is shining out those baby blues. I know he understands and I know that your posts and support mean a great deal to him. Taking a break from reading now, as the ICU team is making their rounds and I'd like to hear what they have to say. My love and gratitude to each and every one of you. Brooke.
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Now we only need to smuggle a laptop to Matt so he can start coding again. :)
Seriously speaking great news about the progress. Hang in there.
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Get well soon Matt and best wishes from Denmark.
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I'm so glad to hear that Matt's condition is improving. Even though I'm mainly a lurker (for many years :P ), it feels like he's family.
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Matt, I just discovered this thread and I'm still going through stages of shock and disbelief. Meanwhile, you appear to be making good progress!! My many positive and scattered thoughts are with you!!
Step-by-step, Dude. Big victories are achieved through many small ones.
Strength.
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Ok.. So Matt needs tunes in his room. Is he set up, or do we need to set him up?? I'm in... Jim??
Ken
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Bob and I visited with Matt and his family today. His wife Brooke had asked us to help set up a better music system for Matt in his hospital room. I guess she thought we might have some expertise in this area ;)
I think he is making good progress. The nurse said that he had responded with a 'thumbs up' signal when asked a question earlier, so I believe he's becoming more and more aware of what's going on around him.
It's obvious that he is getting excellent care and attention from the staff and the best possible emotional support from his family. Matt has reacted positively when Brooke has read posts from this thread and the family much appreciates the support given here and on CaringBridge.
No one needs to feel guilty or petty about continuing to post about general Media Center issues, the continued positive and productive energy around Matt's favorite "project" can only help in the long run.
Thanks everyone.
- John
Please let me know if I can provide any assistance in getting Matt a good audio system. He deserves the best.
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Ok.. So Matt needs tunes in his room. Is he set up, or do we need to set him up?? I'm in... Jim??
Ken
He's good now. Thanks.
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Thanks for the updates, JimH and JohnT. Keep them coming; I shall be checking in here at least once a day.
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Matt,
I kind of know the feeling. After a car accident 10 years ago, I was trapped in a somehow similiar situation. The hardest time is, if your thoughts get clearer and clearer and you can´t respont via the usual means of communication! Try to be patient with yourself! Getting back to normal takes a lot of energy but you will win every day!
I was in an artifical coma for 2 month, I had to relearned some very basic things but one year later I was almost fully revocered. 2 Years later I was back on my race bike and started to learn french :-)
All the best from Germany for you and all the people who support you
Markus
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Nice to hear he's got a good audio system now. When he leaves the ICU, though--hopefully soon--who's going to move these?
(http://www.audioworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/altec.lansing.a7.oblique.gif)
If I were in the area, I'd surely help find somewhere to put them (I've got some experience moving 511b's around).
Seriously though, I'm glad to hear that Matt is well fixed for tunes, and very glad to hear that he's improving so quickly. Matt, we're all pulling for you!
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The Caring Bridges site (linked in the first post) has a post from Brooke, Matt's wife, saying that he can blink twice for "yes" now and they can communicate a little that way. He has tubes in his throat for feeding and breathing, so he can't speak. Tomorrow, I think they will decide whether to do a tracheotomy if he can't breathe on his own by then.
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More positive thoughts, Dude.
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Best wishes Matt for a quick and full recovery!
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In the news today
A man in Minnesota suffering from head injuries received in a fall was given audio therapy in an attempt to remove him from his semi-comatose state.
While this form of stimuli is common with patients who have suffered a brain injury the results were not. The doctors had been using a combination
of Windows and Macintosh laptops to play various songs using the default media players. The patient had little response to the stimulus and it seemed
to be signs of discomfort. The patient's wife suggested trying an audio system with higher fidelity speakers because the patient is an enthusiast but
there was little difference. She then suggested they try using J River Media Center since that is his favorite media player for it's the audiophile quality.
To the Doctor's surprise the patient smiled gave a thumbs up and began to have random finger and hand movements as if he were typing or coding.
The doctors came to the conclusion that music played over HiFi audio equipment using J River Media Center is more therapeutic than standard media players.
Source:
ItCouldHappen.com
Just thought this might induce a few smiles and maybe even a laugh or 2.
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Praying that Matt gets all the rest, help and healing he needs. Praying also that Brooke and family are able to rest and not worry as well, I know it's tough.
About 22 months ago my dad had a stroke with a continual hemorrhage that required surgery to fix. A week and a half in ICU and 10 weeks in a recovery/rehab center. Was hard on mom and I but getting our rest so we could be as positive and light when with dad made a huge difference in his level of concern and recovery.
Blessings,
John.
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We need to give Matt all the motivation we can to get him back to us quickly. Nathan/jmone: DO NOT MENTION INTERCOM OR CHOOKS UNTIL MATT'S FIRST HOUR BACK AT WORK.
Optional: I know you said "particles" once, but I think you got away with it.
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Just thought this might induce a few smiles and maybe even a laugh or 2.
I wish this Forum had a Like or a Thanks button. Your post was wonderfully clever!
So glad to hear of some improvements with Matt. You are still in our thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
Best Regards,
Sandra & Rod
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Get well asap, Matt!
My most sincere good wishes from Greece!
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We need to give Matt all the motivation we can to get him back to us quickly. Nathan/jmone: DO NOT MENTION INTERCOM OR CHOOKS UNTIL MATT'S FIRST HOUR BACK AT WORK.
Optional: I know you said "particles" once, but I think you got away with it.
I did contemplate some half cleaver post when Brooke was after a better setup for Matt's music along the lines that "Hendrik was feverishly working on Gizmo to include:
- Intercom : so Matt can listen to the Chooks, and
- Particles : so Matt could stream that Eagles BD track by track"
...but held off as I'm sure Brooke does not want him jumping out of the chair just yet. :)
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oh my, that's so sad (my testosterone just dropped, eyes watering).
I hope matt gets better.
I just told sue, she sends her blessing.
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I really hope Matt gets better he is an invaluable member of the JRiver team and on a personal level I have a friend who has been through this and it is no laughing matter, on the other hand humour is the medicine! Get well soon Matt :)
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Hi Matt,
Our thought and prayers are with you and family.
I'm sure that you will get over this as you have always demonstrated your strength when it comes to fixing things.
Time to concentrate on your own and us to help!
All the best from Tokyo
kami
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Best wishes from France Matt for you and your family.
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Thank you Jim for the updates. Keeping all my fingers (and toes) crossed that he gets better soon.
Must be a horrific time for his family :-[
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New day, new challenges Matt. C'mon!
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Thanks for all the updates on Caringbridge. Keep up the good work Matt, we are all thinking of you and your family.
I thought it was awesome that everyone at the hospital all operate Gizmo intuitively...nice work!!
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Get well soon Matt.
This makes two unlucky hero type head bangers I'm following, Matt and Michael Schumacher.
Good luck to both you guys.
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My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your family, Matt. In hope of a full recovery, all the best!
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Oh Matt we miss you! Best wishes to Matt and his family - our hope and prayers are with you... may they bring you a speedy recovery and several more decades of health, happiness and MC!
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Bummer to hear about this. Here's to a complete recovery.
Stan
Southern California
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Matt: We all are pulling for you. Especially us old guys who look to you for the future. Best, John.
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I just stopped by to see Matt. He looks good, but he was sound asleep. He has been responding to Brooke, his wife, but isn't able to speak. He can signal a little by blinking his eyes.
They inserted a breathing tube in his throat yesterday (tracheotomy) and a feeding tube in his stomach, so his mouth is clear of tubes. They tried letting him breathe on his own today and he was able to do so for five hours. They've put him back on a machine to let him rest.
The pneumonia is gone. His chest x-ray looks good. He seems comfortable now.
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Very promising sign, glad to hear it! *Hopefully* the worst is now behind him. :)
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Just saw the news, sorry hear about Matt, prayers for a speedy recover.
get well soon
TC
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Very sorry to read of Matt's ill health.
Matt, I hope you recover fully very soon. Best wishes to you and your family.
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Get well Matt
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family until you get better.
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very best wishes from me for a speedy recovery. missed this thread completely as i keep looking in the linux section. so much in 7 days but thankfully good progress has been made, may it continue that way. regards, Robert.
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He gave the doctor a thumbs up sign with his right hand this afternoon. That's significant because he had only done it with his left hand previously. Matt is left handed, so maybe that's no surprise.
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Great news.
Keep getting stronger, Matt!
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Great news.
Keep getting stronger, Matt!
Just so you know, when you write something here, Matt's wife Brooke often reads it to him. He reacts when he hears your posts.
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He gave the doctor a thumbs up sign
Maybe Matt just wanted the music turned up....
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Matt,
Just saw the news.
Prayers, all the way from New Zealand.
Best wishes
David
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I've been away a lot and have only just seen this - as so many others have said, it's quite shocking!
It's great to hear Matt is on the improve, and I know Brooke and the rest of the family will be feeling a lot of relief.
It's these sorts of things that come out of the blue that I think serve to remind us all to do what we love and love what we do - it can all be gone in an instant.
Best wishes to Matt, Brooke and the kids from Perth, Aus.
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Good news that Matt is on the way to recovery!
In Germany we say "Halt die Ohren steif, Matt!" (Keep your chin up, Matt) and get well soon!
Markus
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I get emotional when I read the journal posts on Caring Bridge. I've been reading it on a daily basis from the start.
Hang in there buddy! I miss you.
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Matt, through the years reading your interactions on this forum, you have always struck me as one of those rare persons that are both exceptionally gifted and really, really nice. I am a firm believer in that that counts and trust that you will soon recover. My thought go from Sweden to you and your family. /Olle
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It's good to hear that Matt seems to be doing better every day. Best wishes from Norway!
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Just so you know, when you write something here, Matt's wife Brooke often reads it to him. He reacts when he hears your posts.
If that's the case, stay strong Matt. It's obvious you have an incredible and powerful mind. You can will yourself back from this. Your family, and your extended JRiver family, need you. We are all pulling for you.
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Jim, I hope that Brooke knows that we all appreciate the updates. Recovering from a traumatic injury is always a roller coaster. Our bodies are rhythmic and recovering from an event that disrupts that natural rhythm requires time and patience, but it will eventually happen!
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It's good to hear Matt is getting better. I also follow Brooke's posts every day. I'm amazed by the strength she is showing in writing to all of us (and many other people) - many of whom only know Matt from this forum.
I sincerely wish Matt, Brooke and their children all the best in these difficult times. Having a family myself I can only begin to understand just how difficult this situation must be.
All the best,
Mikkel
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Matt,
I want to add my best wishes for compete recovery to all the prayers of so many people here.
Get well soon,
George
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Do you think he'd like hearing words in the form of poems?
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:o So sorry to hear this happened but am happy to hear it's going in the right direction. Get well soon Matt. I'm beaming positive energy your way!
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we also check the Caring Bridge site more then daily, hoping to read some good news. And every day there seems to be a step in the good direction.
im confident, Matt, that together with such a strong woman at your side youll keep on going step by step.
do not try to run.
you are in our thoughts
elly and gab
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I'm coming back daily here too. Really glad to hear you're making progress.
Hope you're up and walking about soon.
All the best from
Chris in the UK.
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Don't worry, Matt, I've been busy thinking up new feature requests!
