Well, today we found out that they are not going to do the manipulation of Mark's knee to straighten the leg. He has osteoporosis in his legs from not using them, so if they were to put him under anesthetic to push the leg straight, there would be too great a risk that the leg would break. This would put him back six months while they had to wait for it to heal, not to mention all the rest of the complications a broken leg would mean.
Because of this, they will have to go back to the original plan of straightening the leg slowly by serial casting again. They have not been able to get it past -35 degrees from straight. They are now going to have him wear the cast all the time, even in the wheelchair. They have added an additional muscle relaxer and will continue with the stretching. Keeping it in the cast all the time will help keep the hamstring from tightening through the day. Then they will slowly stretch the leg and hopefully, be able to recast it straighter. They are also going to look into a brace that will keep the knee covered and be able to be adjusted straighter. The current braces he has like that allows the knee to come through the center of the brace and because the muscle tone in the leg is so great, it just pops the knee out and defeats the purpose.
Please keep your prayers coming that this will work. He will not be able to walk again if they cannot get the leg straighter. He is being very brave through all of this horrific therapy since it is so painful, but today was discouraged and annoyed at the pain. They are going to change his pain medication again so that he will be able to tolerate this therapy.
As always, we appreciate your continued support.
Monday, May 12, 2008
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5 comments:
Just keep thinking positively! You CAN do it, Mark! I'm so incredibly proud of you so far. This is just another hurdle to get over, and you WILL. Remember, BELIEVE! :-)
Love, Deb
You look great Mark. Just wanted to let you know that not a day goes by that I don't think of and pray for you and your family. I'm so proud of all your hard work.
Rachael Alvarez
Hey Buddy!!
just wanted to let you know i took your ole airplane(016) out for a spin the other day were flyin cavs birds cause ours are at port! anyways youre lookin good glad to hear youre doin alright!! talk to ya later!
Jeff
Hey Mark,
You said the next time you come to my house you won't need the ramps that Rob set up for you because you will be walking. I firmly believe that is a true statement! Hang in there and be strong. You've come this far, you are almost at the finish line. See you soon.
Love,
Cousin Alison
My name is SFC Felix Gomez, UH-60 Standardization Instructor (SI), and flew together with SGT Lalli as the UASSD evaluator in Romania. Our church in Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, has kept you in our prayers for your full recovery. I give thanks unto the Lord for you. Mark, you are a fighter, a great person, and a miracle. God bless you!
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