Sorry about not having written a post in so long. I guess when things are going along more or less "normally", I don't think to post something.
Mark is doing very well. He still has the boot on his right foot and that should come off in a couple of weeks. He is walking on it in therapy and part of the day. He can remove it when he takes a shower. The incisions and holes are all healed and he tells me the scars are pretty cool. They were going to measure him today for the lift that they will have to add to his right shoe, but they didn't think it would be too big, only about an inch or so which is good. He is currently using a walker, but they are hoping to try a cane or crutches once the boot comes off and he has a chance to practice with just his new sneakers on.
He can transfer into his truck, so he and Jess have been able to go out to eat, shop and go to the movies on the weekend. This makes life more normal and breaks the monotony of the hospital.
We had a family conference last week and I participated by phone. The news was all very good. He continues to improve cognitively as well as physically. It was decided that he would remain in Tampa at the hospital until they have completed the Medical Evaluation Board to retire him from the military. This would eliminate the possibility of having to spend time at Fort Stewart. The doctor who starts the procedure will be in Tampa the first week in September when Rich and I are down there, so we will meet with her then and the rest of the team.
We are also hoping that Mark's promotion comes through by then and we can celebrate that. Jess's parents, Wayne and Irene, will be visiting Tampa the same week and we are really looking forward to seeing Irene again and meeting Wayne. Everyone, keep your fingers crossed that this promotion finally happens please!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Mark is "Lester-less". The external fixator came off today! (Lester is the name he gave it.) He is delighted to say the least. He was an "add-on" in the surgical suite yesterday, but got bumped due to the number of surgeries being done. He was notified late Monday that they wouldn't be doing the procedure yesterday as planned. Today he was also an add-on, so as of last night he could not eat or drink anything after midnight, but he still wasn't sure if it was a go.
Finally late this morning they called and he was taken in. Strangely enough, they never used any anesthetic, not even a local one. He just sat there and they pulled off the rod, pulled the pins out of the tibia and then out of the instep and dressed the little holes that were left behind. He asked the doctor when he could stand on it and the doctor told him as soon as we put the boot on you can stand up along side the table. He told me he was so excited to be standing there "normally" after all these months. With the boot on, he said he was level with his other leg, so they are adapting a new pair of sneakers with a lift between the sole and the bottom of the shoe. They are also going to do that with a pair of cowboy boots for him, so he is delighted.
He is very encouraged that this surgery was all worth it. I am confident that he will continue to do well as it continues to heal. He told me he could move his big toe up and down for the first time as well, but for today, that's all the doctor would let him try. It's amazing how something so small and usually taken for granted, can be so important in the scheme of things.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Independence Day!!!
I today finds everyone enjoying good weather and a picnic, barbecue, fireworks or something traditional. Our street is having a block party which should be fun. All of the neighborhood will catch up and visit, the kids will play games, and of course, there will be food. The weather here is finally sunny and mild, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Mark and Jess are enjoying a weekend at the Fisher House. Mark was able to have a weekend pass. Yesterday, they enjoyed going out to dinner and a movie with the nurses on duty who were able to transport Mark in their specially equipped van.
Monday, Mark will meet with the anesthesiologist and then on Tuesday, they will take the fixator, "Lester", off Mark's foot. They are going to put him in a boot and will allow some weight bearing during physical therapy. How much they are allowing is currently up in the air. We will just have to see. The boot will probably be on for another six weeks, but should be much more comfortable than the fixator.
Thanks for all your support and just keep praying that all this surgery and temporary immobility will be worth it!