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Yikes, I just came here to post something and saw the news. :( Get well, Matt and best wishes to you and your family.
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For Matt:
You should know how much respect this customer and likely all of you customers have for you. We just need to read some of this board. Your spirit, knowledge and helpfullness come pouring through. With all our prayers and your obviously loving and supporting family, we'll hear from you soon! We can't wait.
Get well real soon.
Larry
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Matt, I wish you the best in recovery. Your great personality and what you've provided to the community has brightened so many ears and eyes.
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When something like this happens it makes you stop and think about how fortunate we are to only be worrying about the "little things" like getting bit-perfect audio and jitter free video playback. We all need to stop every now and then and spend time with our loved ones and enjoy the things that are truly important.
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Amen.
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Matt, Keep pushing to get better. Wishing you the best!
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Matt... we need you back !!! Hang in there... I was in a bad motorcycle accident back in 1999... concussion and 3rd degree burns... and compound fracture of my left wrist (I'm left handed too). My first question on waking up in ER was "where is my chap-stick" and "can I still type" ?
They all laughed at me when I called my manager and said I'd be back "maybe next week"...
It was 10 days in intensive care... and weeks in the "multiple trauma ward" before I was released. Then 2 months later I was cleared to return to work. HR would only let me return for 2 hours day.. WTF...
And after 2 hours... I was beat.. it takes time to recover and return to normal hours. A software release I worked on before the accident was released while I was out... whew.. worked perfectly.
Take all the time you need to recover.
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Take all the time you need to recover.
Yes. All the time you need. We miss you, but take your time.
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I saw that Matt's account was active for a bit yesterday on Interact (made me jump). Then I realised it was probably his phone that they have hooked up. Still, it was good to see Matt appear.
Edit - and active again just now! I'm starting to think (wish) he sneaks out of bed at night and logins to just check everything is OK.
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Hey Matt hang in there buddy, enjoy the rest while recovering. You're gifted and we need you to be 100%.
Well Wishes from South Africa.
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Sorry I only just caught up with this,
Best wishes and get well soon Matt
Craig
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Thinking positive thoughts out here, Matt.
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He sat in a chair again yesterday for a while. Brooke said he had his eyes open for 30 minutes or so. He seemed bothered by something part of the time. I told her I think that's a good sign. It means he has some awareness and maybe he's trying to "wake up".
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He sat in a chair again yesterday for a while. Brooke said he had his eyes open for 30 minutes or so. He seemed bothered by something part of the time. I told her I think that's a good sign. It means he has some awareness and maybe he's trying to "wake up".
I think that after taking the time to listen carefully, he could finally hear a clear difference between a .wav and .flac file of the exact same track. And that the power cable used to connect the stereo in his room made the music sound "brighter". :)
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I have been following this thread and the Caring Pages and check in a few times a day. Not really sure what to say that isn't obvious or been said many times above. I guess I just want to add to the support. Given everything Matt and the JRiver team do to support the most important non-living part of my world (music), I felt I should at least offer well wishes.
Although I have never met Matt, he is obviously an extraordinary man. The fact that he even has a presence here in the Fourm, and we all "know" him, speaks volumes for both JRiver and Matt personally.
See you soon,
Patrick
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Just got caught up on this, jiminy, best wishes for Matt and his family. The news on his progress is uplifting, hopefully we can send some of that positive energy right back to him.
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I stopped by Matt's room today. He still looks like he's sleeping, but he looks good. He has a line of very small staples in the side of his head where they made an incision, and for now, he has a piece of his skull bone removed, waiting for a day in the future when it will be returned. You wouldn't know it to see him, except for the staples. They look a little like a zipper.
I met his parents today for the first time. I can see where Matt gets his good nature and intelligence.
A group of doctors stopped by while I was there. They didn't have much to say.
He's breathing on his own, and seems stable. That's a lot of progress, and I'm very glad about it.
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Get well soon, Matt :-*
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We miss you!!
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I wanted to comment on Brooke's poignant post on CaringBridge from yesterday (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/52d4bf6fab28b9061783aadc):
I got the feeling while sitting and talking with him that he is struggling with coming to terms with his situation. Maybe he's just now realizing what he's in for. He would look at me and listen, but often while I told him things, he would look away. I think he's feeling down. It's totally understandable; I just wanted to ask for your pointed prayers for him to be granted some solace. It must be devastating to not have your body respond the way you want it to. What a trapped feeling.
I don't want to be Pollyanna-ish around him, but I'm trying to remain positive.
Brooke, what you (both) should try to remember is this simple truth:
In some ways, it is good that he is feeling this way. Up until now(ish) he has been fighting to survive. There was no time to worry about tomorrow, no energy to expend on that unnecessary effort. It is only because he is healing, that he's now able to try to make sense of his situation. To remember, and to try to forget. To live again, and living means worrying about tomorrow.
But thinking about tomorrow is a gift. We can't let it paralyze us, but it motivates us to work towards the tomorrow we want, and to better our situations. And he will, and he will heal. And it will take the time that is right for him. It might take work. But work's okay. (I've never known any tough Minnesotan to shy away from a bit of work, of course. Nor Mainer, otherwise why would we live in such Godforsaken places in January?) That's a challenge you can tackle, though.
So, chin up, and focus on the little miracles you have every day.
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Just learning of this....... I dont know what to say but my thoughts are with you and your family Matt.. Get better soon!
(btw- well said Glynor)
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Do you think he'd like hearing words in the form of poems?
From CaringBridge:
Just spoke with Matt's night nurse. He had an uneventful night. Hope today is a great day for him. Someone on Interact suggested reading poetry to Matt. If any of you have uplifting poems, verses, words you'd like me to read, please post them in the guestbook (or comment here). I will definitely read them to Matt, just as I have been sharing your posts and messages with him.
Thanks. Brooke
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I got the feeling while sitting and talking with him that he is struggling with coming to terms with his situation. Maybe he's just now realizing what he's in for. He would look at me and listen, but often while I told him things, he would look away. I think he's feeling down. It's totally understandable; I just wanted to ask for your pointed prayers for him to be granted some solace. It must be devastating to not have your body respond the way you want it to. What a trapped feeling.
I don't want to be Pollyanna-ish around him, but I'm trying to remain positive.
I know how he feels to a degree, I had a brain aneurysm in August of 2002. Once I was cognizant of my situation (~10 days) my initial thoughts were mostly related to all of the possible side effects I may suffer. That was a scary process because I knew I had little control over the outcome, luckily I don't have any side effects. God willing Matt will also recover completely with no lingering/permanent side effects. I am quite confident that will happen due to all the people that are pulling for him and his own strong will which he obviously has.
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Very sorry to hear about this! I had no idea, I haven't been following the forum very much lately. I really hope Mat will get well again soon!
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Play his favorite music, and bring him real food. Get well mate. We are thinking about you.
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Is Matt of the George Carlin or Monty Python school of humor.....or even perhaps Gilligan's Island?? ;) Something tells me that the old adage "laughter is the best medicine" might have some merit, everyone needs a good chuckle now and again....
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I don't think he's ready for that yet. He does have music playing in his room.
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Progress, Matt. Sounds like you're improving and climbing back!
Umm, while you were sleeping I was in there reading a list of feature requests and I could sense your head nodding . . .
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^^^^
Hey, I've had the same feeling today too. Haha. With the PA system at the hospital disturbing Matt he is probably beginning to think about the advantages of an intercom system!
FastKayak / Larry
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Just arrived back from camping to hear this shocking news.
So pleased to read Matt is out of that critical phase, although clearly there is still a long way to go.
My thoughts and prayers are with Matt, Brooke and their family during this challenging time.
Richard
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Just logged on for the first time in several weeks and was shocked to see this. Glad it looks like Matt is steadily improving, I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers as many have said.
Also, I'm moved by the number of people posting in this thread who have never posted before on Interact. I read through every post and noticed several members who had never posted prior to saying something here. That's the impact of one person who is obviously involved in the community and helping make a difference.
Matt - get well soon. We're all thinking about you.
--Ryan
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I'm really sorry to hear what's happened to Matt and the tough time Matt's family are going through. Matt - if you're listening - best wishes to you and just concentrate on getting well. It doesn't matter whether it's soon or not-so-soon. I'm really glad to hear the positive news that's been posted here since your accident. It sounds like you're on a good path.
A friend and colleague of mine had a severe head injury last year and has made terrific progress since. He tells me the key to recovery for this kind of injury is a combination of staying focused on what you want to achieve to motivate yourself and - at the same time - being kind to yourself, knowing you can't get it all done in a day.
Good luck.
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Matt, I happened to find some old Newt Gingrich for President campaign posters, maybe you'd enjoy having these on your walls? They're about four feet tall with a giant picture of Uncle Newtie smiling/grimacing like a chubby crocodile--only much more arrogant. I'll get ahold of JimH and arrange to ship a dozen to the hospital.
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My attention has been elsewhere recently and I have only just discovered this had happened to Matt. I am very much heartened by the progress to date. There may still be some way to go but Matt is a determined and focused man and strength of will will play a major part in driving recovery forward.
Matt and Brooke, my thoughts are with you both. Take it one day at a time and be reassured by any progress, no matter how small. Be patient.
Best wishes,
Nick.
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I once asked Nikolay, a former CTO at JRiver, about his hiring of Matt. Perhaps Matt would appreciate these comments now:
Matt was an amazing hire. I started talking to him because we wanted to integrate with Monkey's Audio codec and then I learned that he was in Minneapolis as well. During the first meeting with Matt it was obvious that he was as passionate about media as I was, so after a quick lunch I decided to hire him, hoping that he would be a great person to work with, and boy did he prove me right! Super passionate and super smart. If we had 3-4 of Matts, we could've change the world!!!
Matt, we are looking forward to having you back at JRiver and Interact!
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I once asked Nikolay, a former CTO at JRiver, about his hiring of Matt. Perhaps Matt would appreciate these comments now:
Matt, we are looking forward to having you back at JRiver and Interact!
Social media has spoiled me. I keep looking for the like button on posts like these.
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Wish you get well soon, Matt.
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Social media has spoiled me. I keep looking for the like button on posts like these.
Mega Dittos.
This has hit me hard, I never cried for someone I have never met before, but every time I think about matt, I just can't help it.
Edit: Listening to: 'I Cry' from 'Wild Ones' by 'Flo Rida' with JRiver Media Center 19
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I once asked Nikolay, a former CTO at JRiver, about his hiring of Matt. Perhaps Matt would appreciate these comments now:
Great comments.
"If we had 3-4 of Matts, we could've change the world!!!"
Perhaps while Matt is in the hospital, they could clone him. A small army of Matts with the original Matt to teach them. They do that cloning stuff in movies that I watch on MC.
Bill
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Great comments.
"If we had 3-4 of Matts, we could've change the world!!!"
Perhaps while Matt is in the hospital, they could clone him. A small army of Matts with the original Matt to teach them. They do that cloning stuff in movies that I watch on MC.
Bill
The most entertaining one is called "The Sixth Day"...
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New to this forum and jriver. Wishing you the best, Matt!
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It's all about steps, dude. Small steps, small victories, bulding bigger victories from smaller steps.
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Matt, thinking of you and your family and sending good thoughts your way.
