Thursday, June 4, 2009

We made it to Tampa after driving fifteen hours yesterday to Jacksonville and then the remaining three hours to Tampa this morning.

We got to Mark just as he was heading to the surgeons for a pre-op visit. We were very encouraged to hear the results of the tests that were done. The EMG showed good muscle function and tone and they are going to thego ahead with the tendon transfer which will prevent the Achilles from tightening again and keep his foot from turning in. The other good news was that the length difference in his legs is not that great, much less than initially thought, and that he will probably only need an internal lift in his shoe to even them out. He was very happy about that development.

Doing the tendon transfer will mean that they will put on an external fixator which will keep everything in place instead of a cast. The recovery will be longer and it will mean at a minimum of 8 weeks with no weight bearing, but after the incisions heal, he can shower without worry about getting it wet, etc. He will be placed back in the main hospital for about a week or so on the orthopedic floor. Hopefully, he will get back to his apartment before too long.

Well, we are off to take him out to dinner. The surgery is first thing tomorrow and he cannot eat anything after midnight, so he has a big meal planned for tonight. And milkshakes!! We will post tomorrow once everything is done and he is settled.