-Phil
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The JRiver crew just went to the hospital to see Matt. He was semi-conscious for about an hour. One eye was about half open and the other eye was sometimes open a little. He's unable to talk or communicate but he seemed to look at each of us when we talked. I held a finger up and moved it back and forth, and his eye followed it well.
He is breathing on his own most of the time. Occasionally, they put him back on a machine.
They're planning to re-insert the piece of bone that is missing from the top rear part of his skull some time next week, and then move him to a longer care facility where they can still handle acute trauma cases.
John and Matt spent a few minutes filling him in on all the activity at JRiver.
Brooke gave him a big kiss.
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Hey Matt, it's great to hear that things are getting better; reading some gloomy posts on this winter of discontent, I thought it might tickle your fancy to suggest that, when this deal is over and done with, you're welcome to take a long vacation on a lazy and warm Mediterranean island - we've been having some summerlike halcyon days here in Crete and it should be a great option to look forward to. Get better quick!
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Thanks very much, Jim, for the update.
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Aw, crap. I hadn't logged in for a while and now I see this news. Something remarkably similar happened to a friend of mine and he made a full recovery. All my best to Matt and his family (which includes the JRiver team).
Micah
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thanks for the update jim. reinserting the bone is good news. then the rehabilitation can begin. I hope so much that it will be swift and total.
:)
gab
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From CaringBridge -
Elise chose to stay at the hospital for several more hours with me. She read The Lorax to her dad and sat with him, holding his hand and telling him how good it was to see his eyes open and how much she loves him. She even gave him a little hand massage. It was precious to see the apple of Matt's eye loving on him that way.
Beautiful words.
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I'd like to add my personal words of concern and best wishes for Matt and his family.
Although many of us don't know Matt personally, following the journey that he and his family are traveling brings one close to them and puts all of them in our hearts.
We can only wish and pray for his continued progress, and be thankful for the immediate care he received upon his fall and the exceptional support being provided to him and his family since then.
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It's encouraging to read all the positive journal posts of late. I'm glad Matt is doing better with each passing day.
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Just heard and was very sad to find out about Matt's accident. Matt, I wish for you a full recovery and that you are able to return to your obviously loving and supportive family very soon….hey, and back to work too!.
I was so pleased to hear that there are positive signs. From past experience with patients I know these things can be frustratingly slow. I agree with Glynor that feeling down is a normal reaction and in itself a natural part of the recovery process that accompanies insight. Insight, awareness and comprehension are all good signs when recovering from a coma situation.
Good to hear people are reading to matt and playing his favourite music. I can only suggest, if not already occurred, that family and friends have a chat with doctors and speech therapists about how best to communicate at this stage. Matt's levels of both comprehension and expression may be quite different at this stage and also fluctuate.It is also normal for example to have a degree of memory loss for events leading up to the accident and sometimes delays in laying down new memories. This doesn't necessarily mean ongoing problems. You can imagine however how confusing it must seem so perhaps ask staff if it is appropriate to regularly explain to matt what's happening (and dwelling on the positive signs of recovery).
Sorry if taking any liberties, being presumptuous in giving any advice, it is more just well wishes than anything else.
David (Samson)
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So sorry to hear this Jim. Get well soon Matt.
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Wow! This just touched my heart!
Just did a quick count and to date Matt has 163 Forum goers wishing him well. 5 of them posted for the first time just to wish him well. It is nice to know that so many people are pulling for you and your family Matt. God Bless you, your family, your associates and your friends.
Thank you to everyone for of the good wishes and words of encouragement.
May you get well soon!
Chico
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Matt is one of the few persons I admire, get well, Matt.
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Wishing you a successful recovery Matt..
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I can't even begin to imagine or understand the emotions and impacts on Matt, his family or friends. All I can offer is my sincere wishes for a Matt to progress hopefully to a full recovery in the fullness of time.
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Keep on keepin on, Matt!
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I just stopped to see him. He was sitting upright and had one eye open for a few minutes. He could see me in the room and then he went back to sleep.
They have taken him off the ventilator so he is breathing on his own now. That's an important step and let's hope it holds.
Sometime in the next few days, they will replace a piece of his skull that was removed when his brain was swollen. Then he will be moved to long term acute care at a different location.
It's been about survival these last three weeks. Recovery can begin soon.
Thanks, everyone, for your support for our dear colleague and friend.
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He could see me in the room and then he went back to sleep.
I feel like that when my boss walks in the room sometimes too ;)
Really glad to hear Matts improving.
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Following this post everyday. This is great news, Get well Matt!
Blaine
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I don't believe in god, but I have found myself asking for him to help matt out just in case.
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Thanks Jim for the encouraging news! I'm sure that all the love Matt is getting from his family, extended circle of friends and here is helping. Hopefully all of our prayers is also doing some good because I know that he is getting plenty.
Keep on truckin' Matt - we want to see you make a full recovery!
Best Wishes,
Sandra & Rod
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Very encouraging news. Been awfully worried about him.
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I follow along at least one time a day, and I must say each day seems to be a small triumph.
The updates are enlightening, and Brooke has been amazing with embracing the JR community with all she has on her plate.
Keep up the good work everyone!!
Ken
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Jim, thanks for the update. So happy to hear it has been good news and progress is stable and hopeful.
We miss Matt here on Interact, and I check all the time to see how he is doing. Our best thoughts go out to you and the team and Matt and his family.
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They found an infection in Matt's lungs yesterday and started him on antibiotics again. This morning, his temperature is normal.
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Dear!..
I haven't been visiting the interact for a while just to learn about Matt....
I wish you all the best and a very quick recovery.
Bon courage Matt. Tu vas te battre et revenir plus fort qu'avant.
Une pensée aussi pour ta famille.
On est avec toi, de l'autre côté de l'atlantique aussi.
Merci for the update Jim.
Christian
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Bob just visited at lunch time. Brooke said that Matt opened his mouth for her to brush his teeth today, and that when she asked him to lift his arm, he did.
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That's great news!
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Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery from Down Under (Australia) Matt.
What a silly thing to do, getting sick and continuing to work hard for all us users, only to leave it too late to get yourself safely to medical attention. Then not to ask for help in getting there, and doing more damage in the process. Don't do that again. Learn to take time off when you need it. Remember to live a little as well.
We users will no doubt notice and miss your input for a while, but we will survive without it until you are completely ready to return to making great software.
PS: Give all your family a hug as soon as you can. :)
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Had to post this .... very, very good day for Matt!
Today was a wonderful day. Here is what Matt did today to fill our hearts with joy!
Was awake for about 8 hours
When Brooke asked him for a kiss he puckered his lips
Matt raised his left arm by himself
Responded with an eyebrow shrug to a question from Brooke
Looked the most normal he has
Raised his thumbs and pulled hard with his fingers in response to me pulling on his fingers
Helped Brooke brush his teeth by opening his mouth when she asked him to. For some reason he prefers Brooke to the nurses fooling around in his mouth.
Listened to his daughter read to him.
Bob, Thanks for coming in today and making the fixes to the sound system that Brooke wanted done. I know Matt appreciates it.
Thank you everyone for your support and prayers! Roger, Matt's dad
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What wonderful news! Very encouraging.
Rod
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Had to post this .... very, very good day for Matt!
Beat me to it. I was very happy to read this too.
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New user here, I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed my learning curve with JRiverMC, learning how to implement a DAC, moving CD's to my music server, etc.
But what I am most impressed with is the quality of the posters here on JRiver Interact, the many acts of kindness shown to Matt and his family over these past few weeks.
I am impressed, I have received more than I bargained when I purchased JRiver 2 months ago.
Thank you, and Matt, I think about you and your family everytime I start JRiver.
Kind Regards,
Brooks Davis
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Best wishes for a full recovery.
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They found an infection in Matt's lungs yesterday and started him on antibiotics again. This morning, his temperature is normal.
This is the danger of being in the hospital. It's about the worse place you can possibly be to be exposed to infections. This thread brings back a lot of painful memories for me, because in 2004 my mother had a major stroke and was in a coma for 6 months. In the hospital she contracted two separate bouts of anti-biotic resistant pneumonia that nearly killed her.
But the things I've seen written about Matt's status remind me of the weeks after she came out of the coma. That's a good thing, because it's a trajectory to recovery. A slow and rocky one, but in the right direction nonetheless.
My thoughts and empathy go out to his wife, family, and friends. I know what this is like firsthand. And if I may offer a bit of advice, when the time comes, stimulation, stimulation, stimulation. The brain needs to be rehabilitated like a muscle after a serious injury. Reading. Drawing Art. Mental puzzles. Math problems. Stimulate that mind in every way you can think of.
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I haven't been on Interact for awhile and I am truly sorry to learn about the difficulty Matt and his family have been through lately. I wish the best for continued progress that will lead to a full recovery.
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I was shocked to hear about Matts condition. I whish you and your familiy all the best from the north and whsih for a speedy and 100% sucessfull recovery.
Ole
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Wow, just read this. Shocking and scary stuff. I'm not a real frequent poster here, but have used MC for 7-8 years. Matt has helped me tremendously during that time.
All the best. Get well soon.
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I was away for awhile, I barely have words for this.
Best wishes from Switzerland.
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I saw Matt yesterday afternoon. He was awake. His left eye was focused and looking straight at me when I talked to him. I told him about work, about the forum and all your messages. His parents were there and they said he had a more intense look than they had seen so far. He was staring straight at me. They said his heart rate went from about 92 to about 104 while I was talking.
His right eye opens just partially.
As you might imagine, Matt's parents, Roger and Cynthia, are just wonderful people. They are so good humored about this, though I know it is also extremely difficult to see Matt struggling to come back. We all feel like there is progress every day or two. It's not big, and it sometimes reverses for a day, but it is generally headed in the right direction.
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Thanks for the updates Jim........ its good to know things are improving even if it comes slowly...... hope they continue and hasten. I know you will continue to convey to him that he is in our thoughts.
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Another day, another hill to climb, Matt. Climb on!
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I stopped to see Matt on my way home. He was awake and had both eyes open. I talked to him for a few minutes, and said that maybe Morse code might help. He blinked a few times, but it wasn't clear that he understood. Then a couple of nurses came in and we (Roger, his father, and Elise, his daughter) had to vacate the room.
When we came back, he was asleep.
Significant things I saw or heard today.
Elise said he smiled a little.
I saw him move his thumb to open his grip and, when I said "can you close it?", he did.
Roger said that, when he moved to the other side of Matt's bed and said, "Matt", he turned his head. He did this twice, and I think that's significant.
His temperature has been normal for a couple of days. Hopefully, they will replace the piece of his skull that's missing, and he will be moved out of Intensive Care in a few days.
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I was looking at an old thread from spring 2006. The ideas and effort that had gone into MC made it my best choice by far back then. MC is still the best music player because of all the good work since 2006.
Matt, Jim and the rest of the crew have a lot to be proud of. And a lot of fans who appreciate their efforts.
Bill
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Best wishes for Matt and his full recovery, from China.
The day he stand up again, I'll smile and buy myself a cup of beer.
祝Matt早日康复！
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^^^^^ Well said.
FastKayak / Larry
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JimH--
Those are the kind of positive milestones that great things are built from.
FWIW I'm smiling too, but I pretty much go around all day with this stupid grin on no matter what.
Matt, you are one heck of a Champ and a true fighter!
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Find a way or make a way, Matt!
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I was so shocked and sad to read about Matt. Yeah, ok, so I cried.
But then I read every single update on the CaringBridge site and I could feel the ol' guy making his way back to everyone who loves him. Bit by bit but that's always the way it goes, isn't it, I mean even a full recovery in 1 day happens bit by bit during that one day. Courage, Matt to take those bits one at a time and sock it to them.
Hugs to the Ashland family
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Praying for a full recovery and comfort for the family.
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I just read this a week ago and it hasn't been out of my mind since.
I do hope Matt gets well. All the best to him.
However: I want to express my feelings to his family and the crew of JRiver too: please stay positive and keep on helping Matt in his struggle for recovery!
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I used to visit Interact on a weekly basis, looking for updates to MC. Now I visit Interact on daily basis, looking for updates on Matt. Hang in there Matt! Stay strong... you got this!!
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Brooke called to say that a speech specialist did an assessment today. She asked Matt to do a number of things, most of which he was able to do. Significantly, he was able to nod slightly for yes, and shake his head slightly for no. He stuck his tongue out a little. He smiled at Brooke. He gave a thumbs up. All of this he did with difficulty, but he did it.
He's going into surgery in the next hour to have a piece of his skull bone replaced. They left it off while his brain was swollen. If there are no complications from the surgery, he may move to a recovery facility in a few days. He has been physically pretty stable these last three or four days.
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Brooke called to say that a speech specialist did an assessment today. She asked Matt to do a number of things, most of which he was able to do. Significantly, he was able to nod slightly for yes, and shake his head slightly for no. He stuck his tongue out a little. He smiled at Brooke. He gave a thumbs up. All of this he did with difficulty, but he did it.
This is great news indeed. Thanks for the update.
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Brooke called to say that a speech specialist did an assessment today. She asked Matt to do a number of things, most of which he was able to do. Significantly, he was able to nod slightly for yes, and shake his head slightly for no. He stuck his tongue out a little. He smiled at Brooke. He gave a thumbs up. All of this he did with difficulty, but he did it.
He's going into surgery in the next hour to have a piece of his skull bone replaced. They left it off while his brain was swollen. If there are no complications from the surgery, he may move to a recovery facility in a few days. He has been physically pretty stable these last three or four days.
Like!
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I just read what happened with Matt, I wish him all the best.
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Wow, that's great news. Hope the surgery goes well and thanks for the update.
I came across a page for with well wishes for Matt and his family at computeraudiophile.com, can you pass this along? His work has really made an impact for a lot of people and we sure miss him on Interact.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/matt-asland-cto-jriver-18900/
All the best for the surgery and thinking of all involved here.
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Awesome news. Thanks for sharing.
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That sounds like very positive news, I'm glad to hear that he is making good progress.
Even though I haven't been posting in this topic much, I have been checking up on things daily.
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Just read on Caring Bridge that Matt is in surgery now. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family tonight.
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Waiting to hear the results of surgery and thinking of Matt and family and friends. Hugs all around.
-- Tom
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He's out of surgery and it went well. He's back in his room.
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Thanks for the good news. A critical step for Matt's recovery starts out well. Whew!
FastKayak / Larry - a fellow Minnesotain
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He's out of surgery and it went well. He's back in his room.
Outstanding!!
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So glad to read it went well and the Matt's condition is slowly improving! Come to read everyday how you are doing Matt and my thoughts are with you and your family.
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I go through this topic everyday to get news from Matt.
It's good to know that he is recovering, even slowly, as we say in France: chi va piano va sano (yes that's an italian sentence)
Let him knows that the "JRiver's french community" is wishing him the best recovery.
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Great News!
Keep up the good work Matt!
Jim,
Thanks for the regular updates. I know this must be tough on JRiver as well as Matt and his family.
Chico
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Best to Matt and his family. Hanhan & I will keep him in our prayers.
He's always been a great guy in all ways.
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Best to Matt and his family. Hanhan & I will keep him in our prayers.
He's always been a great guy in all ways.
I just learned that Matt had a terrible accident. He has been the most generous and capable person! I wish him well. It looks like a slow but sure road to recovery. These things take time, but Matt's got the right attitude and I know he will pull through! Please keep us informed here and pass him our well wishes and prayers.
Take care, Matt,
Bob Katz
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Best wishes from Germany for a full recovery Matt.
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This is the only care of JRiver I have at this point. I love the program but this man's health and well being is so much more important to me.
I know things continue but I can't ask for anything Matt's health at this point.
Matt, Brooke & family we're pulling for you.
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Best wishes to Matt and his family. Sounds like they're seeing improvement and that's great news.
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Wow, I had no idea. Best wishes! I'm glad that he is able to respond and seems to be improving.
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The last couple of days have been mixed. Matt had surgery on Thursday to replace the part of his skull that had been removed to allow his brain to expand. I saw him yesterday and he was less alert than on the day I had visited before surgery.
On the other hand, when they tested his responses the day after surgery, he was able to move each of his fingers independently. That hadn't happened before.
This is consistent with what a couple of people have said in private messages. They cautioned not to expect a quick recovery and to be prepared for a long haul, with some setbacks and frustration and disappointments along the way.
I like what jtwrace said above:
"I love the program but this man's health and well being is so much more important to me."
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The latest update on caring bridge from Elise truly lifted my spirits. It's the best news so far.
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Coming to the website again I got this message. From the Netherlands we wish him and his family all the best possible.
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Good work, Matt!! Keep adding to your plusses.
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The latest update on caring bridge from Elise truly lifted my spirits. It's the best news so far.
+1
Heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time.
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Matt is being moved to Bethesda Hospital (http://www.healtheast.org/bethesda/inpatient-services.html) in St. Paul today. They have a recovery program for acute trauma patients.
He's also getting a smaller fitting for his tracheotomy so that there will be a better chance he will be able to make some noise.
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Matt is being moved to Bethesda Hospital (http://www.healtheast.org/bethesda/inpatient-services.html) in St. Paul today. They have a recovery program for acute trauma patients.
Good news and a good recovery to you Matt. I think about you each time I fire up MC, that is everyday..
Bon courage, et reviens vite à la maison!
Christian
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Our prayers from the other side of the globe are with you Matt.
Keep fighting, you'll come through a winner I am sure!!!
Panos from Athens, Greece...
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im really happy things go in the right direction, and when one day there is no update here or on caring bridge im worried. and of course there are much more important things than some piece of software (brooke, the children, life), but there is so much of you in mc.. youll be back in some months.. right?
you are missed around here.
:)
gab
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I just talked with Brooke, Matt's wife, for a few minutes. Matt is stable and comfortable in his new quarters at Bethesda. Doctors have been coming by to assess his status and the news is reasonably good. A lot better than it was two weeks ago.
The pulmonary team is supposed to change his tracheotomy apparatus to a smaller size so he has a better chance of speaking. For now, he can mouth words, so they know he wants to speak.
They began to exercise him immediately. The new place is heavily focused on rehab.
The speech therapist asked him a number of questions and he got a lot right.
"Who's our President, Matt? Reagan?"
He shook his head.
"Clinton?"
Another head shake.
"Obama?"
A nod.
And so on. He knows he has children, but doesn't know he has a wife. (He will pay for that.) He seems to believe it's 2014. He can mouth "pillow" and "four".
He's in a lot better place than he was two or two and a half weeks ago.
Thanks to Brooke, for all her care and love.
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I have been wondering why they needed to do the tracheotomy, I thought when they had to put feeding and oxygen tubes in they just went down the throat, unless there was swelling of the throat. Or do they normally do this just in case there is an issue?
He had tubes in his throat for the first ten days or so. Then they did the tracheotomy and put a tube into his stomach for feeding, so the tubes in his throat could be removed. Maybe to prevent infection or other complications?
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Thanks Jim and J River gang who provide frequent updates and support Matt, Brooke, and the rest of the family. While I know that I'm one of the "fringe" member of this community, having read so many posts from Matt makes me feel that I know him. I doubt that I'm the only one who checks here or Caring Bridge every day. Matt, Brooke, family- In the immortal words of Red Green "I'm pullin' for you; we're all in this together.".
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He had tubes in his throat for the first ten days or so. Then they did the tracheotomy and put a tube into his stomach for feeding, so the tubes in his throat could be removed. Maybe to prevent infection or other complications?
Ok, I guess that's normal procedure then.
Maybe he would like to see pictures of the JRiver rubberduckies (C*hicks) and his dog.
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I split a few semi off topic posts here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=87279.0
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Matt's tracheotomy balloon was downsized today. They will try to see if he can speak again today or tomorrow.
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OMG - Just found this thread. Sending Matt my very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!!!!!!!
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Keep fighting Matt, my best wishes for you through these hard moments. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends. Michael.
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I'm in shock. I just saw the thread as I haven't been able to look at the board recently.
Get well soon Matt, all the best to his family.
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The news has generally been good this week. He's made a lot of progress. Brooke posted about it last night.
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I am glad Matt is recovering and I realy hope we get him back in full force. I think about him every day I hear the fantastic sound out of my system due to the DSP prcoessing in Place... in MC
All my best to him and his Family from Norway...
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I also am coming here more to hear about Matt than read about the latest fixes and features recently. Thank you for keeping us all up to date Jim. My thoughts are with Matt and his family.
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I also am coming here more to hear about Matt than read about the latest fixes and features recently. Thank you for keeping us all up to date Jim. My thoughts are with Matt and his family.
Then see:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal
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Brooke just called to say that Matt spoke this afternoon. It was quiet, but he was able to use his vocal cords for the first time.
His daughter Elise, age 7, had gone home, but called to see how Matt was. Brooke said "Why don't you ask him?" and put the phone next to Matt's ear. When Elise asked, Matt said, "I'm OK."
Then, when Matt's parents called, Brooke did the same. Matt said, "I love you."
Brooke was extremely happy. So was I.
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That's fantastic news.
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That's fantastic news.
You're not whistling Dixie, as they used to say.
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Terrific :D
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That's awesome news!!!
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;D
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Really amazing!
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Truly wonderful news!
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Brooke was extremely happy. So was I.
Best. News. All. Day. Week. Month.
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This is undoubtedly the best news in a looong time. I really was afraid to expect anything but hearing how well Matt is doing really brings peace to one's mind.
Well done, Matt! :)
Best regards,
Mikkel
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wow, and I thought he had the flu . . . shocked to see what has been happening.
I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
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Wow - a gold medal to everyone who has been treating and caring for Matt !
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Very happy to hear about the recent progress! What great news!
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Good news, we are all watching. :)
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I saw him this afternoon. He was able to turn his head, nod, and move his hands a little. When I left, he spoke the first words I've heard him speak since the fall. "Bye, Jim." I said "I love you, Matt."
His parents were there again. They're amazing.
I think they will be trying to get him standing next week sometime. I told him I thought he'd be playing basketball with his Dad this summer.
He didn't laugh at any of my jokes, but I saw him curl his lip a couple times.
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Very encouraging news. So glad to hear it.
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He didn't laugh at any of my jokes, but I saw him curl his lip a couple times.
I'm used to the whole world doing this.
Thanks for the update, Jim. When Matt is playing basketball this summer, he will also be so proud to know how loved he is by so many. Good on you for being able to tell him.
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Awesome news! :D
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Excellent progress, must be a huge relief to finally be able to communicate for Matt & everybody else close to him, he surely is a fighter unlike no other, the board just isn't the same without him
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Brooke's post this morning is just amazing!! I wish again to express my graditude to her, and the family, for keeping us up to date. I am sure pretty soon Matt will be posting his thoughts....
Ken
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Excellent progress....
:)
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That is SUPER news! Thanks for the continued updates Jim.
Maybe they could get more hand movement out of Matt by putting a Keyboard and Mouse in front of him....
Chico
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Brooke's post this morning is just amazing!! I wish again to express my graditude to her, and the family, for keeping us up to date. I am sure pretty soon Matt will be posting his thoughts....
Ken
I can't agree more. I read the updates every morning and evening, and always wonder at the dedication they must take, in the wake of something so stressful already. I hope that the posts will make great documentation of a story with a very happy ending. Matt is blessed for having such a family at home and work.
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Brooke just called to say that Matt spoke this afternoon. It was quiet, but he was able to use his vocal cords for the first time.
His daughter Elise, age 7, had gone home, but called to see how Matt was. Brooke said "Why don't you ask him?" and put the phone next to Matt's ear. When Elise asked, Matt said, "I'm OK."
Then, when Matt's parents called, Brooke did the same. Matt said, "I love you."
Brooke was extremely happy. So was I.
Great, great news.
All the best from Greece!
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Glad to hear Matt is recovering. Thanks for the updates!!!
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Seems like progress is just steam rolling now. Every day I check Caring Bridge, it is a massive step forward from the previous day. Excellent to read. Keep it up Matt.
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Some day, I'll post the picture I took of Matt today. I took him a notebook PC today and set it on his lap. He wasn't sure what it was, but understood when I told him. When I opened it for him, it came out of sleep. I told him it was a touchscreen and Windows 8. He touched the screen, but nothing happened. I said, "You have to swipe from bottom to top." It took some effort, but he did it.
At the login screen, he was stumped. It was my login, so I realized that wouldn't work. I offered to change it. He said, "OK".
I should add, that almost every time, I asked a question today, he answered. The answers were brief, and without any emotion, but they were clear. He's there.
Once I had changed the password to something he knew, I told him. He tried again. I had to raise the bed to a seating position so he could see the keyboard. He put both hands on the keyboard and tried to type. He got the password on his second attempt, without any prompting from me.
He's coming back. I'm so happy for him and for his family.
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Wow, great news. Every time I check this thread it brightens my day. Thanks Matt and Jim!
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Nice Jim... Just need to get those dots reconnected....
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Hopefully you put Windows 8.1 on that thing. ;) ;D
Windows 8 "vanilla" is... Well. Let's just say I hope it isn't too long before Matt and Jim have a conversation like this one (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2014/02/gates-spends-entire-first-day-back-in-office-trying-to-install-windows-81.html). ::)
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Hopefully you put Windows 8.1 on that thing. ;) ;D
Windows 8 "vanilla" is... Well. Let's just say I hope it isn't too long before Matt and Jim have a conversation like this one (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2014/02/gates-spends-entire-first-day-back-in-office-trying-to-install-windows-81.html). ::)
Ohh <cue sarcasm>, I feel so sorry for poor old Bill. For myself, I tried the upgrade to 8.1 ... and of course failed. I then trawled the interweb and found a method to download an 8.1 image and a temporary licence key for installation. Too easy, once the hard work is done by others.
Back to more important matters .. Now all Matt needs is an internet connection and he'll be back posting on Interact. Hmm, not sure that's counts as rehabilitation but regardless, that sure is fantastic news that he's got it together enough to be working a PC. Seems like the Docs did a good job putting his head back together.
Keep posting more good news .. ;)
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[End Windows 8 discussion]
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Sorry, sorry. :-[
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He had tubes in his throat for the first ten days or so. Then they did the tracheotomy and put a tube into his stomach for feeding, so the tubes in his throat could be removed. Maybe to prevent infection or other complications?
Matt, first and foremost our love to you and your family from down-under in Oz.
It sounds like you are making some good signs of recovery.
My background is in neurology and esp spine but when I trained as a Rehabilitation Physician I was involved in the rehab of people with traumatic brain injuries also. Recovery is a very individual and variable thing depending on all the circumstances. It is clearly a difficult and frustrating time for Matt,family and friends but then again things can change when progress starts to be made. Every body is elated. I remember someone asking me in a job interview, "don't you find Rehabilitation Medicine depressing?" My answer, "only if you're doing it the wrong way !".
We used to regularly hold information conferences for people to explain what was happening. I hope the following does not sound too clinical, it is not meant to be.
Re Tracheostomy - is a hole made just below the "adam's apple" and into the trachea (the trachea is the main airway tube or "windpipe" to the lungs. The trachea then branches into smaller airway tubes like the bronchi etc.
A breathing tube (cannula) is inserted into the tracheostomy hole and a cuff around the cannula is blown up (like a bun around a [hollowed out] hot-dog). Thus the cuff closes the gap between the inside of the tracheal wall and the inserted cannula tube. This allows air to be pushed through the cannula, into the lungs, without it leaking back around the sides, and secondly prevents stuff going down the trachea into the lungs that shouldn’t be there eg excess mucus or food "going down the wrong way" ie aspiration/regurgitation of stomach contents coming up the oesophagus (swallowing tube) and back down the wrong way into the trachea . Stuff into the lungs that shouldn’t be there promotes infection.
The commonest reason to need a tracheostomy is to provide mechanical ventilation (breathing) and/or protect the airway from aspiration for more than a week or so . Lesser time periods of ventilation are provided by an "endotracheal tube" (the thing that goes through the mouth down into the lungs eg when you have a major Op and are anaesthetized and ventilated). It is impractical to have an endotracheal tube for medium or longer term.The tracheostomy also provides access for the nurses to suck out any secretions or material accumulating.
The tracheostomy/cannula bypasses the nose and mouth as the air entry points for breathing. The vocal cords in the larynx are also bypassed so very little speech can occur with insufficient air movement across the vocal cords. A few words might be said. If the cuff is deflated it allows the person to breathe on their own (sucking air around the sides of the cannula and via nose and mouth, and to test their ability to do so. It also makes it easier to move air across the vocal cords and therefore speak more easily.Blocking the opening with a finger will also allow the mechanical possibility of normal breathing and speech. If someone is breathing ok by themselves the tracheostomy can be closed over with a window allowing just suctioning secretions when needed.
Generally people are weaned off ventilators, trache cuffs left deflated for variable periods and speech, breathing and swallowing abilities tested under controlled conditions. Apart from any mechanical considerations explained above, speech communication starts to be tested at higher levels also ie degrees of language comprehension as well as language verbal expression, reading and writing. Motor and sensory capacities are also progressively tested, cognitive and perceptual abilities and visuospatial areas.
Matt, keep up the good work !
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Matt's progress is excellent, it will not be long before he can handle a flock of Chickens!
Well done to all those supporting him, it makes all the difference ;D
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I was playing music today.. playing music and having a drink.
I couldn't help but think about you Matt.
I drink and pray to your quick and full recovery. A très bientôt Matt!
Jim, thanks for the good news.
Christian.
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Sorry we can't be there to buy you a drink, Christian.
I saw Matt this afternoon. He's making physical progress, though with a few setbacks. His speech is coming back well. We could carry on a simple conversation today.
He is able, with some effort, to speak in complete sentences. He remembered that John and Bob visited him yesterday and that we all work together at JRiver.
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Wow this is pretty intense. Sending my best wishes.
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It's great to get good news about Matt here. :)
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He remembered that John and Bob visited him yesterday
that's great and suggests PTA (post traumatic amesia - specifically anterograde amnesia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterograde_amnesia)) is resolving/resolved. While not without some controversy, the return of laying down new memories and shorter durations of PTA are generally held as good prognostic signs.
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I received this today in e-mail from Brooke:
"I thought you might like to know that Matt played with my phone and Gizmo yesterday. When I started the program, he went through the screens so quickly it might have been muscle memory. He went to home/playing here, then to audio/genre and scrolled down the list before handing it back to me. Then I showed him that under video he could find our home movies. He navigated that a while and played two movies we took of the kids around Christmas.
"It was neat to see him navigate it so well and to see his interest in the content."
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That's good news Jim.
Glad he is on the mend.
Best wishes to him and his family.
John from Scotland
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I received this today in e-mail from Brooke:
"I thought you might like to know that Matt played with my phone and Gizmo yesterday. When I started the program, he went through the screens so quickly it might have been muscle memory. He went to home/playing here, then to audio/genre and scrolled down the list before handing it back to me. Then I showed him that under video he could find our home movies. He navigated that a while and played two movies we took of the kids around Christmas.
"It was neat to see him navigate it so well and to see his interest in the content."
Of course, Matt may start generating requests for changes to Gizmo.
Very positive signs.
Bill
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So pleased to hear about Matt's progress. I check this thread at least once a day and while I have no medical expertise, it sounds like he's doing really well.
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... I took him a notebook PC today and set it on his lap. ....
...He got the password on his second attempt, without any prompting from me.
He's coming back. I'm so happy for him and for his family.
That is GREAT! Nothing like a little more familiar stimuli!
Chico
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Nice to read that Matt is getting better day by day.
Daniel
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Hi
Just want to send my best wishes and praying for Matt's speedy recovery
BR from Denamrk
Michael
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I just heard about Matt's accident yesterday and have read through all the good wishes. I can only add my happiness that Matt is on the road to recovery. Matt, even though our communications have been brief, I could see immediately what a good person you are the first time we met. I thank you for what you have done for me and I am thankful that you have such a loving wife, parents who did right by you, a daughter who loves her father, and an employer with soul. Keep up your spirits Matt throughout your recovery.
Charles Zeilig, Denver
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Thanks for the updates and it's great to see the trajectory in recovery.
Keep up the great work, Matt!
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im just really happy that matt is making such a progress. 8)
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I split a few posts to a new thread:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=87610.0
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Lots of good news today. I visited Matt this morning. He had been to physical therapy, so he was tired, but alert. At PT, he was nearly standing on his own.
He recognized me right away and began to talk. He is occasionally a little foggy, but he is often very coherent. When I saw him a week ago, he was able to speak a sentence. Today he could carry on a simple conversation. His memory is much better. He remembered a password I told him a week ago, without any prompting. He still remembers nothing about the accident or even about the 5 weeks he spent in the previous hospital, most of it in intensive care.
His parents were there and his dad said he's doing well on cognitive testing. They showed him a map with a compass on it, with pictures of a house and objects around it. They asked him which direction (N, S, E, or W) each object was from the house. He got them all right.
He's there. His fine mind is coming back.
For the first time, he displayed significant emotions. Things that make him happy make him cry a little. He has his sense of humor again.
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Thanks for the uplifting update Jim, it made my day. Matt will be back to WDM in no time that is Wonderfully Dynamic Mind, it is obvious he is building momentum.
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^^^^^^
Well said. The updates since he moved to the new hospital have all been very positive, uplifting and showing momentum. Just wonderful to hear.
FastKayak / Larry
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we take for granted many things, Life is very fragile.
thanks for the update.
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Thanks for the update.
The dude is smiling and his eyes are shining. The picture tells a lot. Excellent stuff.
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Great news! It also appears that when the US is asleep he logs into Interact to see what is happening!
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Really good news! :)
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Great news!
He's probably sneaking out of his room at night to find a pc to hack :P.
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Just heard today about Matt.
Happy to listen that recovery is going well.
Wish Matt all the best !!!
A strong hug from Italy,
Massimo
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Matt called me today. I had asked Brooke to see if he would do it. I think she gave him the phone and he probably pressed the call icon next to my name.
Me: "Hello."
"Hi, Jim"
"Matt! How are you?
"I'm OK."
"Matt, you're good now. I'm so happy to hear from you."
"Yeah, I thought it would be interesting to call you."
"Well, now you can order pizza. Call me anytime if you need something."
"OK. Well, I better go now."
"Bye."
"Bye."
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Very good news.
Keeping Matt and his family in my prayers and thoughts.
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Hey Matt -
I'm not around here a lot, but just learned of what happened to you. Please know that there are a lot of us out here wishing the best for you.
Marc
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Every time I log into the forum I check on Matt's progress. There now appears to be a clear pathway that Matt is travelling and each time I log in the news gets better and confirms the improvement in his condition. When I listen to music with MC I think of Matt and his family. I think it is inevitable that we all do the same. Perhaps the collective of forum members are sending collective healing wishes to Matt. It seems to be working and that is great. Matt's family and colleagues have been a wonderful support and they will continue to be instrumental in his full recovery.
Please know that we are all thinking about you Matt and sending good wishes and positive thoughts from all around the globe. Please maintain your progress and get back to full health as soon as you are able.
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I am so happy to hear Matt is doing much better. Thinking of him and his family each time I load up JRiver MC. Wonderful to hear continuing good news!
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I don't comment in this thread often, but I wanted Matt and his family to know that I've been following his progress with rapt attention (and my wife asks regularly). Basically since this thread first went up on Interact, I've had it and the CaringBridge page open in tabs on my phone. It is usually the first thing I look at in the morning, and the last thing I look at before I go to bed.
We're all pulling for you. Even friends I have here who aren't JRiver customers directly, but know about "the Dog", are pulling for you.
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Turns out Matt is good with keyboards of all types!
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Good Morning Matt. I just have to tell you that I was thinking of you this morning while I was sitting in traffic on the Hennepin Avenue bridge, thinking, "why don't I listen to Matt? Why do I take this route?" The line of cars stretched from one end of the bridge clear to the other end. Hopefully, I will get smarter by tomorrow. I think of you often and always in a good way. I pray often for you and your family, and am ecstatic at your progress. Take care of you and try not to get frustrated. That's what old age is for.
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I'm visiting Matt today. Here he is:
Hello world.
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I don't comment in this thread often, but I wanted Matt and his family to know that I've been following his progress with rapt attention (and my wife asks regularly). Basically since this thread first went up on Interact, I've had it and the CaringBridge page open in tabs on my phone. It is usually the first thing I look at in the morning, and the last thing I look at before I go to bed.
This is my morning ritual too. As soon as I wake up, I reach for my phone and check my email for CaringBridge updates or Interact posts in this thread. I read about Matt's progress, and during the last few weeks I inevitbaly smile a little before getting out of bed. Keep up the great work, Matt. And a huge thanks to everyone who is giving us frequent updates so that we can all keep Matt in our thoughts and hopes.
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I'd be lucky to bash out chopsticks. I'm betting Matt's doing a much better job:
(http://www.caringbridge.org/assets/ugc/34/13/d/530d0ff8cb16b4fe51c11896.jpg)
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Hi, everyone.
This is Matt's wife Brooke writing. You probably realized that when "Matt" has appeared active on the forum in the past couple of months, it was just me or his dad using Matt's computer and checking the activity on this or other threads.
I have waited too long to tell you this, but I want to say now how very much the JRiver MC community's support has meant to me and to Matt's parents. It touches my heart that so many of you are following Matt's progress and cheering him on. Who knew there were so many good people in the world and that so many of them knew Matt! Your support is unbelievable. Thank you.
As you might have guessed, Jim has been steadfast in his love and support for our family. You are one in a million, Jim. Thank you.
Bob and John continue their Friday lunches with Matt wherever he may be and have helped make him comfortable at the hospital. Deanna has visited and shared a book for Elise to read to her dad. All of this means so much to us.
From the first days after Matt's accident, when he was in a coma, I have been reading your posts aloud to Matt. Now, he occasionally reads them himself. He is overwhelmed, as am I, by your comments and the empathy and caring that comes through them. We hope it won't be long before Matt writes to tell you about it himself.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each of you.
Brooke Ashland
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Ok, Matt. You've had a long enough rest. Back to work buddy.
Best wishes.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each of you.
Brooke Ashland
Speaking for myself, you're more than welcome. I'd expect that that sentiment is shared by everyone here.
It's warming to read that the support voiced here is being received so well and, even better, Matt can read about it rather than hear of it through the cloud of a coma.
Recovery will obviously take time and it sounds like it will be a little quicker with the encouragement coming from us here. Please keep the good news coming.. ;)
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Hi Brooke, It is a clear character of the Man to be surrounded by such a strong support group -- hats off to the you, Jim and the rest... you have all done a terrific Job in very difficult circumstances.
For some reason, it reminds me of this Beer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YYnpGqi8M8)add we ran in Australia (for Matt esp the "Men punching above their weight" part). I was also trying to spread the rumour that it was Matt logging in each night when no one was looking (eg like the "Blokes Chucking a Sickie" part of the ad)..... I hope Jim does not have any Cows.... ;D
Tell him he needs to get back as the Intercom stuff wont get coded by itself!
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I was also trying to spread the rumour that it was Matt logging in each night when no one was looking (eg like the "Blocks Chucking a Sickie" part of the ad)..... I hope Jim does not have any Cows.... ;D
Brooke, the bloke means "bloke" not "blocks" but I'm sure you get the idea.
Loved that one jmone. I obviously spend too much time watching the ABC. Never saw that piece of Oz culture. Gold mate. I'm sure Matt will have a chuckle when he gets the chance. He certainly isn't in the "dreams of chucking it all in" category, that's for sure... cheers, big ears ... ;D
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Woops fixed my typo! Also the ads on commercial TV can sometimes be their best content ;D
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Hi, everyone.
This is Matt's wife Brooke writing.
Brooke,
I check the hospital site daily... your reports are part of my day.
Having gone through a motorcycleAccident/Concussion... no where near as bad as Matt has experienced... I really can relate to coming back to full strength.
My first question on waking up in ER with a compound wrist injury and concussion was ... "can I still type?" ... (well and "where is my chap-stik" ? )
I was so anxious to come back NOW... of course that wasn't gonna happen.
I'm sure Matt wants to be back NOW... I get it.... He has to take his time, hard as it might be.
Having interfaced on-line with Matt for almost a decade now... it's hard to watch his recovery. But I get it... hang in there Matt !!!
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Brooke, It was nice of you to post and great to hear of Matt's progress. I also include this thread as part of my daily ritual when online.
Keep strong and Matt will follow suit. He has been in our thoughts and prayers since the first post of this thread.
Thank you and Jim for the constant updates and all those who have expressed their concerns and well wishes.
GO MATT!
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Thanks for the updates, Brooke.
Way to go Matt!
I noticed your post count is 29,964. I can't wait to see you post #30,000 by yourself!
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His memory is much better. He remembered a password I told him a week ago, without any prompting. He still remembers nothing about the accident or even about the 5 weeks he spent in the previous hospital, most of it in intensive care.
This is all good news especially when taken into context. Generally there will be permanent retrograde memory loss for events leading up to the accident and including the accident. A period of permanent memory loss going forwads from the accident ie anterograde amnesia, for example the 5 weeks in the previous hospital, is also an expected thing. The great thing though is the return of laying down continuous new memories eg the recall of the password. This is the end of so called "post traumatic amnesia" (PTA) period and in my experience is often a great turning point. Of course the rehab staff at Bethesda are world class and would know more about this.
His parents were there and his dad said he's doing well on cognitive testing.
fantastic news as is the progress in physical therapy. Improvements on multiple fronts always very welcome news !
For the first time, he displayed significant emotions. Things that make him happy make him cry a little. He has his sense of humor again.
A period of "emotional lability" is expected following TBI. Best to ask the staff how to interpret this.
One thing I was curious about when I initially read of Matt's unfortunate accident was what part his antecedent infection played in all of this.Specifically I wondered whether there may have been a degree of encephalitis intially clouding his consciousness and/or contributing to coma? Again, maybe something to ask the staff about.
Anyway, so far great news Matt and I wish you continued and speedy recovery. My best wishes too, as well as admiration for your family including your JRiver family at what is obviously a stressful time for them.The support of your family and friends is an important part of any Rehabilitation process, it cannot be underestimated.
Cheers
David
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Matt has a phone again. I sent him a text today.
"Are you there?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Monday he will be moved to a place called Courage Center (http://www.couragecenter.org/index.aspx), in Golden Valley. It's on my way home, so I'll be able to stop by more often. He should get more frequent physical therapy there. It's in the middle of a park, so he'll have the birds and the trees to watch.
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Matt has a phone again. I sent him a text today.
"Are you there?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Monday he will be moved to a place called "Courage Center", in Golden Valley. It's on my way home, so I'll be able to stop by more often. He should get more frequent physical therapy there. It's in the middle of a park, so he'll have the birds and the trees to watch.
That's really great news. I read the reports over on Caring Bridge daily, and I'm constantly amazed at the speed of his recovery. Given his work ethic, though, I probably shouldn't be surprised that he's doing such great job of it!
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...It's in the middle of a park, so he'll have the birds and the trees to watch.
As soon as the temperature gets above Zero and there isn't 10 feet of snow!
(Man.... You guys got hammered this year!)
Keep Going Matt!
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Matt, you rock!
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Monday he will be moved to a place called Courage Center (http://www.couragecenter.org/index.aspx), in Golden Valley.
About now, he should be in Brooke's car, on his way there.
I think this is what he'll be doing there:
http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/inpatientprogram.aspx
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He's there now. I stopped to say hello. He seems happier there, but a little tired from the move.
Brooke was there, then his mom and dad came, with both of the kids, Elise and Ben.
He had another cognitive test today. Brooke was encouraged by the results. He could recount a story that he was told about a woman who is given a ruby ring, loses it, then finds it in her pocket. He could do that with me an hour later.
He's bummed about not working.
His dad bought himself a 16 ounce diet cherry Coke from the vending machine. When Matt saw it, his eyes lit up. His dad offered him a drink of it and Matt drank about half of it.
He's in a regular wheel chair now. He can move it. He still has a lot of trouble moving his legs. I hope that will change now as he gets more regular physical therapy.
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That's really great. Matt, we are waiting for your own feedback, keep the recovery up!
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Matt, get well soon! You are making good progress.
Best wishes from Austria
Rene
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I sent Matt a couple of text messages today. I didn't include any feature requests for MC.
I did, however, tell him that we're overjoyed with his daily strength increases, but he should stop once he exceeds how strong he was before the accident; otherwise he'd crush those he will hug.
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I stopped this afternoon to say hello. Matt's parents, Brook, and Elise were having cake with Matt. Cherry Pudding Cake.
Bob had said he was having trouble with something earlier today, so I asked Matt.
Matt, do you remember what the message loop is?
Sure.
What does it do?
It does everything.
Does it allow one part of the program to communicate with another?
Yes.
How does it do that? What controls it?
The main app is in control. It pumps the message loop.
Even on Linux?
It has to.
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Very cool!
Saved questions coming soon :)
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Excellent news Jim. Sounds like the hands who put Matt's head back together didn't leave any screws loose or had parts left over - kudos to them. Hope the work on getting him mobile follows along in the same fashion soon.
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Matt's dad, Roger, told another funny story today. A young guy, not too big, tested Matt on the power of his grip. He said that he usually could to about 140 pounds. He proved it today.
Matt got 57. Very respectable, given that he hardly moved for about six weeks.
Roger, who played defense for Iowa State in the late 1960's, did 90. It was a sobering experience.
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Respect... It's all about respect... LOL...
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I have not really been keeping up with JRiver and decided several months ago that MC18 would be my last version. There are other reasons for this, and nothing to do with the quality of the software.
However, after reading here about Matt (who I respect and admire as a fellow developer & human being) and his horrible accident, and slow (but nevertheless amazing) recovery, I wondered what I could do to help from 7,000 miles away.
The only thing I could think of was to buy a license to MC19, and thus support JRiver who are supporting Matt so honourably. Not many employers would do that. So I have done this... the only thing I can.
Get well, Matt.
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The only thing I could think of was to buy a license to MC19, and thus support JRiver who are supporting Matt so honourably. Not many employers would do that. So I have done this... the only thing I can.
Same here! I was just going to wait for 20 since 19 has been going for a while. I figured this is the best thing I can do to "help".
I have been pondering buying a Mac license for the same reason. Probably will.
-Patrick
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I have been pondering buying a Mac license for the same reason. Probably will.
Same here, so I actually did purchase a Mac license today and I'll use it in a day or two after I redo my Hackintosh. :D
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Mrs. Ashland, I believe Matt's strength and determination originates from you a loving Wife,
Beautiful intelligent kids, Parents, Work friends and Faceless Connections spread all over the
world and his Programming talent. This is what he lives for !
All adds up - He knows what he's doing and by what I'm reading he's doing a darn fine job !
Our thoughts are with Matt on a speedy recovery and I salute you Ma'am.
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I saw Matt and his family again today. He's making progress, but it's painful. The Courage Center works him hard. They are very professional there.
When I stopped by, he was in the exercise room pedaling a "bicycle". It was a pair of pedals in front of his wheelchair, with a small screen showing the speed he was doing. I'm sure he was thinking about his racing games.
The twist was that he was wired. He had about 10 or 12 patches connected to wires, all over his legs.
Mike, the physical therapist, said that at low voltages, they felt like bee stings. Matt wasn't very happy, but he did it without complaining.
I had brought a banana bread. When Matt was finished, Roger (his dad) asked him "Matt, do you want to go back to your room and lie down? Or have some cake?"
"Cake."
So we all had a little banana bread.
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He had about 10 or 12 patches connected to wires, all over his legs.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has been used to treat both weakness (i.e to increase strength) and to reduce spasticity (spasticity is increased muscle tone causing stiffness and difficulty with movements following injury to upper levels of the nervous system, upper motor neurons).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_electrical_stimulation
http://strokengine.ca/intervention/admin/patient/FES%20Lower%20Extremity-Family%20Information.pdf
there are also various other treatments for spasticity (not advocating just saying)
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When John and I saw Matt today I asked him about some programming issues and he had a good insight.
It was very nice talking with Matt and his parents :-)
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I'm just thrilled to hear how much progress Matt's recovery has made. It has been very moving to experience the support given by his family, coworkers, and friends here on Interact and Caring Bridge.
Keep up the good work, we are thinking of you Matt!
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I'm a newbie here, but I've learned so much from Matt's prior posts that I miss his continuing presence.
I look forward to his return.
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When John and I saw Matt today I asked him about some programming issues and he had a good insight.
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us :)
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I also check here regularly to see Matt's progress. I hope he gets well soon.
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Every time there is a "Latest (maybe less stable)" update or if I happen to be in the forums, I have to check how Matt is doing here before I view the change log for the latest build or before I leave the forums. Anyway, I'm happy to hear that Matt is getting better. :-)
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I'm very late on this, but I'm very very very, glad to hear that he's recovering!!!!!!!! My thoughts are with you and your family Matt!!!!
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I've seen Matt a couple times this week. It's hard to find a good time because they are giving him so much therapy. He is generally pretty tolerant of it, but sometimes it bothers him.
He is getting steadily better, but he is also often confused. He will tear up at anything very emotional (mention of the accident or even family). Yesterday, I asked him "What makes you sad?". His answer was hard for me to understand. When I did get it, he was saying that he's not sure whether he's dreaming or it's real. I told him it was real, but that it wasn't surprising that he might wonder.
I thought about this afterward. The best way I could find to describe what he is going through, what he feels, is the way we all feel as we are waking up. We're half asleep, half awake for a few minutes.
I do think he is still waking up.
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I've seen Matt a couple times this week. It's hard to find a good time because they are giving him so much therapy. He is generally pretty tolerant of it, but sometimes it bothers him.
He is getting steadily better, but he is also often confused. He will tear up at anything very emotional (mention of the accident or even family). Yesterday, I asked him "What makes you sad?". His answer was hard for me to understand. When I did get it, he was saying that he's not sure whether he's dreaming or it's real. I told him it was real, but that it wasn't surprising that he might wonder.
I thought about this afterward. The best way I could find to describe what he is going through, what he feels, is the way we all feel as we are waking up. We're half asleep, half awake for a few minutes.
I do think he is still waking up.
Is he on any medications?
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I've been keeping tabs on this thread and I think I'm not alone in harbouring a feeling of wanting to help in some kind of substantial way beyond positive thoughts, words of encouragement and best wishes. All the more difficult because of geography.
Well, I just was flicking through an industry journal and read a paper that's very relevant to Matt's circumstances. Relevant to me personally as well because I had the experience of falling hard a year or 2 ago on a set of stairs at my place. It was early morning (so probably still half asleep) after some rain (slippery). I was putting out rubbish bins (trash cans) for collection, got my footing wrong and went down like a sack of spuds. Apart from embarrassment, all I had to deal with was bruising.
Those stairs now have non-slip material to prevent a repeat performance.
Back to the paper, I'm attaching it here with the view that it may help. Given the nature of the article, the publishers have taken a spirit of sharing and they permit it to be redistributed. It's written with a focus on industrial workplaces but the messages fundamentally apply at a domestic level. Never hurts to wander around your home and spot where some fixes can be made before a problem occurs.
While I may strictly be pushing the boundaries of copyright, I think the good intentions here are perfectly aligned.
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Roger got Matt out of the Courage Center on Saturday to go to Ben's birthday party. The pictures and story are here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland
I saw him yesterday morning. Conversation is getting closer to normal. He's still sleeping a lot and gets confused sometimes, but is often sharp. He's getting bored with the restricted life he has and wants to go home, but he's not yet able to move himself from the bed to the wheelchair and back.
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Thanks for the continued updates Jim. I'm always following this topic and the Caring Bridge site even though I don't post in this topic much.
I'm glad to hear that things keep improving.
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Same here. I'm not as frequently visiting the interact as I used to do in the past.
What keeps me coming is reading this thread with Jim's updates and it's good to see pics of Matt having good time with family.
Bon rétablissement Matt, à très bientôt,
Christian
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It is always encouraging to hear of Matt's progress, supported by his family, his colleagues and the Interact forum. You are doing so well Matt ... Your journey along the road to full recovery is not yet complete but we continue to think of you as you travel. Sending love and good wishes to you and your family.
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Better and better, Matt! You're taking control of your future!
Yah, rehab suxx, there's no doubt about that. Doubly suxx that the moment they see you can handle what they've thrown at you, they're gonna throw more. All about small steps.
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Matt made it home for dinner tonight. His parents took him and brought him back to Courage Center. There's a post on Caring Bridge.
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Thanks for all the updates, Jim. I appreciate them a lot.
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Great to hear! Looking forward for his first own post in this thread :)
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very very late to this
Get well soon Matt
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Brooke posted a couple of times on Caring Bridge. Matt went home for a meal, then back to Courage Center. His physical therapist got him to use a walker and he just walked away. Roger, his dad, said he just walked out of the room. He really wants to get out and go home.
Brooke said that the doctor looked at his CT scan yesterday, and she said his brain looked "gorgeous". I think Brooke was slightly jealous. I am too. The doctor also said that a small part of his brain, one that controls motor control, appeared to have a problem, but that he was clearly working to rebuild that functionality.
Brooke also gave a very moving account of their visit to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Hennepin County Medical Center, where he spent the first 3 weeks of January.
Matt's Brain is Gorgeous (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/532d0505af3d79a91f8775ec)
Matt Walked 75 Feet!!! (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/532dd9568b5cd385027162cc)
Neuroplasticity -- How a Brain Rebuilds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity)
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He really wants to get out and go home.
Best place for him, as soon as it makes sense. It's pretty clear he's impatient to get back there. Easy to understand.
With the progress that he's been posting to date, I'm confident that Matt will get home quicker than anyone. Great news.
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Great, great news.
And, I think, we all could have told that doctor that Matt had a beautiful brain, even without his fancy scanner. ;)
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I saw Matt again this morning. Brooke and his kids, Ben and Elise, were there. They were all working on a puzzle. I brought a Sunday NY Times and a bag of candy bars. Matt put the NY Times on a chair.
The bag had:
Butterfingers
Snickers
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
M&M Peanuts
Matt found the Reese's, devoured it, went back for the Snicker's.
A few minutes later, Brooke said, "Matt, would you like some of the quiche?" "No, I'm full. Thanks."
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Maybe you should have placed the bag of candy 80 feet away.
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Maybe you should have placed the bag of candy 80 feet away.
Good one. LOL
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Neuroplasticity -- How a Brain Rebuilds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity)
So glad to hear that Matt continues improving. Neuroplasticity is a fascinating area and opens possible therapeutic pathways such as neuromodulation techniques to change both the function and structure of the brain and central nervous system. We know that sensory experience can be modulated, for better or worse, and subsequently cause physical brain changes. These concepts may be of interest to Matt (other than in the context of his injury) in that they have some relevance to our perception of things like music. I started a thread on computer audiophile ( as "audiophile neuroscience"), "Where is audio truth", and neuroplasticity was part of those discussions. I have not placed the link here as i don't want to distract from discussing Matt's recovery. It may (or may not) be useful for some to help understand a little more about the topic,placed in a musical or audio context. If so, see post 1,post 986,post 546.
There has been interest in the way music therapy might mediate functional neurological recovery, http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv.php?pid=UQ:10260&dsID=Neuroplasticity_.pdf, and http://jonlieffmd.com/blog/music-training-and-neuroplasticity.
Given matt's audio/musical background, this may be a worthwile modality to pursue or discuss with his speech pathologist/therapist.
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A few minutes later, Brooke said, "Matt, would you like some of the quiche?" "No, I'm full. Thanks."
http://www.bernstein-plus-sons.com/RPDEQ.html (http://www.bernstein-plus-sons.com/RPDEQ.html)
Real programmers don't eat quiche! ;)
Truly great news. Thanks.
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Yup, life is a bunch of bags of candy, just out of reach.
Well, I am tickled pink at Matt's progress. In my uninformed opinion, the fact that Matt is irritated/fussy with his institutional surroundings is a VERY encouraging sign.
Matt, congrats and well done on a tough journey so far!
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Hello,
I just found about this today, I am so sorry this has happened and want to express my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers for Matts recovery and his family.
I recently retired and volunteer in a famous cancer clinic in North Carolina and see many people in various stages of cancer. Much sadness and happiness at the same time.
Life is precious and you never know what curveballs will come our way.
Live each day like its your last and don't waste a minute!!!
All the best!!
Alex
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I guess matt likes chocolate and peanuts.
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I guess matt likes chocolate and peanuts.
I stopped at about 3:00PM today. He was napping. When I went into his room, he was waking up. I offered him a Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He took the bait and it was soon gone.
His parents put him in the car around 4:00, and I stayed to watch, hoping that I might be able to do it soon. Matt now does about 3/4 of the work.
He made a lap around the first floor today, using the walker. He had to stop and sit in his wheel chair a couple of times. He wanted to stop, but his physical therapist said, "not yet, Matt", and kept him going.
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Can't wait to see pictures of Matt at the traditional JRiver brat fest on a warm Friday in April. Maybe Reese's Peanut Butter for desert. How can he say no?
Thanks Jim for being in Matt's corner these last 3 months.
FastKayak / Larry
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I hope he will recover.
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Thanks, Jim, for the regular updates. So glad to hear that Matt is making progress on the road to recovery, even if it's one step at a time. It sure reminds one to fully appreciate every day that we get to drive these bodies around down here!
William
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I stopped at Courage Center for a few minutes. Roger and Cynthia were there. They drove up from Waseca this morning and are driving back tonight. It's snowing here so it may be a long trip home. I think it's usually an hour and a half or so.
Matt had woken up from a nap and was on his way to physical therapy. There 10 or 12 other people there, all in wheelchairs, but they looked like a football team ready for practice. Matt took a place near the front, where it looked like he could give a piano recital for the others. I left as it was starting.
Matt is steadily more alert, making little comments about what's going on around him. He has a sense of humor and he was quicker today than I've seen him. When I slipped him three small pieces of chocolate, he had one open before his mother could get the other two out of his hand and stow them "for later".
On the drive this morning, his parents drove him by JRiver. His dad got lost so Matt gave him directions. I said "honk next time".
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On the drive this morning, his parents drove him by JRiver. His dad got lost so Matt gave him directions. I said "honk next time".
I'm not surprised. There was some confusion when I came to visit.
All of the news lately has been immensely encouraging. Go, Matt! GO!!!
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I'm not surprised. There was some confusion when I came to visit.
It doesn't help that we're on First Street North at the corner of Second Avenue North, and that there are both streets and avenues that are South, NE and NW. It's North or South of Hennepin, the main bridge across the Mississippi, and East or West of the river.
And... neither the river nor the streets close to it actually run N,S,E, or W.
In the beginning, I wanted to name JRiver as Just West, since it was Just West of the Mississippi (by about 100 meters), but it was taken.
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I'm glad to hear of the good progress. We're all cheering for Matt.
You sure are a good fiend and boss, Jim. Following up and Visiting Matt as much as you do.
Keep up the good work. All of you!
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I'm glad to hear of the good progress. We're all cheering for Matt.
You sure are a good fiend and boss, Jim. Following up and Visiting Matt as much as you do.
Keep up the good work. All of you!
;D ;D ;D
+1
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All the encouraging news lately makes me happy. I'm glad to see Matt is doing better every day.
Can't wait to see his first post :P.
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All the encouraging news lately makes me happy. I'm glad to see Matt is doing better every day.
Can't wait to see his first post :P.
This one? ;D
Check out <a href="http://girder.nl" target="_blank"><!--auto-->http://girder.nl[/url]<!--auto-->
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In the beginning, I wanted to name JRiver as Just West, since it was Just West of the Mississippi (by about 100 meters), but it was taken.
That's funny, and Interesting.
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Apparently Matt is working out:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/5335ebc3a689b44d52beabd6 (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattashland/journal/view/id/5335ebc3a689b44d52beabd6)
and then getting pizza delivered by some of the JRiver guys .. :o
What? No report on the preferred pizza topping here?
Great progress.
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Baked Potato Pizza
Idaholy Moly!
We smother our pizza crust in buttery, garlic baby red mashed potatoes and top it with broccoli, fresh-diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Served with a side of sour cream.
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We smother our pizza crust in buttery, garlic baby red mashed potatoes and top it with broccoli, fresh-diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Served with a side of sour cream.
$$$$$$$$$$.
I love the "midwest".
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A lot of great news, and a lot of tough work ahead. You go, Matt!
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A lot happened today.
I stopped at Courage Center around 3:00PM. I found Matt at the opposite end of a long hall, coming along toward me using a walker. He had Mike, his physical therapist, at his side. Brooke was wheeling his chair behind him in case he needed to sit suddenly. When he saw me, he stood a little straighter and continued on toward me, walking pretty well. He's had trouble with his right foot dragging a little and sometimes getting tangled with his left, but today, he was making steady, deliberate progress, without any of that. It isn't easy, but he's doing it well.
I walked along with them while Matt made a complete circuit of a large ground floor.
Back at the home base, his PT let him rest in his chair a couple minutes, then wheeled him to the foot of a stairway. He asked Matt to get up, gave him a little assistance in doing it, then walked with him (no walker or chair) to the door and they began to climb the stairs. Brooke had taken his chair up the elevator, so it was just Matt, with his PT guarding him and helping a little with the legs, and me following behind with the walker. Matt made it to the top, mostly on his own.
At the top of the stair, Mike asked me to help, and the two of us took Matt's arms on either side and walked to the exercise room, where Matt spent the next 30 minutes doing whatever Mike asked. Some of it is very difficult for Matt to do, but he does it.
Then Matt took another walk with Mike on one side and Brooke on the other.
(http://www.pix01.com/gallery/8D12431D-7EA0-495D-9EA2-775091458CB9/Matt_Walking/448322801.jpg)
More pictures:
http://pix01.com/N61%407g5I
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Thanks for the update, Jim. This is great news indeed. Very heartwarming to read of Matt's progress from you and Brooke.
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$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Love.
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Baked Potato Pizza
Idaholy Moly!
We smother our pizza crust in buttery, garlic baby red mashed potatoes and top it with broccoli, fresh-diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Served with a side of sour cream.
That sounds awesome, but it isn't pizza. ;D
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That sounds awesome, but it isn't pizza. ;D
Maybe not but if it gets Matt mobile then it has hit the spot. Great pic. Hopefully next time we'll get a view from the other side, where I'd expect Matt would show a smile of well deserved satisfaction with his achievement.
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I don't know whether Matt is up for this kind of humor:
JRiver to purchase JPlay
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=pcaudio&m=133465
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well done!
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.... Great pic. Hopefully next time we'll get a view from the other side...
More pictures:
http://pix01.com/N61%407g5I
KEEP IT GOING MATT!
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Today Matt walked 700 feet in the halls, using a walker. His walk is getting a little smoother, but it's still hard for him.
His therapist had him sit on a bench, then stand without using his hands. He could almost do it. He needed a little help.
Afterward, he and his parents and his kids sat around a table to have a snack. I told him that next week, if he wanted, I would stop to get him and take him to work and he could stay for a little bit, then I'd take him back to Courage Center. He said "I think I could work a little now." I said, "Let's just get you there and back a few times. Then we can see about work."
Brooke took him home last night and it went well, so I'll give it a try soon.
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That's all very encouraging. Does Matt seem interested in programming still? I take it that he has retained all his knowledge of it?
Checking his progress has become a daily part of my life. Brooke is a great writer and it has become very addicting as she has let all of us into their very private life.
I'm SO happy to read of progress.
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Tom Gibbs and David Robinson and the rest of the crew at Positive Feedback Online are all sending their well wishes to you, Matt.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue72/jriver.htm
Thanks, PFO.
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Fight on Matt.
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It really sounds good jim.
Thanks...
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I saw Matt today, just as a group of relatives was leaving and as he and his immediate family were sitting down to have lunch. Jimmy John's today. Ben had sprouts on his sandwich and it wasn't right. He wasn't having any of it.
Elise said that Matt walked yesterday with just a cane. Brooke had posted the day before that Matt had walked without a walker, with just Mike, his therapist, with a hand on his belt, ready to catch him.
He spent most of the day at home with his family yesterday, making it from the car to the house with the walker. Brooke said she'd felt a little tense trying to make sure everything went OK. But it did.
I told Matt that we had a deal with Pono (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=88177.msg607083#msg607083) and about the NUC (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=87884.0). He understood perfectly. He asked what we needed to do in order to offer the NUC (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=87884.0) for sale.
He is still a little hesitant to speak, but I think it's only that he's gotten used to having others speaking for him. Given a little time, I think he'll say a lot more.
I think he will be spending most of his time at home and at work in a month. He's moving fast now. His therapists at Courage Center deserve a lot of the credit for that. They push him, he complains a little, and they push him more.
Go Matt!
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They push him, he complains a little, and they push him more.
Wouldn't he be used to that from work? ;D
Seriously though, extremely positive news that's fantastic to read. I'm looking forward to reading Matt's 1st post. I hope he doesn't get overwhelmed because he's sure to get a lot of enthusiastic replies when he does. All in good time though. Sounds like he's got plenty more to do yet.
Keep the good news coming. Thanks.
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Dude, I'm wainting for your "next" post.
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I hope it will be soon.
When I stopped today, his parents were there. Matt was just finishing occupational therapy, and they were planning to go to Orange Julius. I offered to drive and so his parents met me in the parking lot. I asked if I could learn from Roger how to transfer him, and that's what we did. I didn't have to do much except hold on and balance him a little. Matt can stand and sit on his own now. He got in and out of the car without much trouble.
We didn't go to Orange Julius though since Brooke showed up just as we were pulling out. She said that Matt's high school friend, Trent, and Trent's wife, were about to be there. So we drove a few blocks just because we were in the car and ready to go. I said, "Matt, tell me when to turn around." He never did.
He's tracking what we're doing and told me "nice job" a couple of times when I told him about Pono.
Tomorrow, I'm going to see if I can get him from Courage Center to work and have lunch there.
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Getting back to J River even for a "working visit" should be exciting for Matt. Great news!
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Tomorrow, I'm going to see if I can get him from Courage Center to work and have lunch there.
He's really able to start working? He wants to do this? :o
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He's really able to start working? He wants to do this? :o
He's not quite ready to work, but he's eager to return to a more normal life. Visiting work is one of the first steps.
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He's not quite ready to work, but he's eager to return to a more normal life. Visiting work is one of the first steps.
Understood. I'm so happy that he's improving and look forward to seeing a "hello" post from him.
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Matt had a couple of brats with us this week:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=88630.msg607905#msg607905
I'm going to post updates in that thread instead of this one now, since Matt has entered a new phase of his recovery.
Thank you for all the great comfort you've been to him. He's really enjoyed your messages.